Red Fort historic monument in Old Delhi Taj Mahal at sunrise reflected in the reflecting pool Grand facade of the National Museum of India in New Delhi Colourful rooftops and narrow lanes in Dharavi, Mumbai's urban settlement

Best 21 Days in India — from Mumbai

Mumbai → New Delhi → Agra

21 days · 3 cities · 25 activities · route optimized by distance

A mix of art & culture and history. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, mostly at your own pace. Includes 7 must-see landmarks across Mumbai and New Delhi and Agra.

Highlights: Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Red Fort (Lal Qila), Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Qutub Minar Complex, Humayun's Tomb

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

This variant starts in Mumbai instead of the default, with the route re-optimized from that entry point.

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

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

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Mumbai · From $60/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$1,380 total · $66/day
See budget →
Top picks
Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Marine Drive — Queen's Necklace Walk, Elephanta Caves Ferry & UNESCO Site
See itinerary →

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

Mumbai

Mumbai 10 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Mumbai View on map
Morning Gateway of India arch at Mumbai harbour with the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel behind
Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace Hotel$~2 hrs

Stand beneath Mumbai's iconic 26m harbour arch and admire the 1903 Indo-Saracenic palace behind it (1.5h)

Best November–March: cool, dry weather perfect for waterfront strolling. Monsoon (June–September) can be spectacular but promenade gets crowded with rain shelters scarce. 📍 Map
Afternoon Marine Drive's Art Deco seafront promenade curving along Mumbai's coastline at sunset
Marine Drive — Queen's Necklace Walk$~1h 30m

Stroll Mumbai's free 3.6 km Art Deco seafront promenade and watch the city light up at dusk (1.5h)

Best November–March for cool evenings and clear sunset colours. Monsoon (June–September) is dramatic with crashing waves but the promenade floods at high tide. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Mumbai View on map
Morning
Elephanta Caves Ferry & UNESCO Site$~4h 30m

Ferry across Mumbai Harbour to 5th-century rock-cut Shiva temples with a 6m trimurti sculpture (4.5h)

$10 Verified Mar 2026 Best November–March when ferry service is reliable and weather is clear. Monsoon (June–September) ferries may be cancelled in rough seas; call ahead. 📍 Map
Afternoon Colourful rooftops and narrow lanes in Dharavi, Mumbai's urban settlement
Dharavi Walking Tour$~2h 30m

Walk Dharavi's industrial lanes — recycling plants, pottery kilns, leather workshops — with a local guide (2.5h)

$15 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round but most comfortable October–March. Monsoon (June–September) makes lanes muddy and some workshops slow down. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Moderate Mumbai View on map
Morning Mumbai dabbawalas sorting lunchboxes at a railway station for city delivery
Mumbai Dabbawala Lunch Tour$~3 hrs

Join a dabbawala on the railway relay, watch the Churchgate sorting ballet, and eat a home-cooked tiffin lunch (3h)

$18 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round, Monday–Saturday only. Monsoon (June–September) slows the network slightly but tours still run. 📍 Map
Afternoon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Gothic-Victorian facade in South Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)$~1 hr

Photograph Mumbai's jaw-dropping 1888 UNESCO Gothic-Victorian railway station still processing 3 million daily passengers (1h)

Year-round; indoor viewing unaffected by weather. Exterior photography is best in the dry season (November–March) with clear light. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Moderate Mumbai View on map
Morning
Colaba Causeway Food Walk$~2 hrs

Self-guided food crawl through South Mumbai's most characterful street eating strip (2h)

$4 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round, but November–March is most comfortable for extended street walking. Monsoon afternoons can be very wet; go in the morning window between showers. 📍 Map
Afternoon Butter-garlic crab and Konkani seafood dishes at a Mumbai restaurant
Trishna Restaurant — Mumbai Seafood$$~2 hrs

Eat legendary butter-pepper-garlic crab and Konkani coastal fish at Mumbai's most celebrated seafood institution (2h)

$20 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round. Best seafood selection October–May when most fish species are in season; July–August monsoon limits some daily catches. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Moderate Mumbai View on map
Morning Rows of colourful laundry drying at Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's open-air washing complex
Dhobi Ghat Open-Air Laundry$~1 hr

Watch 7,000 dhobis scrub and beat Mumbai's laundry in 800 concrete wash pens at the world's largest outdoor laundry (1h)

Best October–March. Monsoon (June–September) reduces washing volumes as lines can't dry properly; the ghat is less colourful but still atmospheric. 📍 Map
Afternoon Sunset at Juhu Beach with street food vendors and Mumbai locals enjoying the shoreline
Juhu Beach Sunset & Street Food$~2 hrs

Join Mumbai locals at Bollywood's backyard beach for sundowners, bhelpuri, and pani puri at dusk (2h)

$2 Verified Mar 2026 Best November–March for cool, breezy evenings. Monsoon (June–September) brings rough surf that closes swimming; vendors still operate but atmosphere is subdued. Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug–Sep) brings the beach to extraordinary festive life. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 6 Mon, Jul 6 Moderate Mumbai View on map
Morning Ayurvedic massage treatment with herbal oils at a Kerala-style wellness spa
Ayurvedic Wellness Treatment — Bandra/Khar Mumbai$$~3 hrs

Kerala-style abhyanga, herbal steam bath, and Ayurvedic consultation at a Mumbai wellness centre (3h)

$30 Verified Mar 2026 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 7 Tue, Jul 7 Light Mumbai
Full Day Mumbai's Marine Drive seafront and cityscape on a free exploration day
Free Day in Mumbai$~6 hrs

Explore Mumbai at your own pace — markets, beaches, or a Bollywood studio tour

📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 8 Wed, Jul 8 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 9 Thu, Jul 9 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 10 Fri, Jul 10 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 11 Sat, Jul 11 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 12 Sun, Jul 12 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 13 Mon, Jul 13 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 14 Tue, Jul 14 Light Mumbai
🏨 Hotel in Mumbai

Colaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu

wifiair-conditioningbreakfast
Travelers book: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel $350-650/nightAbode Bombay $90-180/nightHotel Suba Palace $50-90/nightBackpacker Panda Colaba $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Mumbai from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Mumbai → New Delhi
3h ~$55 Flight from Mumbai to Indira Gandhi Airport Delhi (~2.5h)

New Delhi

New Delhi 9 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 15 Wed, Jul 15 Full 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 $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 16 Thu, Jul 16 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning
Humayun's Tomb$~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 $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 17 Fri, Jul 17 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning
Old Delhi Food Walk: Parathas, Jalebi & Chaat$~2 hrs

Graze Gali Paranthe Wali and Old Delhi's legendary sweet shops on an empty stomach (2h)

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Best Oct–Mar in the cool morning air. Available year-round; street food stalls open from ~7am. Avoid summer midday heat in the congested lanes. 📍 Map
Afternoon
India Gate & Kartavya Path$~2 hrs

Stroll the redeveloped ceremonial boulevard past India's war memorial and the National War Memorial (1-2h)

Oct–Mar is ideal; pleasant evenings for picnics on the lawns. Avoid peak summer afternoons (May–Jun, 40°C+). 📍 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 $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 18 Sat, Jul 18 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning Rich Mughal-style mutton curry and naan bread at a Delhi restaurant
Karim's Restaurant, Old Delhi$~1h 30m

Eat legendary Mughal-style nihari and korma at Delhi's most iconic restaurant, open since 1913 (1.5h)

$6 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round. Rich, warming dishes like nihari are especially popular Oct–Mar; the small indoor space is not air-conditioned. 📍 Map
Afternoon Grand facade of the National Museum of India in New Delhi
National Museum of India$~3 hrs

Trace 5,000 years of Indian civilisation from Harappan figurines to Mughal miniatures (2-3h)

$6 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round except Mondays. Good year-round activity; especially valuable as an air-conditioned escape during hot months (Apr–Jun). 📍 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 5 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 19 Sun, Jul 19 Full 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 $45/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 20 Mon, Jul 20 Moderate Agra View on map
Morning The grand Buland Darwaza gateway at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's abandoned Mughal capital
Fatehpur Sikri Day Trip$~4 hrs

Tour the ghost Mughal capital that Emperor Akbar built and abandoned after just 14 years (half-day)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 Best October–March. Summer heat (April–June) makes this exposed site uncomfortable; avoid midday. Monsoon rains (July–September) can make sandstone paths slippery. 📍 Map
Afternoon
Agra Marble Inlay Craft Workshop$~1h 30m

Watch Agra artisans cut semi-precious stones into Taj-style pietra dura inlay and try it yourself (1.5h)

Open year-round; indoor activity unaffected by weather. 📍 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 21 Tue, Jul 21 Agra
Checkout & Depart

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

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $920–$1,380

Trip Budget Estimate

$1,380 estimated total per person
$66 per day
Lodging $1,150
Activities $165
Transport $65

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

Typical range for India

$525 – $6,300 per person for 21 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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