3-Week India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week India tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffIndia travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in Central India, incl. Mumbai and Delhi

  Remarkable 21-day tour spanning 13 cities from Mumbai to Delhi. Features 6 wildlife safaris, visits to UNESCO sites like Sanchi Stupas, and medieval cities. Includes 20 nights in 3-star hotels with 20 breakfasts and 4 dinners.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Mumbai

    Start your journey in Mumbai. Get to the Gateway of India before 9 AM to beat the crowds and catch the first ferry to Elephanta Caves. Plan to visit Marine Drive around 6 PM when locals come out for their evening walks and the sunset creates a beautiful backdrop.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mandu

    Fly to Indore (2 hours) and drive 2 hours to Mandu. The ghost city sits 600m above sea level so bring light layers for cool evenings. The morning light works best for photographing the Islamic architecture.

    
  • Day 5

    Maheshwar & Omkareshwar

    A 3-hour drive brings you to these riverside towns. Start at Maheshwar Fort, then time your visit to catch the evening aarti ceremony on the Narmada River at Omkareshwar. Bring small bills for boat rides.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Bhopal & Sanchi

    Stay in Bhopal while exploring the UNESCO Buddhist monuments at Sanchi. Start the 2.5-hour drive to Sanchi early to avoid peak heat. The site has little shade so bring a hat and water.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Satpura National Park

    Experience unique walking safaris and boat rides here. The 6 AM safaris offer the best wildlife viewing. Book accommodation well ahead as options near the park are limited.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Bandhavgarh

    Stop in Jabalpur for a night before spending two days in tiger-rich Bandhavgarh. Summer safaris start at 5:30 AM. Bring warm clothes for chilly morning jeep rides.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Khajuraho

    Visit the temples early morning or late afternoon for ideal photography light. Book tickets a day ahead for the sound and light show.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Orchha

    Spend two days in this medieval riverside town. The cenotaphs look stunning at sunset. Visit the fort complex in the morning when temperatures are cooler.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Gwalior

    The hilltop fort is the main attraction. Start early to avoid climbing in the heat. You'll need a guide to access the Man Mandir Palace interiors. Your hotel can help arrange one.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Delhi

    Finish in Delhi exploring both old and new areas. Start Old Delhi tours by 8 AM before Chandni Chowk gets busy. The metro often beats taking taxis. Get a prepaid card if staying several days.

    

  View itinerary

• 21 Day India Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Mumbai

  A grand 21-day tour winds through 17 cities across India, from Delhi's ancient monuments to Mumbai's colonial heritage. The route includes 13 guided tours, featuring UNESCO sites like Taj Mahal, Ajanta-Ellora caves, and Khajuraho temples, with comfortable 3-star accommodations.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Delhi

    Plan to arrive in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic. Visit Qutub Minar early in the morning before the crowds, followed by Humayun's Tomb and India Gate. Spend your second day exploring Old Delhi, including Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid. "The rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk spice market was unforgettable."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Varanasi

    Catch a morning flight to Varanasi. The early boat ride on the Ganges is a must before sunrise when the ghats are quiet and peaceful. "The early morning boat ride on the Ganges was an unforgettable experience." Visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath in the afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Khajuraho & Agra

    Fly to Khajuraho to see the famous temples then take a train to Agra. Get to the Taj Mahal at sunrise for the best photos and smaller crowds. "The Taj Mahal at sunrise was amazing." Make time for Agra Fort and the beautiful Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Jaipur & Shahpura

    Drive to Jaipur stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. Bring sun protection as the red sandstone reflects heat. Book your elephant ride at Amber Fort early as they stop at 11am. Visit City Palace and Hawa Mahal later in the day. Head to Shahpura for a quieter taste of Rajasthan.

    
  • Days 11-15

    Desert Circuit

    Take the 6.5-hour drive from Nimaj to Jaisalmer early. The camel safari in Jaisalmer's sand dunes is a highlight. Visit Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort next. Bring warm and cool clothes since desert temperatures change a lot.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Udaipur

    Stay at a lakeside hotel in India's most romantic city. "Udaipur's City Palace and boat ride on Lake Pichola were mesmerizing." Visit the City Palace first thing before tour groups arrive.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Aurangabad & Mumbai

    Fly to Aurangabad to explore the UNESCO sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Good walking shoes are essential. End your trip in Mumbai but plan extra time for city traffic.

    

  View itinerary

• 21 Days in Rajasthan, incl. Delhi and Jaipur

  The royal 21-day excursion spans 16 cities across Rajasthan. From Old Delhi's Jama Masjid to Udaipur's Lake Palace, featuring 2 tiger safaris at Ranthambore, desert camping at Sam Sand Dunes, and UNESCO sites like Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Delhi Exploration

    Start in Delhi with an early morning rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk's narrow alleys. Get there before 9 AM to avoid the crowds. A recent visitor shared: "The morning rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's spice market was incredible - the aromas and bustling energy really immerse you in local life."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Agra & Fatehpur Sikri

    The drive to Agra takes about 4 hours. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and use the East Gate to avoid long lines. Next up is the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Getting a local guide will help you understand the rich history of these ruins.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Jaipur & Pushkar

    See Jaipur's City Palace and Amber Fort in the morning before it gets too hot. Take the elephant ride to Amber Fort early, ideally before 10 AM. When you visit the temples in Pushkar, remember to dress modestly.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Ranthambore National Park

    Book both morning and afternoon safari drives to increase your chances of seeing tigers. Bring warm clothes for early morning drives, even during warm seasons.

    
  • Days 9-12

    Cultural Triangle (Kota-Bundi-Chittorgarh-Udaipur)

    Take your time in this cultural hub. Book a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur when the palace lights create a beautiful scene. Set aside 3-4 hours for Chittorgarh Fort as it's quite large.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Jodhpur & Surrounds

    Visit Mehrangarh Fort in the morning to beat the heat. Take the Vishnoi Village safari for authentic local experiences. Wear good walking shoes since you'll make frequent stops.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Jaisalmer & Desert Experience

    Bring strong sun protection in the golden city. Book a well-equipped camp for your Sam Sand Dunes stay. One visitor noted: "The camel safari and overnight desert camp was magical, but bring warm clothes - desert nights get surprisingly cold."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Bikaner, Mandawa & Return to Delhi

    Explore the painted havelis in the Shekhawati region. Take guided walks in Mandawa to find hidden havelis in the narrow streets. Plan extra time for your return to Delhi to account for traffic.

    

  View itinerary