11 Days in India - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Golden Triangle & Rajasthan

This 11-day classic itinerary provides an introduction to India by taking you to some of its best-known tourist hot spots. These include the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal, and the atmospheric palaces of Rajasthan.

Your India adventure kicks off in the capital city with an auto-rickshaw tour of the sights of Old Delhi. You'll zip through this walled city on three wheels, stopping at landmarks such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Khari Baoli—Asia's largest spice market. Your next destination will be Rajasthan and its fascinating desert region of Shekhawati, where you'll explore sand dunes and bed down in a 16th-century palace-turned-hotel. In Churu, watch artisans busy at work crafting traditional handicrafts like tie-dyeing, block printing, wood carving, pottery, and making silver jewelry.

The pink city of Jaipur awaits you next, where you'll marvel at the massive City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind), and Jantar Mantar monument with its huge 18th-century stone sundial. A stop at the nearby UNESCO-listed Amer Palace Fort is another must-do on your itinerary. Then it's on to Agra with a visit to Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwells in India, before continuing to the historic 16th-century city of Fatehpur Sikri. Your trip ends with an iconic highlight: the Taj Mahal, the tomb of a beloved queen and a monument to love. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Traditions & Wildlife of the Golden Triangle

This 11-day tour combines some of India's greatest architectural and cultural sights along with nature and wildlife. From the age-old monuments of Old Delhi and the grandeur of the Taj Mahal to the tiger reserves of Ranthambore National Park, this tour is sure to delight history lovers and outdoorsy types. Other highlights include the sprawling Amer Palace Fort near Jaipur and a boat ride along the Ganges in timeless Varanasi.

Your trip starts with a sightseeing tour of Delhi's famous sights: the red sandstone Red Fort, black marble Raj Ghat, lively Chandni Chowk bazaar, India Gate, and 12th-century Qutab Minar complex, among others. Next is Agra, where you'll see the Taj Mahal in all its magnificence at sunrise and take a tour of the Mughal-era Agra Fort. The next day, you'll make a halt at the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri on your way to Ranthambore National Park. Here you'll take a safari ride with the chance to spot tigers or leopards in their natural habitat.

On Day 7, explore the pink city of Jaipur on a heritage walk and take in its architectural marvels while sampling the filling street food and seeing jewelers and silversmiths busy at work. Amer Palace Fort and Jaipur's temples are other must-sees you'll stop at before catching a flight to Varanasi, one of India's most important pilgrimage centers. You'll experience the holy Ganges River on an early morning boat ride as you float past the bathing ghats and river-side cremation sites. Your last stop is at the Buddhist holy site of Sarnath before flying home the next day. Learn more 

Itinerary #3: Craft & Textiles Tour of Colorful Gujarat

Gujarat's heritage architecture and colorful handicrafts and textiles are celebrated on this 11-day exploration of this vibrant state in western India. Lovers of art and culture will delight in the cultural museums showcasing their artistic treasures and numerous fortresses, temples, and holy sites. There will also be a chance to get close to the local culture with visits to tribal villages and artisans' workshops.

The heritage city of Ahmedabad is the starting point for this cultural exploration, with a walking tour of its many fascinating buildings and monuments. You'll stop at museums showcasing Gujarat's rich textile traditions and handicrafts. Then you'll leave the city behind and head to the UNESCO site of Champaner, the sprawling complex of Palitana Temples in Bhavnagar, and other holy pilgrimage sites perched on hilltops.

A drive toward the sea will take you to Diu, a former Portuguese colony, where you'll explore its churches, fort, and horseshoe-shaped beach. The following day, you'll hit the road again, this time to Gondal, where you'll see palaces and wander through pastoral villages, such as Bharwad. Finally, it's on to Bhuj, famous for its majestic Bhujia Fortress and nearby tribal areas. Over two days, you'll stop at several tribal villages and see artisans busy crafting embroidery, leatherwork, wood carvings, and textiles decorated with mirror work. From Bhuj, you'll fly to Mumbai and then depart India. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Beaches, Canals & Hills of Kerala

This well-rounded 11-day itinerary showcases the best sights and experiences in the southwestern state of Kerala. Colonial towns, bird sanctuaries, tea and spice plantations, wildlife parks, classical dance, cooking classes, a boat trip on the famous backwaters, and plenty of palaces, temples, and churches make for an action-packed tour.

Your trip to Kerala begins in seaside Cochin with a stroll through charming Fort Kochi, where you'll see colonial-style bungalows, the old Jewish quarter and synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the fascinating Chinese fishing nets. Evenings will be spent watching Kathakali, a classical dance, and learning how to cook local dishes. Next, you'll head inland toward Munnar and its lush tea plantations, stopping first at the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. In Munnar, you'll trek through hills planted with tea, cardamom, and coffee plantations and see how tea is produced at the Tata Tea Museum.

Your next destination is Periyar National Park, home to elephants, tigers, gaur (Indian bison), and monkeys. There will also be time for a jungle walk and a spice plantation tour. A highlight is a cruise in a traditional houseboat of the Kerala Backwaters, a network of scenic canals and waterways. This is followed by a visit to beachside Kovalam, where you can relax with a traditional Ayurveda treatment, join a yoga class, or chill on the beach. On Day 11, you'll drive to Trivandrum to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Delhi & Kolkata Wildlife Tour

India's national parks and safari adventures are the focus of this 11-day wildlife tour. Spot rhinos and elephants in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, one of India's less-explored northeastern states, and the elusive Bengal tiger in Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. You'll also take in the tourist sights of Delhi and Kolkata, where this trip begins and ends.

The adventure begins in the capital Delhi, with a sightseeing tour of the city's biggest tourist draws, such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, Chandni Chowk market, and UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar. Then you'll fly to Guwahati in Assam and head to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Brahmaputra River. Over three days, you'll stalk the park's many rhinos and elephants, check out the Gibbon Sanctuary–home to a species of ape, tour a tea plantation, and hike to Kakochang Falls.

Next, you'll fly to Kolkata, where you'll take a boat trip to Sundarbans National Park. This park is also UNESCO-protected and known for its mangroves and Bengal tigers. The following day you'll join a daylong boat safari through the mangroves in search of these beautiful but elusive cats. The adventure ends with a city tour through Kolkata's vibrant streets, stopping off at some of its best-known monuments, such as the Victoria Memorial and Kali Temple. Learn more 

Itinerary #6: Ladakh High-Altitude Trek: Lamayuru to Chilling

Adventure seekers will delight in this 11-day trek through the high-altitude mountains of Ladakh. Follow the old Silk Road to China, taking in fabulous mountain views with each step and stopping at monasteries. But this trip is not all about trekking; it also offers the opportunity to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and practice yoga and meditation in an exceptional setting. 

This high-altitude trekking itinerary begins with a flight from Delhi to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, India's northernmost region. At 11,480 feet (3,500 m), you'll need a few days to gradually acclimatize to the high altitude before heading off on the trek. A sightseeing tour will take you to Leh's most fascinating sights, such as the nine-story Leh Palace, vibrant bazaars dating back to the Silk Road days, and the mountaintop Shanti Stupa. You'll also practice yoga and meditation at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre and visit three Buddhist monasteries nearby.

On Day 4, you'll drive to Lamayuru, where you'll visit the monastery before commencing the trek to the very first stop, Wanla, a walk of four hours. You'll be hiking up to seven hours a day, climbing mountain paths to remote villages, crossing rivers, and descending into gorges. A highlight is the ascent to Konski La Pass, the highest point of this trek at 16,233 feet (4,948 m), from where you'll take in views of the magnificent snow-covered peaks of the Karakoram and Stok mountain ranges. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Destination Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to India? Check out these other 11-day India itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.