Last Updated on: 17th February 2025, 07:43 pm
Exotic, exuberant, incredible India!
India is a huge and varied country, so difficult decisions need to be made about what to focus on. This itinerary includes the popular Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and more.
Day 1: Delhi to Chandigarh
Morning:
A pre-arranged driver picked us up from the airport and we set about sightseeing in the southern part of Delhi.
Qutub Minar
This sandstone tower is named after the Muslim sultan who began construction of the tower in 1193. At 72.5 m (238 ft), it is the tallest stone tower in India.
At its foot is the first mosque in India. The Muslims erected the mosque in the 12th century on the site of a Hindu temple after they defeated a Hindu dynasty.
Humayun’s Tomb
This red sandstone and white marble mausoleum was built in the middle of the 16th century by the widow of the Mughal emperor Humayun. Humayun’s Tomb marks a new era of Persian-influenced Mughal architecture. It preceded the Taj Mahal which was also built in this style.
Lodhi Gardens
We spent the remaining time in lovely Lodhi Gardens which has some big trees providing welcome shade. The park is dotted with large tombs, the earliest of which was built in the mid-15th century.
Afternoon:
We headed back to the airport, for our late afternoon, hour-long flight to Chandigarh.
Overnight:
Chandigarh
Day 2: Chandigarh to Shimla
Morning:
It was an early start, with a driver picking us up at 04:15 to drive us to the station in Kalka for our train ride on the famous Kalka Shimla Railway. Read more about the Kalka Shimla Railway: Top reasons to visit Shimla India. We arrived in Shimla around midday.
Afternoon:
We visited Jakhu Temple and the Statue of Hanuman. Read more about Jakhu Temple in Shimla India and the Monkeys.
Overnight:
Shimla
Day 3: Shimla to Delhi
Morning:
We walked around the pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, The Ridge and Lower Bazar. Read more about touring Shimla: Top reasons to visit Shimla India.
Afternoon:
Our 100 km (62 mi) drive back to Kalka took more than 2.5 hours and was unpleasant. I had imagined passing through peaceful hill towns, but to the contrary the roads were chock-a-block with traffic and exhaust fumes.
From Kalka we travelled on the Shatabdi Express back to Delhi (4.5 hours). We were served “tea” (light afternoon meal) and then an even more substantial dinner.
Overnight:
Delhi
Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Morning:
A cycle-rickshaw rider transported us between the sites of Old Delhi.
Red Fort
This impressive palace city is near the Yamuna River and was built by Shah Jahan in 17th century. There are several buildings and pavilions within the walls of the fort. Most of the treasures have been plundered over the centuries, but its grandeur is still evident.
If I had an evening available, I would have liked to attend the Sound and Light show.
Jama Masjid
Shah Jahan was also responsible for the construction of this red sandstone and marble mosque. It is India’s largest mosque and was completed in 1656.
Before entering the mosque, you must take your shoes off but may keep your socks on. You should dress respectfully; I was provided with a loose cape as my arms were uncovered.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk Road runs westwards from the Red Fort and is Delhi’s former imperial avenue. When we visited, it was chaotic, but I have read that the road has had a makeover: it has been upgraded and converted into a non-motorized zone.
Chandri Chowk however also refers to the area in general, which includes several vibrant markets / bazaars. Branching off the main road are lanes with different bazaars eg bridal trimmings, silver jewellery and spices. It was useful to have a guide who knew his way around.
Afternoon:
New Delhi
Sir Edwin Lutyens was responsible for much of the town-planning of New Delhi after it was declared to be the capital of the British Indian Empire in 1911. We drove through some pleasant tree-lined avenues.
India Gate
Iconic India Gate is a war memorial and the site of India’s tomb of the unknown soldier. Looking westwards along Rajpath you can see the government buildings.
Government buildings
We stopped for a short while to view the Secretariat Building (North and South Blocks) as well as the official residence of the president and Parliament House.
The Secretariat Building is markedly similar to the Union Buildings in Pretoria and this is explained by the fact that Sir Herbert Baker designed both.
Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi built on the site where he was cremated. It is set in a large park which contains the memorials of other famous Indian leaders.
Evening:
Our train was 3 hours late, so we arrived in Agra around midnight after the 3-hour trip.
Overnight:
Agra
Day 5: Agra to Jaipur
Morning:
Taj Mahal
The beautiful white marble Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved favourite wife. She died in 1631 after giving birth to their fourteenth child.
There are various modes of transport to take you from the parking area to the ticket office. No food of any kind is allowed into the complex. To protect the marble, you have to wear shoe covers or go barefoot.
For another view of the Taj Mahal complex, or if you are there outside of opening hours, you can head to the viewpoint on the north bank of the Yamuna River.
Afternoon:
We relaxed.
If you have several hours available, consider the trip to see Fatehpur Sikri.
Agra Fort looks well worth a visit.
Evening:
The train journey to Jaipur (3.5 hours) allowed us to glimpse snatches of everyday life of those communities living close to the railway line.
Overnight:
Jaipur
Day 6: Jaipur
Jaipur was founded in 1727 and named after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the Pink City.
Morning and Afternoon:
We headed to the walled Old City which has some beautiful gates.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
This palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The graceful street-facing façade has hundreds of small windows and latticework that allowed royal ladies to view life in the street below without being seen.
Note that the entrance to the palace is on the other side of the building.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical instruments, some of them the largest ever built in their categories. The observatory was built by Jai Singh II and completed in the 1730’s. The purpose was to obtain accurate measurements, probably mainly for astrological purposes.
Evening:
Jaipur
Day 7: Jaipur
Morning:
Amber (Amer) Fort and Palace
This fantastic fort and palace was built by Maharaj Raja Man Singh, with the initial portion completed in 1599. Additions and improvements were made in the following years until the capital was moved from Amer to Jaipur.
We walked up the ramps. There are elephant rides at certain times but please read the reports of how the elephants are treated before considering this option.
There are many areas to explore: courtyards, gateways, halls, royal apartments and a tunnel.
Afternoon:
We did a little shopping and relaxed.
Other attractions are: City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund (stepwell near Amber Fort), Man Sagar Lake with Jal Mahal, (modern) Patrika Gate, etc.
Overnight:
Jaipur
Day 8: Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Morning, Afternoon and Evening:
We left late morning on our 12-hour train journey to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer was founded in 1156. For centuries, Jaisalmer Fort and Jaisalmer were one and the same. Even today, people live within the walls of the fort. It is sometimes called the Golden City because of the colour of the sandstone in certain light conditions. The town is deep in the Thar Desert.
Overnight:
Jaisalmer
Day 9: Jaisalmer
Morning:
Desert camel safari
We had originally not planned to go on a desert camel safari. However, we kept on hearing that it was a highlight, so we decided to opt for a half-day sunrise option. A tour operator collected us in a jeep at 05:00 and we set off into the desert. We enjoyed the camel safari; the camel-ride itself took about 1.5 hours and that was long enough 😉.
Afternoon:
Jaisalmer Fort
A tuk-tuk zipped us up to the fort and we explored this old hilltop town with its narrow streets, squares and bastion viewpoints.
If you have more time, other attractions in or near Jaisalmer are: the havelis, Tazia Tower, Bada Bagh and Gadsisar Lake.
Evening:
We had great views of the fort from the rooftop restaurant of our hotel.
Many people opt to overnight at one of several desert camps outside Jaisalmer. The camps offer evening entertainment such as cultural dances under starry skies.
Overnight:
Jaisalmer
Day 10: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur to Mumbai
Morning:
A driver picked us up early and we had a 4-hour (at times hair-raising) ride to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City.
Mehrangarh Fort
Magnificent Mehrangarh Fort was established in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. Building of the fort and palaces continued over the following centuries. The fort seems to rise upwards as an extension of the hill itself.
Afternoon:
We flew to Mumbai (1.75 hours).
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India’s largest city. We travelled over the elegant Bandra–Worli Sea Link to our hotel.
Evening:
After enjoying dinner, we went for a walk along the Marine Drive promenade.
Overnight:
Mumbai
Day 11: Mumbai
Morning and Afternoon:
Victoria Terminus
Victoria Terminus, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), is one of the busiest stations in India. It is regarded as an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, influenced by Indian traditional architecture, thus forging a new style unique to Bombay.
Gateway of India
We took a short taxi-ride to the gateway. This triumphal arch was completed in 1924, but commemorates the landing in 1911 of King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India. Fittingly, the gateway is also the location from which the last British troops left India in 1948, following Indian independence.
Colaba Causeway
This is a main shopping street with many shops as well as market stalls and eateries, the most famous of which is probably Leopold Café.
Evening:
After midnight we left for the airport for out flight home.
Overnight:
Mumbai and Airport
6 replies on “Incredible India travel itinerary 11 days”
Thanks Chantal. Nice write up. Would you share your pre-arranged driver details if you were pleased with them?
Thank you Gillian.
We unfortunately no longer have the driver details; most were on a local sim card which we did not keep.
The initial driver in Delhi was from a private transfer company. The driver from Chandigarh to Kalka was arranged through our hotel. We arranged the driver from Shimla to Kalka through our taxi driver. The driver from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur was arranged by our hotel. In general I found travelling by road in India quite hair-raising!
Within the cities and towns we used metered taxis (some prepaid) and sometimes Uber and even a tuk-tuk or two.
It seems that the eastern and southern parts of India missed your travel list.
Hi DD, yes I would have loved to have seen more, but there are unfortunately always time and budget constraints.
“India is a huge and varied country”- So True.
Definitely sounds like this needs to be on my bucket list!