"Incredible" India in Two Weeks

Suggested itinerary
Duration: 15 Nights
Route: Delhi (3) → Agra (1) → Ranthambore (2) → Jaipur (2) → Udaipur (2) → Ananda (5)

Trip highlights:
-Premium luxury accommodations across India’s royal cities.
-A deep dive into culture, wildlife and spirituality.
-A perfect blend of adventure, heritage, cuisine and wellness.

Day 1–3: Delhi – India’s capital of contrasts

A vibrant blend of ancient history and cosmopolitan energy, Delhi is where Mughal domes rise beside colonial boulevards and modern skyscrapers. From spiritual Sikh shrines and bustling spice bazaars in Old Delhi to elegant fine dining and world-class hotels in New Delhi, the city offers a fascinating first taste of India’s cultural and architectural richness.

Hotel suggestions:
-The Leela Palace: A stunning blend of Lutyens architecture and Indian opulence, The Leela Palace offers top-tier luxury in the heart of Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave.
-The Oberoi: Sleek, sophisticated, and recently renovated, The Oberoi features sweeping views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb.
-The Lodhi: A sleek, modern luxury hotel nestled near Lodhi Gardens, The Lodhi offers spacious rooms with private plunge pools, contemporary Indian design, and a serene atmosphere.
-The Imperial: A grand heritage hotel dripping with colonial charm—marble hallways, vintage photographs, and afternoon tea in the garden.

Activities:
-Humayun’s Tomb: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this serene garden tomb is a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
-Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India with sweeping views of Old Delhi from its minarets.
-Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride: Through Chandni Chowk, visiting Jama Masjid and spice markets.
-Bangla Sahib Gurdwara: A spiritual Sikh shrine with a golden dome, peaceful sarovar (water tank), and a community kitchen that feeds thousands daily.
-Agrasen ki Baoli: A hauntingly beautiful 14th-century stepwell tucked behind Connaught Place.
-Qutub Minar: The tallest brick minaret in the world surrounded by intricate Indo-Islamic architecture.

Shopping tip: This is the place to purchase spices, handicrafts, and traditional Indian clothing.

Dining:
-Dum Pukht (ITC Maurya): Refined Awadhi cuisine served in a regal setting.
-Jamavar (Leela Palace): An exquisite dining experience that reflects the royal heritage of Indian cuisine specializing in North Indian and Kashmiri dishes.
-Lunch at Three Sixty Restaurant (The Oberoi): A relaxed yet elegant experience, with excellent continental and Indian fare.

Day 4: Agra – The city of eternal love

Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is a city steeped in Mughal legacy. Beyond its iconic white marble mausoleum lies a treasure trove of red sandstone forts, faded palaces, and peaceful gardens. It’s a place of grand romance and imperial ambition.

Transfer: Private car (approx. 3.5–4 hours drive)

Hotel suggestion:
-The Oberoi Amarvilas: Unrivaled views of the Taj Mahal from every room. The architecture, Mughal-style fountains, and terraced lawns make this stay magical.

Activities:
-Taj Mahal: Often described as the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Delicately inlaid with semi-precious stones and calligraphy, it stands as an eternal symbol of love and loss. Visit at sunrise to see its translucent surface shift from pale pink to glowing white, and at sunset when it blushes golden-orange in the fading light.
-Agra Fort: A UNESCO site showcasing the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
-Moti Bagh (Motimahal Complex): A lesser-visited but beautifully preserved Mughal garden and palace site that once served as a royal retreat.
-Fatehpur Sikri: A one-hour drive from Agra, this UNESCO-listed abandoned Mughal capital is a marvel of sandstone palaces, mosques, and courtyards.

Dining:
-Peshawri (ITC Mughal): Rustic, hearty north Indian cuisine served in a hands-on style.

Built by a king for the love of his life, the Taj Mahal is not overrated!

Views of the Taj Mahal everywhere you look from The Oberio Amarvilas in Agra

Day 5–7: Ranthambore – into the wild

Once the royal hunting grounds of Jaipur’s maharajas, Ranthambore is now one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. Here, Bengal tigers roam freely among ancient ruins, dense forests, and lakes shimmering with birdlife. It’s a thrilling retreat for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking raw beauty with refined comfort.

Transfer: Private car (approx. 5 hours by car)

Hotel suggestions:
-Aman-i-Khas: A serene, ultra-luxurious wilderness camp with just ten Mughal-style canvas tents set on the edge of Ranthambore National Park. Known for its minimalist opulence, private butlers, and spiritual stillness, this is a retreat where nature and indulgence coexist harmoniously.
-The Oberoi Vanyavilas: Set against the backdrop of the jungle, these luxe tented accommodations offer colonial-era elegance with fine detailing and impeccable service.

Activities:
-Ranthambore National Park: Two exhilarating morning and afternoon jeep safaris through the park. Chance to see Bengal tigers, sloth bears, leopards, and diverse birdlife.

Off the beaten path:
-Visit Dastkar, an NGO working to support traditional Indian craftspeople, many of them women and village based, with the objective of helping craftspeople regain their place in the economic mainstream.

Dining:
-Aman-i-Khas Dining Tent: A serene, candle-lit pavilion where menus are curated daily using fresh organic produce and inspired by Mughal, Rajasthani, and wellness cuisine. Private bush dinners or courtyard meals under the stars are also available on request.
-The Oberoi Bush Dinner Experience: A private dining setup in the forest near Vanyavilas, surrounded by lanterns and the sounds of the jungle.

Tiger sighting during safari in Ranthambore

Day 7–9: Jaipur – the pink jewel of Rajasthan

Jaipur dazzles with royal palaces, pink-hued facades, and a flair for color and craft. From the fairytale towers of the Hawa Mahal to the mirrored halls of Amber Fort, the city enchants with a mix of regal grandeur and vibrant street life. Known for its artisanal shopping and rich cuisine, Jaipur is where heritage meets high style.

Transfer: Private car (approx. 3.5–4 hours)

Hotel suggestions:
-Rambagh Palace (Taj Hotels): Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this iconic palace offers a fairytale experience with peacocks roaming the gardens, opulent suites, and impeccable butler service.
-Rajmahal Palace (RAAS Hotels): An intimate, pastel-hued heritage palace with just 13 rooms, Rajmahal Palace blends art deco flair with royal charm.
-The Oberoi Rajvilas: Set in a lush 32-acre oasis of gardens, fountains, and temples, Rajvilas combines Rajasthani heritage with Oberoi’s legendary hospitality. Stay in a luxury tent or a private villa and enjoy serene spa treatments and evening temple rituals.
-LaaLee Palace Jaipur (Boutique Luxury)
A newer gem on Jaipur’s hotel scene, LaaLee Palace blends heritage-inspired design with intimate, contemporary luxury. Ideal for travelers who want a stylish, personalized stay with beautiful interiors and fewer crowds.

Activities:
-Hawa Mahal: The iconic "Palace of Winds" or “Pink Palace”—best viewed from a rooftop café.
-Amber Fort: Grand hilltop fortress with elephant or jeep ride to the top.
-City Palace & Museum: Home to royal family artifacts and an art-filled courtyard.
-Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory with impressive instruments still in use.
-Gyan Museum: A refined private collection in a modern setting showcasing rare Indian textiles, jewelry, manuscripts, and miniature paintings.

Off the beaten path:
-Get your palm read by a respected palm reader and astrologist.
-Do hands on block printing and learn how Indian carpets are weaved.
-Enjoy a cooking class and dinner with a family in a private home.

Shopping tip: This is the place to purchase precious and semi-precious stones, as well as block printed textiles.

Dining suggestions:
-Suvarna Mahal (Rambagh Palace): Housed in the former palace’s grand dining hall with gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers, Suvarna Mahal offers a royal culinary experience. Contemporary Rajasthani in a historic setting.
-Shikhaar Bagh (Hotel Narain Niwas Palace): The carriages and twinkling lights in the outdoor seating area compliment the medley of north Indian and European dishes.
-1135 AD: Dine like royalty inside Amber Fort.

The Pink Palace in Jaipur is a) not a palace but a facade and b) is more terracota than pink

Day 9–11: Udaipur – The City of Lakes and Palaces

Romantic and refined, Udaipur unfolds like a miniature Venice with its shimmering lakes, whitewashed havelis, and floating palaces. The Aravalli Hills frame this city of poets and kings, where sunsets melt over Lake Pichola and marble temples rise from flower-draped courtyards.

Transfer: Flight from Jaipur to Udaipur (one hour)

Hotel suggestions:
-The Oberoi Udaivilas: A lakeside palace set on 50 acres of landscaped gardens and interconnecting courtyards. Known for its Mughal domes, tranquil pools, and peacock-dotted lawns.
-The Leela Palace Udaipur: With majestic views of the lake and City Palace, The Leela combines contemporary luxury with Rajasthani heritage.

Activities:
-City Palace: A sprawling complex with courtyards, terraces, and museums.
-Boat ride on Lake Pichola: Best during sunset, taking in the grandeur of the lakefront palaces.
-Saheliyon-ki-Bari: A tranquil garden retreat once used by royal ladies.
-Jagdish Temple: A 17th-century Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that is a stunning example of Mewar architecture.

Off the beaten path:
-If you’re lucky enough to be in Udaipur during an auspicious day, visit the Jagdish Temple for a blessing of wellbeing for all.
-Enjoy a morning bike tour along the lakes and local villages,
-Take a 30 minute drive outside the city to see the Eklingji Temple, a revered 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the nearby ancient site of Nagda featuring beautiful 10th-century temple ruins,

Shopping tip: This is the place to purchase sterling silver.

Dining suggestions:
-Sheesh Mahal (The Leela Palace): Alfresco fine dining with candlelight reflections off the lake.
-Ambrai Restaurant: Riverside spot with views of the Lake Palace.
-Millets of Mewar: A cozy, farm-to-table restaurant focusing on organic ingredients and traditional millet-based dishes. Known for healthy, flavorful meals inspired by Mewar’s culinary heritage.

Just outside of Udaipur, you will find Nagda, a site of 10th-century temple ruins

Nightly ceremonial ritual featuring Rajasthani folk music and dance at The Leela Palace Udaipur

Day 11–15: Ananda in the Himalayas – soulful serenity

Tucked into the forested foothills above Rishikesh, Ananda is India’s premier destination spa and wellness retreat. Housed in a former Maharaja’s palace estate, it offers transformative Ayurvedic treatments, yoga in the Himalayan mist, and holistic healing in an atmosphere of sublime tranquility.

Transfer: Flight from Udaipur to Dehradun via Delhi (approx. three to four hours total); private car from Dehradun airport to Ananda (approx. one hour)

Highlights:
-Personalized wellness consultations (detox, stress management, weight loss).
-Morning yoga and meditation sessions.
-Ayurvedic spa therapies and hydrotherapy suites.
-Healthy, gourmet Ayurvedic cuisine tailored to your dosha.
-Sound baths, cooking classes, and lectures.
-Experience Ganga Aarti, a Hindu ritual ceremony of worship performed at dusk in honor of the Ganges River.

Afternoon sound meditations at Ananda, a wellness retreat in the Himalayas

Be sure to obtain your India visa before departure. Women should bring a long skirt or pants to cover their legs in some of the temples. Be careful not to drink the water and eat only in reputable restaurants and hotels. Pack medicine just in case.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our India page.