A fast pace packs in more cities with shorter stays at each stop. A mix of art & culture and history. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, mostly at your own pace. Includes 9 must-see landmarks.
Highlights: Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Amer Fort (Amber Fort), Red Fort (Lal Qila), Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Qutub Minar Complex
The fast pace packs in more cities and activities — ideal if you want to see as much as possible in 7 days.
Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking
14+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 4 cities
Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out
New Delhi
New DelhiWalk 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. 📍 MapStand 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. 📍 MapConnaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj
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
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. 📍 MapConnaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj
Agra
Agra
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
Tajganj / MG Road / Fatehabad Road
Jaipur
Jaipur
Explore Rajasthan's finest fort-palace, with its Hall of Mirrors and sweeping lake views (3h)
$6 Verified Mar 2026 Oct–Mar ideal; the fort is very exposed and gets very hot in summer (Apr–Jun). Open year-round, light-and-sound show runs evenings. 📍 MapWander the still-inhabited royal palace and its museum of weapons, costumes and giant silver urns (2h)
$8 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round, 9:30am–5pm. Oct–Mar is most pleasant; partially shaded courtyards make this more manageable in heat than Amber Fort. 📍 MapBani Park / C-Scheme / Pink City Old Town
Photograph Jaipur's iconic pink honeycomb façade of 953 windows then climb inside for old-city views (1h)
$2 Verified Mar 2026 The pink sandstone glows best in soft morning light. Open year-round; Oct–Mar is ideal. Best exterior shots taken in early morning before street crowds gather. 📍 MapRead the time on the world's largest stone sundial at this UNESCO astronomical observatory (1.5h)
$2 Verified Mar 2026 Open daily 9am–7pm year-round. The Samrat Yantra reads most accurately at noon. Pair with City Palace next door to make a half-day. 📍 MapBani Park / C-Scheme / Pink City Old Town
Mumbai
Mumbai
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
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. 📍 MapColaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu
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
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. 📍 MapColaba / Fort / Bandra / Juhu
Where You’ll Stay
Estimated total: $300–$450
Trip Budget Estimate
Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.
Typical range for India
$175 – $2,100 per person for 7 days
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
Indian Railways is vast. Book AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A) on irctc.co.in well in advance. Vande Bharat express trains are modern.
IndiGo and SpiceJet offer cheap domestic flights. Delhi to Goa or Kerala takes 2-3 hours.
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.
