10-Day Itineraries in India: Best Choices for Your India Tour

How to spend 10 days in India? You could take the classic Golden Triangle tour (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) with a visit to Varanasi, or explore the southern part of India and its unique backwater landscapes. If you're interested in history, consider extending your trip to Aurangabad. Alternatively, combining your India tour with highlights of Nepal offers a broader experience of South Asia.

10-Day Classic India Tour with Varanasi

For first-time travelers to India, the "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is often the preferred itinerary. Additionally, a visit to the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi is considered an essential part of the India tour. Together, these destinations offer a captivating exploration of India's diverse culture, history, and heritage, ensuring a memorable journey filled with iconic sights.

Starting from Delhi, you will have a whole day to explore both Old and New Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, famous for its Mughal architectural style and one of the largest mosque courtyards in India. Enjoy a unique travel experience by rickshaw through the bustling Chandni Chowk. In New Delhi, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Qutub Minar, made of red sandstone and marble. Also, don't miss the historical Humayun's Tomb, the solemn Gandhi Smriti, and more.

Humayun's Tomb

Head to Agra and immerse yourself in the profound love story of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Explore the Taj Mahal, India's iconic landmark and an architectural masterpiece that surprises at every turn, whether by day or night. Agra's highlights also include the Agra Fort, blending Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles, the stunning Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), and the exquisite Itimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

En route from Agra to Jaipur, make sure to visit Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient city renowned for its historical importance and architectural splendor.

Continue to Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City'. Witness the breathtaking views from Amber Fort, a majestic hilltop fort made of red sandstone and marble. Admire the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Maharaja City Palace, showcasing a mix of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles. Capture photos of the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of Winds', with its distinctive pink-colored facade.

Venture towards Varanasi, a city rich with stories along the banks of the Ganges River. The perpetual rituals of Ganga Aarti, where priests perform prayers with oil lamps at Dashashwamedh Ghat, are a striking ceremony that illuminates the riverfront. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges River is a form of Indian spiritual purification. It is highly recommended to take a cruise to witness the sunrise over the Ganges in the early morning. To learn more about this historic city, visit the Bharat Mata Temple and the Sarnath Museum.

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10 Days in Southern India - Kerala Vacation

If you are planning a second trip to India or are interested in different style of India, consider traveling to the southern part of India. Take a 10-day scenic journey through Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, and Kovalam to gain a comprehensive experience of natural beauty and multicultural heritage. This itinerary ensures a memorable exploration and relaxation of Kerala's diverse attractions.

Begin your tour in Kochi (Cochin), a vibrant port city in Kerala renowned for its rich colonial heritage. Delight in the historic Fort Kochi area, where you can marvel at the distinctive Chinese fishing nets. Uncover the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. Then admire the charming Mattancherry Palace (known as Dutch Palace). In 2023, Condé Nast Traveller, the famous British Luxury travel magazine, listed Kochi as one of the best places to visit in Asia for 2024.

Continue your journey to Munnar, where you'll encounter idyllic tea plantations in the serene Western Ghats. This peaceful hill station is sure to attract you with its lush green tea gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the aroma of the surrounding flora, watch as tea leaves are skillfully picked during your visit to the plantations, and savor the fresh tea - a must-try experience.

Tea Plantations in Munnar

Next, travel to Periyar for the Periyar Tiger Reserve, India's earliest sanctuary and one of the best places to see Asian elephants. Roam around one of the spice plantations and learn about the many uses of spices before taking a late afternoon cruise on the picturesque Periyar Lake. The highlight of the Periyar tour is enjoying a boat safari at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You will have a chance to see many types of wildlife, such as elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Embark on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey and start your unique cruise experience along the tranquil backwater of Kerala. Surrounded by the serene beauty of primary rainforests and caressed by gentle breezes, glide through lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and charming rural villages to explore the local way of life. Savor your delicious dinner cooked by your chef on the houseboat. There are always some places, some moments that are hard to forget. Kerala is the right place.

Why not sit back and relax in Kovalam? Kovalam boasts three adjacent crescent beaches - Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Kovalam's calm waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. You can also enjoy Ayurvedic treatments and spa therapies, special cultural programs, and catamaran cruising. Pamper yourself on this stunning coastline.

Conclude your wonderful tour in Trivandrum and take your flight back home. This southern India tour will exceed your expectations.

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10-Day India History and Architecture Explorer

India is famous for its history and architecture. Don't hesitate to take a tour that includes India's Golden Triangle and Aurangabad. Delve into this 10-day journey from Delhi, where ancient history meets modern metropolis, to the ancient city of Aurangabad, before exploring the royal grandeur of Jaipur and Agra. Discover iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and Qutub Minar, and soak up the Mughal Empire's legacy.

Your Indian discovery begins in Delhi. Besides the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar and the must-visit Old Delhi Bazaar, you are recommended to visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship. If you travel to Delhi during the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali, Laxmi Narayan Temple is a must-visit. Oh, don't forget to stop at Masterji Kee Haveli for a traditional home-cooked lunch.

A short 2-hour drive from Delhi will take you to the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad. These caves are masterpieces of ancient Indian art, renowned for their exquisite rock-cut architecture and breathtaking murals. They date from the 2nd century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. The Ellora Caves, showcasing a blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are also worth visiting.

The next destination is Jaipur, which offers a range of wonders to explore. Spend a whole day marveling at Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Maharaja City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. You will be very satisfied after this full itinerary in this "Pink City". But that's not enough. Stop on the way to Agra and drop a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, also known as the City of Victory, which was once the capital of the Mughal empire.

Amber Fort

The highlight of this tour is Agra, with the Taj Mahal being the ultimate attraction. The best time to see the Taj Mahal is in the early morning for sunrise or at night to see it bathed in moonlight. No matter when you visit this landmark, the stunning view will never disappoint you. Of course, the Agra Fort and the Baby Taj are unmissable places in Agra. It will be hard to say goodbye to Agra and to India.

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10 Days Indian Golden Triangle with Nepal

Experienced travelers often combine tours of India and Nepal. A 10-day trip visiting two popular South Asia destinations is an excellent idea. Indulge deep into a rich blend of cultures, histories, religions, and architectural wonders. Uncover centuries of history when you visit iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan. This unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions will make your South Asia tour a wonderful memory.

Along with the Indian Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, spend 3 days extending your tour to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal in this itinerary.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur share a common architectural heritage, but each has its unique charm and character. Dive into Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, where you may encounter funeral rituals. Additionally, visit Boudhanath Stupa, a significant pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Enjoy a bird's-view of the Nepal Valley from Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and wander around this iconic landmark of Kathmandu. This India and Nepal tour will deepen your understanding of South Asian culture.

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Travel to India in Your Way, With Odynovo

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