Last Updated : Nov 28, 2025 | Author : Tanya Parsad | View Count : 1224 | Read Time : 9 min

Explore the Land of Wonders with an Expertly Curated Luxury India Itinerary

If you want a rewarding trip to India, you must come prepared to be amazed! From the moment you step foot inside a grand palace in Rajasthan where the kings once ruled, to a traditional backwaters cruise through Kerala– this incredible subcontinent delivers experiences pictures never quite capture. The architecture alone is worth the holiday– centuries-old forts carved from red or golden sandstone, pristine white marble tombs, cities painted in shades of pink & blue– could fill an entire trip! But then you realise there’s the natural beauty too, the wildlife, the tea estates, the beaches… the sheer diversity of India makes it one of the most loved holiday destinations.

Having traversed the great lengths of this Land of Wonders, I have learned it’s no small task to plan a single trip’s itinerary. You could be here for years and still find some place new to discover, a new festival to experience or a boutique hotel that’ll appeal to luxury-seekers. To give your planning a headstart, I’m sharing a 21-day India itinerary which perfectly captures the essence of all of India’s contrasting four regions.

How many days in your luxury India itinerary do you need to really see all the highlights?

Twenty days gives you enough time to experience India's incredible diversity without feeling rushed. You'll cover the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), spiritual Varanasi, romantic Udaipur, wildlife safaris in Kaziranga, cosmopolitan Mumbai, relaxed Goa beaches, and Kerala's tea plantations and backwaters. This itinerary touches all four regions—North, East, West, and South

Table of Contents

What's the Best Route Through North India's Historic Cities?

If you’re coming from the US, the best place to begin your journey in India is Delhi or Mumbai. Both have a decent number of direct flights from the US, and they’re set up with the kind of infrastructure that lets you ease into this country comfortably. I usually suggest Delhi for this particular route since you're going to start with the north anyway.

Days 1-2: Delhi

The capital city of India comes with striking contrasts– majorly since it’s been the capital not once, not twice but eight different times in history! A multitude of empires left behind a wealth of architectural masterpieces & cultures to explore here.

On the first day, I'd suggest exploring New Delhi, commonly called the “Lutyens Zone”. Visit the India Gate, a war memorial that’s especially beautiful at sunset. Nearby are the magnificent President & Parliament houses, followed by the mughal-era Humayun’s tomb, said to have inspired the Taj’s design.

Day two can be dedicated to Old Delhi & the rest of the centuries-old sites. Start early with a heritage walk tour through the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, the rampant Red Fort & the noblemen’s havelis (mansions). From there, you can wander through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest & largest markets.

For accommodations, The Oberoi in New Delhi sets the bar high. It's elegant without being stuffy, and the location is perfect for exploring both old and new Delhi.

Day 3: Agra

Enjoy a delish breakfast before a professional chauffeur-driven car takes you to Agra with a smooth 3-4 hour long journey. Everyone comes to Agra for the Taj Mahal, undoubtedly, and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. I always tell people to visit at sunrise, when it’s absolutely magical, and reserve their afternoon for the Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh.

The Agra Fort is imposing and historically fascinating– it's where the then-emperor Shah Jahan ruled the Mughal empire from & spent his last years in, gazing at the Taj Mahal in the distance. Mehtab Bagh, on the other hand, was supposed to be an extension of the Taj complex, and it shows. Enjoy gorgeous sunset views of the Taj from the back & stroll through its manicured gardens with the Yamuna River gracefully flowing by.

Booking with a luxury travel agency means you’ll be the first one of the day to enter the complex & experience the Taj in its full glory with almost no one else around. Watching its ethereal white marble change colors as the sun rises is genuinely moving. You might think you know what to expect from all the photos you've seen, but standing there in person is worlds apart from your imagination!

The Oberoi Amarvilas is my absolute favorite property– not only in Agra but the world! Quite some celebrities & world leaders share my views on this hotel. Each one of its suites have unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal, need I say more?

Days 4-5: Jaipur

Roughly 4 hours from the City of Taj lies the royal Jaipur. On your drive here from Agra, you could stop at Abhaneri village to see the world’s largest stepwell– I find these ancient engineering feats pretty fascinating. Capital of the desert kingdom state Rajasthan, Jaipur is lovingly known as the “Pink City” too. It is part of a tour popularly called the Golden Triangle– with Agra & Delhi completing the trio.

Begin your sightseeing at the grand hill-top Amber Fort in the morning, where you will explore a multitude of courtyards, gaze at the city views & discover stunning palaces including the stunning Mirror Palace. Make your way down to the walled city to visit the City Palace, which is still partially occupied by the royal family. Having booked with a luxury travel agency really helps here, they provide the best private expert guides to capture the essence of the vast history associated with these places.

Day five’s afternoon should include the photogenic Hawa Mahal & the nearby Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory. In the evening, I highly recommend exploring the local bazaars (markets)- the textiles & jewelry in Jaipur are exceptional, and if you're working with a good travel agency, their 24/7 white-glove concierge can arrange private shopping experiences.

The Taj Rambagh Palace, a converted palace hotel, is my top pick for accommodation here. Every corner of the property reminds you that you’re in a real palace– the manicured gardens, the vintage furniture & the royal dining areas.

Book your luxury Golden Triangle

Day 6: Udaipur

A seamless private transfer will take you to the Jaipur airport for your hour-long flight to Udaipur. Alternatively, your luxury travel agency can arrange a private charter or helicopter journey to Udaipur, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes too. Also called the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is romantic, there's no better word for it. It's built around a number of lakes and has this softer, more elegant vibe than the other royal cities in Rajasthan.

For sightseeing, start with the City Palace, it’s grand and overlooks the serene Lake Pichola, where you can indulge in a private sunset cruise later. The Taj Lake Palace in the middle of this lake is beautiful and one of the world’s best heritage hotels. Continue your journey with visits to the ethereal Jagdish Temple and then Saheliyon ki Bari (the Garden of the Maidens).

For hotels, besides the most famous The Taj Lake Palace, the Oberoi Udaivilas on the shore is equally stunning.

Day 7-8: Varanasi

You'll fly from Udaipur to Varanasi with a connection. Being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is Hindu India at its most intense and spiritual.

For those who value authentic moments of quiet in serene locations, wake up early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. Watching people perform their morning rituals in the river, the smoke from cremation fires rising, temples everywhere– is quite a lot to take in. You should attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening.

Day ten, you might want to take a morning trip to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. It's much calmer than Varanasi. Brijrama Palace on the Ganges offers heritage charm with modern comfort. The suites with river views are spectacular.

How Do You Discover East India's Hidden Gems?

Day 11: Kolkata

From Varanasi, you'll fly to Kolkata. With just one full day here, I advise you to start with the Victoria Memorial, this huge white marble building with a museum inside. Visit the Kali Temple at Kalighat, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. In the evening, explore New Market for shopping and definitely eat some Bengali sweets. Rosogolla and sandesh are local specialties you won't find done this well anywhere else.

The Oberoi Grand is classic luxury in the heart of the city, perfect for a quick overnight stay.

Start Planning Your India Tour

Days 12-13: Guwahati and Kaziranga

Early morning flight from Kolkata to Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India. Then it's about a five-hour drive to Kaziranga National Park. Your chauffeur-driven car makes this long drive much more comfortable than it would be otherwise.

You'll want to do an early morning elephant safari on day thirteen. This is the best way to get close to the rhinos. The elephant safaris take you through tall grasslands where jeeps can't go, and you'll see these prehistoric-looking creatures grazing just meters away. After breakfast, head out on a jeep safari. The park is amazing, and if you're lucky, you might also spot elephants, water buffalo, and tigers.

Having all this arranged through bespoke tailored itineraries of India means you don't have to worry about permit bookings or timing. After your afternoon safari, you'll drive back to Guwahati airport for your flight to Mumbai.

Book Your Rhino Safari

What's the Most Rewarding Way to Cover West India?

Days 14-15: Mumbai

You'll arrive in Mumbai in the evening from Guwahati. Mumbai is India's financial capital and its most cosmopolitan city.

Day fourteen, start at the Gateway of India. From there, you can take a ferry to Elephanta Caves, these ancient rock-cut temples on an island in the harbor. Your second day, explore South Mumbai's colonial architecture. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful train stations you'll ever see. Marine Drive is perfect for an evening walk.

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai is the most iconic hotel, right at the Gateway of India.

Day 16: Goa

Fly from Mumbai to Goa, about an hour. Goa is where India goes to relax, and you should too. I'd stay in South Goa for a more peaceful vibe. Palolem Beach is beautiful and not too crowded.

But Goa isn't just beaches. Old Goa has beautiful churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Panjim has these colorful Portuguese-style houses and a relaxed vibe. You should also try the food. Goan cuisine is unique, with its seafood curry and vindaloo.

Day 17: Ahmedabad

From Goa, fly to Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The Sabarmati Ashram is where Gandhi lived and led India's independence movement for years. It's simple and moving. The old city has beautiful pols and the Jama Masjid, built in 1424. Adalaj Stepwell is outside the city and worth seeing.

What Should Your South India Journey Include Beyond the Temples?

Day 18: Kochi

Fly from Ahmedabad to Kochi in Kerala. This coastal city has been a trading port for centuries, and that history of mixing cultures is everywhere.

Fort Kochi is the historic area you'll spend most of your time in. The Chinese fishing nets along the shore are iconic. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Mattancherry Palace has beautiful murals. Don't miss a Kathakali performance, this classical dance-drama with elaborate makeup and costumes.

Brunton Boatyard is a charming heritage hotel right on the water.

Day 19: Munnar

From Kochi, it's about a four-hour drive up into the hills to Munnar. The drive itself is beautiful, winding through forests and tea plantations. The temperature drops as you climb, which feels amazing after coastal heat.

Munnar is tea country. The hills are covered in tea estates, and it's incredibly green. Visit a tea plantation and factory to see how tea is processed. Eravikulam National Park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat species. The park is beautiful, with rolling hills and the chance to see these animals up close.

Windermere Estate is colonial-era luxury in the hills.

Day 20: Thekkady

Drive from Munnar to Thekkady, about three to four hours. Thekkady is home to Periyar National Park, one of South India's most famous wildlife reserves.

The main activity is a boat ride on Periyar Lake. You'll see elephants, bison, deer, and various birds along the shoreline. Tiger sightings are rare but possible. The spice plantations around Thekkady are worth visiting. Kerala produces cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. The tours show you how these spices grow and are processed.

Spice Village is designed like a traditional village but with luxury amenities.

Day 21: Alleppey

Your final destination is Alleppey, about four hours from Thekkady. This is backwater country, and it's where you'll spend your last full day in India.

The thing to do in Alleppey is a houseboat cruise. These houseboats (called kettuvallams) used to transport rice and spices but now they're floating hotels. You cruise through narrow canals, past villages and rice paddies, watching daily life happen along the water. It's incredibly peaceful.

Some houseboats are basic, others are luxury with air conditioning and proper bathrooms. If you've booked through a luxury travel agency, they'll arrange one of the nicer boats. Overnight cruises are popular, you anchor somewhere quiet for the night and wake up to misty canals and bird’s callings.

Day 22: Farewell

From Alleppey, it's about an hour and a half drive back to Kochi airport. You could also arrange private helicopter rides for transfers if you're looking to fly out from Mumbai or Delhi instead for better international connections. That flexibility is one of those things that makes working with a good travel agency worth it.

Talk to Our Experts

FAQs

1. How much does private transportation throughout the journey really add to the experience compared to trains or flights?
Honestly, it transforms the trip. Having a private chauffeur-driven car means you're not waiting for groups, you can adjust timing based on how you feel, and you travel in air-conditioned comfort. The drives through Rajasthan are long, and doing them in a quality vehicle with a professional driver makes them enjoyable rather than exhausting. Plus, your driver often becomes a cultural interpreter, sharing insights you wouldn't get otherwise.

2. What's the best time of year for this complete itinerary covering north, east, west, and south India?
October through March is your window. November and February are probably ideal because you avoid both extreme heat and peak holiday crowds. January can get chilly in North India (you'll need layers), but it's perfect weather for Goa and Kerala. Avoid April through September when you're dealing with either scorching heat or monsoon rains that can make some areas difficult to access.

3. Can I customize this route by skipping certain cities if I'm more interested in nature than forts?
Absolutely, and that's where working with a good travel planner really helps. Want to skip Jodhpur and add more time in Kaziranga? Easy to arrange. Not interested in city touring? Focus more on Kerala's landscapes and wildlife. The framework I've outlined works well, but bespoke tailored itineraries mean adjusting to your interests. Some people add Ranthambore for tiger safaris, others extend the Kerala portion. The beauty of luxury travel is that flexibility.