Incredible India Grand Tour – 21 Days
India is not just a destination—it’s a soulful journey through time, traditions, and breathtaking diversity. The Incredible India Grand Tour – 21 Days is a curated exploration that captures the essence of India’s cultural, spiritual, and natural wealth. From the majestic palaces of Rajasthan to the serene backwaters of Kerala, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, this journey takes you across the heart and soul of India. It’s an unforgettable expedition that reveals the country’s timeless charm and vibrant spirit.
🌏 Overview of the Tour
This 21-day Grand Tour of India has been thoughtfully designed for travelers who wish to experience the best of India’s history, heritage, nature, and culture. The route covers the iconic Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), the royal cities of Rajasthan, the spiritual heartland of Varanasi, the colonial and coastal charm of Mumbai and Goa, and the tranquil southern beauty of Kerala. The journey concludes in Cochin, blending north and south India into one unforgettable narrative.
Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Varanasi – Mumbai – Goa – Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam.
🗓️ Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Welcome to India’s Capital
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. You will be received with a traditional Indian welcome and transferred to your hotel. Rest and rejuvenate after your flight. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through Connaught Place or dine at a heritage restaurant serving North Indian delicacies.
Highlights: India Gate, Parliament House (drive-past), and evening city view.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing – Heritage and Culture
Explore both Old and New Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (UNESCO site), Jama Masjid—India’s largest mosque, and take a rickshaw ride through the chaotic yet colorful streets of Chandni Chowk. Later, discover New Delhi’s colonial elegance—Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Lotus Temple. End your day at the India Gate and Rajpath, beautifully illuminated at night.
Highlights: Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Raj Ghat.
Day 3: Delhi – Agra (Approx. 230 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Agra, the city of love and Mughal grandeur. En route, visit Sikandra—the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing sunset at Mehtab Bagh, with a view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
Highlights: Akbar’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh sunset.
Day 4: Agra Sightseeing – The Icon of Love
Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This marble masterpiece is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a timeless symbol of love. Later, explore Agra Fort and the beautiful Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb—often called the “Baby Taj.”
Highlights: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Day 5: Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx. 250 km / 5 hrs)
Depart for Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone ghost town built by Emperor Akbar. Continue your journey to Jaipur and check into your royal hotel or heritage haveli.
Highlights: Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal.
Day 6: Jaipur – The Pink City Tour
Begin your day with an excursion to the Amber Fort, a majestic hilltop fortress overlooking Maota Lake. Enjoy an elephant or jeep ride up to the fort. Later, visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, and the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). In the evening, explore the colorful bazaars filled with handicrafts, gemstones, and textiles.
Highlights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar.
Day 7: Jaipur – Pushkar (Approx. 150 km / 3 hrs)
Drive to the holy town of Pushkar, known for its sacred lake and Brahma Temple—the only one of its kind in India. Explore the spiritual ghats and vibrant markets selling silver jewelry, textiles, and local art. Experience an evening aarti by the lakeside for a soul-soothing experience.
Highlights: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, evening aarti, local bazaars.
Day 8: Pushkar – Jodhpur (Approx. 200 km / 4 hrs)
Proceed to Jodhpur, the “Blue City” of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, visit the grand Mehrangarh Fort and the white marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. Walk through the blue-painted lanes of the old city for postcard-perfect views.
Highlights: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower Market.
Day 9: Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur (Approx. 260 km / 6 hrs)
Drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes. On the way, stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples, famous for their 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars. Arrive in Udaipur by evening and relax beside Lake Pichola.
Highlights: Ranakpur Temples, scenic countryside drive.
Day 10: Udaipur – Venice of the East
Explore the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit City Palace, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon ki Bari, and Bagore ki Haveli. Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola for a stunning view of the Lake Palace.
Highlights: City Palace, Lake Pichola boat ride, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon ki Bari.
Day 11: Udaipur – Varanasi (By Flight)
Take a morning flight to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital. Upon arrival, explore the narrow streets, sacred temples, and ghats along the Ganges River. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Highlights: Ganga Aarti, evening boat ride, local temples.
Day 12: Varanasi Sightseeing
At sunrise, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges—an experience that captures the spirituality of India. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and Sarnath—the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Highlights: Sunrise boat ride, Sarnath Museum, Buddhist stupas, silk weaving centers.
Day 13: Varanasi – Mumbai (By Flight)
Fly to Mumbai, India’s cosmopolitan hub. Check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Marine Drive and witness the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Highlights: Marine Drive, Gateway of India (evening view).
Day 14: Mumbai Sightseeing
Explore the colonial architecture and vibrant street life of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, and Victoria Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site). For a spiritual experience, visit Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah.
Highlights: Colaba Causeway, Haji Ali, Gateway of India, Marine Drive night view.
Day 15: Mumbai – Goa (Approx. 580 km / By Flight)
Take a short flight to Goa, India’s most loved beach paradise. On arrival, check into your seaside resort and relax. Spend the evening soaking in the relaxed coastal vibes.
Highlights: Beach leisure, Goan seafood dinner, sunset view.
Day 16: Goa Exploration
Explore Old Goa, a UNESCO site filled with Portuguese churches such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Visit the spice plantations and vibrant flea markets. Evening free for beachside activities or night markets at Anjuna and Baga.
Highlights: Old Goa churches, Anjuna market, Calangute beach, sunset cruise on Mandovi River.
Day 17: Goa – Cochin (By Flight)
Fly to Cochin (Kochi), the gateway to Kerala. Visit Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese Fishing Nets. Enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s classical heritage.
Highlights: Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Kathakali show, heritage walk.
Day 18: Cochin – Munnar (Approx. 130 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Munnar, the scenic hill station of Kerala. En route, witness sprawling tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty valleys. Check into a hillside resort and relax amidst nature.
Highlights: Valara waterfalls, tea plantations, evening leisure.
Day 19: Munnar Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Munnar’s natural beauty. Visit Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, and Echo Point. Don’t miss a visit to the Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea production.
Highlights: Eravikulam Park, tea gardens, boating at Mattupetty Lake, Echo Point.
Day 20: Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey (Approx. 160 km / 5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady and visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds. Continue your journey to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Board your private houseboat and cruise through tranquil canals and lagoons.
Highlights: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, backwater cruise, sunset on the houseboat.
Day 21: Alleppey – Kovalam / Departure
Disembark from your houseboat after breakfast and drive to Kovalam for a relaxing beachside finale. Enjoy a stroll along Lighthouse Beach and indulge in an Ayurvedic spa session before your departure from Trivandrum Airport.
Highlights: Kovalam beach, Ayurvedic massage, departure from Trivandrum.
🚗 Major Distances Covered
| Route | Approx. Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Agra | 230 km | 4 hrs |
| Agra – Jaipur | 250 km | 5 hrs |
| Jaipur – Pushkar | 150 km | 3 hrs |
| Pushkar – Jodhpur | 200 km | 4 hrs |
| Jodhpur – Udaipur | 260 km | 6 hrs |
| Udaipur – Varanasi | By flight | – |
| Varanasi – Mumbai | By flight | – |
| Mumbai – Goa | By flight | – |
| Goa – Cochin | By flight | – |
| Cochin – Munnar | 130 km | 4 hrs |
| Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey | 160 km | 5 hrs |
| Alleppey – Kovalam | 160 km | 4 hrs |
✈️ How to Reach
This grand journey can begin at Delhi or Mumbai as both cities are major international gateways to India. The tour can be customized for arrival or departure from different points according to flight connections.
By Air
Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi are well connected by international and domestic flights from all major cities worldwide.
By Rail
India’s railway network connects almost all the destinations on this route. The Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express trains are excellent options for luxury train travel.
By Road
National highways and expressways connect the major cities on this itinerary. Private chauffeur-driven vehicles or AC coaches ensure comfort throughout the journey.
🏨 Staying Options (Properties)
The Incredible India Grand Tour offers accommodation choices ranging from royal heritage hotels and boutique resorts to eco-lodges and luxury houseboats.
- Delhi & Agra: Luxury city hotels and Mughal-style resorts with rooftop Taj views.
- Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur: Heritage havelis, palace hotels, and boutique stays by the lake.
- Varanasi: Riverside heritage hotels overlooking Ganga Ghats.
- Mumbai & Goa: Premium seaside resorts, heritage hotels, and modern city stays.
- Kerala: Hill resorts in Munnar, forest lodges in Thekkady, traditional houseboats in Alleppey, and luxury Ayurvedic beach resorts in Kovalam.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit India
The best time to embark on this Grand Tour is from October to April. The weather during these months remains pleasant and ideal for sightseeing across most regions.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Ideal for Rajasthan, North India, and Kerala.
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Excellent for cultural festivals and clear mountain views.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Kerala and hill stations are lush but humid; recommended for wellness travel and Ayurveda.
🧭 Travel Tips for the Grand Tour
- Pack light cottons for warm regions and light woolens for northern hill stations.
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes for long sightseeing days.
- Stay hydrated; bottled water is recommended throughout the trip