Taj Mahal at sunrise — highlight of the 10 day India itinerary for foreigners

10 Day India Itinerary for Foreigners — A Complete 2026 Guide

If you have exactly ten days to spend in India, this is the itinerary we recommend most often to first-time European travellers. It balances North India's icons — the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur — with manageable driving distances and proper rest days. Written by people who have been planning India tours for over a decade.

The Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day 1–2: Arrive Delhi (Old & New Delhi sightseeing)
  • Day 3: Drive to Agra (Taj Mahal sunset)
  • Day 4: Taj Mahal sunrise + Agra Fort, drive Jaipur
  • Day 5–6: Jaipur (Amber Fort, City Palace, bazaars)
  • Day 7: Fly to Udaipur
  • Day 8–9: Udaipur (Lake Palace, City Palace, villages)
  • Day 10: Fly Mumbai or back to Delhi for departure

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1 — Arrive Delhi

Most direct flights from Europe land in the early hours. Our driver meets you at Indira Gandhi International Airport with a name placard, transfers you to your hotel for early check-in (we always pre-book the previous night so the room is ready). Spend the day resting and adjusting to IST. In the evening, a gentle stroll through Khan Market or Lodhi Gardens.

Day 2 — Old & New Delhi

A full day with your private guide. Morning: Jama Masjid, Red Fort exterior, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk's spice market, and Raj Ghat (Gandhi's memorial). Afternoon: Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and a drive past the Presidential Palace. Dinner at Indian Accent if you want a contemporary take on Indian cuisine.

Day 3 — Delhi to Agra (4 hours by expressway)

Drive south on the Yamuna Expressway. Arrive Agra by lunchtime. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset — the marble glows pink, then rose, then gold. Stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas (Taj-facing room if you can stretch the budget) or ITC Mughal.

Day 4 — Agra Sunrise + Drive to Jaipur (5 hours)

Pre-dawn private visit to the Taj Mahal — the most magical moment of the trip. Back to the hotel for breakfast. Visit Agra Fort, then drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (the abandoned Mughal capital — well worth the stop). Arrive Jaipur by evening.

Day 5 — Jaipur Highlights

Morning at Amber Fort — arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. Visit the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) and walk down to the Saffron Café for chai with a view. Afternoon: City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal photo stop. Evening: a block-printing workshop or an Anokhi shopping detour.

Day 6 — Jaipur at Leisure

We strongly recommend a slower second day — Jaipur rewards depth. Options: the Galta Monkey Temple at sunrise, a cooking class at a Rajput home, a vintage car ride through the old city, or a hot-air balloon over Amber Fort.

Day 7 — Fly Jaipur to Udaipur (1h)

IndiGo or Air India operates direct flights. Arrive by lunch. Check in at the Taj Lake Palace (mid-lake, accessible only by boat) or the Oberoi Udaivilas (lakefront with private pools). Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 8 — Udaipur City

City Palace tour with your guide, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens, and the Crystal Gallery. Lunch at Ambrai overlooking the lake. Late afternoon: explore the artisan shops of the old city.

Day 9 — Udaipur Villages

A half-day drive into the rural Mewar region — visit a tribal village, a traditional pottery workshop, and a hilltop Jain temple. Return for a quiet evening at the hotel — many travellers say this is their favourite day of the entire trip.

Day 10 — Fly out via Mumbai or Delhi

Morning flight from Udaipur to Mumbai (1h 15m) or Delhi (1h 30m) for your international connection home. We handle all transfers and make sure you have enough connection time.

What This Itinerary Costs

All our private India tours are price on request because every itinerary is built bespoke. As a guideline, this 10-day package for two adults sharing typically falls into the following ranges (excluding international flights):

  • 4★ heritage hotels — comfortable, characterful properties
  • 5★ premium — Taj, ITC, Leela category
  • 5★ luxury — Oberoi, Aman, Lake Palace category

Prices include all hotels with breakfast, private chauffeur-driven car, expert local guides at each city, all monument entries, the Jaipur–Udaipur and Udaipur–Mumbai domestic flights, airport transfers, and 24×7 ground support. Tell us your dates for a precise quote.

Tips for First-Time European Travellers

  • Visa: Apply for the Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel.
  • Money: Carry some Euros to exchange on arrival, then use ATMs. Cards work everywhere except small markets.
  • Water: Drink only sealed bottled water. Your hotels and our cars provide this throughout.
  • Dress: Modest, breathable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Pack a scarf.
  • Health: No mandatory vaccines, but speak to your GP. Avoid street food on day 1–2 to let your stomach adjust.
  • Tipping: Plan around €5–10 per day for your driver and €10–15 per day for your guide.

Want This Itinerary Tailored to You?

Send us your travel dates, hotel preferences and any must-do experiences. We will email a fully-costed version of this 10 day India itinerary for foreigners within 24 hours — completely free, no obligation. Every detail is private and built around you, not assembled from a catalogue.

Questions Travellers Ask

Is 10 days enough for an India trip?

Ten days is enough to comfortably cover the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) plus one extra city like Udaipur or Varanasi. It is not enough to combine North India with the south or with Nepal — for that you need at least 14 days.

How much does a 10 day India itinerary cost for foreigners?

All our private tours are price on request. As a guideline, a 10-day fully-private 4★ heritage itinerary for two adults is mid-range; a 5★ luxury equivalent (Oberoi, Taj) is roughly 1.8–2× higher. Share your dates for an exact quote.

What is the best 10 day India itinerary for first-time visitors?

Delhi (2 nights) → Agra (1 night) → Jaipur (2 nights) → Udaipur (3 nights) → Mumbai (1 night). It covers the Golden Triangle plus the romance of Udaipur, with a comfortable departure from Mumbai.

Should I include Kerala in a 10 day India trip?

We do not recommend it. Kerala deserves at least 6 nights on its own. A better option is to do North India for 10 days, then return another year for South India and Kerala. Quality over quantity.

When is the best time to do this 10 day India itinerary?

October to March. December and January are peak (cool, dry, festive). February and March are excellent value with pleasant weather. Avoid May to September for North India — too hot or monsoon-affected.

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