India in 9 Days: 4 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to India

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- From Belarus
- natasa
- From Belarus
- Anna
- From Belarus
- Emily J.
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India 9-day itinerary options
Whether you're interested in the historic wonders of the north or the serene landscapes of the south, there are myriad India 9 days itinerary options to suit your taste. Here's a peek at four remarkable routes that showcase the country's vibrant culture and breathtaking sights.
Itinerary #1: Golden Triangle and the Land of Royals


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Explore the majestic Qutub Minar and India Gate | City sightseeing | New Delhi |
Day 2 | Visit the Red Fort and Raj Ghat | Historical exploration | |
Day 3 | Travel to Agra and witness the Taj Mahal | Cultural landmark tour | Agra |
Day 4 | Explore the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri | Cultural landmark tour | Jaipur |
Day 5 | Discover the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal | Architectural exploration | Jaipur |
Day 6 | Experience the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur | Shopping and culture tour | Pushkar |
Day 7 | Visit the Pushkar Lake and nearby temples | Cultural tour | Udaipur |
Day 8 | Relax by Udaipur's Lake Pichola and City Palace | Leisure and sightseeing | Udaipur |
Day 9 | Return to Delhi for departure |
This India itinerary for 9 days immerses travelers in the popular Golden Triangle, a route filled with royal heritage and historical marvels of North India. Begin your journey in the bustling capital of New Delhi, where you can marvel at the blend of ancient and modern sites. A must-see is the towering Qutub Minar and India Gate. Proceed to Agra to experience the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, followed by Agra Fort's grandeur. Continue on to Jaipur, the 'Pink City,' where the majestic Amber Fort and vibrant markets await. Pushkar offers a spiritual retreat with its sacred lake and serene temples, before ending the journey in the captivating lakeside city of Udaipur, renowned for its palatial architecture and mesmerizing views. Choose this itinerary for a blend of culture, history, and royal experiences in India. See all 9-day India trips.
Itinerary #2: Southern Serenity and Backwaters


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Explore Fort Kochi and the Jewish Synagogue | Cultural tour | Kochi |
Day 2 | Discover the Kerala backwaters by houseboat | Backwater cruise | Alleppey |
Day 3 | Relax at the Marari Beach | Beach day | Mararikulam |
Day 4 | Experience the spice plantations and tea gardens | Nature exploration | Thekkady |
Day 5 | Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife safari | Thekkady |
Day 6 | Travel to Munnar and explore Eravikulam National Park | Outdoor exploration | Munnar |
Day 7 | Witness the scenic valleys and tea estates | Outdoor exploration | Munnar |
Day 8 | Return to Kochi for shopping and sightseeing | Leisure | Kochi |
Day 9 | Head home or to another destination from Kochi |
On this journey through Kerala immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty and rich traditions of the south. Start with a trip in Kochi, a melting pot of colonial history and local culture, with visits to Fort Kochi and the iconic Jewish Synagogue. Cruise through the mesmerizing Kerala backwaters in Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, offering a unique, floating insight into village life. Soak in the sun at Marari Beach before heading to Thekkady to admire sprawling spice plantations and encounter wildlife at the Periyar Sanctuary. In Munnar, the rolling tea gardens and lush landscapes captivate the senses. Conclude your exploration with a return to Kochi for a final bout of heritage shopping and city sights, making this itinerary perfect for those wanting a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion. See all tours in India.
For inspiration check out our guide on the best things to do in Kerala.
Itinerary #3: Enchanting Landscapes of Himachal

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi and visit local markets | City sightseeing | New Delhi |
Day 2 | Travel to Shimla, enjoy a heritage walk | Heritage walk | Shimla |
Day 3 | Visit the Viceregal Lodge and Mall Road in Shimla | City sightseeing | |
Day 4 | Head to Manali and visit Hidimba Devi Temple | Cultural tour | Manali |
Day 5 | Explore Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass | Outdoor adventure | Manali |
Day 6 | Travel to Dalhousie and enjoy a leisure day | Leisure | Dalhousie |
Day 7 | Visit Khajjiar and enjoy nature walks | Nature walk | Dalhousie |
Day 8 | Return to Delhi via Amritsar; visit Golden Temple | Cultural tour | Amritsar |
Day 9 | Departure from Amritsar |
Set out on a captivating 9-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and beyond. Known as India’s outdoor adventure playground, Himachal Pradesh boasts spectacular snowy peaks, lush valleys, and gushing rivers, making it a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Start in Delhi, where vibrant markets and historic sights introduce you to India's dynamic spirit. In Shimla, stroll through colonial-era streets and explore the grand Viceregal Lodge. Manali enchants with the sacred Hidimba Devi Temple and thrilling adventures in Solang Valley. Dalhousie offers tranquility, while Khajjiar, the 'Mini Switzerland of India,' mesmerizes with lush meadows. Conclude in Amritsar, home to the stunning Golden Temple, a symbol of peace and spirituality. This itinerary blends heritage, adventure, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.
Customize this India holiday to match your requirements.
Itinerary #4: Spiritual and Sacred Treasures of India


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Varanasi and explore the ghats | City exploration | Varanasi |
Day 2 | Experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony | Cultural tour | Varanasi |
Day 3 | Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon | Historical and religious tour | Varanasi |
Day 4 | Travel to Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment | Historical and religious tour | Bodh Gaya |
Day 5 | Explore Mahabodhi Temple and nearby sites | Religious and cultural tour | Bodh Gaya |
Day 6 | Journey to Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world | City exploration | Rishikesh |
Day 7 | Visit the ashrams and partake in river rafting | Outdoor exploration | Rishikesh |
Day 8 | Depart to Haridwar for further cultural treat | Cultural tour | Haridwar |
Day 9 | Return to Delhi for onward journey |
This itinerary offers a spiritually enriching journey across some of the most sacred cities in India. Begin in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where you can explore ancient ghats and partake in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Visit Sarnath to delve into the Buddhist heritage, followed by a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Experience deep tranquility amidst the Mahabodhi Temple’s serene atmosphere. The itinerary continues in Rishikesh, a haven for yoga and meditation enthusiasts, offering the perfect blend of holistic experiences and adventure. Finally, make your way to Haridwar to witness another spellbinding Ganga Aarti, wrapping up a spiritually uplifting holiday.
Planning a 9 Days Itinerary for India?
With so many mesmerizing sights and culturally rich experiences, planning your own 9-day India itinerary can seem daunting. If you are looking for more inspiration, browse through our 9-day India holiday packages. For those looking for a bespoke India trip, our travel experts can assist you in crafting a custom itinerary. You can also review our comprehensive India travel guide for additional insights. You can also explore other duration ideas, such as spending 7 days in India or 10 days in India.
More information:
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