Special Holidays Blog

2 weeks in India – Perfect Itinerary and Travel Blog

2 weeks in India

Experience a 2-week tour in india with 6 first-time travellers. Explore Golden Triangle (Delhi Agra Jaipur) Ranthambore, Udaipur & Varanasi with expert-guided adventures.

2 weeks in india for first timer

 

2 weeks India Tour From Delhi

Day1: We landed at around 11 PM Indian time. A representative from the travel company was waiting to receive us. He greeted us with warm smiles and placed yellow flower garlands around our necks as a traditional welcome. With genuine respect and affection, he helped us into a spacious vehicle that was more than comfortable for the six of us. He loaded all our luggage carefully and said, “Sir, please make yourselves comfortable.”

2 weeks in India Star From Delhi

 

We then set off for the hotel. The representative accompanied us, and we had light conversations along the way. He was extremely polite and offered us bottled water during the ride. After about 20 minutes, we reached our hotel.

Our check-in was smooth. While the staff handled the formalities, we relaxed in the lobby and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee. Soon after, we were handed our room keys, and the representative respectfully folded his hands and said, “Namaskar, sir. Please rest now. Your tour begins in the morning,” and informed us of the breakfast timings before taking his leave.

Day 2: The next morning, we got ready and went down for breakfast — and it was even better than we had expected. There was a wide variety of dishes, more than I’d ever seen in one place. I tried a bit of everything. We all enjoyed the spread, but the dosa with sambar, and aloo-pyaz paratha served with curd and butter were particularly delicious.

After breakfast, we sat in the lobby for around 10 minutes when we received a call from the company. “Sir, where are you?” they asked. We told them we were all in the lobby. Soon after, a representative arrived, greeted us with a namaskar, and informed us that the car was waiting. Some of our essentials — a charger and camera — were still in the room, so we told him we needed to grab them. He waited patiently while the girls went up to collect them.

And just like that, our Delhi city tour began.

We were introduced to our guide, who welcomed us with folded hands and a smile, and began explaining the city’s rich history over a microphone. His style of storytelling was impressive, and he kept the atmosphere light with jokes in between, making us laugh so hard that we had tears in our eyes.

Our first stop was Old Delhi. There, three rickshaws were already waiting for us. “Please take your seats,” they said. We split into groups of two and hopped in. As we were taken through the market lanes, it truly felt like we had entered another world.

“Tasted Delhi’s famous golgappas in the heart of Old Delhi – a burst of flavour, spice, and pure joy in every bite!”

 

The market was unlike anything we’d seen before — bustling with people, vibrant in colour and energy. The aroma of Indian spices, street-side stalls offering chaat, fruit platters, golgappas, and jalebis, as well as shops selling dry fruits, filled the air. We watched porters carrying loads, shopkeepers busy with customers, and people working and laughing together. Everything was somehow perfectly in sync — it felt like we were part of a live video game, with every detail beautifully choreographed.

We asked, “What is this place?” and the guide replied, “This is Chandni Chowk.”

An unforgettable aerial glimpse of Chandni Chowk with the majestic Jama Masjid rising above the chaos — Old Delhi’s spirit captured in a single frame.

 

As we moved a little further, we were surrounded by the unmistakable aroma of Indian spices. All around us were vibrant colours — reds, yellows, multicoloured sacks, large red chillies, and so many things we couldn’t even name. This was the famous spice market.

We had never seen anything like it before.

From there, we went to the well-known Paranthe Wali Gali, where we tasted some of the famous stuffed parathas. We also tried ginger tea. We didn’t eat much — just sampled one paratha — but the taste and experience were absolutely amazing.

Next, we headed to Sadar Bazaar and the cloth market, where the girls were thrilled. They bought dupattas, cotton suits, and much more. Their excitement was visible — they were on cloud nine!

Later, we drove towards New Delhi, where we visited Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, the President’s House, and India Gate. As we explored these iconic landmarks, it truly hit us — choosing India for our holiday was one of the best decisions of our lives.

Standing tall and proud in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate is more than just a monument — it’s a powerful symbol of honour and remembrance.

 

We were all in agreement — and completely happy.

Our faces and eyes were saying to each other without words:
“Right choice. Excellent service. Perfect experience.”

 

3rd Day: As we left Delhi and entered Noida, we were pleasantly surprised. The city was clean, modern, and well-planned — quite different from what we had imagined. Smooth highways, organised infrastructure, and greenery along the way made the drive very comfortable. Our guide kept us entertained throughout, sharing interesting facts about the area. It became clear that India is not just about heritage and history, but also about development and transformation. Noida gave us our first real glimpse of a rapidly progressing India — a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

After arriving in Agra, we had lunch and took some time to relax.

Wandered through the mighty walls of Agra Fort, where every corner whispers stories of emperors, love, and power. A true Mughal masterpiece!

 

As per our itinerary, we visited the impressive Agra Fort and the serene Mehtab Bagh. The view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh was absolutely stunning — perfectly framed across the river, glowing in the soft light. Though we weren’t visiting the Taj Mahal until the next morning, this distant glimpse filled us with excitement and anticipation.

Our guide shared many fascinating stories and historical facts at Agra Fort, where we also caught a beautiful view of the Taj from within the fort walls. It felt surreal to stand in a place so full of history and try to imagine the lives of emperors, queens, and warriors who once walked there.

After soaking in the sights, we returned to our hotel, had dinner, and rested, looking forward to the highlight of the next day — our visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.

The next morning, we visited the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal – A Breathtaking Moment in Agra

 

As I walked through the gate, I felt as if I was entering heaven. All of us friends stood in awe, completely mesmerised by its beauty. We were so absorbed in the moment that we didn’t even hear the guide at first.

He kept calling us gently, “Sir… Sir… Ma’am… Are you listening?”
I finally responded, “Yes, I’m listening. It’s just… I’ve never seen something so beautiful made of marble.”

As the guide explained that Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, I could feel the deep love he must have had for her. It was visible in every detail of this magnificent monument.

Later, we went closer and explored the Taj Mahal up close. It’s an enormous structure, and at the back, we saw the Yamuna River flowing behind it. From there, we could see the very spot in Mehtab Bagh where we had stood the day before.

The guide told us that, in earlier times, the Yamuna used to be crystal clear — so clean that people could even drink its water.

We took plenty of photos and soaked in the beauty of the Taj Mahal until our hearts were content. Then we returned to the hotel, still lost in the magic of what we had just experienced.

 

Our 5th day had begun, and we were now heading from Agra to Jaipur. We chatted a lot amongst ourselves during the drive — the guide kept us entertained with funny stories and jokes, making us laugh non-stop. After a while, a few of us dozed off briefly.

A postcard-perfect moment at Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s iconic Palace of Winds. Its intricate façade and royal charm took our breath away!

 

We stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant. The food was excellent — I had really started enjoying Kadhai Paneer, Shahi Paneer, Dal, and the delicious raita. We ended up eating a bit more than usual!

Soon, we were back on the road, heading towards Jaipur. Upon arrival, we visited the Birla Mandir, saw the Hawa Mahal, and went on a short city tour. We clicked some beautiful photos, especially with the Hawa Mahal as the backdrop.

Every city in India seemed to offer something unexpected and amazing — much more than we had ever imagined. I remembered my father had once told me about Amer Fort, so we were all very excited about visiting it. But for that, we would have to wait until the next day.

We were quite tired by evening. After returning to the hotel, we had dinner and went straight to bed.

 

On the sixth day, our itinerary included Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort), along with City Palace, Lake Palace, and the Observatory. A highlight of the morning was the elephant ride at Amer Fort — something we were really looking forward to.

Stepped into royal history at Amer Fort, where majestic courtyards, mirror palaces, and elephant rides brought Rajasthan’s regal past to life.

Amer Fort was grand and majestic, built from yellow sandstone, perched high on a hill. Our car was parked below, and we were taken up by jeep. The experience was truly amazing. Amer Fort, located in Jaipur, is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and listed in UNESCO World Heritage.

Inside, we saw the places where royal queens once relaxed on swings and admired themselves in mirrors fitted into the ceilings. Their rooms were massive and elegantly designed. I was completely fascinated by the stories of royal life that the guide shared.

There was also a temple dedicated to a goddess inside the fort, and a long queue of visitors. The guide told us the idol of Ganesh in that temple is carved from a single piece of coral (munga), which made it even more special.

As we entered the main palace of Amer Fort, we were awestruck by the gold-plated craftsmanship on the ceilings. From certain angles, it shimmered brilliantly — a true work of art.

We also visited the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, both equally beautiful and rich in history.

With hearts full of unforgettable experiences and memories, we returned to our hotel in Jaipur, carrying with us the magic of the Pink City.

 

On the seventh day, we departed from Jaipur and headed towards Ranthambore. According to our itinerary, Ranthambore is world-famous for its Bengal tigers, and was once the hunting ground of kings and royals. It’s also home to the historic Ranthambore Fort, located in the Sawai Madhopur region.

I had only ever heard about the beauty of Bengal tigers — how photographers and wildlife lovers travel from all over the world just to capture a glimpse of them. All of us were silently praying for a good tiger sighting.

We arrived in Ranthambore, had lunch, and spent the afternoon relaxing. It was a leisure day, so in the evening, we had a great time dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. After dinner, we called it a night.

One of my friends was especially excited for the safari. I jokingly warned him, “Just be careful — tigers are dangerous too, you know!”

The next morning, we woke up early, had breakfast, and set off for our morning safari.

Can you believe what happened?

Just 10 minutes after entering the park, we spotted a tiger walking along a wall! It was massive. Our guide informed us it was a female tiger. We stayed there quietly, watching her in awe. Soon, other safari vehicles arrived, and people were equally amazed.

In a scene straight out of a wild fairytale, a Royal Bengal Tiger strides confidently along the historic Ranthambore Fort wall, showcasing the rare harmony between nature and heritage. Located inside Ranthambore National Park, the fort offers panoramic views and often doubles as a vantage point for spotting big cats. This striking blend of wildlife and ancient architecture is what makes Ranthambore truly unforgettable.

 

As we continued the safari, we came across deer, monkeys, and sambar deer at various points. On the way back, we were lucky enough to spot two more tigers, resting in the soft green grass. Our guide reminded us that the afternoon safari was still to come, so there was a chance we might see even more.

By the time we went for the afternoon safari, the weather was a bit warmer, and we could feel the heat. But the moment we spotted another tiger, we forgot all about the temperature.

This tiger was walking calmly ahead, while all our jeeps slowly followed behind. After a while, he sat down and started licking his paws repeatedly, completely unbothered by our presence.

We clicked lots of photos and recorded videos — it was an unforgettable experience.

At that moment, I thought of my dad and silently whispered, “Thank you,” for recommending such a brilliant tour planner. This trip had given us memories for a lifetime.

After returning to the hotel, we had dinner, reflected on the day’s magical experiences, and went to bed with full hearts.

Day 9: Ranthambore to Udaipur (by road)
On the ninth day, we travelled by road from Ranthambore to Udaipur, a journey of around 7 to 8 hours. But honestly, thanks to our guide, we didn’t feel bored for even a moment. Every little detail of this journey brought a unique experience — the changing landscapes, small villages, and roadside scenes all added charm to the long drive.

After a lovely lunch stop, we took a short nap for about an hour and later played some games to keep the mood light and fun.

Upon reaching Udaipur, we checked into our hotel, had a refreshing shower, and relaxed for the evening.

Day 10: Exploring Udaipur
It was finally time to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur. We had seen pictures and features about it in magazines and news articles, and now we were here — in the City of Lakes.

Udaipur truly is stunning. Rich in history, it’s one of Rajasthan’s jewels, just like Jaipur. Each city in Rajasthan tells its own royal story — tales of queens, valour, wealth, and cultural pride.

Our guide introduced us to a famous Rajasthani phrase:
“Padharo Mhare Desh”, which means “Welcome to our land.”

The forts, palaces, and lakes of Udaipur are nothing short of artistic marvels. If you want to experience true royalty and luxury, Udaipur is the place to be.

We explored:

City Palace

Lake Palace

Jag Mandir

Bagore Ki Haveli

Lake Pichola

Fateh Sagar Lake

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Each place had its own unique charm and story. With this, our Rajasthan leg of the journey came to an end, and tomorrow we would fly to Varanasi.

Day 11: Udaipur to Varanasi
After breakfast, we headed to Udaipur airport for our flight to Varanasi.

Upon arrival in the ancient city, a representative from the travel company welcomed us warmly and escorted us to our hotel. After check-in, we were told that in the evening, we would attend the Ganga Aarti — a sacred ceremony held by the river Ganges.

We rested for a bit and then left well in time to witness the aarti.
And what a magnificent sight it was!

The crowd gathered on the ghats, the priests dressed in traditional attire, and the glowing oil lamps in their hands created a magical atmosphere. Our guide explained that this aarti is deeply spiritual, performed in honour of Mother Ganga, and has been conducted in this manner for centuries.

The sounds of bells, the chanting, and the rhythmic drumbeats created an atmosphere that touched the soul. It was one of the most moving spiritual experiences we’ve ever had.

Our guide also told us that Lord Shiva himself is believed to have founded the city of Varanasi, making it the spiritual heart of India. We noticed people from various countries standing around us — all there to witness this divine tradition.

That evening, our only activity was to attend the aarti. Once it concluded, we returned to our hotel, had dinner, and went off to rest — still feeling the spiritual energy of the night.

Day 12: Varanasi – Spiritual Sunrise, Temples, and Culture
On the twelfth day, we started our morning early — we wanted to witness the sunrise over the Ganges and take a dip in the holy river. We had a quick breakfast and set out just as the city was beginning to wake up.

We first visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples in the world. Our guide told us that this temple holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is frequently mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures. The energy there was incredible.

Afterwards, we explored some of Varanasi’s famous ghats, where countless saints, poets, and scholars were born. The city is often referred to as the “City of Knowledge”, and we could truly feel its deep-rooted wisdom and cultural richness.

Our guide also took us to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) — one of India’s most prestigious institutions. We saw students from many countries there, including a group from Japan. The campus had a peaceful, academic atmosphere, blending tradition and modern learning.

Since our guide was a local from Varanasi, he arranged a special boat ride on the Ganges for us. As we crossed the river, he took us to meet a sadhu (holy man) on the opposite bank. The sadhu shared spiritual teachings with us — simple yet profound insights that left a lasting impression.

Later, we wandered through the narrow lanes of old Varanasi, observing everyday life up close — the shops, rituals, conversations, and colours. Everywhere we went, people greeted each other with “Har Har Mahadev”, a devotional chant in honour of Lord Shiva. We joined in too, greeting the locals the same way.

Some children and a few women even asked to take photos with us. Everyone was so warm and welcoming — it made us feel truly connected.

With that, our incredible tour was complete. Tomorrow, we head back to Delhi, carrying with us memories, blessings, and a deeper understanding of India’s heart and soul.

Day 13: Delhi Arrival & Nightlife
After breakfast, we headed straight to the airport and boarded our flight to Delhi.

Once we arrived in the capital, we decided to make the most of our final evening by experiencing Delhi’s nightlife. We asked our guide to accompany us, and he took us around with great enthusiasm and knowledge.

We explored Connaught Place (CP), a vibrant hub in the city known for its shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. The nightlife in Delhi was exciting — full of lights, music, and energy.

Being our last day in India, we truly wanted to savour every moment — and we did.
It was an evening filled with laughter, memories, and heartfelt conversations.

Our flight was scheduled for 2 PM the next day, so we made sure to end the night on a high note, cherishing every second.

We realised that our journey through India wasn’t just a holiday — it was a magical dream come true.
And all of this had been made possible by the amazing team at Special Holidays.

Thank you so much to the entire team — your planning made our experience unforgettable.

Day 14: Farewell India
On our final morning, we had a relaxed breakfast and took some time to rest a little more before packing up.

Once everything was ready, the hotel staff informed us, “Sir, it’s time to leave” — right on schedule. The punctuality and professionalism of the Special Holidays team continued to impress us right to the end.

Before we left, we took one final group photo, capturing the joy and bond we had formed during the journey.

We then headed to the airport, boarded our flight, and as we took off, we looked out at India one last time and softly whispered, “Goodbye… until we meet again.”

We promised ourselves we would return to this beautiful country — because this wasn’t just a trip.
It was a life-changing experience.