Red Fort historic monument in Old Delhi Visitors interacting with elephants at an ethical sanctuary near Jaipur Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds in Jaipur with its intricate facade Flower offerings and devotees at the Nizamuddin Dargah Sufi shrine in Delhi

Best 10 Days in India — Without History

New Delhi → Agra → Jaipur

10 days · 3 cities · 16 activities · route optimized by distance

A mix of art & culture, history, and temples & shrines. Mostly low-effort and walkable, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 6 must-see landmarks across New Delhi and Agra and Jaipur.

Highlights: Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Red Fort (Lal Qila), Qutub Minar Complex, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid & Old Delhi Walk

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

16+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Delhi · From $55/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$671 total · $67/day
See budget →
Top picks
Akshardham Temple, Indian Cooking Class in Delhi, Morning Yoga & Meditation Session — Delhi
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

New Delhi

New Delhi 8 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full New Delhi View on map
Morning
Akshardham Temple$~3 hrs

Marvel at one of the world's largest Hindu temples — hand-carved by 11,000 artisans, no steel used (2-3h)

Open year-round except Mondays. Closed on Mondays. The outdoor areas are hot in summer; interior is partially air-conditioned. 📍 Map
Afternoon Hands kneading dough and preparing spices during an Indian cooking class
Indian Cooking Class in Delhi$$~3 hrs

Master dal makhani, paneer tikka, and fresh roti in a Delhi home kitchen with a local cook (3h)

$45 Verified Mar 2026 Available year-round. Winter months are most comfortable; some operators incorporate seasonal ingredients like sarson (mustard greens) in December–January. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning Morning yoga session in a tranquil garden setting in Delhi
Morning Yoga & Meditation Session — Delhi$~2 hrs

Join a guided morning yoga and meditation class in one of Delhi's garden studios or certified institutes (2h)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 📍 Map
Afternoon Flower offerings and devotees at the Nizamuddin Dargah Sufi shrine in Delhi
Nizamuddin Dargah & Qawwali Evening$~2 hrs

Attend Thursday-night qawwali at Delhi's most spiritually alive Sufi shrine — free, deeply moving (1.5-2h)

Open daily year-round; Thursday evenings are the highlight. Qawwali is especially atmospheric in the cooler winter months. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Light New Delhi
Full Day
Free Day in Delhi$~6 hrs

Explore Delhi at your own pace — bazaars, gardens, or local cafés

📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning
Red Fort (Lal Qila)$~3 hrs

Walk the red sandstone citadel where Mughal emperors held court and India's PM speaks each August (2-3h)

$6 Verified Mar 2026 Oct–Mar is ideal; avoid Apr–Jun (extreme heat, 40°C+) and Jul–Sep (monsoon humidity). Open year-round except Mondays. 📍 Map
Afternoon
Qutub Minar Complex$~2 hrs

Stand below India's tallest minaret and a 4th-century iron pillar that has never rusted (2h)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round except Fridays. Oct–Mar best; the open-air complex is very exposed in summer heat. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning
Humayun's Tomb$~2 hrs

Tour the Persian garden-tomb that directly inspired the Taj Mahal — with far fewer crowds (2h)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round except Fridays. The charbagh gardens are lush during monsoon (Jul–Sep) but summer heat is oppressive; Oct–Mar is optimal. 📍 Map
Afternoon Jama Masjid mosque with its grand courtyard and minarets in Old Delhi
Jama Masjid & Old Delhi Walk$~3 hrs

Explore India's largest mosque then dive into the labyrinthine lanes of Shahjahanabad (2-3h)

Year-round but Oct–Mar is most comfortable for the outdoor courtyard; avoid midday in summer. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
New Delhi → Agra
2h ~$10 Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Agra Cantt (~2h)

Agra

Agra 3 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 6 Mon, Jul 6 Full Agra
Full Day The Taj Mahal and Agra's historic streets on a free exploration day
Free Day in Agra$~6 hrs

Explore Agra at your own pace — rickshaw rides, bazaars, or a second Taj visit

📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Agra

Tajganj / MG Road / Fatehabad Road

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Oberoi Amarvilas $450-800/nightITC Mughal $150-300/nightCrystal Sarovar Premiere $60-120/nightHotel Kamal $15-35/night
Book Hotel in Agra from $45/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 7 Tue, Jul 7 Moderate Agra View on map
Morning Taj Mahal reflected in the long reflecting pool at sunrise, Agra
Taj Mahal at Sunrise$~3 hrs

Watch white marble blush orange at dawn before the crowds at the world's greatest monument (3h)

$13 Verified Mar 2026 October–March is ideal: cool mornings and clear skies. April–June brings fierce heat (40°C+); July–September is humid monsoon season with haze that diffuses views. 📍 Map
Afternoon Agra Fort's imposing red sandstone ramparts and Jahangiri Mahal
Agra Fort$~2 hrs

Explore the UNESCO red sandstone citadel where Shah Jahan was imprisoned with a view of the Taj (2h)

$8 Verified Mar 2026 Best October–March. Avoid May–June (extreme heat, 40°C+); July–September monsoon brings humidity and occasional closures. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Agra

Tajganj / MG Road / Fatehabad Road

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Oberoi Amarvilas $450-800/nightITC Mughal $150-300/nightCrystal Sarovar Premiere $60-120/nightHotel Kamal $15-35/night
Book Hotel in Agra from $45/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Agra → Jaipur
4h ~$8 Train from Agra Fort to Jaipur Junction (~4h)

Jaipur

Jaipur 3 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 8 Wed, Jul 8 Full Jaipur View on map
Morning Ayurvedic oil massage treatment with warm herbal oils at an Indian wellness spa
Ayurvedic Spa & Panchakarma Treatment — Jaipur$$~3 hrs

Book a traditional Ayurvedic session — abhyanga oil massage, shirodhara, or panchakarma in a Jaipur wellness centre (3h)

$45 Verified Mar 2026 📍 Map
Afternoon Colourful textiles and jewellery stalls in Jaipur's Johari Bazaar market
Johari Bazaar & Bapu Bazaar Walk$~2 hrs

Browse the world's largest gem-cutting hub and Jaipur's block-print fabric lanes (2h)

Open year-round except Sundays when most shops close. Oct–Mar is comfortable; the lanes can be very hot in summer. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Jaipur

Bani Park / C-Scheme / Pink City Old Town

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Rambagh Palace $350-700/nightSamode Haveli $120-250/nightHotel Meghniwas $40-80/nightPearl Palace Heritage $25-55/night
Book Hotel in Jaipur from $50/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 9 Thu, Jul 9 Moderate Jaipur View on map
Morning Visitors interacting with elephants at an ethical sanctuary near Jaipur
Elefantastic — Ethical Elephant Sanctuary$$~3 hrs

Feed, bathe, and walk alongside rescued elephants at Jaipur's most ethical sanctuary — no riding (2.5-3h)

$50 Verified Mar 2026 Available year-round; morning sessions only. Oct–Mar is most comfortable for outdoor elephant activities. Book at least 48h ahead. 📍 Map
Afternoon
Free Day in Jaipur$~6 hrs

Explore the Pink City at your own pace — bazaars, heritage cafés, or a cooking class

📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Jaipur

Bani Park / C-Scheme / Pink City Old Town

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Rambagh Palace $350-700/nightSamode Haveli $120-250/nightHotel Meghniwas $40-80/nightPearl Palace Heritage $25-55/night
Book Hotel in Jaipur from $50/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 10 Fri, Jul 10 Jaipur
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Jaipur!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $372–$558

Trip Budget Estimate

$671 estimated total per person
$67 per day
Lodging $465
Activities $188
Transport $18

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for India

$250 – $3,000 per person for 10 days

Budget: $25/day — Guesthouses, dhabas, trains Mid-range: $100/day — Heritage hotels, restaurants, AC trains Luxury: $300/day — Palace hotels, fine dining, private drivers

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to India.

🧳 Practical Info for India

📄 Visa
E-Visa required for US, UK, CA, AU, EU citizens. Apply online at least 4 days before travel.
💵 Tipping
10% at restaurants if service charge not included. Tip drivers, porters, and guides.
💱 Currency
Indian Rupee (₹ INR). Cash essential for street vendors, rickshaws, and smaller shops. Cards accepted at hotels and restaurants in cities.
🔌 Power
230V, Type C/D/M plugs. US/EU travelers need an adapter. Voltage fluctuations common — use a surge protector.
📶 Connectivity
SIM cards at airports (Jio, Airtel, Vi). Requires passport copy and photo. Excellent 4G in cities.
🚨 Emergency
112 (general emergency), 100 (police), 108 (ambulance)

🚄 Getting Around India

🚄 Rail

Indian Railways is vast. Book AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A) on irctc.co.in well in advance. Vande Bharat express trains are modern.

✈️ Flight

IndiGo and SpiceJet offer cheap domestic flights. Delhi to Goa or Kerala takes 2-3 hours.

🚗 Car

Hire a car with driver for day trips — very affordable ($30-50/day) and far less stressful than self-driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a week in India cost?

Budget: $25-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150/day. Luxury: $250+/day. India is incredibly affordable — a thali meal costs $2-4. Luxury heritage hotels offer outstanding value.

What is the best time to visit India?

October-March for most of India. Monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rain but lush landscapes. Ladakh is best June-September.

Do I need a visa for India?

E-Visa required for US, UK, CA, AU, EU citizens. Apply online at least 4 days before travel.

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