India Tourism Itinerary: A Complete 10-Day Guide for First-Timers

Let's be honest. Planning a trip to India can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. The sheer scale, the sensory overload, the conflicting advice online—it's enough to make you just book a beach vacation instead. But hold on. I've been traveling to India for over a decade, leading groups and wandering solo, and I'm here to tell you that the magic is absolutely worth the planning headache. The key? A focused, realistic itinerary.

Forget trying to see "all of India" in two weeks. That's the fastest route to burnout. Instead, this 10-day India tourism itinerary focuses on the legendary Golden Triangle, with a twist. It gives you the iconic sights, yes, but also weaves in local experiences, practical transport hacks, and food advice that goes beyond "don't drink the water." Think of this as your blueprint, not a rigid schedule. Adapt it. Own it.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of Your India Itinerary

This route is classic for a reason. It connects three profoundly different cities, each offering a unique slice of North Indian history, culture, and chaos. We'll start in the capital, dive into Mughal romance, and finish in a vibrant desert kingdom.

Days 1-3: Delhi - The Historical Heart & Modern Hustle

Fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Don't plan anything major for Day 1 beyond getting to your hotel and maybe a stroll. Jet lag is real.

Day 2: Old Delhi Immersion. Enter the time capsule. Start at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) when it opens at 9:30 AM (closed Mondays, ₹600 for foreigners). It's vast, so focus on the main halls. Then, dive into the chaos of Chandni Chowk. My advice? Skip the rickshaw ride—it's claustrophobic and overhyped. Instead, walk to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Respect the dress code (robes are available for rent). For lunch, head to Karim's, near the mosque's Gate 1. It's an institution since 1913. Order the mutton burra and roomali roti. It's not fancy, but it's history on a plate.

Day 3: New Delhi & Contrasts. See the orderly, planned side of the city. Visit the Humayun's Tomb (opens 6 AM, ₹600)—it's like a serene prototype for the Taj Mahal and often has fewer crowds. Then, drive past the government buildings on Rajpath. Stop at the India Gate war memorial. For a late afternoon cultural fix, the National Crafts Museum is an underrated gem. It feels like a living village showcasing crafts from across India.

Days 4-5: Agra - Beyond the One Monument

Day 4: Travel to Agra & Sunset Views. The drive from Delhi to Agra takes about 3-4 hours. Check into your hotel—try to get one with a Taj view if your budget allows. Don't rush to the Taj Mahal today. Instead, go to Mehtab Bagh, the moonlit garden across the Yamuna River. It offers a perfect, postcard-view of the Taj's backside at sunset, away from the main crowds. For dinner, try Pinch of Spice for reliable, delicious North Indian fare.

Day 5: The Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. This is it. Get to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Gates open at 6 AM (closed Fridays, ₹1300). Yes, it's worth the 5 AM wake-up call. The light is soft, the temperatures are cool, and the crowds are thinner. Spend 2-3 hours here. Don't just see it from the front platform; walk around to the sides and rear along the river. The perspective changes completely. In the afternoon, visit the massive Agra Fort (₹650). From here, you can see the Taj in the distance, a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors' vision.

Days 6-8: Jaipur - The Pink City's Royal Flair

Day 6: Travel to Jaipur & Local Markets. The drive from Agra is another 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, soak in the pink-hued architecture of the old city. Head to the Johari Bazaar for jewelry and Bapu Bazaar for textiles, leather, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected—start at 40% of the quoted price and meet somewhere in the middle.

Day 7: Amber Fort & City Palace. Go to Amber Fort early (opens 8 AM, ₹600). Consider taking an elephant ride up? I'd advise against it due to animal welfare concerns. Walking or taking a jeep taxi is better. The fort is a labyrinth of palaces, halls, and gardens. Spend the late morning there. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace complex (₹900) in the heart of the old city. The Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, right next door, is fascinating even if you're not into science.

Day 8: Hawa Mahal & an Optional Detour. See the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) from the street outside—it's more impressive as a facade. You can go inside, but the views are better from a café across the street. Need a break from palaces? Take a 2.5-hour drive to the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri. It's a breathtaking, geometric masterpiece rarely visited by tour groups. It makes you wonder why more people don't talk about it.

Days 9-10: Return to Delhi & Departure

Day 9: Drive or take a train back to Delhi (5-6 hours). Use your final afternoon for last-minute shopping at Dilli Haat, an open-air craft bazaar, or just relax. Have a farewell dinner celebrating the fact that you navigated one of the world's most intense and rewarding travel circuits.

Day 10: International flight departure from Delhi.

How to Travel Between Destinations in India

This is where most generic guides get it wrong. They'll list every option without telling you what you'll actually want to use.

Booking a car and driver might sound extravagant, but for 2-3 people, it's incredibly cost-effective. You book it through your hotel or a reputable tour operator like MakeMyTrip or Yatra. Agree on the price and itinerary upfront. Tip the driver at the end (₹500-1000 per day is generous).

Within cities, Uber and Ola are your best friends. They're cheap, the route and price are fixed, and you avoid haggling. For short hops, auto-rickshaws are fine—just use the app to see the fair price and negotiate from there.

What to Eat (and Drink Safely) in India

The food is a top reason to visit. Don't let fear rule your stomach. Be smart, not scared.

Must-Try Dishes: Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh (a Kashmiri lamb curry), Dal Makhani (creamy lentils), Chole Bhature (spicy chickpeas with fried bread), and a proper Thali (a platter with many small dishes). In Jaipur, try Laal Maas (fiery mutton curry).

My Street Food Safety Protocol: I look for stalls with a high turnover of locals. The food isn't sitting around. Watch them cook it fresh. Go for cooked-to-order items like dosas, omelets (anda bhurji), or kebabs. Avoid pre-cut fruit or anything with mayonnaise. My personal favorite low-risk, high-reward street snack? A hot, crispy aloo tikki (spiced potato patty) from a busy vendor.

Restaurant Picks:

• Delhi: Indian Accent (for a world-class splurge), SodaBottleOpenerWala (fun Parsi/Irani cafe).
• Agra: Dasaprakash (excellent vegetarian South Indian food, a nice change).
• Jaipur: Peacock Rooftop Restaurant (for the view and ambiance), Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) for traditional sweets and snacks.

Drink only sealed bottled water or use a quality filter bottle like a Lifestraw. Say "no ice" automatically. Chai from a street stall is generally safe—the water is boiled at a high temperature.

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

Location matters. Here’s a quick list focusing on areas that make your itinerary flow smoothly.

Essential India Travel Tips & Common Mistakes

Here’s the stuff I learned the hard way, so you don't have to.

Visa: Get your e-Visa online well in advance from the official Indian government portal. It's straightforward.

Cash is King: While cards work in hotels and nicer restaurants, you need cash for markets, rickshaws, small shops, and tips. Withdraw larger amounts from ATMs in banks or malls to avoid skimming.

The Stare: You will get stared at, especially outside metro cities. It's rarely hostile—it's curiosity. A smile or a nod often breaks the tension. Dressing modestly reduces unwanted attention significantly.

Common Mistake #1: Over-scheduling. You cannot see three major sights in a day in the Indian heat and traffic. Pick one or two. Leave space for chai breaks and getting lost.

Common Mistake #2: Not verifying taxi meters. If a taxi has a meter, ensure it's turned on and running. If not, agree on the fare before you get in. Better yet, just use Uber/Ola.

Packing Tip: Bring comfortable, covered shoes you can easily slip off. You'll be removing them constantly at temples, mosques, and some historical sites. A pack of tissues and hand sanitizer are non-negotiable.

Your India Travel Itinerary FAQs