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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 21 Day India Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Goa

  The 21-day route connects 11 Indian cities from Delhi to Kochi, including 18 nights in hotels/guesthouses, 1 night on sleeper train, and 1 night homestay. Highlights feature Taj Mahal tour, Kerala backwater cruise, and Savitri Temple sunrise.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Delhi & Agra

    Begin in Delhi's bustling Karol Bagh market. On Day 2, take the morning train to Agra (2-3 hours). One traveler's advice: "Get to the Taj Mahal before 9am, the morning light makes those marble domes absolutely glow." Visit Agra Fort later in the day when it's less crowded.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Jaipur

    Take the bus to Jaipur (7 hours), known as the Pink City. See the markets by cycle rickshaw. Visit Amber Fort early on Day 4. A past visitor notes: "The mirrored palace rooms are stunning, but bring water. It's a steep climb up even with the jeep ride."

    
  • Days 5-7

    Rural India & Pushkar

    Visit the village of Tordi Sagar before heading to spiritual Pushkar. The Savitri Temple hike offers incredible sunrise views. Start your 30-minute climb by 5:30am on the steep steps.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Udaipur

    Udaipur lives up to its nickname as the Venice of the East. Try a cooking class or morning bike tour. A visitor suggests: "Book the evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. The City Palace looks magical at sunset."

    
  • Days 11-12

    Mumbai

    Travel to Mumbai by overnight train. Walk through the historic Fort area and watch the sunset at Chowpatty Beach. One traveler shares: "The Crawford Market is chaotic but fascinating. Go early before it gets too crowded."

    
  • Days 13-14

    Goa

    Fly to North Goa to enjoy beaches and Portuguese architecture. Check out the night markets and local nightlife. A traveler tip: "The beaches are gorgeous but can get busy. Head to Arambol for a more laid-back vibe."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Kerala Backwaters

    Fly to Kochi and continue to Alleppey for a local homestay. Take the morning ferry through the waterways. As one visitor shares: "The homestay was a highlight. You really experience local Kerala life."

    
  • Days 18-21

    South India Coast

    Visit Kollam's fishing communities and relax in Varkala. Finish your trip in Kochi exploring the Chinese fishing nets and spice markets. Book a traditional Kathakali dance show for your final night.

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