Two weeks in India is the kind of adventure that makes you question your life choices, especially if you thought you could see it all in a weekend. Spoiler alert: you can't. But you can certainly have a blast diving into its eclectic mix of culture, food, and landscapes. Here’s a fun and practical way to spend your two weeks without losing your mind or your luggage.
Week 1: The bustling cities and historical wonders
Start your journey in Delhi, the chaotic and charming capital. Spend about 3 days here because, let’s be honest, you need time to get lost in its labyrinthine streets. Plus, the food alone will keep you occupied.
- Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
- Morning: Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore India Gate and take a stroll in the nearby gardens.
- Evening: Head to Connaught Place for dinner at Saravana Bhavan for some delicious South Indian fare.
- Day 2: Historical tour
- Morning: Visit the Red Fort and Jama Masjid (try not to get caught in the tourist trap).
- Afternoon: Take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk to experience the madness of local shopping.
- Evening: Dinner at Karim's for some legendary Mughlai cuisine.
- Day 3: Culture and more
- Morning: Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon: Visit the Lotus Temple and chill in its serene gardens.
- Evening: Catch a cultural show at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurugram (don’t forget your popcorn).
Next, head to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. This will be a highlight of your trip, and you can’t say you’ve been to India if you haven’t seen this marble wonder.
- Days 4-5: Agra
- Day 4 Morning: Take a train from Delhi to Agra (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Day 4 Afternoon: Visit the Taj Mahal (seriously, get there early).
- Day 4 Evening: Enjoy sunset views at Mehtab Bagh.
- Day 5 Morning: Visit Agra Fort, then try some pethas (a local sweet).
- Day 5 Afternoon: Visit Fatehpur Sikri (1 hour away) and marvel at the architecture.
- Day 5 Evening: Return to Agra for a relaxing dinner.
After Agra, it’s time to head to Jaipur, the Pink City. Spend 3 days soaking in the royal heritage.
- Days 6-8: Jaipur
- Day 6 Morning: Drive from Agra to Jaipur (around 4-5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Day 6 Afternoon: Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
- Day 6 Evening: Stroll through Johari Bazaar and grab some souvenirs.
- Day 7 Morning: Take a day trip to Amber Fort, don’t forget to ride an elephant (or at least pretend to).
- Day 7 Afternoon: Explore Jaigarh Fort for some stunning views.
- Day 7 Evening: Dinner at Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village experience.
- Day 8: Relax and explore the local cafes or take a cooking class.
Week 2: Nature, relaxation, and spice
After the whirlwind of city life, it’s time to unwind in Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Spend 3 days here soaking in the romance and tranquility.
- Days 9-11: Udaipur
- Day 9 Morning: Fly from Jaipur to Udaipur (1-hour flight). Check into your lakeside hotel.
- Day 9 Afternoon: Visit the City Palace and take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
- Day 9 Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake.
- Day 10 Morning: Visit Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens.
- Day 10 Afternoon: Explore local artisan shops or visit the Vintage Car Museum.
- Day 10 Evening: Enjoy a cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli.
- Day 11: Spend the day at leisure, perhaps a spa treatment to recover from all that sightseeing.
Wrap up your journey by heading to Kerala for some backwater bliss. Spend 3 days in Alleppey and Kochi, where relaxation and spices await.
- Days 12-14: Kerala
- Day 12 Morning: Fly from Udaipur to Kochi (approximately 2 hours). Take a taxi to Alleppey (1.5 hours).
- Day 12 Afternoon: Board a houseboat and cruise through the backwaters (lunch included).
- Day 12 Evening: Relax on the boat and enjoy the sunset.
- Day 13 Morning: Disembark and explore the local village or take a cooking class.
- Day 13 Afternoon: Travel to Kochi (1.5 hours) and check into your hotel.
- Day 13 Evening: Stroll through Fort Kochi and enjoy seafood at a local restaurant.
- Day 14: Visit the Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town, and the Paradesi Synagogue before your flight home.
Two weeks in India will give you tales to tell and memories to cherish. Whether you're dodging rickshaws in Delhi or floating on a houseboat in Kerala, every moment will be worth it. Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience a country like no other. Who knew you could fit so much magic into just two weeks? Time to book that plane ticket and start living your best life!
