North India 2-week Itinerary for First Timers
This 2-week North India itinerary starts in Delhi and ends in Mumbai, but feel free to start it the other way around if you find a better flight deal to Mumbai.
North India is a land of incredible diversity, rich culture, and captivating history. It is a region that boasts majestic mountains, verdant valleys, pristine rivers, and bustling cities. The history and heritage of North India are a fascinating combination of ancient traditions, royal legacies, and a melting pot of cultures.
From the stunning Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple to the Himalayan ranges, North India has something for everyone. A visit to the region is an unforgettable journey through an enchanting landscape of unique experiences. In this blog, we will explore the top destinations that make North India an unforgettable travel destination.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family vacation, North India is a must-visit destination that will leave you mesmerised. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through the heart of India!
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Delhi is the capital city of India, a city full of colour, flavour and tradition. It is the biggest city in India and it has numerous places worth visiting. While some find it overwhelming, we feel it’s important not to skip this vibrant city.
Upon your arrival in Delhi, check into your hotel and rest. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Delhi, such as:
– Connaught Place: also referred to as simply CP is the most famous shopping area in Delhi. It is a mix between high-end shops and cheap flea markets so it has something for everyone;
– Chandni Chowk: this is the place to go if you want to have a complete Indian Bazaar experience. Chandni Chowk is Delhi’s oldest market and you can find anything here from wedding gowns to spices to auto spare parts. Here you can also find Asia’s Largest Spice Market where you can buy a wide variety of spices, herbs, and nuts sold in bulk.
Day 2: Exploring Delhi
Begin your day by visiting one of Delhi’s most famous tourist attractions and my personal favourite, Humayun’s Tomb. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an amazing example of Mughal architecture, and it has influenced many other tombs and buildings in India.
If you have some time, right across the road from Humayun’s Tomb is Sunder Nursery, a beautiful 90-acre heritage park. Inside you will find places where you can stop for breakfast and coffee.
Take a rickshaw and head to the Lotus Temple. Notable for its lotus-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification.
Afterwards, visit Red Fort in Old Delhi. Built in the 17th century, this beautiful fort was constructed from red sandstones. The Red Fort is known for being the place where Jawahar Lal Nehru hoisted the Indian flag on 15th August 1947. Since then, this has become a tradition that takes place every year on the 15th of August, India’s Independence Day.
Just a short walk away from the Red Fort you can find the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. It is a well-liked tourist destination because of its magnificent architecture, fine carvings, and extensive history.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra
To get to Agra you can catch a train from Delhi. Trains depart as early as 4:25 am and it takes around 3 hours to get there, depending on what type of train you book. Try booking your train tickets ahead of time so you won’t have to stress about finding available seating.
After checking in at your hotel visit the Agra Fort, a stunning example of Mughal architecture. The fort also offers breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from its walls.
In the evening, explore the markets of Agra and discover the best local handicrafts.
Day 4: The Taj Mahal
Agra is known for being the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is an ode to eternal love, as it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631.
I’d suggest waking up as early as 5 am to avoid excessive crowds and get some nice photos during sunrise. Keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays so plan accordingly.
You can also take a boat ride on Yamuna Ghat which is just behind the Taj Mahal. This way you will get another perspective over the Wonder.
Day 5: Agra to Jaipur
Leave early morning to Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City”. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest. In the evening, explore the vibrant markets of Jaipur, such as Johari Bazar and Bapu Bazar
Day 6: Jaipur Sightseeing
Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Amber Fort. It is situated around 11km away from Jaipur and you can easily get there by rickshaw, taxi, or by bus.
Amber Fort is one of the most popular destinations in Jaipur and is a must-visit for tourists from all over the world. The fort was built in the 16th century and is known for its exquisite architectural beauty and intricate design.
One of the main attractions of Amber Fort is the Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace. This palace is decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors, which reflect light beautifully and create an illusion of stars in the nighttime.
On your way back to Jaipur, stop to see the Jal Mahal (the Water Palace), a palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace isn’t open to the public due to safety reasons, but you can take some really nice photos from the bank.
After reaching the city visit the City Palace of Jaipur. The palace complex houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Jaipur and Rajasthan, including textiles, costumes, weapons, paintings, and manuscripts.
Close to the City Palace, you will find the Hawa Mahal, the most famous building in Jaipur. It is shaped like a crown and is the tallest building in the world built without a foundation. There is no front entrance to the Hawa Mahal, so if you want to go inside, you must enter from the side.
As there is not a lot to see inside the Hawa Mahal and because the upper levels aren’t reachable, I would suggest going to one of the restaurants placed on the other side of the road instead. Here you can enjoy a nice meal with a stunning view of the Hawa Mahal. Feel free to choose any of the restaurants and cafes, I personally went to The Tattoo Cafe as it’s the highest up and they served delicious food.
Day 7: Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Getting from Jaipur to Jaisalmer takes around 12 hours so take your time to relax after checking in. As the long train ride might be too much for some, you can skip Jaisalmer and head straight to Jodhpur which is just a 5-hour long ride.
Day 8: Exploring Jaisalmer:
Start your day with a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort, the crown jewel of the city also known as the Golden Fort. Nearby is the Patwon Ki Haveli, a 200-year-old merchant mansion with its exquisite architecture and artefacts, showcasing the opulence of the Rajasthani culture.
In the evening, enjoy a camel ride through the vast Thar desert or visit the Sam Sand Dunes to catch the sunset over the horizon. End your day by experiencing the colourful and vibrant local Rajasthani cuisine at one of the many street food stalls or restaurants.
Day 9: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Take a morning train to Jodhpur, also known as the “Blue City”. Check into your hotel and rest. In the evening, explore the local markets and sample the local cuisine. You can also choose to have dinner at The Stepwell Cafe which has a beautiful view over the historic Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell.
Day 10: Exploring Jodhpur
Go in the morning and visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. The fort is situated at an altitude of 410 feet and occupies an area of 5 km² which makes it visible from all parts of Jodhpur.
What I personally think adds to the experience is that the staff at Mehrangarh Fort wear traditional Rajasthani attire as their uniform.
From the fort, you can take a walk around the blue neighbourhood, also known as “Brahampuri”. The houses in this area have been painted blue, giving the neighbourhood a distinctive look and earning it the nickname “The Blue City”.
Despite its name and most of the photos, you will see on social media, not all the buildings in Jodhpur are blue. Here are a few places you can google to find the blue areas:
- Blue city photo lane
- Blue Corridor Jodhpur
- Jewel Palace Haveli
End your day at the Sardar Market named after Sardar Singh, a former ruler of Jodhpur who is credited with modernising the city. It is known for its vibrant and colourful shops that offer traditional Rajasthani attire, handicrafts, jewellery, spices, and other souvenirs. Close to the market, you can also see the Ghanta Ghar aka Clock Tower.
Day 11: Jodhpur to Udaipur
There is no train between Jodhpur and Udaipur, but you can easily take a morning bus. After arriving in the “City of Lakes”, check into your hotel and rest.
In the evening, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and watch the stunning sunset. Lake Pichola is a man-made freshwater lake. It was constructed in the year 1362 by Banjara under the patronage of Maharana Lakha.
There are a lot of restaurants around Lake Pichola where you can enjoy a nice dinner. Choose a rooftop restaurant around the City Palace for a beautiful view over Udaipur and the surrounding hills.
Day 12: Exploring Udaipur
Start your day with a visit to the City Palace of Udaipur. The palace was built during a period of approximately 400 years with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. The Mewar dynasty is one of the oldest and longest-ruling royal families in the world.
Inside the City Palace, you can explore several sections of the palace, including the Mardana Mahal, Dilkhush Mahal, and Moti Mahal, each showcasing stunning stained glass works, exquisite miniatures, and delicate mirror work.
Afterwards, visit the Jagmandir, a palace located on an island on Lake Pichola. The small palace served as a summer resort and pleasure palace for the royal family.
The Jagmandir has also served as a palace of refuge on multiple occasions. Maharana Swaroop Singh provided shelter in this palace for several European families during the war.
To get to the Jagamandir you have to catch a boat from the City Palace. Boats depart from and back to the City Palace of Udaipur every 30 minutes.
Next to the palace, you can see the Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
End your day with a visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautifully landscaped garden.
Day 13: Udaipur to Mumbai
Yes, Mumbai is not part of North India, but since you made it this far, why not go explore The City of Dreams as well? You can also choose to fly back to Delhi and end your trip there if that’s a better option for you.
After checking in, go visit the Gateway of India, an iconic landmark and an important historical site. It was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
From the Gateway of India here you can take a ferry from there to visit the Elephanta Caves.
The Elephanta Caves are a magnificent collection of rock-cut temples situated on an island in Mumbai, India. The caves are believed to have been constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries AD and are famous for their ornate sculptures, exquisite carvings, and impressive architecture.
The caves are home to numerous shrines and large statues of Hindu deities including Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati.
The main cave, known as the Great Cave, is truly a marvel and features a huge, beautifully carved statue of the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The caves, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-visit for all tourists who wish to marvel at the architectural prowess and spirituality of ancient India.
If you still have some time after visiting the caves, head to the famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, also a UNESCO Heritage site, to admire its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture.
End the day by experiencing Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife at one of the many bars or nightclubs.
Day 14: Departure
Check out of your hotel for your departure flight, bringing with you fond memories of North India.
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