Great India Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

There is no too small or too large amount of time you can spend in India. Even with as little time as a mere extended weekend, you can still visit the most significant sites in major cities. The Golden Triangle, aka Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, can easily be completed in 4 to 5 days. A 7-day trip, meanwhile, gives ample time to visit the major destinations and also venture to one other spot such as Varanasi, Ranthambore National Park or Rishikesh. Extend your vacation to 10 days or a few weeks and you can really soak in the true atmosphere of India. You could have the chance to trek the Himalayas, visit spiritual Dharamshala and even spend time in bustling Delhi.

That said, we recommend spending 2 weeks in India to truly enjoy the country by visiting the well-trodden, prominent sights and also experiencing the lesser-visited destinations such as the Indian Himalayas, the coastal regions of Kerala and Goa, the cultural offerings of Punjab, and the natural settings of Meghalaya. If you prefer to see the country's top highlights, with 2 weeks you’ll also have plenty of time to explore it from north to south.

There is no wrong way of planning your India trip. You can spend your time in different cities and attractions or spend more time exploring a single region in-depth.

Although 7 days is the shortest amount of time we recommend spending in India, it can still give you a great overview of what the country has to offer.

A whirlwind tour of the Golden Triangle is an excellent option for those who want to immerse themselves in the cultural highlights of India. As you venture to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, you'll get to see a diverse range of cities in just a few days. Start in the labyrinth of Delhi. Taste the local taste dishes that are revered for their rich play of flavor and take the possible stomach ache that could follow with a pinch of salt. Walk the colorful markets and the old neighborhoods, but also see the cosmopolitan side of the city. The India Gate is a definite not-miss. From there on, move on to the exotic city of Agra, most famous as the home of the iconic Taj Mahal. If you have time, explore the other attractions that surround it. The last stop of the triangle is Jaipur, the pink city. When here, you cannot miss visiting the opulent palaces and forts.

Another option is to go completely off-the-beaten-path and start the journey in charming villages of the Himalayas, through trekking routes and tea houses. Manali, Leh-Ladakh and Darjeeling are some of the more popular destinations in the Indian Himalayas. Alternatively, the few days that you have can be spent exploring the southern region of India with an itinerary like this or even make it thematic.

For more ideas on a week-long trip, go through our one week in India guide. Or, try browsing through our one-week trips in India.

With a few extra days in the country, you’ll get to tick more cities and attractions off your bucket list. Not only can you complete the Golden Triangle, but you can also go on to discover some of the country’s lesser-known gems, such as the historical and spiritual city of Amritsar. With 10 days in India, you can also visit Dharamshala, the enchanting home village of the Dalai Lama.

There are so many options on how you’d like to cover India in 10 days. Whether it be from Delhi or from one of the major cities such as Mumbai, you can create an itinerary to venture into different locations in India, each offering distinct culture and surrounding of its own.

For inspiration, check out our 10 days in India guide. You can also go through our list of 10-day tours and trips in India.

The leisure of a few weeks will allow you to journey through the vast land in more depth. With a vacation of this length, you can either add more destinations to what is possible in a 10-day trip or simply spend more time in your favorite places.

One of the many amazing ways to get a complete overview of India during a trip of such duration is through a rail journey like this tour. On the other hand, with a comprehensive tour like this you could step back in time with a journey through India’s rich history in Rajasthan. 

Check out our recommendations for 2 weeks in India or go through our list of 14-day tours in India.

No matter how many days you choose to spend in the country, we have many tours and trips in India for you. If you are feeling inspired to create your own itinerary, contact one of our India travel experts today.