16 Days Best of India Tour for First-Time Travellers

Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. This day is kept light so long-haul travellers from Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and other regions can rest after arrival.

Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy a short orientation walk near your hotel or simply relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, begin your first full day in India with sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, and pass by the Red Fort.

Later, explore New Delhi’s major landmarks including India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. This day gives first-time travellers a strong introduction to India’s history, contrasts and daily life.

After breakfast, travel to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax.

In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, an impressive Mughal fortress with palaces, courtyards and views towards the Yamuna River. Later, visit Mehtab Bagh for a peaceful sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the river.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, one of the most unforgettable highlights of any first India trip. Return to the hotel for breakfast before driving towards Jaipur.

En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital known for its red sandstone architecture. You may also stop at Abhaneri Stepwell before continuing to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at your hotel.

Begin the day with a visit to Amber Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive hilltop forts. Continue to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the famous Hawa Mahal for a photo stop.

Later, explore Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, where you can see textiles, jewellery, blue pottery and traditional crafts. This day gives travellers a classic Rajasthan experience with forts, palaces and local life.

Today is planned at a slower pace, which works especially well for first-time international travellers. You may enjoy a block-printing workshop, cooking session, heritage walk, local market visit or relaxed café time.

Optional experiences can include a visit to Patrika Gate, Nahargarh Fort for sunset, or dinner with a traditional cultural performance. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, travel to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful cities. Depending on the final tour plan, this journey can be arranged by flight or private vehicle.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening by Lake Pichola. Udaipur adds a softer and more scenic side to the itinerary with lakes, palaces and romantic old-city charm.

After breakfast, visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan. Continue to Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and the old city lanes around Lake Pichola.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to water levels and local conditions. The views of the lake, ghats and palace architecture make Udaipur one of the most memorable stops on this Best of India itinerary.

This day is kept flexible so travellers can enjoy Udaipur without rushing. You may explore local art galleries, visit traditional miniature painting workshops, enjoy lakeside cafés or walk through the old city markets.

Optional excursions can include the Monsoon Palace, a countryside drive, or a relaxed heritage dining experience. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, usually via Delhi, Mumbai or another major city depending on the flight schedule.

On arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the ghats of the River Ganges and witness the famous Ganga Aarti, a powerful spiritual ceremony with lamps, chants and devotional rituals.

Start early with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, one of the most moving experiences of the tour. Watch the ghats come alive with prayers, rituals and morning life along the river.

Later, explore the old city lanes, temple areas and local markets. Visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. In the evening, you may return to the ghats for another view of the Ganga Aarti or enjoy a relaxed walk through the old city.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kerala. Fly to Cochin with a suitable connection.

On arrival in Cochin, check in at your hotel. The shift from North India to Kerala gives travellers a completely different experience of India, with coastal culture, historic trading heritage and a slower tropical pace.

After breakfast, explore historic Fort Kochi. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue area.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, where expressive gestures, costumes and music introduce you to Kerala’s classical performing arts.

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, Kerala’s famous hill station known for tea plantations, rolling hills and cool mountain air.

On arrival, check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the peaceful views and fresh climate. This is a refreshing change after the busy cities of North India.

After breakfast, drive down from the hills to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through palm-lined canals, villages, paddy fields and calm waterways. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay are arranged on the houseboat, offering one of Kerala’s most relaxing and memorable experiences.

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark in Alleppey and drive to Cochin Airport for your onward flight.

Your 16-day Best of India journey ends with memories of Delhi’s heritage, the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan’s royal cities, Varanasi’s spiritual energy and Kerala’s peaceful backwaters.