2 Week Northern India Itinerary
I don’t know about you, but when I'm off to explore a new destination, I crave a straightforward rundown of the top spots, activities, and cities to check out. I am not interested in sifting through lengthy blog posts or someone else's stories—I just want a concise bullet-point list of must-visit places and must-do activities. As I’m just stepping into the realm of travel blogging, I hope to craft my posts exactly how I'd want information presented to me: clear, concise, and straight to the point. Here's my take—let me know what you think!
My Itinerary
I'll kick things off with my itinerary—this is exactly what I did, saw and where I stayed. In the next section, I’ll explain some of the changes I would have made and then at the very bottom, you’ll see cities I’m dreaming about visiting next time!
I decided to use a private driver to get from place to place in India and I am so glad I did. If you are looking for a reputable driver, I highly recommend Discover India by Car (I had Satya and Jeet as my drivers and they were so kind, friendly and caring!)
Delhi | 1 Night | Read More Here
Stay: Prakash Kutir
Do: Chai Making Class, Street Food Tour, The Red Fort, Lotus Temple & Lodi Gardens
Jodhpur | 1 Night
Stay: Singhvi’s Haveli
Do: Walking Tour of the Blue City , Shopping around the Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort
Udaipur | 4 Nights | Read More Here
Stay: Lake Pichola Hotel
Do:
Day 1: Wisdom Walk with Dr. Nishtha , Art Class at Indigo Art School, Sunset at Gangaur Ghat, Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Day 2: Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Bada Bazaar, Bharti Massage, Lake Pichola Sunset Tour
Day 3: Yoga Class, Hike Bahubali Hills, Shashi Cooking Class
Jaipur | 4 Nights | Read More Here
Stay
1 Night Dera Amer Elephant Camp
3 Nights 28 Kothi
Do:
Day 1: Elephant Camp Activities
Day 2: Amer Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jahal Mahal, Gaitore Ki Chhatriya
Day 3: Patrika Gate, Block Printing Class, Bapu Bazaar, Women’s Walk
Day 4: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Matar, Galtaji Temple, Food Tour
Agra | 1 Night | Read More Here
Stay: Aman Homestay
Do: Sunrise Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, Agra Fort, Shereos Cafe
Jim Corbett | 4 Nights
Stay:
1 Night Parwati Wild Abode (DO NOT STAY HERE!)
3 Nights Paatlidun Safari Lodge (STAY HERE!)
Do:
At least 4 Safari’s, Mountain Drive, Village Walk, Kumoni Dinner
What I Would Do Different
I only had 24 hours in Delhi. For me, this was enough. If I were to go again, I would stick to one night, but would try to have the two full days. I would completely skip Lotus Temple (for me this was far too crowded) and I would probably skip my chai making class (this was awesome, but with only 24 hours to explore the city, I wish I had used the time to see more of the sites)
I flew to Jodhpur. Flying in India is super cheap and easy. I would probably fly more next time! Some of the distances we had to cover were 10 hours of driving and could have been a quick flight!
I wish I had more time in Jodhpur! This city was so cute. I loved my hotel. I loved the vibes I got from this area. I would definitely change my itinerary to have more then one night.
I wish I did more shopping in Udaipur! I didn’t see the same types of clothing, crafts or arts in other cities.
I wish I relaxed more in Udaipur. This was my first city walking around alone and I was nervous. I wish I let my guard down a little! This was a really safe and enjoyable city.
I really liked my hotel in Udaipur, but next time I would stay at Udai Kothi. Every time I walked by I secretly wanted to be there.
I wish I had a bit more time in Agra. We arrived late at night and had to leave around 11am the next day. I would try to fit in some more time so that I could see a few more of the sites. I didn’t have enough time or Baby Taj!
I would NEVER stay at Parwati again. This place was awful. I chose to stay here because we were arriving late in the evening and I didn’t want to spend alot of money on a hotel I wouldnt get to enjoy… I think I took it a little too far!
I was really stuck between Jim Corbett and Ranthambore National Parks - if I was doing this itinerary again, I would probably stick to Ranthambore. Jim Corbett was INCREDIBLE and totally worth the trek, but it is far away! Read more about why I chose Jim Corbett here.
Cities I’m Dreaming About
There is SO much to see in India and it just feels like there is never enough time. I have a running list of all the cities I want to see next time I travel to India - maybe some of these will spark your interest!
Varanasi: One of the most spiritual cities in India - I really want to go here to see the round-the-clock cremations happening right on the Ganges.
Mumbai: Totally different then the North, I’d love to go try the food here and experience the beaches. I hear the shopping is great here too!
Kolkata : I’ve been told this is the food lovers paradise and an awesome place to celebrate festivals!
Chennai: beautiful beaches, incredible dance performances, and a thriving culinary scene - duh.
Kochi : Kochi is a port city known for its picturesque backwaters, colonial-era architecture, and spice markets.
Goa: Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood - sign me up
Rishikesh: I tried to call the airline and push my flight so I could go to Rishikesh. This is THE place for yoga and is apparently one of the most calm, hippy and spiritual places you can go.
Mysore: I found this picture of the mysore palace and ever since, I’ve been dying to go.
Jaisalmer: I’ve been told this is a super laid back and hippie town. Plus the camel and desert.
Pushkar: famous for its annual camel fair, vibrant street markets, and spiritual ambiance - I’ve been told this is a quite town I would really enjoy.
Shimla: I read The Jaipur Trilogy and they mention Shimla a lot, so duh. I want to go.
Bundi: Another small, quaint hippie town I’ve been told I would love.