An EPIC 2-Week North India Itinerary For First Timers
Are you looking for an awesome 2-week North India itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!
From the fabulous forts of Rajasthan to the awe-inspiring mountains of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, to the spiritual and serene ghats of Varanasi, North India has something for everyone.
This stunning part of India is not just a region bustling with chaos and disorder that you have probably seen depicted in the media. On the contrary, it is an incredibly diverse and enriching country with a rich history and magnificent landscapes.
This 14-day North India itinerary will have you seeing some of the most important and famous parts of North India, ensuring you get the full “India experience”. Not only that, this itinerary will also ensure that you get a chance to relax and immerse yourself in the more peaceful side that North India has to offer.
So, what’s included in this 2-week North India Itinerary?
Read on below to find out!
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Prepare for your trip to India
?️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!
?Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.
?Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.
?Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.
?Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.
?Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.
About This 2-Week North India Itinerary
India is huge, so I’m sure there are 1000 different North India itineraries you can choose from, however, this specific itinerary follows the exact route I took during my trip to India which encompasses visiting some of the best parts of North India that every first timer in the country should see!
Your 2-week North India Itinerary will look like this:
- Day 1 – Arrival In India
- Days 2 & 3 – Varanasi
- Day 4 – Agra
- Days 5 – 8 – Rishikesh
- Days 9 & 10 – Jaipur
- Days 11 & 12 – Pushkar
- Days 13 & 14 – Udaipur
Day 1 – Arrival In India
This 14-day North India itinerary starts in the city of Varanasi which is easily accessible by plane, train or bus.
Although Varanasi’s airport is international, it is highly likely that if you are flying in from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, you will first be landing at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.
From Delhi, you can either catch a connecting 90-minute flight to Varanasi, take the 8-hour/train journey or book a 13-hour overnight bus journey.
If you’re travelling long-haul to India, I highly recommend booking a connecting flight to Varanasi. It’ll save you a lot of time and hassle after a long trip, and it’s still pretty affordable!
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
✈️Prices from ₹5400/$65 – Book through Skyscanner
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Days 2 & 3 – Varanasi
Varanasi is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world and is the most spiritual city in India and an important place of pilgrimage for all Hindus. The city is most famous for its open-air cremations that take place 24/7, 365 days a year. The atmosphere in Varanasi is intense and palpable and one I believe every first-timer in North India should experience to truly immerse themselves in the “real” India.
Varanasi was my favourite place in India so you simply cannot skip this off your North India Itinerary.
Where To Stay In Varanasi
I recommend staying in the Assi Ghat area in Varanasi. It’s super central so you are close to all of the best things to do in town.
Some of the top places I recommend are:
Check out more accommodation options in Varanasi here.
Things To Do In Varanasi
Sunrise Boat and Sunset Boat Tour
A sunrise and sunset boat tour is a MUST during your time in Varanasi. The city feels like two totally different places during these different parts of the day and it’s definitely worth it to experience both.
Simply head down to the banks of Assi Ghat just before sunrise/sunset where you will find plenty of boats looking for customers (make sure to hire a row boat as it feels like a much more authentic experience than a powered boat).
The price of a boat ride will normally depend on how far you want to go down the river, however, I recommend going up to Manikarnika Ghat which is the main ghat where the famous open-air cremations take place in Varanasi.
Watch The Open Air Cremations
One of the most important things you can do in Varanasi, to truly understand what this city is about is to witness the open-air cremations.
There are two main Ghats where the cremations take place Manikarnika Ghat and Maharaja Harishchandra Ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is the largest and most famous Ghat to watch cremations but I think it’s worth visiting both.
It’s a truly haunting and spiritual experience and one worth doing.
Explore the 88 Ghats In Varanasi
There are approximately 88 ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi. Ghats are essentially points along the river where there are a set of stairs. Walking along the different ghats is one of the best things to do In Varanasi. Each Ghat offers something different and the chaotic atmosphere along the river will engage all of your senses.
Sunrise and Sunset Ganga Arti
An Arti ceremony is a prayer of gratitude to God that removes evil. It involves waving lit wicks in front of sacred images to fill the flames with the Deities’ love and blessings. Sadhus and pujaris perform this ritual.
There are two main Arti ceremonies in Varanasi. The largest one is at Dashashwamedh Ghat and starts at 7 pm in summer or 6 pm in winter. It can get very crowded here so make sure to arrive early for a good spot.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, head to Maharaja Harishchandra Ghat at around 6:30 pm, or visit Assi Ghat at 5:30 am for the sunrise Arti.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular visited temple in Varanasi and is a must-visit on this itinerary. The temple is often referred to as the Golden Temple and it is completely dedicated to the Lord Shiva who is the god of destruction. The temple is free to enter or you can hire a guide for as little as ₹200
Explore The Back Streets Of Varanasi
Exploring the backstreets of Varanasi is a must for anyone wanting to experience the real city. These narrow lanes are full of life, showing you how locals live and their traditions. The backstreets also offer a peaceful escape from the busy main areas.
??2-Days In Varanasi??
Read my comprehensive 2-day Varanasi itinerary here.
Day 4 – Agra
Of course, no North India itinerary would be complete without a trip to Agra to see the famous Taj Mahal. I personally did not love Agra which is why I recommend just 1 day here so that you can see one of the 7th wonders of the world.
How To Get From Varanasi To Agra
The best way to get from Varanasi to Agra is either by overnight train or bus. The train takes approximately 8-9 hours and the bus takes roughly 11-12 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Things to do in Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal
Of course, the main reason we all visit Agra is to visit the Taj Mahal, and this is the top activity to do here.
I recommend getting to the Taj either for sunrise or sunset to be either some of the first people, or the very last people into the Taj and thus avoid some of the large crowds that can be found there.
It’s best to book your tickets ahead of time online and you can do so on the official website here. On this website, you can also find out more of the do’s and don’ts of visiting the Taj Mahal.
One important thing to note is that you’re not allowed any tripods or any big backpacks into the Taj (there are lockers however I think it’s best to leave everything back at your accommodation) so if you’re a keen photographer or travelling solo you’ll have to carry just your camera and ask some kind strangers to take pictures of you.
I’timād-ud-Daulah – The Baby Taj
The Baby Taj is a beautiful mausoleum that was built in the 17th Century. Here you’ll find the tomb of Itimd-ud-Daulah who was the father of an Emperor’s wife. The entrance fee is ₹310 for most foreign tourists.
Visit the Sheroes Hangout Cafe
Sheroes Hangout Café in Agra is run by courageous female survivors of acid attacks. If you’re looking to support a meaningful cause during your visit to India then make sure to give this cafe a visit whilst in Agra.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Mughal Empire. Built with red sandstone this iconic monument holds great significance for India’s history. Entrance to the fort is ₹300 for foreign tourists.
Sunset at Mehtab Bagh
One of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Agra is the Mehtab Bagh Park alongside the banks of the Yamuna River. This point overlooks the Taj Mahal and you can get a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal lit up by a sunset glow.
Days 5 to 8 – Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga and the point on this 2-week North India Itinerary where you can get some well-deserved rest and relaxation which is why I have suggested 3 days here. Here you will also get the opportunity to embrace the spiritual side that India has to offer.
How To Get From Agra to Rishikesh
The best way to get from Agra to Rishikesh is either by overnight bus. The bus takes roughly 8-10 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
Where To Stay In Rishikesh
There are 3 main areas to stay in whilst you’re in Rishikesh, Lower Tapovan, Upper Tapovan and Lakshman Jhula and all are good places to choose from when deciding where to stay in Rishikesh. However Upper and Lower Tapovan will be best for you if you want to stay more centrally located.
Some of the hostels and hotels I recommend are:
Things To Do In Rishikesh
Practice Yoga and Meditation
Of course, the main activity in the birthplace of yoga has to be yoga and meditation. There are an unbelievable amount of yoga schools and lessons that you can attend, and you’ll notice that the town is covered in flyers advertising all the different classes.
And, it’s not just yoga and meditation you can find here, you’ll also find an abundance of breathwork, sound healing, women’s circles, ecstatic dance and so much more.
I personally had a great sound healing experience with Levitating Lotus and a great ecstatic dance session with Yoga & Smiles.
Visit the Kunjapuri Temple
The Kunjapuri Temple is located 30 KM from Rishikesh. You can either choose to hike there or hop in a taxi/Tuk Tuk which costs around ₹800-₹1300.
The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise to witness some very magical views over the Himalayas.
There is no entry fee to the temple, however you can make a donation if you wish.
Watch a Ganga Arti At Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and you can head here between 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm every day to watch the arti ceremony.
In addition to that, the famous spiritual leader, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, resides here and holds regular inspirational talks with Q&A sessions.
Visit The Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram also known as Chaurasi Kutia is where the Beatles were said to have written over 48 songs, including those that formed their famous “The White Album”.
In the 1980’s the ashram was abandoned and left almost completely derelict until the site re-opened for tourism back in 2015. Now you can find A café and a gallery and a meditation hall amongst other things here.
Explore Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is the town on the opposite side of the main bridge in Rishikesh (you can’t miss it). Spend a few hours here exploring. There are lots of nice cafes here with incredible views of the river.
Go For A Dip In The Ganges
You’ll notice that the Ganges in Rishikesh is a billion times cleaner than the part of the Ganges you would have seen in Varanasi.
This water is perfect for dipping in, and if you’re into adventure sports you can even go white water rafting here.
Visit The Vashistha cave
The Vashistha Cave is a famous meditation cave located just 30 minutes from Rishikesh. The cave is very famous because it is said that the human son of Lord Brahma (Sage Vashistha) once meditated here.
Explore The Best Foodie Spots In Rishikesh
One of my favourite things about Rishikesh was just how many incredible restaurants and cafes there are. From traditional Indian food to Western-style cuisine there are so many great places to choose from.
??Best Restaurants and Cafes In Rishikesh??
Read my comprehensive guide to the best foodie spots in Rishikesh here.
Days 9 & 10 – Jaipur
Jaipur is probably the most famous city in Rajasthan, it’s part of the famous Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and is often referred to as “The Pink City” thanks to the city being adorned with an abundance of pink terracotta architecture.
How To Get From Rishikesh To Jaipur
The best way to get from Rishikesh to Jaipur is via overnight bus. The bus takes approximately 10-11 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹650/$8 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
Where To Stay In Jaipur
The best area to stay in during your time in Jaipur is the C Scheme Area. It’s home to some of the best, and most modern hotels as well as some of the best hostels in Jaipur.
I stayed at Moustache Jaipur (which is located in this area) and I loved it. It was one of my favourite hostels in all of India.
Other places to consider in the C Scheme Area include:
Other parts of the city that you can consider staying in are The Old City and Raja Park areas.
Things To Do In Jaipur
Amber Fort
The Amer Fort is one of the most iconic spots in Jaipur and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Palace is huge and you will need a couple of hours to get around it. I highly recommend getting a guide so that you can learn more about the history of the palace. The entrance fee for foreigners is ₹200 and if you want a guide you are looking at an extra ₹2-300.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is a stunning fort located on the highest hill in Jaipur. I recommend heading to Nahargarh Fort for sunset. The entrance fee to the fort for foreigners is ₹200. The fort itself closes at 5:30 pm, however, the walls of the fort and the onsite Padao Restaurant are open until 09:30 pm.
Jaipur City Palace
Alongside Amber Fort, the Jaipur City Palace is another one of the most popular spots to visit in Jaipur. The Palace blends Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architecture. Inside you can find stunning courtyards, museums, and royal artefacts. Entry costs around-₹1000 for foreign tourists.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Panna Meena ka Kund is a beautiful old stepwell that is 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps. It was originally built in the 16th century and was used for water storage. Thanks to its symmetry, Panna Meena ka Kund is a photographer’s dream.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s iconic red and pink sandstone city palace built in 1799. Originally built for royal women to observe the streets unseen, it’s a must-visit landmark. The best view is from the Tattoo Cafe which overlooks the palace. It’s slightly overpriced but really does have the best view in town.
Patrika Gate
Located just 30 minutes outside of Jaipur is the stunning Patrika Gate. The gate features stunning architecture, colourful murals and intricate carvings. If you love photography, this will be a great spot for you to visit.
Ranthambore National Park
A great day trip that you can do from Jaipur is to Ranthambore National Park to get the chance to see tigers in the wild. It is quite a long round trip (approximately 2-3 each way) so you’ll need to decide whether this trip is worth the time investment for you as there is a chance you might not see anything.
I got very lucky on my trip and was able to see 3 tiger cubs and their mother.
Ranthambore National Park Tiger Safari
Price: $80
Rating: 4.2/5
Duration: 12 hours
Includes: Roundtrip transport, National Park fees
Days 11 & 12 – Pushkar
The ancient city of Pushkar is one of India’s most sacred places. The town of Pushkar is considered a pilgrimage location by many Hindus due to its connection to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.
How To Get From Jaipur To Pushkar
The journey from Jaipur to Pushkar is the shortest one on this 2-week North India itinerary.
You can either catch a bus directly to Pushkar which will take around 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Jaipur to the town of Ajmer which will take 2.5 hours and then catch either a bus or Tuk Tuk to Pushkar which takes around 40 minutes.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹200/$3 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹500/$6 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Pushkar
When booking accommodation in Pushkar, I recommend staying as close to the lake as possible.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Pushkar include:
Things To Do In Pushkar
Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is the spiritual heart of Pushkar, where pilgrims bathe to cleanse sins. I recommend spending some time here people-watching, and admiring spiritual rituals in action from afar.
Lord Brahma Temple
This rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is a must-visit, is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and is one of the top attractions in Pushkar. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There is no entry fee to visit the temple, however, you can provide a donation if you so wish.
Shopping
One of the best things to do in Pushkar is shopping! In the markets, you can find beautiful clothing, handmade jewellery, journals, and so much more all at extremely affordable prices.
Arti Ceremony
At the end of every day, you can witness a beautiful Arti Ceremony that takes place by the lake. An Arti ceremony is essentially a ceremony of light and is a prayer of gratitude to God that helps to remove evil.
Savitri Mata Temple for Sunset
The Savitri Mata Temple located on Ratnagiri Hill, provides stunning panoramic views of Pushkar and the surrounding desert. It’s one of the best places in Pushkar to watch the sunset.
You can either hike to the temple to take the cable car. If you decide to hike you can expect to trek 1.5 kilometres up the hill, and it should take you around 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can take the cable car, which is just a short 10-minute ride. A return journey will cost you ₹115.
??2-day Pushkar Itinerary??
Read my comprehensive guide to Pushkar here.
Days 13 & 14 – Udaipur
Udaipur is often referred to as “the city of lakes” and is surrounded by breathtaking Aravalli mountains, making it one of the most romantic cities in India. Udaipur was my favourite city in Rajasthan so it is definitely worth visiting on this itinerary.
How To Get From Pushkar To Udaipur
You can travel to Udaipur from Pushkar either by train or by bus. To do so you will need to first travel from Pushkar to the town of Ajmer which will take you around 40 minutes by Tuk Tuk or public bus.
From Ajmer, you can either take the train which will take 4.5-5.5 hours or the bus which will take 8 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹200/$3 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹200/$4 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Udaipur
During your time in Udaipur, I really recommend staying in the Lal Ghat area.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Udaipur include:
Things To Do In Udaipur
City Palace
The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over 400 years ago and is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Palace is a complex of 11 smaller palaces, each with its own unique architecture. The entrance fee to the palace is ₹400.
Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishu that was built in 1651. Inside the temple, you can find statues and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods. The temple is free to enter.
Gangaur Ghat
Gangaur Ghat is one of the most famous and scenic locations in Udaipur best known for its beautiful views and tranquil ambience. I recommend spending some time here soaking up the views.
Wander The Streets of Udaipur
The old streets of Udaipur are great to explore. They are colourful and chaotic and there are lots of independent stores selling clothing, trinkets and lots of other handmade items.
Dharohar Folk Dance Show
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show is a well-known cultural event held at Bagore Ki Haveli in an old mansion by Lake Pichola. The show takes place every evening from 7 pm and lasts for around 1 hour. Tickets cost approximately ₹90 for Indians and ₹150 for foreign tourists.
Sunrise Tour
One of the best things you can do during your time in Udaipur is to experience a sunrise lake tour, where you will drive out of the city to watch the sunrise in the Bahubali Hills and spend the rest of your morning visiting some of the best lakes in Udaipur. I booked this tour through my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur (I can really recommend staying here during your time in Udaipur).
Kumbhalgarh Fort
The Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for having one of the longest walls in the world and is often referred to as “The Great Wall of India”.
??1-Week In Rajasthan ??
Read my comprehensive guide to spending 1 week in Rajasthan here.
Alternative Options For This Itinerary
This India itinerary can actually be completed in 10 days if you are short on time. If you are looking for a 10-day North India Itinerary then I recommend doing the following (see below). However, you can of course play around with the days and duration of your stays to best suit your preferences).
- Day 1 – Arrival In India
- Days 2 & 3 – Varanasi
- Day 4 – Agra
- Days 5 & 6 – Rishikesh
- Days 7 – Jaipur
- Day 8 – Pushkar
- Days 9 & 10 – Udaipur
Train Travel Versus Bus Travel
Train travel is one of the main experiences that every traveller visiting India should try. With that being said, I did find that bus travel was far easier and I used strictly overnight buses during my 2 weeks in North India.
I found that the booking process for trains was quite complex when booking through the official train website ( IRCTC) because I didn’t have an Indian mobile number. When booking trains (during my time in South India) I would either have to get my accommodation to help me book a train, or I would book through 12go Asia which meant I was paying more than I really needed to.
If you would prefer to travel by train then I would make sure to get an Indian SIM card when you arrive at the airport so that your booking process goes smoothly when booking through the IRCTC website. Alternatively, I would use the 12go Asia if you are happy to pay a little more for the convenience of it.
Please note that if you do take the train you will need to book these more in advance than the overnight buses as tickets sell out quickly. If you are more of a last-minute or spontaneous traveller then the bus is probably the best option for you.
Also, when catching overnight buses in India (especially for solo female travellers) the bus ‘stops’ and ‘stations’ were often random spots on the side of the road rather than official stations. When getting transport to these spots I would highly recommend asking your driver to wait with you until your bus arrives.
You Might Also Enjoy…
- 1-Week Rajasthan Itinerary For First Timers
- Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?
- The ULTIMATE 2-Day Pushkar Itinerary
- Is Pushkar Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
- The ULTIMATE Varanasi 2-Day Itinerary
- Is Varanasi Worth Visiting?
- Is Varanasi Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
- 14 Drool-Worthy Restaurants & Cafes In Rishikesh
- Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
Happy Exploring
I hope this post has helped you plan the perfect 2 weeks in North India. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
