Choosing an itinerary for North India? Take an epic adventure of northern India highlights in the ultimate 7-, 14- or 21-day itinerary for North India to experience the best of India on your first visit!
We reckon the north is an incredible part of the country to explore.
There are palaces and forts and colourful flower markets and bazars. There are world famous sights, deserts and camels and train journeys to take. The highlights of this itinerary for North India includes some of the most famous sights of India.
Read on for the ultimate 7-, 14- or 21-day itinerary for North India.
- Choosing an itinerary for North India
- Getting there
- Best time to visit
- Transport in India
- Summary Itinerary
- Detailed Itinerary for North India
7-days in North India
14-days in North India
21-days in North India - Options for this itinerary
- Have more time?
- Booking accommodation
- Where to stay in North India
Choosing and itinerary for North India
If it’s your first time to the subcontinent, planning an itinerary for North India can feel somewhat like searching for a needle in a haystack! There is so much of India to choose from.
However, we have designed the following itinerary for North India with the option to make it a 7-, 14- or 21-day itinerary.
At each of the 7- or 14-day points there is the chance to take a train or flight back to Delhi and adapt the itinerary to suit your timeframe and travel goals.
- Read about getting an e-Visa for India.
Getting to Delhi
This itinerary for North India begins and ends in Delhi.
Even if you take the option to use the following guide as a 7-day or 14-day itinerary for North India there is the alternative option to end in Delhi on those days also.
Most travellers begin and end their India trip in Delhi because of the large, international airport there. It is easy to find flights to Delhi from all over the world with connections in the Middle East and South Asia.
- Read about arriving at New Delhi International Airport and getting a SIM card for India.
What is the best time of year to visit North India?
Keep in mind whilst planning your itinerary for North India that the best time to visit the north is in the winter months from October to March.
Winter is generally the best time as days are sunny and not too humid.
The north of India does get incredibly hot during the summer months of May and June though this is a much quieter season for tourism.
There is a monsoon season in July and August when there are often heavy afternoon downpours of rain. This is also the season for mosquito borne illnesses.
Transport in India. What is the best way to get around in North India?
This itinerary for North India combines a mixture of local and touristic travel options: flight, trains, taxi, bus and auto rickshaw.
There is one domestic flight (Jaisalmer to Delhi) and a daytime tourist bus (Jodhpur to Jaisalmer).
Though the easiest way to get swiftly around in India is by rail.
For each step of this itinerary North India we have detailed the trains to take and how to book tickets online.
- Read more about travel by train in India.
Summary – 7-, 14- or 21-Day Itinerary for North India
See the complete adventure below. But in summary…
- Day 1 – Delhi – Arrival
- Day 2 – Delhi – Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi
- Day 3 – Train to Agra
- Day 4 – Agra – Taj Mahal
- Day 5 – Train to Jaipur
- Day 6 – Jaipur – Tour
- Day 7 – Jaipur – Tour
- Day 8 – Train to Udaipur
- Day 9 – Udaipur
- Day 10 – Car to Jodhpur
- Day 11 – Jodhpur
- Day 12 – Bus to Jaisalmer
- Day 13 – Jaisalmer – Camel Safari
- Day 14 – Jaisalmer – Camel Safari
- Day 15 – Jaisalmer
- Day 16 – Fly to Delhi
- Day 17 – Delhi
- Day 18 – Train to Amritsar
- Day 19 – Amritsar
- Day 20 – Amritsar
- Day 21 – Train to Delhi
From Day 16 from Jaisalmer there are two options for the last 7 days of this itinerary for North India.
The first option is to fly from Jaisalmer back to Delhi and explore another day in Delhi and take the fast train to Amritsar in Punjab.
- Day 15 – Jaisalmer
- Day 16 – Fly to Delhi
- Day 17 – Delhi
- Day 18 – Train to Varanasi
- Day 19 – Varanasi
- Day 20 – Varanasi
- Day 21 – Train to Delhi
The second option is to fly back to Delhi and get the train to Varanasi and back.
Or alternatively you could take the bus to Bikaner and travel onwards to Amritsar by train.
The full details for each option are below.
Details – 7-, 14- or 21-Day Itinerary for North India
Read on for the full details of this itinerary for North India.
DAY 1 – 2 – DELHI – Arrival and tour of Old Delhi
Arrival and check into your hotel in Delhi for a first evening meal on-site.
On Day 2, take a tour by auto-rickshaw for the day to old Delhi. See the historic Jama Masjid mosque, the busy Chandni Chowk marketplace and Red Fort.
Enjoy lunch in Chandni Chowk and spend the afternoon visiting Humayun’s Tomb and the beautiful Lodi Gardens.
- Stay overnight (2 nights) in hotel in Delhi.
DAY 3 – DELHI TO AGRA – Tour of Agra
Take a morning train from Delhi to Agra.
Check into your accommodation and head out by auto rickshaw to visit the fabulous Agra Fort in the afternoon.
- Read about taking trains in India, visiting the Taj Mahal and what else to see in Agra.
- Travel by train.
#12050 GATIMAAN EXPRESS Departs daily except Friday from New Delhi (HZM) at 8:10am arriving to Agra Cantt (AGC) at 9:50am.
- Book the train Delhi to Agra online from 12GoAsia.com.
- Stay overnight at Aman Homestay, Agra.
DAY 4 – AGRA TO JAIPUR – Taj Mahal and tour of Agra
Wake up before sunrise to visit the famous Taj Mahal and beat the crowds for a unique tour without rush around this marvellous beauty.
Return to the homestay for a cooked breakfast.
- Stay overnight at Aman Homestay, Agra.
DAY 5 – Train to Jaipur
Pack your bags ready for the next train adventure this afternoon, departing to Jaipur.
With time later this morning enjoy breakfast and get a rickshaw out to see the Agra Jama Masjid and Kinari Bazar.
Return to the homestay for a homecooked lunch and get back in the rickshaw headed for Agra Fort (AF) railway station. The journey by train to Agra is just over four hours.
On arrival go straight to your accommodation – a traditional Haveli-style family hotel – by auto rickshaw.
You arrive in time for a delicious home-cooked and typical Rajasthani dinner at the Haveli!
- Read about the trains in India and about Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- Travel by train and auto-rickshaw.
#22988 AF AII SF EXP departs Agra Fort (AF) at 14:40h arriving to Jaipur (JP) at 18:45h with a travel time of 4h 5mins.
- Book the train to Jaipur online from 12GoAsia.com.
- Stay overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
DAY 6 – JAIPUR – Rickshaw tour of Jaipur
Book a rickshaw for the day to zip around the amazing sights of Jaipur.
Start in the morning with Hawal Mahal (Wind Palace) and then see the amazing Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Amber Fort and Stepwell with Akbari Masjid and Shri Jagat Shiomani ji Hindu Temple.
- Read about all the best things to do in Jaipur.
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
Get picked up by driver Raja Rabbani and tour Jaipur by rickshaw. Contact Raja on WhatsApp +91 9928130309.
- Stay overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
The iconic pink Hawa Mahal Wind Palace in Jaipur.
DAY 7 – JAIPUR – Tour
Today take a rickshaw tour to see more of Jaipur. Using the Composite Ticket entry there are three further sites to include on your itinerary today.
Depart after an early breakfast to see the colourful Jaipur Flower Market and Isarlat Minaret. Go next to Masala Chowk for chai before visiting the beautiful Albert Hall Museum.
Continue by rickshaw back into the centre of the city to see the famous Jantar Mantar observatory of Jaipur and the City Palace.
After lunch at the palace restaurant take a ride before the golden hour to the famous Nahargarh Fort for sunset.
If you are doing this as a 7-day itinerary for North India prepare for tomorrow (Day 8) to train back to Delhi.
Otherwise read on for the continue 14-day itinerary for North India.
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
Get picked up by driver Raja Rabbani and tour Jaipur by rickshaw. Contact Raja on WhatsApp +91 9928130309.
- Stay overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
DAY 8 – Train to Udaipur – Itinerary for North India
Get breakfast to go from your Haveli homestay in Jaipur for the early departing train to Udaipur.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
JP UDZ SFT T SPL
Runs: Daily
Departs: 06:15am
Arrives: 13:30pm
We recommend booking AC Chair Class (CC) for the journey.
On arrival in Udaipur take an auto rickshaw to your accommodation and end the day with a wander on the Ghats of Lake Pichola and dinner at Ambrai Restaurant.
- Read about travel by train to Udaipur.
- Travel by train and auto-rickshaw.
#09721 JP UDZ SFT T SPL departs Jaipur (JP) at 06:15h arriving to Udaipur (UDZ) at 13:30h with a travel time of 7h 15mins.
- Book the train to Jaipur online from 12GoAsia.com.
- Stay overnight at a hotel in Udaipur.
DAY 9 – UDAIPUR – Itinerary for North India
Take a walk through the old city.
Visit the City Palace and Museum and enjoy a boat trip out to Jagmandir Island before finishing the day with dinner at the waterfront Ambrai Restaurant.
- Read about Udaipur and the best things to do.
- Travel on foot, by boat and autorickshaw.
- Stay overnight in a hotel in Udaipur.
DAY 10 – Car to Jodhpur – Itinerary for North India
The travel time from Udaipur to Jodhpur is around five hours by car.
Stop on the way to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in India.
- Read about things to do in Jodhpur.
- Travel by car.
Book a driver and car through your accommodation in Udaipur.
- Stay overnight at Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay, Jodhpur.
DAY 11 – JODHPUR
Take a morning tour with Blue City Walks to explore the old city of Jodhpur and see the historic Mehrangarh Fort, the famous stepwell and colourful Hindu temples and shrines dotted around the streets and courtyards of the Blue City.
In the afternoon visit the colour bazaars of the old city or take a cooking class.
- Read about things to do in Jodhpur.
- Travel on foot and by autorickshaw.
Take a rickshaw to start the walking tour from Mehrangarh Fort.
- Stay overnight at Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay, Jodhpur.
DAY 12 – Bus to Jaisalmer – Itinerary for North India
Depart mid-late morning from Jodhpur.
The bus takes around 5 – 6 hours to Jaisalmer and is the most convenient way to connect the two cities.
- Read about the bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and how to travel by bus in India.
- Stay overnight at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer.
DAY 13, 14 – JAISALMER – Overnight Camel Safari in the Thar Desert
Trek on camels from the village into the sunset and enjoy dinner cooked over the campfire in the sand dunes and sleep (literally) underneath the stars.
- Read everything you need to know about an overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer.
- Travel by Jeep to the desert.
Approx 1.5 hours from Jaisalmer.
- Stay overnight in the Thar Desert sleeping underneath the stars.
After sunrise and breakfast in the desert return by camel to the nearby village and back again by Jeep to Jaisalmer.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch back at your guesthouse (and a shower after the desert).
Take a late afternoon walk through the markets to Gadisar Lake.
If you are doing this as a 14-day itinerary for North India instead of Gadisar Lake this afternoon take a walking tour of Jaisalmer Fort. Tomorrow (on Day 15) fly back to Delhi to compete the itinerary.
- Read about the things to do in Jaisalmer.
- Travel by Jeep back from the desert.
- Stay overnight at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer.
DAY 15 – JAISALMER – Itinerary for North India
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop of your guesthouse then take a walking tour of Jaisalmer and Jaisalmer Fort.
Enjoy lunch in the afternoon at Mandir Palace or Trio Restaurant.
In the afternoon take a Jeep to see Vyas Chattri and the tombs on the outskirts of the city.
- Read about things to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
DAY 16 – Fly to Delhi – Itinerary for North India
Enjoy one more morning walk in Jaisalmer for a morning chai at Chai Chowk. Return for breakfast on the rooftop and pack your bags for the domestic flight to Delhi.
Take a flight with IndiGo from Jaisalmer back to Delhi.
From the airport take a taxi to your accommodation in Delhi.
- Read about things to do in Delhi and detailed 2- or 3-day Delhi itinerary.
- Travel by Jeep, plane and taxi.
Take a Jeep to the airport in Jaisalmer for your flight.
- Stay overnight in a hotel in Delhi.
DAY 17 – DELHI – Tour of South Delhi
Make the most of another day in the capital with a day tour of Delhi by auto rickshaw.
Visit the Ghandi Museum, Qutab Minar or the Sikh Gurudwara or go further from the old city to the Lotus Temple or Akshardham Hindu temple and museum.
If you are staying near Connaught Place or Paharganj take the chance to explore Main Bazaar on your doorstep for shopping and souvenirs. Otherwise make a stop at Dilli Haat Market for the best souvenir shopping in Delhi!
Enjoy dinner in Delhi in Connaught Place.
- Read about the top things to do in Delhi and detailed 1-, 2- or 3-Day Delhi itinerary.
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
Get around Delhi with driver Sunny. Contact him on WhatsApp +91 95997 59259 before you arrive in India with dates for tours and transport in Delhi.
- Stay overnight in hotel in Delhi.
DAY 18 – Train to Amritsar – Itinerary for North India
Make the most of the morning and midday in Delhi before taking the train this afternoon to Punjab.
We recommend visiting the Akshardham Hindu temple and museum. There is a great short boat-ride audio tour that lasts about 20 minutes and gives a great overview of history and culture in India.
Have lunch at the Akshardham foodcourt then head back to the hotel to get your bags for the train.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS
Runs: Daily except Friday
Departs: 15:15pm
Arrives: 20:45pm
On arrival to Amritsar get a taxi from outside the station or auto rickshaw to your accommodation.
- Read about taking the train from Delhi to Amritsar.
- Travel by train.
VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS (22487) departs every day except Friday from Delhi (DLI) at 15:15H and arrives at Amritsar (ASR) at 20:45H taking 5 hours 30 minutes.
- Book the train to Amritsar online from 12GoAsia.com.
- Stay overnight at a hotel in Amritsar.
DAY 19 – AMRITSAR – Itinerary for North India
Get ready for a seriously special day!
Today you will visit the Golden Temple; the holiest gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh Religion and experience the selfless generosity of hundreds of volunteers that staff the world’s largest Community Kitchen – the Langar of the Golden Temple – serving 100,000 people every day!
This part of your itinerary for North India is more than just observing too.
A visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar also offers the chance to be a part of this incredible experience and join in and volunteer in this famous community service.
- Read about the Golden Temple and detailed itinerary for Amritsar.
- Stay overnight at a hotel in Amritsar.
DAY 20 – AMRITSAR
Today see more of Amritsar and tour the Heritage Street walk. Visit the famous Hindu temples and try the best Amritsari food at Kale Da Dhabar.
In the afternoon take a taxi to the India Pakistan border to see the unique daily Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony between the two nations. It really is one of a kind!
- Read about the Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony and food to try in Amritsar.
- Travel by taxi.
Book a car and driver to take you from Amritsar to the border ceremony and back.
- Stay overnight at a hotel in Amritsar.
DAY 21 – Train to Delhi
Today is the last day of your itinerary for North India.
Take the fast train back to Delhi from Amritsar.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
VANDE BHARAT EXP
Runs: Daily except Friday
Departs: 8:20am
Arrives: 1:50pm
We hope you have enjoyed a great itinerary for North India!
Options for the last week of this itinerary
The second option for the last 7 days of the above itinerary for North India is to take the train on Day 18 from Delhi to Varanasi.
With this option you could stay three nights in Varanasi and return on the fast train Varanasi to Delhi.
- Read more about Varanasi and detailed 2-day Varanasi itinerary.
Have more time on your itinerary for North India?
Read more about the best things to do in Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Amritsar and Agra.
Booking accommodation on your itinerary for North India
To help with booking accommodation based on the above itinerary for North India, this is where you will spend your 7-, 14- or 21- days.
- Day 1 -2 – Delhi 2 nights
- Day 3 – 4 – Agra 2 nights
- Day 5 – 7 – Jaipur 3 nights
- Day 8 – 9 – Udaipur 2 nights
- Day 10 – 11 – Jodhpur 2 nights
- Day 12 – 15 – Jaisalmer 4 nights
- Day 16 – 17 – Delhi 2 nights
- Day 18 – 20 – Amritsar 2 nights
- Day 21 – Delhi 1 night
Happy travels and enjoy a fantastic itinerary for North India!
Accommodation we recommend in North India
- Delhi (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport and great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- New Delhi / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- New Delhi / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
- Amritsar / Mid: Hotel Regency Amritsar
Fabulous hotel in Amritsar with swimming pool and restaurants on site.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
Accommodation we recommend in Rajasthan
- Jaipur / Mid-Range: Jaipur Haveli
We recommend Jaipur Haveli and stay here on our India Group Trips. It is an incredible old haveli home in heart of Jaipur with beautiful rooms, great attention to detail and very friendly staff and owners.
- Jaisalmer / Budget: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
- Bikaner / Budget: The Prince Haveli
The haveli has been lovingly restored and is located right in the centre of the old city. It is a basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner.
- Jodhpur / Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
- Udaipur / Budget: Hotel Lake Star
The hotel is a family run business with breakfast included and great views from the simple, but spacious rooftop restaurant.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safaris and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your itinerary for North India!
