India – Ultimate 3 Week Itinerary

Planning to travel around India solo? I’ve got the perfect 3-week itinerary for you! Starting with the iconic Golden Triangle and exploring the beautiful regions of Rajasthan, this guide will help you make the most of your adventure. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, I’ve got you covered!

Itinerary – Day 1 & 2: Arriving and Exploring Delhi

Delhi can be an overwhelming city, even for experienced travellers. I relied quite a bit on advice and directions from fellow travellers at my hostel, which helped me plan out my itinerary more thoroughly than I usually would.

For shopping lovers, I headed straight to Sarojini Market (SN Market). Fortunately, the metro station on my street took me directly there (Sarojini Nagar metro station). This market is one of the best in Delhi, open every day, and famous for clothing at incredibly low prices. You’ll find rejected items due to minor defects and some great replicas. The market also had amazing street food stalls! The bustling vibe of the market and the metro station gives you a real taste of India right away. Don’t forget to barter for good deals! I wish I hadn’t brought so many clothes with me, as I could’ve bought more here.

On my second day, I visited some of Delhi’s main tourist sites: The Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar. It’s best to visit these places either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat. For convenience, I used Uber between a few of these sights since it was easy and affordable, especially compared to a full day tour.

I also visited Gandhi Smriti, which I found particularly moving. It’s the place where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life before being assassinated. The site is split into a home and garden, with many historical articles and a memorial. I’d highly recommend a visit here.

Day 3: Check Out and Train to Agra

Day 4 : Exploring Agra

My third day began with a checkout and train ride to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark—the Taj Mahal. I had pre-booked a sunrise guided tour through the app Get Your Guide for £22, which included a skip-the-line option for £22 and was well worth it. The tour started at 5 AM, timed perfectly to catch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal.

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Although I’m not a fan of early mornings, starting the day at dawn was the best decision. The sunrise over the Taj Mahal is simply breathtaking, and the lack of tourists at that time meant I could take amazing, unobstructed photos. Our guide mentioned that up to 5,000 tourists visit the Taj Mahal daily, and as we were leaving, the crowds were just starting to arrive. If you’re planning a visit, getting there as early as possible is my top tip!

Exploring Agra Fort

After a quick nap post-tour, I headed to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning fort, built from red sandstone, covers nearly 94 acres and is filled with beautiful gardens and historic palaces. Walking through its courtyards, I felt immersed in the architecture and picturesque gardens.

Dussehra Festival in Agra

As I visited in October, I was lucky to experience the vibrant Dussehra festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The streets were filled with colorful parades, dances, and music. I even saw camels and elephants decked out in festive decorations—a truly unique and joyful celebration to witness.

Agra was a magical mix of history, culture, and celebration, making my brief time there unforgettable.

Day 5 – late train to Jaipur
Day 6 and 7 – Exploring Jaipur

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, was the third stop on my journey through India’s Golden Triangle. As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is large, vibrant, and artistic, but I did find it overwhelming at times. After experiencing Delhi, the constant buzz of cars, tuk-tuks, and crowds felt non-stop. Despite that, the city’s stunning architecture and rich history made it worth exploring.

Visiting Iconic Landmarks

While in Jaipur, I visited several of its most famous landmarks, including the Hawa Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Jaipur City Palace, Monkey Temple, and Amer Fort. Each of these sites offered a glimpse into the city’s royal past and beauty.

Monkey Temple Experience

The Monkey Temple (Galta Ji) was one of the highlights of my day. Located 9 km outside the city center and about a 4 km walk from Jaipur City Palace, it’s a must-see. For ease of travel, I recommend downloading the Ola app, which works like Uber and allows you to book a rickshaw. Alternatively, renting a scooter is an affordable and convenient way to explore Jaipur’s sights.

The temple complex is a sacred pilgrimage site, with several temples to explore. Be sure to dress respectfully by covering your knees and shoulders, and remember to remove your shoes when entering. The view from the top is incredible, but be cautious with your belongings—those mischievous monkeys can be aggressive and may snatch your valuables!

Local Craftsmanship in Jaipur

During my visit, I was lucky enough to accompany some locals to a workshop in central Jaipur, where skilled craftsmen were creating intricate silver and gold jewelry. The shop also featured a wide selection of Indian block-printed textiles, available for purchase. This visit offered a unique insight into Jaipur’s famous artisan culture, and it was fascinating to see how these beautiful pieces are made.

Day 8 – Check out and travel to Mandawa
Day 9 – Explore Mandawa

Mandawa wasn’t originally on my itinerary, but after some recommendations from locals, I decided to make a two-day detour—and I’m so glad I did! Mandawa offers a truly authentic Rajasthani experience that felt worlds apart from the bustling cities of Jaipur and Delhi. Walking through this old town was like stepping back in time, with its traditional townhouses, narrow alleyways, and vibrant market stalls.

Mandawa Fort and Historic Havelis

One of the key sights to visit here is the Mandawa Fort, a historical gem offering beautiful views of the town and surrounding landscape. I also explored the Jhunjhunwala Haveli, which left a lasting impression. This haveli is famous for its intricate carvings and vibrant depictions of gods, goddesses, and nature, all displayed in stunning colors. It was once the residence of the Jhunjhunwala family and is a true showcase of the region’s artistic heritage.

Traditional Rajasthani Experiences

While in Mandawa, I had the chance to take a camel ride, arranged by a friendly local family. It was a unique way to explore the area, offering a slow-paced journey through the picturesque countryside. I also enjoyed some delicious homemade Rajasthani dishes and sipped on traditional Indian chai, which was the perfect way to end a day of exploring.

Mandawa felt like a hidden treasure in Rajasthan, offering a peaceful and cultural escape from the more tourist-heavy cities. If you’re looking for a more traditional and relaxed experience, this small town is definitely worth a visit.

Day 10 – Travel to Jodhpur
Day 11 and 12 – Explore Jodhpur

Jodhpur, known as the ‘Blue City’, was a fantastic stop on my trip. As a solo traveller, I found that two full days were enough to explore the main sights, and I’m really glad I made the effort to visit. While Jodhpur can be busy, it doesn’t have the overwhelming noise and hustle of other cities I’ve visited. Getting around was easier than expected, and I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and many rooftop restaurants and bars, perfect for watching the sunset over the city.

Must-Visit: Mehrangarh Fort

The highlight of Jodhpur is undoubtedly Mehrangarh Fort. It’s ranked as one of the best forts in India, and for good reason. You could easily spend hours exploring its vast courtyards, galleries, and viewpoints. Fun fact: this fort was a filming location for The Dark Knight Rises. The views from the top are incredible, and it’s a place you don’t want to rush through.

Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower & Market

Another must-see is the Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower, located in the heart of the city. This area is also home to the bustling market, where you can find everything from spices to textiles, as well as some delicious food, fresh juices, and lassi. I recommend visiting the clock tower at night when it lights up and the crowds thin out—it’s perfect for photos.

Zip Lining with Flying Fox

One of the most exciting activities I did in Jodhpur was zip lining with the company Flying Fox Jodhpur. This experience gave me jaw-dropping views of Mehrangarh Fort and the entire Blue City. Although it was terrifying, the company took all the necessary safety precautions, and I couldn’t fault the experience.

Jodhpur is a beautiful, friendly city that offers a great mix of history, culture, and adventure—definitely worth a couple of days on your Rajasthan itinerary.

Day 13 – Check out and train to Udaipur
Day 14 and 15 – Explore Udaipur

Udaipur was hands down my favorite part of India. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the city. Set on the stunning Lake Pichola, Udaipur has a perfect mix of beautiful palaces, temples, vibrant bazaars, and whitewashed streets with a Venice-like vibe. The scenic countryside surrounding the city only adds to its charm. And I can’t forget the unforgettable pink Indian sunset.

Must-Visit: Udaipur City Palace

One of my first stops was the Udaipur City Palace. This grand complex is made up of multiple palaces, each incredibly colourful and ornate. It’s a must-see and a photographer’s dream.

Dharohar Folk Dance Show

Another highlight was the Dharohar Folk Dance Show. This traditional performance features puppetry, Rajasthani music, dance, and stunning costumes. The audience is a mix of locals and tourists, with tickets priced at just 150 INR—definitely worth it.

Animal Aid Visit

As an animal lover, I also visited the Animal Aid Centre, which cares for injured and street animals. Seeing the animals across India was tough for me, so this visit felt meaningful. The staff were incredibly welcoming and gave us a tour. It’s about 25 minutes outside the city by tuk-tuk or taxi, or you can rent a scooter. Be sure to book your tour in advance through their website (more on this in a separate blog).

Great Food by the Lake

Udaipur also has some amazing lakeside cafes. One place I loved was the Eat, Pray, Love cafe—a great spot to relax and enjoy good food with a view of the lake.

Udaipur truly captured my heart, and I can’t wait to go back someday.

Day 16 – Check out & Internal flight to North Goa

I found the internal flights very simple and had no issues, I had my flights pre-booked and I flew with the airline AirAsia India, my flight was direct and took 2hr 40 minutes to North Goa.

Day 17 and 18 – North Goa

In North Goa, I stayed just a short walk from Anjuna Beach, a beautiful palm-shaded spot famous for its sunsets. I was lucky enough to catch a few of those stunning sunsets during my stay.

Anjuna Beach offers plenty of water sports at reasonable prices. If you’re more into relaxing, the beach is lined with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cocktail and unwind.

I also visited the Anjuna Flea Market, a vibrant, lively market with live music. You’ll find everything from clothing and jewellry to spices and collectibles. Remember to barter for the best deals!

Anjuna is also known for its nightlife. I spent an evening at Nyex Beach Club, which is open from early afternoon until 3 AM. The club has DJ-selected music and offers stunning views, making it a great place to enjoy Goa’s famous late-night scene.

Day 19 – Check out and travel to South Goa
Day 20 and 21 – South Goa

For my final two days in South Goa, I focused on relaxing on the beach to unwind and finish off my trip. I stayed right on the beach, so the short walk and views were absolutely lovely.

I was close to Palolem Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand lined with palm trees. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.

I also joined an Indian yoga and meditation session. While walking up the main street, I met a local instructor named Rosemary who was advertising sessions. I returned the next day for a peaceful class with her.

The local market in South Goa was another highlight. They sold handmade goods, flavoured coffees, candles, incense, and textiles—perfect for unique souvenirs.

South Goa was the perfect, relaxing end to an amazing trip.

Day 22 –

Flight back to Delhi to fly back home! 🙁