Are you planning a journey through India and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll help you! If you have 15 days, you can take a memorable route through the Asian country, one of those that you will not forget. A priori, India is a country that gives a lot of respect and many tourists decide to go with an agency, although putting together the trip alone is not that complicated. In this article we tell you our route through India in 15 days, with all the things to see and also the budget you need. At the end of the article we tell you what it all cost us!
JOURNEY THROUGH INDIA IN 15 DAYS
This journey through India in 15 days is exactly what we did. It starts in New Delhi and ends in Bombay. With the exception of the last city, we did all the transfers with a private driver. He takes care of all the transfers between destinations and also takes you from one place to another when you are visiting the cities. Honestly, we think it’s the best way to get around India.
If you are interested in traveling with our driver, write us an email and we will help you. Having a trusted person is essential in India, and it also gives you greater security. If you want to opt for the (cheaper) train, doing this route through India in 15 days is impossible, since it will take much longer for the transfers. Keep in mind that India is a huge country, and although it may seem on the map that the distances are short, they really are not.
Arrival in New Delhi
There is no better place to start this route through India in 15 days than New Delhi. You will probably arrive in the capital of India after a long flight, so it is recommended that you take advantage of the first few hours to settle into your hotel and rest.
The traffic in New Delhi is terrible, so depending on what time you arrive you will not have much time to visit its attractions. We tell you some of the best things to do in New Delhi so you don’t miss anything!
New Delhi
The second day of this route through India in 15 days will allow you to see some of the most interesting places in the capital of India. This is how we organize the itinerary!
Old Delhi
This is the oldest and most historic part of Delhi. It dates back to 1648, when Shah Jahan moved the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi, then called Shahjahanabad. There you will find some of the main attractions of New Delhi such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid or the Chandni Chowk Market.
Take advantage of the entire morning to visit these sites. The driver will drop you off at the Red Fort parking lot, as cars are not allowed in Old Delhi. Once there, we recommend negotiating the price of a tuk tuk, since walking is not advisable. The traffic is terrible!
Raj Ghat
Before lunch, we recommend visiting Raj Ghat. It is very close to Old Delhi and there you can visit a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi, the Father of the Nation. If you have time and are interested, you can also enter his museum.
Lunch in Veda
This was one of the best restaurants we tried on our 15-day tour of India. They serve some of the classics of typical Indian food, and the place is beautiful. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it!
If you want to see more options, we tell you 8 restaurants to eat in Delhi (good and safe).
Sunset in Akshardham
And to top off your first full day in New Delhi, we recommend visiting Akshardham during sunset. It is the second largest Hindu temple in the world and one of the most beautiful we saw on our route through India in 15 days. Of course, keep in mind that you won’t even be able to enter your phone for security reasons.
New Delhi, one of the most interesting days of this route through India in 15 days
We liked the second full day in New Delhi even more than the first. You will see some of the most impressive sites on this route through India in 15 days!
Qutub Minar
Start your second day in New Delhi by visiting the world’s tallest brick minaret. Is awesome! It is the oldest Islamic monument in New Delhi, so it is a gem that cannot be missed on your route.
Lotus Temple
Then visit the famous Lotus Temple, which will surprise you with its architecture. As its name indicates, it is inspired by the lotus flower, very symbolic in India.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb was one of the monuments that impressed us the most on our route through India in 15 days. We are amazed! It was the first garden tomb and served as inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Lunch in Chiken Inn
Recharge your energy by having lunch with one of the chicken specialties at Chiken Inn, a very famous and recommended restaurant in New Delhi.
Safdarjung Tomb
After lunch, visit Safdarjung Tomb, a mausoleum of Safdarjung Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan. If you had previously visited the Hamayun Tomb, which was the first garden tomb of the Mughals, the Safjardung Tomb was the last.
Lodhi Garden
And to finish the third day of this route through India in 15 days, stroll through Lodhi Garden. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the city!
Trip to Agra
🚘 Distance: 230km | 3 hours and 30 minutes
The third day of this route through India in 15 days will take you to Agra, one of the most touristic cities in the country. Between Delhi and Agra it is about four hours by car, so we recommend leaving between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to arrive at noon.
Akbar’s Tomb
The first stop is going to be Akbar’s Tomb. It is located on the outskirts of the city, so visiting it on the day of your trip from New Delhi to Agra will be perfect. As its name indicates, it houses the tomb of Emperor Akbar and is one of the most important works of Mughal architecture in the country. It cannot be missing on your route through India!
Lunch in Agra
Then we went to lunch. In our case we ate at our hotel’s buffet, which cost us approximately €20 per person. After the trip you will need to recharge your batteries! From the terrace we saw the Taj Mahal for the first time. We will never forget him!
Sunset at Mehtab Bagh
And to end the day, we really wanted to see the Taj Mahal up close. So we decided to go to the best viewpoint, located on the other bank of the river. The sunset from there is spectacular!
Our two nights in Agra were spent at the ITC Mughal Agra. Super close to the Taj Mahal and with views of the monument from its terrace. Super complete buffet breakfast, one of the best hotels on this route through India in 15 days.
If you want to see other options, we will tell you the best areas and hotels to stay in Agra.
Agra – our favorite moment on this route through India in 15 days.
The fifth day of this route through India in 15 days was our favorite of the entire trip. Watching the sunrise at the Taj Mahal is an absolute dream! Apart from getting to know one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, you can visit other attractions such as the Agra Fort.
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The fifth day of this route through India in 15 days couldn’t start better, visiting the Taj Mahal! We highly recommend visiting at sunrise when there are fewer crowds. Without a doubt, it was the most beautiful moment of our trip. You will have to get up super early, but every minute is worth it. Of course, book your tickets in advance.
Return to the hotel for breakfast
Around 10:00 a.m., we returned to the hotel for breakfast to take advantage of the free buffet. Since it was nearby, it didn’t hinder our plans.
Itmad-ud-Daula
After visiting the Taj Mahal, nothing will impress you as much, but you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Baby Taj. Why do they call it that? Because it is also made with the same marble and techniques, in addition to being the first tomb made entirely of marble in the country. It marked a before and after in the architecture of the time!
Agra Fort
Next to the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is the main attraction of the city. We dare to say that it is the most impressive fort in the country! Inside you can be amazed by its palaces and gardens and have an incredible panoramic view of the Taj Mahal.
Sunset at Dussegra Ghat
But if you want to have even more beautiful views of the Taj Mahal, you should go to the banks of the Yamuna River. It is not a viewpoint, but a space enabled to take photos and see how the Sun hides behind the monument.
Dinner at Daawat-e-Nawab
And finally, to finish the fourth day of this route through India in 15 days, we had the luxury of having dinner at this restaurant. It is spectacular! Both the food and the place are well worth it, although we ended up paying about €30 per person. But you don’t visit the Taj every day, so it had to be celebrated!
Trip to Jaipur with stop at Fatehpur Sikri
🚘 Distance: 265km | 4 hours
Fifth days of this route through India and we are on our way to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. However, before reaching the city, we recommend making a stop at Fatepur Sikhri.
Fatehpur Sikri
It was a city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar that today you can visit on the way to Jaipur. And not just any city! Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal empire for 14 years. And although many treasures were stolen, you can still observe the splendor of its architecture.
Galta Ji
Before reaching the center of Jaipur, we decided to visit this famous (and peculiar) Hindu pilgrimage site. The most curious thing is that it is full of monkeys! However, the faithful consider the water sacred and bathe in the dirt. Very impressive. The architecture of the complex is very beautiful, although it could be in better condition.
Sunset at Nahargarh Fort
If you continue with this itinerary, you will be able to see the sunset from Nahargarh Fort. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets on our route through India in 15 days! In Jaipur you will see a lot of forts, so if you can visit one on the first day, you will space them out and enjoy them more.
Jal Mahal
Before dinner we approached the shore of the lake where the Jal Mahal, also known as the Water Palace, is located. It is one of the most beautiful palaces to see in Jaipur, although it cannot be visited
Dinner at Handi
To finish the fifth day of this route through India in 15 days, we had traditional food for dinner at Handi, one of the best restaurants in Jaipur which, coincidentally, was next to our hotel.
During our two nights in Jaipur we stayed at the Golden Tulip Essential Jaipur. Modern, comfortable and with a good breakfast. Also, very good restaurants nearby. We recommend it!
Jaipur
Jaipur is the very interesting capital of Rajasthan. For us, one of the most beautiful cities in India! On this sixth day of this route through India in 15 days, you will have to see almost all of its attractions, so you will need a lot of energy. The Pink City left us in love!
Royal Albert Hall
We started the day around the Royal Albert Hall building. Inside there is a museum that can be visited, although we decided to only see it from the outside. It is one of the most beautiful in Jaipur!
Hawa Mahal
Around 9:00 a.m., we visit the most characteristic building in Jaipur. The main façade of the Hawa Mahal is one of the emblems of the city and, to appreciate it in a more relaxed way, we decided to go up to The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge. The view is amazing!
Jaipur City Palace
The Hawa Mahal is part of the Jaipur Palace. However, this complex is worth a separate visit. Spend a couple of hours visiting the historic residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur. There are several types of tickets, depending on the palaces you want to visit.
Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan
This place was one of the places that surprised us the most on our route through India in 15 days. This is the cremation place of the Maharajahs of Jaipur, where they built some really interesting cenotaphs. It’s totally worth it!
Lunch at Rainbow
On the way to Amber Fort, we decided to have lunch at this place, where we enjoyed a good dosa at really cheap prices. They serve international food, generally highly recommended.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort is the main attraction of Jaipur and one of the most beautiful forts that we visited on our route through India in 15 days. It surprised us both inside and out. Like most palace-fortresses in India, Amber perfectly combines its military character with the beauty of its interior rooms. You will be amazed!
Sunset at Jaigarh Fort
And finally, to finish this seventh day of this route through India in 15 days, we decided to see the sunset from the Jaigarh Fort. The view is quite different than from Nahargarh; In this one, you can contemplate nature, while in the other you have a panoramic view of the city.
Journey to Bikaner
🚘 Distance: 340km | 5 hours and 30 minutes
Before starting the long trip to Bikaner, we recommend visiting a couple of places in Jaipur that were pending from yesterday.
Patrika Gate
Get up early to visit this wonderful place early, as it gets crowded afterwards. It is the most colorful and photographed gate in India!
Akshardham
And the last stop in Jaipur was this famous temple, one of the most revered in the capital of Rajasthan. If you have time, it is worth a visit. We were surprised by their carvings!
Sunset at Devi Kund Sagar (Bikaner)
Before settling into the hotel, ask your driver to take you to this site, located on the outskirts of Bikaner. It is the cremation place of the royal family of Bikaner. The sunset from there is really beautiful while you appreciate its royal cenotaphs.
In Bikaner we stayed at the Laxmi Niwas Palace. As Bikaner is not very touristy, there are few hotels. Honestly, a very fair hotel, although clean. It cost us €105 per night, so there’s little more you could ask for.
Bikaner
The eighth day of this route through India in 15 days will take you to discover Bikaner, one of the most surprising destinations in the province of Rajasthan. It has some really interesting gems!
Lalgarh Palace
Start your day by photographing this beautiful palace, built in 1902 by Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner. Several British kings have stayed inside, including George V of the United Kingdom.
Junagarh Fort
Bikaner Fort is the main reason to visit this city. It is one of the most beautiful in Rajasthan! Unlike the vast majority, it is not built on a hill and that is explained because it was more dedicated to luxury than defense. Its main façade is spectacular, although the palaces inside are even more so.
Old Bikaner
After visiting the fort, stroll through the streets of Old Bikaner to marvel at its havelis (mansions) and temples.
Lunch at Gallops
Replenish your energy by eating at Gallops, the restaurant we liked the most on our visit to Bikaner. Highly recommended and practical, since it is next to the Fort.
ICAR
And to finish the eighth day of this route through India in 15 days, we visited this camel research center. We found it interesting, since we learned a lot about these animals, key to the region’s economy. Just don’t get on them.
Journey to Jaisalmer
🚘 Distance: 330km | 5 hours and 30 minutes
We took the tenth day of this route through India in 15 days as a transfer day. Going from Bikaner to Jaisalmer involves many hours in the car and Jaisalmer can easily be visited in a day. So our advice is that you rest well and take it as a day of rest to visit Jaisalmer with more enthusiasm the next day.
In Jaisalmer we stayed in Suryagarh Jaisalmer as we did a collaboration with them. It is a 5 star hotel, incredible. It was the best hotel on our route through India in 15 days, although it is not cheap at all. If you want to save, you can find a decent hotel in Jaisalmer in a cheap price.
In Jaisalmer
We took advantage of the tenth day to visit Jaisalmer, one of the destinations we were most looking forward to visiting on our route through India in 15 days. And it did not disappoint! Of course, be sure to visit it during the winter months, since in summer it is an oven and you can’t even go outside.
Jaisalmer Fort
It is the main attraction of the city and one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The most curious thing is that, until the 18th century, the city of Jaisalmer was limited to the fort. Today about 4,000 people still live there, making it one of the only inhabited forts in the world.
Gadisar Lake
This artificial lake is the other emblem of Jaisalmer. Inside you can see several chhatris and shrines of Hindu gods that add a special touch to the place.
Havelis
On the streets of Jaisalmer you can see a lot of havelis (old merchant mansions). Like the entire city, they are characterized by their golden color, made of yellow sandstone. You cannot miss Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli, the two most beautiful in the city, especially the first.
Lunch at Café The Kaku
If you want to enjoy a special lunch, go to this place, from where you will have an unbeatable panoramic view of Jaisalmer and its fort. They serve all types of food, from traditional to Indian.
Sunset in Sam’s Desert
You can’t leave Jaisalmer without going on a desert safari. We recommend you go to the Sam Desert to take a safari through its dunes. It is a magnificent experience! It is located on the outskirts of the city and there are a lot of tour operators that will offer you the excursion.
Journey to Jodhpur
🚘 Distance: 265km | 4 hours and 30 minutes
The last long transfer on this route through India in 15 days to link Jaisalmer with Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan. We were expecting something more like Chefchaouen, but we were able to enjoy the second largest and most touristic city in the state.
Sunset from Pachetia Hill
After spending the whole day in the car, we checked into the hotel and were able to drive up this hill to see a beautiful sunset.
Dinner at Indique
We didn’t have many dinners left in Rajasthan, so we decided to go for dinner at this restaurant with incredible views of the fort. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.
During our stay in Jodhpur we spent two nights at Pal Haveli. It is a budget accommodation traditional haveli. The last two floors belong to the hostel, while they live on the lower floor. If you want to save, it is recommended. The views from the terrace are very beautiful and the staff is very friendly.
In Jodhpur
For our route through India in 15 days, we had to visit Jodhpur practically in one day. So get up early to try to make the most of the few hours you’ll have in the city!
Blue City
The most famous thing about Jodhpur is its blue houses. We expected the blue architecture to be more uniform, although there is no pattern. If you want to see many blue houses, we recommend going to the neighborhoods of Navchowkiya and Chandpole, within the Old City.
Buy sweets in Janta
Don’t leave Jodhpur without buying sweets at this place. Try them and tell us! They are on another level…
Umaid Bhawan Palace
After eating a few sweets, we went to see this imposing palace up close, which is one of the largest private residences in the world.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Walking through the blue streets of Jodhpur you will not realize that you are in the Thar Desert. If you want to see desert landscapes, visit this park, where apart from having incredible views of the fort, you can see fauna and flora of the area. Highly recommended!
Jaswant Thada
This interesting mausoleum is one of the main attractions of Jodhpur. It is made from the same marble as the Taj Mahal and was built by Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, considered the best ruler in the history of Jodhpur.
Lunch at Sam’s Art Café
After a busy morning, you’ll need to recharge your batteries. We did it at this place, which serves international food. Recommendable!
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is considered the most beautiful fort in Rajasthan. Are you going to miss it? We were surprised by its seven doors and, above all, by the set of palaces it houses inside, especially Moti Mahal.
In Bombay
🛫 Distance: 900km | 1 hour and 30 minutes
After falling in love with Rajasthan, we headed to Bombay, the financial capital of India. In this case, we arrived by plane from Jodhpur. It is a small airport, but it has a couple of flights a day that connect the city of Rajasthan with the economic capital of the country. In this case, we recommend booking the one that leaves earlier so you can spend the afternoon in Mumbai.
Sunset at Gateway of India
It is the most notable monument to see in Bombay. This monumental gate faces the Arabian Sea and was built by the British Raj as the ceremonial gateway to India for the viceroys and governors of Bombay.
Taj Mahal Palace
Next to the Gateway of India, you will find the most famous hotel in Bombay. Is beautiful! It is an architectural gem and a wide variety of celebrities have slept there.
Dinner at The Nutcracker
This place serves international food at very reasonable prices. Don’t leave without ordering dessert, they were all delicious!
Our last two nights of this route through India in 15 days were spent at the Residency Hotel Fort. A hotel of 10, especially for its attention and breakfast. Bombay is a huge city, but the hotel is located in the south, in the most touristy part.
If you want to see other options, we will tell you the best areas and hotels to stay in Bombay.
Bombay Sightseeing & end of this route through India in 15 days.
Explore one full day Mumbai, our travel partner Delighted Journey provide us all the services as transport & guided private trip of Mumbai (Bombay) City. In this way, we able to see more places in a short time. Keep in mind that Mumbai is a huge city with terrible traffic, so going with locals is much easier…
Best way to explore Mumbai is private organize trip.
Banganga
In this route through India in 15 days we do not include Varanasi, but we visit Varanasi in Bombay. In this small pond, Hindus come to throw the ashes of their loved ones. It is shocking!
Outdoor Laundry
Next to the Banganga pond you can visit an open-air laundry. It seems impressive how they wash and hang clothes in the middle of the city. The most famous is Dhobi Ghat, although you will find several in the city.
Hanging Gardens of Bombay
You can’t miss the Hanging Gardens of Bombay. Why do they have that name? Because they are located on the top of a hill, from where you will have incredible views of the city.
Mani Bhavan
Don’t miss this house where Mahatma Ghandi lived to learn more about his biography. Essential!
Colaba Causeway
If you want to buy souvenirs in Bombay, you will find a lot of variety in this shopping street. You can also stop at Leopold Café, where you can still see the bullet holes from the terrorist attack that the city suffered in 26 Nov 2008, which ended up killing 173 people.
Lunch at The Punjab Grill
For lunch, we recommend trying typical Punjabi food at this famous place. The butter chicken was delicious!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Station
After lunch, stop at Bombay Main Railway Station. It’s super pretty! It was built in 1887, although it was then called Victoria Station, in honor of Queen Victoria, Empress of India.
Big Ben of India
Nearby you will find another monument that attracts attention. This is the famous Rajabai Clock Tower, popularly known as the Big Ben of India.
Sunset in AER
And finally, to say goodbye to the last day of this route through India in 15 days, we recommend watching the sunset from AER, a sky bar located at the The Oberoi Mumbai. If you are hungry, you can go to dinner at a restaurant at the Fenix.
Later drive to Mumbai International airport, fly back to home complete a memorable journey of India.
