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

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.