14 days · Triangle +
India in 14 days
India in 14 days: Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) + extension (Varanasi, Rajasthan or Mumbai). Human pace, not an infinite checklist.
The Triangle is the skeleton
In 14 days: Delhi (3) · Agra (1–2) · Jaipur (3) and one extension (Varanasi, Udaipur/Jodhpur or Mumbai 3–4). Don’t stack Kerala + Goa + Ladakh + Golden Triangle in one arc — India rewards depth.
When
Oct–Mar
Best northern season: dry and visitable. Book Taj and hotels early.
Apr / Sep
Shoulder: rising heat; better prices.
Jun–Aug (monsoon)
Rain and humidity; some stretches hard. Not ideal for a first trip.
Budget / day
US$40–100
Hotel
US$15–35
Food
US$20–50
Train/guides
US$80–180
Total
14 days
Days 1–3Delhi
Old Delhi (jama/chandni with guide or rickshaw), Humayun or Qutub, India Gate, and a soft jet-lag day. Get SIM/eSIM and find your pace.
- A good driver/guide on day one cuts friction more than three apps.
Days 4–8Agra & Jaipur
Agra: sunrise Taj + Fort. Jaipur: City Palace, Amber (elephant optional — jeep better), bazaars with judgment.
- Train or car Delhi–Agra–Jaipur. Avoid all-in-one express tour days.
Days 9–14Extension: Varanasi / Rajasthan / Mumbai
Pick one: Varanasi ghats; Udaipur/Jodhpur; or Mumbai (Marine Drive, colonies, one museum). Return to Delhi or exit from the extension.
- Varanasi needs humility and time on the ghats — it’s not a theme park.
Practical
IRCTC & flights
Trains: book ahead (IRCTC or agent). Cheap domestic flights for the extension. Private driver = comfort on the Triangle.
Where to stay
Delhi: airport or Defence Colony/HKV · Agra near Taj · Jaipur centre/old · extension in a walkable centre.
Stomach & pace
Bottled water, hot food, spice up slowly. Insurance and a small kit. Day 1 without overplanning.
Food
Thali · chaat with judgment · clean-stall chai · Rajasthan thali. Good hotels > street-only on day 1.
Tips
Taj at sunrise
Light, fewer people, manageable heat. Book the slot online.
All of India in 14 days
South + Himalaya + Triangle = airports. One region well.
Temple dress
Shoulders and knees covered; shoes off. Ask before photos at rituals.
Only “Taj photo and out”
Agra Fort and the sunrise rhythm are half the experience.
Checklist
India on TripMatches
Build Triangle + extension, share nights and align trains vs car with your group.
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