10 day India itinerary: How to spend 10 days in India
India is sensory overload in the best sense of the word: chaotic markets, serene temples, spicy street food, and colors so vibrant they'll stay with you long after you leave. A 10-day India itinerary may not seem enough to cover this vast and diverse country, but it will make every moment count. From watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal in Agra to wandering the pink streets of Jaipur, you'll be immersed in India's history, culture, and undeniable charm.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Your India itinerary for 10 days begins in Delhi, a city that will wake up - in the best sense of the word. The sound of honking tuk-tuks, the smell of sizzling street food and the combination of Mughal and colonial era architecture create an intoxicating first impression.
After arriving, take it easy. Wander through the crumbling alleys of Old Delhi, where chaos and charm collide — grab a bite of buttery parathas in Chandni Chowk or visit Jama Masjid, its courtyards filled with pigeons and prayers. If you prefer a calmer introduction, head to Humayun’s Tomb, a serene masterpiece surrounded by manicured gardens.
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Where to stay in Delhi
The best area to stay in Delhi to feel its pulse is near Connaught Place, with its colonial charm and lively streets. For something more refined, South Delhi offers quieter enclaves like Hauz Khas, where boutique stays mix art and comfort. Budget travelers? Paharganj’s lively maze of guesthouses and rooftop cafes is chaotic but quintessentially Delhi.
Day 2: Candlelight Puja Ceremony in Varanasi
Leave Delhi early and hop on a quick flight to Varanasi. No amount of reading prepares you for this city’s raw intensity. Once settled in, spend the day exploring its labyrinthine alleyways. Each corner holds a story - hidden shrines, silk weavers or sadhus offering arcane wisdom. In the evening, head to the Dashashwamedh ghat to perform the aarti of the Ganga.
The puja is otherworldly, with priests swinging giant brass lamps in unison, the flames flickering against the darkening sky and the air humming with chants and incense. As you watch this spectacle surrounded by pilgrims, it feels like you've stepped into an ancient myth brought to life.
Where to stay in Varanasi
To feel the heartbeat of Varanasi, stay at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where unforgettable fun reigns supreme. For a more relaxed vacation, you can stay at Assi Ghat on the riverbank, where bohemian charm prevails. Prefer comfort? Look to modern hotels further from the ghats, near the Varuna River, for a quieter escape.
Day 3: Morning Ceremony on the Ganges River
Get up before dawn - the Ganges at sunrise is magical. Climb into a wooden boat and let the rower take you smoothly down the river. The ghats slowly awaken: priests chant, pilgrims bathe, and orange marigold garlands float downstream. The colors of the city, muted in the early light, feel almost dreamlike.
Stop at Manikarnika Ghat, the burning ghat, where cremation rituals unfold with solemn precision. It’s confronting, but there’s beauty in the reverence for life’s impermanence. Afterward, wander the Old City, where the scent of flowers mingles with masala chai and the occasional cow blocks your path.
Day 4: The Temples of Khajuraho
A short morning flight takes you from Varanasi to Khajuraho. The temples here are a revelation — not just for their famous erotic carvings, but for their intricate storytelling. Walk among the Western Group of Temples, where every sandstone sculpture seems alive, from celestial nymphs to scenes of daily life. The artistry is breathtaking; you will marvel at how these temples, built over 1,000 years ago, capture humanity in all its forms. In the afternoon, visit the Eastern Group for a more tranquil experience, surrounded by gardens and birdsong.
Where to stay in Khajuraho
The area near Temple Road is perfect for easy access to the main sights. You’ll find everything from homely guesthouses to boutique hotels with leafy courtyards. If you want a more secluded retreat, Sevagram has quiet rooms with serene views of the countryside.
Day 5: Temples of Orchha and transfer to Agra
Travel time: about 4 hours to Orchha, then 3.5-4 hours to Agra
Leave Khajuraho early in the morning for Orchha, a riverside city frozen in time. Explore the Chaturbhuj temple, whose secret staircase leads you to stunning views. The Orchha cenotaphs along the Betwa River are ghostly beautiful, especially in the soft morning light.
After lunch, continue your journey to Agra. You will arrive just in time to see the Taj Mahal in the moonlight - its white marble glowing against the night sky will be remembered forever.
Red Fort
The Red Fort in Agra, also known as Agra Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major historical landmark in India. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, this massive red sandstone fortress served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Inside the walls are impressive structures like the Jahangir Palace and the Diwan i Khas. The fort offers beautiful views of the Taj Mahal from its pavilions. Rich in history and architecture, the Red Fort is a must-visit for anyone exploring Agra and the legacy of the Mughal Empire.
Where to stay in Agra
Stay in Taj Ganj for the thrill of waking up close to the Taj Mahal. If you prefer a more modern experience, hotels along Fatehabad Road provide all the comforts without straying too far from the main attractions.
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Day 6: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Nothing prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The air is cool, the crowds are sparse, and the monument itself seems almost ethereal as it reflects the changing colors of the sky. Spend the morning taking in the details - the symmetry, the floral inlays and the incredible love story behind it.
Then visit the Agra Fort, where you can imagine how the Mughal emperors plotted their great conquests from its royal quarters. To end the day, explore the bustling bazaars of Agra and treat yourself to pethas, the city's signature sweets.
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Day 7: Fatehpur Sikri
Travel time: 1 hour to Fatehpur Sikri and 4-5 hours to Jaipur
Set out for Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned Mughal capital that feels like an open-air museum. Walk through the monumental Buland Darwaza, the grand gateway that greets you as you approach. Inside, the Jama Masjid and Panch Mahal are striking examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. But it’s the eerie quiet of the city that stays with you — a stark reminder of its fleeting glory.
After exploring, drive to Jaipur, with a detour to the Abhaneri stepwell, an intricate geometric marvel that’s worth the extra time.
Where to stay in Jaipur
Bani Park is a fantastic choice for its heritage hotels and tranquil vibe. If you prefer to be in the thick of things, stay within the Pink City, where you can step out and find yourself in Jaipur’s lively streets.
Day 8: Amber Fort and City Palace
Start your day at Amber Fort, a sprawling hilltop palace that’s best visited early to avoid the crowds. Explore its mirrored halls, hidden courtyards, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Afterward, head to Jaipur’s City Palace, a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and enjoy an afternoon exploring Jaipur’s bustling bazaars. Jaipur is also a shopper’s paradise — look for handcrafted jewelry, vibrant textiles, and traditional blue pottery.
Day 9: Jaipur
Today, delve deeper into the treasures of Jaipur. Visit Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory, and photograph the iconic honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal. For something unique, book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Rajasthani thali, a platter filled with local specialties like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi.
Day 10: Departure
It’s time to say goodbye to India. Spend your morning relaxing or squeezing in some last-minute shopping in Jaipur’s bazaars. Jaipur is well-connected to Delhi by a short flight or train, making it an easy final stop for your India itinerary for 10 days.
Things to know before your 10 day India itinerary
Is 10 days enough in India?−
Not entirely, but you can definitely catch a glimpse of its magic. India’s vastness is its charm — every region is like stepping into a new world. In 10 days, your best bet is to focus. Up north, hit the Golden Triangle: explore Delhi’s chaotic streets, stand in awe at the Taj Mahal in Agra, and soak in the royal grandeur of Jaipur. Add Udaipur for its dreamy lakes or Varanasi for its spiritual pull, if time allows. Prefer the south? Drift through Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat or relax on Goa’s sandy shores with a cocktail in hand.
Here’s the thing: travel in India isn’t a sprint. Trains have their own timetable, cities are full of surprises, and half the fun is just soaking it all in. With India itinerary for 10 days, you won’t see it all, but you’ll leave with stories worth sharing and a hunger to come back for more.
