10 day India itinerary: How to spend 10 days in India

India is a country of fascinating diversity, beckoning with its kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and landscapes. Are you looking for a 10 day India itinerary? In this guide, we present 4 different itineraries, each a carefully selected tapestry of experiences, ensuring that every moment of your stay in India leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

The Taj Mahal glowing red at morning sunrise along the rear riverbank of the holy Jamuna river in Agra © Shutterstock

The Taj Mahal sunrise © Shutterstock

Itinerary #1: India: from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle

From Dehli's bustling dusty streets to 'the pink city' of Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, this India 10-day itinerary ensures you experience all of India's Golden Triangle highlights. 

Itinerary overview

Day one begins in Delhi with an afternoon city tour. On the second day, you will fly to Varanasi where an evening river cruise will allow you to immerse yourself in a mesmerising candlelit Puja ceremony on the Ganges River.

Day three will begin with a morning ceremony on the Ganges River. On the fourth day, you will fly to Khajuraho and tour the famous temples in the afternoon.

On the fifth day, you will travel to the temples of Orchha. Day six reveals to you the magic of the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle Fort of Agra. Day seven includes a visit to the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Day eight immerses you in the cultural richness of Jaipur. Day nine is free time for shopping and exploring the city on your own before departing for Delhi.

Finally, on the tenth day, you depart from Delhi International Airport, concluding your 10-day journey across India.

Khajuraho, India © Shutterstock

Khajuraho, India © Shutterstock

Check this overview of the 10 day India itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Delhi and City Tour.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2

  • Candlelight Puja Ceremony.
  • Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 3

  • Ganges River Morning Ceremony.
  • Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 4

  • The Temples of Khajuraho.
  • Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 5

  • Visit the Temples of Orcha.
  • Overnight in Agra.

Day 6

  • Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Khajuraho.
  • Overnight in Agra.

Day 7

  • Fatehpur Sikri Visit.
  • Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 8

  • Amber Fort and City Palace.
  • Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 9

  • Shopping in Jaipur.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 10

  • Transfer and departure.

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Alleppey, Kerala, India © Christian Ouellet/Shutterstock

Alleppey, Kerala, India © Christian Ouellet/Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Kerala – God’s Own Country

Southern India is a feast for the senses. The lush greenery of tea plantations, the colourful spice markets and plantations - this India 10-day itinerary is nothing short of highlights.

Itinerary overview

The first day starts in Cochin with a transfer to the hotel. The second day will take you to Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala.

The third day includes a trek to Sevenmalai and a visit to a tea factory showcasing the rich tea heritage of the region. On the fourth day, transfer to Thekkady and check in at the hotel. Day five will begin with a jungle walk in Periyar National Park.

On the sixth day, you will travel to Kumarakom, offering a combination of natural beauty and rural experiences. On day seven, you'll travel to Alleppey and board a kettuvallam, or houseboat, to enjoy the unique scenery. On the eighth day, disembark and transfer to Mararikulam where you can relax on the beach and admire the sunset.

The ninth day is a relaxing day at Marari Beach where you can relax or book an Ayurvedic massage. On the tenth day, you will return to Cochin.

Finally, on the eleventh day, you will depart for the international airport and bid farewell to Kerala.

Munnar landscape in Kerala, India © Shutterstock

Munnar landscape in Kerala, India © Shutterstock

Check this overview of the 10 day India itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Cochin.
  • Overnight in Cochin.

Day 2

  • From Cochin to Munnar.
  • Overnight in Munnar.

Day 3

  • Munnar - Sevenmalai Trek and Tea Factory visit.
  • Overnight in Munnar.

Day 4

  • From Munnar to Periyar.
  • Overnight in Periyar.

Day 5

  • Thekkady - Half Day Trek and Spice Plantation.
  • Overnight in Periyar.

Day 6

  • From Periyar to Kumarakom.
  • Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 7

  • Kumarakom - Alleppey - Houseboat.
  • Overnight in a house boat.

Day 8

  • From Allepey to Mararikulam.
  • Overnight in Mararikulam.

Day 9

  • Marari Free Day at the beach.
  • Overnight in Mararikulam.

Day 10

  • From Mararikulam to Cochin.
  • Overnight in Cochin

Day 11

  • Transfer and Departure.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India © Shutterstock

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: North India Explored — From Delhi to Shimla

This 10-day itinerary takes you on a fascinating journey across North India.

Itinerary overview

The first day starts with arrival in Delhi. The rest of the day is free to relax. The second day is dedicated to exploring the contrasting facets of Delhi. On the third day, you will fly to Amritsar, where you will visit the famous Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh.

Day four includes a scenic road trip to Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama and the Thekchen Choling temple complex. On the fifth day, you will travel to Macleod Ganj.

On the sixth day, you will travel further into Himachal Pradesh to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. Day seven is dedicated to exploring Shimla and on day eight, you will embark on a toy train journey from Shimla to Kalka.

After returning to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express, you will be transferred to your hotel on day eight. The ninth day is a free day in Delhi.

Finally, on the tenth day you depart from Delhi International Airport, completing your North India adventure.

Shimla, India © Shutterstock

Shimla, India © Shutterstock

Check this overview of the India 10-day itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Dehli and afternoon at leisure.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2

  • Delhi: Old and New.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3

  • Golden Temple at Amritsar.
  • Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 4

  • Dharamshala Transfer.
  • Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 5

  • Mcleod Ganj Discovery.
  • Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 6

  • Transfer to Shimla.
  • Overnight in Shimla.

Day 7

  • Shimla Exploration.
  • Overnight in Shimla.

Day 8

  • Himalayan Train Adventure.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 9

  • Free Day in Delhi.
  • Overnight in Delhi.

Day 10

  • Transfer and Departure.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Sunset over chinese fishing nets boat in Cochin, Kochi, India © johnnychaos/Shutterstock

Chinese fishing nets, boat in Cochin, Kochi, India © johnnychaos/Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Magical Kerala

On this India 10-day itinerary, you will explore the beauty and culture of South India.

Itinerary overview

Day one begins with a half-day tour of Kochi. Day two visits cardamom plantations in Munnar, where the Cardamom Hills offer a hands-on introduction to the cultivation of this aromatic spice.

Day three is a rest day in Munnar, allowing you to relax and explore the local surroundings. On the fourth day, you will travel to Madurai where you will visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace.

On the fifth day, you'll head to Kumily, the bustling city centre, for an evening of local sightseeing. On the sixth day, you'll enjoy a boat trip to Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park.

Day seven is free time in Periyar. On the eighth day, after a relaxing morning, you depart for your next destination. The ninth day will be spent in Kochi, where you will have a free day to explore the city or relax at your leisure.

Finally, on the tenth day, you will head to Kochi airport for your onward journey.

Periyar Park National, India © Shutterstock

Periyar Park National, India © Shutterstock

Check this overview of the 10 day India itinerary:

Day 1

  • Half-Day Kochi City Tour.
  • Overnight in Kochi.

Day 2

  • Cardamon Plantation.
  • Overnight in Munnar.

Day 3

  • Free Day in Munnar.
  • Overnight in Munnar.

Day 4

  • Madurai City Tour.
  • Overnight in Madurai.

Day 5

  • Visit Kumily.
  • Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 6

  • Boat Ride on Lake Periyar.
  • Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 7

  • Free Day on Periyar Lake.
  • Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 8

  • Day in Kumarakom and Departure to Kochi.
  • Overnight in Kochi.

Day 9

  • Day at leisure.
  • Overnight in Kochi.

Day 10

  • Transfer and Departure.

Excited to discover? Waste no time and book this trip now.

Browse our customisable India itineraries or talk to our local India travel experts.

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 30.11.2023

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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