Looking at three weeks in India? Take an epic adventure of northern India’s highlights in the ultimate 3 Week India Itinerary 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. And the highlights of this 3 Week India Itinerary include some of the most famous sights of India.
See the Golden City of Jaisalmer, sleep underneath the stars on camel safari in the Thar Desert. Walk through the colourful flower markets of Jaipur and see the history of the Maharaja. Visit the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh and the famous River Ganges of Varanasi. And journey back to the bustle of Delhi on one of India’s most famous trains. It’s a lot to pack in!
Read on for the ultimate 3 Week India itinerary.
- Summary
- Highlights
- 3 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY
Day 1 – 2 – Delhi
Day 3 – 6 – Jaisalmer
Day 7 – 8 – Jodhpur
Day 9 – 10 – Udaipur
Day 11 – 13 – Jaipur
Day 14 – 15 – Agra
Day 16 – 18 – Varanasi
Day 19 – 21 – Delhi - Considering more than three weeks in India?
- Booking accommodation in India
- More about India
Summary – 3 Week India Itinerary for North India
See your complete adventure below.
- Day 1 – Delhi – Arrival
- Day 2 – Delhi – Tour of Old Delhi and Sarojini Market
- Day 3 – Jaisalmer – Flight
- Day 4, 5, 6 – Jaisalmer – Camel Safari
- Day 7 – Jodhpur – Bus
- Day 8 – Jodhpur
- Day 9 – Udaipur – Car
- Day 10 – Udaipur
- Day 11 – Jaipur – Train
- Day 12, 13 – Jaipur
- Day 14 – Agra – Train
- Day 15 – Agra – Taj Mahal
- Day 16 – Varanasi – Flight
- Day 17, 18 – Varanasi
- Day 19, 20 – Delhi – Train
- Day 21 – Delhi – Departure
Highlights – 3 Week India Itinerary for North India
There is so much of India to share!
Enjoy the buzz and colours of Old Delhi, the bazars and markets and the iconic sites of the Mughal Empire. Sleep underneath the stars on camel safari in the desert of Rajasthan. And share in the love story of the Taj Mahal and learn the history of Rajasthan’s many forts…
- Take a rickshaw in Jaipur
- Ride the famous Indian trains
- Get caught in the colours and chaos of Delhi
- Ride a camel at sunset and sleep underneath the stars
- Explore the blue city of Jodhpur
- See Jaipur’s beautifully iconic pink Wind Palace
- Stay in a traditional Haveli
- See Udaipur’s famous City Palace
- Visit Rajasthan’s most famous Amber Fort
- Try Indian chai the traditional way
- Experience sunrise at the wondrous TAJ MAHAL
- See the famous River Ganges
- Shop for souvenirs in Old Delhi’s Main Bazaar
What is the best time of year for this 3 Week India Itinerary?
Keep in mind whilst planning your 3 Week India Itinerary that the best time to visit north India is in the winter months from October to March. Winter is generally the best time as days are sunny and not too humid.
The complete adventure – 3 Week India Itinerary for North India
Read on for the full details.
Day 1 – Delhi – Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to India! Arriving in New Delhi is an adventure on its own. Take a taxi to your hotel and get settled in.
Depending on what time of day you arrive in India and where you are in Delhi you can head out for a first taste of Indian cuisine in India or take it easy and start today with dinner in your hotel and get ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
- Read our travel guide to India including all about arriving at New Delhi International Airport, getting a SIM card for India and managing, exchanging and withdrawing money in India.
- Travel by taxi from the airport on arrival to your accommodation in Delhi.
- Stay overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Check prices for Hotel Taurus Sarovar Portico close to the airport.
Day 2 – Delhi – Tour of Old Delhi and Sarojini Market
Take a day tour of the most historical sights of Delhi starting with a shopping trip to Sarojini Market.
Visit the fabulous Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and experience the bustle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Today is a good day before departing Delhi on your 3 Week India Itinerary to buy a salwar kameez or kurta and get kitted out with traditional dress for the trip!
- Read about where to go shopping for Indian outfits and what to wear for traveling in India.
- Travel by autorickshaw.
Day tour of Delhi and Sarojini Market by autorickshaw with driver Sunny
+91 95997 59259.
- Stay overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Check prices for Hotel Taurus Sarovar Portico close to the airport.
Day 3 – Jaisalmer – Fly Delhi to Jaisalmer
Farewell to Delhi – and welcome to Jaisalmer; the Golden City of India.
Start with breakfast in your hotel in Delhi. Taxi to the domestic airport for a short flight to the beautiful Rajasthani desert town of Jaisalmer; known as the Golden City.
Arrive in time for a lassi on the rooftop of your guesthouse overlooking the Golden City and Jaisalmer Fort.
Take a wander into the village for a first look at rural India. Walk up inside the Fort and see sunset at Gadisar Lake before dinner at the guesthouse.
- Read all about the things to do in Jaisalmer, local food to try and what to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
- Travel by plane.
Flight Delhi to Jaisalmer.
- Stay overnight at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer.
Day 4 – 5 – Jaisalmer – Overnight Camel Safari
After breakfast visit the local market to stock up on anything you might need for today’s adventure of a camel safari in the Thar Desert.
Enjoy a light lunch at your guesthouse and depart for the Thar Desert in early afternoon where your camel will be waiting.
Trek out into the desert on camels to reach your camp for the night. Enjoy nomadic hospitality of dinner cooked over the fire.
- Read everything you need to know about an overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer.
- Travel by Jeep to the desert.
- Stay overnight on a camel safari in the Thar Desert sleeping underneath the stars.
Wake up in the desert for a hot chai and breakfast cooked on the fire. Ride your camel back to the nomad village and from there you will take a jeep back to Jaisalmer.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch back at your guesthouse (a shower after the desert) and a slow afternoon.
- Read all about the things to do in Jaisalmer, local food to try and what to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
- Travel by Jeep back from the desert.
- Stay overnight at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer – Tour of Jaisalmer Fort
Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse before a walking tour of the Jaisalmer Fort.
This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about this historic golden city of India as well as make the most of some beautiful souvenir shopping in the Fort market place.
- Read about what to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
- Travel on foot.
Walking tour of Jaisalmer Fort.
- Stay overnight at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer.
Day 7 – Bus Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Today is a travel day. Enjoy a last breakfast on the rooftop in Jaisalmer and one final chai from the market square.
Take the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur departing mid-late morning. The bus takes around 5 – 6 hours to Jodhpur.
- Read about options for travel between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur and how to book and travel by bus in India.
- Travel by bus.
Bus Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
- Stay overnight at Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay, Jodhpur.
Day 8 – Jodhpur – 3 Week India Itinerary
The beautiful city of Jodhpur is literally almost all blue inside the old city! Take a morning tour of Jodhpur with Blue City Walks. Explore the small blue laneways 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.
- Travel on foot and by autorickshaw.
Take a rickshaw to start a walking tour from Mehrangarh Fort.
- Stay overnight at Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay, Jodhpur.
Day 9 – Car from Jodhpur to Udaipur via Kumbhalgarh Fort
Today is a travel day on your 3 Week India Itinerary. Because Udaipur and Jodhpur are not connected with direct trains, the best way to get from Jodhpur to Udaipur is by road.
It is easy to book a car and driver through your accommodation. The travel time from Jodhpur to Udaipur is around five hours.
On the way to Udaipur you’ll visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in India.
- Travel by car.
Book a driver and car through your accommodation in Jodhpur.
- Stay overnight in a hotel, Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur – 3 Week India Itinerary
There is a peacefulness about Udaipur that is unlike any other Indian city. It’s easy. It’s grand. And if you haven’t yet imagined yourself lunching on rooftops and choosing between palaces to meander, then Udaipur is the place to do it!
Take a walk through the old city and explore the Ghats on the lakefront. Visit the City Palace and Museum and take a boat trip out to Jagmandir Island, home to the iconic Jagmandir Water Palace which was once the summer residence of the royal family.
Finish your day in Udaipur with dinner at the waterfront Ambrai Restaurant.
- Read about Udaipur and the best things to do.
- Travel on foot, by boat and autorickshaw.
Explore Udaipur on foot and by rickshaw and include taking a boat trip out on Lake Pichola.
- Stay overnight in a hotel, Udaipur.
Day 11 – Train from Udaipur to Jaipur
Today is another travel day taking your first journey by train in India. This is one of the highlights of this 3 Week India Itinerary!
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Udaipur to Jaipur
#20979 VANDE BHARAT
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 7:50am from Udaipur (UDZ)
Arrives 14:10pm to Jaipur (JP)
After arriving in Jaipur go straight to your accommodation – a traditional Haveli-style family hotel – by rickshaw.
Take some rest time this afternoon if you need it. Or walk you’re your accommodation to the main street of Jaipur to visit the beautiful Hawa Mahal – the Wind Palace of Jaipur.
- Read about traveling by train in India and taking the highspeed Vande Bharat Express train from Udaipur to Jaipur.
- Travel by superfast train.
#20979 VANDE BHARAT departs Udaipur (UDZ) at 7:50am arriving to Jaipur (JP) at 14:10pm on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun with a travel time of 6.5 hours.
Book the train Jaipur online.
- Stay overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Day 12 – 13 – Jaipur – 3 Week India Itinerary
Often called the Pink City, Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan has been invariably on the wish-list of every travel enthusiast to India.
Jaipur has majestically (pink) architecture, cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty that give the Pink City its claim to fame. Spend the day exploring Jaipur on tour by rickshaw.
Visit the famous Amber Fort, Jal Mahal (water palace), Abhaneri Stepwell, the beautiful Hawa Mahal (wind palace) and be sure to go – by rickshaw – to the best and most famous lassi wallah in Jaipur!
- Read about all the best things to do in Jaipur and how to get around.
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
Get picked up from the train station by driver Raja Rabbani and tour the Pink City by rickshaw. Contact Raja on WhatsApp +91 9928130309.
- Stay overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Day 14 – Train from Jaipur to Agra
Take another famous and fabulous train ride today from Jaipur to Agra.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Jaipur to Agra
#22987 AII AGRA FORT SF EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 8:10am from Jaipur (JP)
Arrives 12:45pm to Agra Fort (AF)
Arrive in Agra and get picked up by rickshaw to your homestay for the next two days. Enjoy a restful afternoon or take a rickshaw out to Agra Fort or stay back at the homestay for a unique Indian cooking class and make your own Indian meal for dinner.
- Read about taking the train from Jaipur to Agra.
- Travel by train.
AII AGRA FORT SF EXPRESS #22987 Departs daily from Jaipur (JP) at 8:10am arriving at Agra Fort (AF) at 12:45pm taking 4hrs 35mins.
Book the train Jaipur to Agra.
- Stay overnight at Aman Homestay, Agra.
Day 15 – Agra – Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise
Welcome to the Taj Mahal. Every 1-, 2- or 3 Week India Itinerary must share India’s most wonderous sight! It is even more incredible in person.
Wake up before sunrise for the awaited iconic visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This is a great time to visit to beat the crowds for a unique tour without rush around this marvellous beauty.
Return to the homestay for a cooked breakfast with the option to rest for the afternoon or head out again by rickshaw to visit the brilliant Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh and viewpoint to the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
- Read everything you need to know before visiting the Taj Mahal and other things to do in Agra.
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
Book a rickshaw through the homestay for an early pickup to the Taj Mahal.
- Stay overnight at Aman Homestay, Agra.
Day 16 – Fly Agra to Varanasi
Today is a travel day. Varanasi is well connected by train, road as well as by air. The city has its own airport with daily flights to and from Agra.
- Options for Day 16 – 17 of this 3 Week India Itinerary you could travel from Agra to Varanasi by overnight train, departing in the evening of Day 16 and arriving in the morning on Day 17.
Day 17 – 18 – Varanasi – 3 Week India Itinerary
Taking a boat ride down the River Ganges is one of those moments in travel that leaves you a bit lost for words. The historic city of Varanasi is a powerful place to experience.
Enjoy a dawn boat ride on the river and witness devotees bathing, meditating and performing ancient rituals as the sun rises. Take a walking tour to hear the stories that match the incredible sights, sounds and smells of Varanasi. See the burning Ghats operating day and night with rituals of public cremation.
With 2 days in Varanasi you have time to take a day trip in the afternoon to visit Sarnath. This is the place where, after gaining enlightenment, Buddha gave his first sermon some 2500 years ago.
- Read about the obscure and incredible things to do in the sacred city of Varanasi and about visiting Varanasi with kids.
- Travel by boat, taxi and on foot.
Explore the old city on a walking tour and take a boat ride down the River Ganges.
- Stay overnight in a hotel, Varanasi.
Day 19 – Fly or train from Varanasi back to New Delhi
Spend sunrise on the Ghats of the sacred River Ganges with the option for a morning flight back to Delhi or an afternoon train.
- SUGGESTED FLIGHT
Varanasi to New Delhi
There are multiple daily flights with Air India, IndiGo, Spice Jet and Vistara.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Varanasi to New Delhi
#22435 VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 15:00h from Varanasi Jn (BSB)
Arrives 23:00h to New Delhi (NDLS)
Depart from Varanasi for one last ride on India’s iconic trains heading back to India’s capital city of Delhi. The Vande Bharat fast train is comfortable and departs in the afternoon from Varanasi Junction (BSB) arriving late at night to New Delhi (NDLS).
There will be lots of taxis and auto rickshaws lined up outside the station for a transfer to your accommodation in New Delhi or you can pre-arrange a pick-up with your hotel.
- Travel by train.
#22435 VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS Departs daily except Thursday from Varanasi Junction (BSB) at 15:00h arriving at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 23:00h taking 8hrs.
Book the train to Varanasi.
- Stay overnight in hotel in Connaught Place or Main Bazar, Delhi.
Day 20 – Day tour of New Delhi and Delhi markets
Enjoy a day tour to some of the key sights of old and New Delhi today. Visit the Ghandi Museum and beautiful Lodhi Garden. Or go further from the old city to see the Lotus Temple or Akshardham Hindu temple.
Or take the chance to explore Main Bazaar on your doorstep for any last minute shopping and souvenirs.
Enjoy one last dinner in Delhi in Connaught Place.
- 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 Connaught Place or Main Bazar, Delhi.
Day 21 – Departure from New Delhi
We hope you have enjoyed a great 3 Week India itinerary!
Have longer than 3 weeks in India?
Read more about the best things to do in Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Amritsar and Agra.
Booking accommodation for your 3 Week India Itinerary
To help with booking accommodation based on the above 3 Week India Itinerary, this is where you will spend your three weeks in India:
- Day 1 -2 – Delhi 2 nights
- Day 3 – 6 – Jaisalmer 4 nights
- Day 7 – 8 – Jodhpur 2 nights
- Day 9 – 10 – Udaipur 2 nights
- Day 11 – 13 – Jaipur 3 nights
- Day 14 – 15 – Agra 2 nights
- Day 16 – 18 – Varanasi 3 nights
- Day 19 – 21 – Delhi 2 nights
Happy travels and enjoy a fantastic three weeks in India!
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 while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- 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 safari’s 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 travel insurance before riding those trains in India!