Exploring India is a dream for many, and we were lucky enough to visit India with our kids recently.
If you are planning a 2 week India trip itinerary -I’ve got you covered! From the vibrant streets of Delhi to the serene beauty of the Taj Mahal and Kerala’s backwaters, this itinerary covers all of India’s highlights.
Picture beautiful colours, bustling markets, peaceful temples, sun-kissed beaches, and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. India offers an experience like no other!
Indian people are so welcoming and hospitable and always intrigued by tourists. Most of us have tried Indian food at some point, but nothing beats the local specialities. I still dream of the chai tea and sweet banana fritters in Kerala!
This two-week India trip itinerary includes some of the iconic sites of the Golden Triangle, followed by a tranquil retreat on the backwaters and a stunning beach destination. It is the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
Aside from the itinerary, I share my tips and tour operator recommendations for consideration to ensure a smooth trip.
2 Week India Itinerary
Tour Operator
There are many tour operators, but my top recommendation is Exoticca for the perfect two week India trip itinerary.
The 13-day tour covers all the spots I am about to mention, and their price includes flights, accommodation, all transfers, activities and some meals.
This company has an excellent Trust Pilot score, a pretty good sign of a hassle-free trip. Exoticca is a fantastic choice for a private tour with kids.
Visas
Before you start planning your two week India trip itinerary, it is important to consider visas from the off-set. Indian visas can take time. I did six tourist visas online for my rather large family.
Be prepared with some passport photos, passport copies and so on. There are quite a few questions, but they are manageable. Here is the official website for getting an Indian E-tourist visa.
Arrival – Day 1 of a 2 Week India Trip Itinerary
Many flights from the UK are night flights to Delhi, the first stop on this two-week India trip itinerary. You are likely to arrive mid-afternoon. Use the first day to get to the hotel, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead!
Stay at Hotel Leela Ambience near Maharaja Surajmal Samadhi Park. It’s the ideal spot to wind down after a day of exploring, featuring a pool, fitness centre and several dining and beverage outlets.
Delhi – Day 3
On the first day of this 2 week India trip itinerary, head to Delhi for a guided city tour some of which is by rickshaw. The capital city intertwines ancient history with modernity.
You will want to see Mughal’s architectural marvels in Delhi, such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid Mosque. Explore the narrow back streets and enjoy the colourful sites and sounds.
Head to Agra in the afternoon to inch closer to the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Agra & The Taj Mahal – Day 4
Start off your day with a filling breakfast for an adventurous day on this 2 week India trip itinerary. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the main reasons why so many tourists visit Agra. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its intricate details and incredible artistry amongst the white marble palace.
Explore sprawling gardens, reflective pools, and the main structure which holds a love story behind its creation.
Beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra is home to The Agra Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red sandstone structure was home to the Mughal Emperor.
Featuring labyrinths, mosques and courtyards, it is worth wandering through to marvel at the architecture.
Stay at the 5 star Grand Mercure Agra, featuring a roof top bar, live entertainment, a pool and fitness centre, this hotel also ideally located for exploring the Taj Mahal.
Delhi – Day 5
To get to the south of India, you will first need to head back to Delhi by road. It’s an opportunity to see a few more spots before continuing the journey on this 2 week India trip itinerary.
Visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, known as Raj Ghat. It’s another peaceful spot in Delhi worth visiting. Featuring lush gardens, this place marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated.
Many people say they find it very peaceful. The simplistic black marble is adorned with flowers and an eternal flame reflects the teaching of Gandhi and his profound impact on the world.
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of city’s most striking landmarks.
This towering minaret, stands at a height of 73 meters and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
The Qutub complex also includes several other historical structures, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar.
The National Rail Museum in Delhi is a great place to learn about the history of Indian Railways. Located in Chanakyapuri, it has a large collection of old trains, carriages, and railway items both inside and outside.
You can see old locomotives, royal train cars, and a unique old monorail system. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, near Connaught Place, is an important Sikh temple known for its beautiful golden dome and peaceful atmosphere.
It has a holy pond and a community kitchen that serves free meals to everyone. Both places offer a chance to see different sides of Delhi’s history and culture. Return to Leela Ambience Hotel for the night.
Kochi -Day 6 & Morning of the 7th Day
The next stage of this two week India trip itinerary takes us to the south, Kochi! Northern India and Southern India are very different. Expect a slower pace of life, different cuisine, and a completely different landscape.
Have breakfast at the hotel in Delhi before heading to the airport for an internal flight to Kochi.
The flight is approximately 3 hours and Kochi Airport is pretty incredible as it is the first fully solar powered airport in the world!
It’s best to stay close to the fort. I recommend taking a rickshaw guide to see everything such as the village spice market, St. Francis Church and Vaso De Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basillica, Mattancherry Palace, as well as Jew Town and Synagogue, all of these spots are included in Exoticca’s city tour.
Try to head to the Chinese Fisherman nets right on the water’s edge at sunset. See the very old and intriguing method of fishing used in the area. The nets are hoisted out of the water around this time.
Wander around the fort and have dinner at Forte Kochi, an incredible restaurant and boutique hotel with the nicest menu of traditional local food! The building is influenced by the Portuguese who once colonised the area.
Stat at the Crowne Plaza Kochi, it’s got a great spa and fitness centre and in a good location for day trips around the area.
Kumarakom – Day 7 to 10
After a morning tour of the above sites in Kochi, it is time for the next leg of the journey will take you to a town nestled on the edge of the Vembanad Lake. This is the mouth of some of the many famous Alleppey backwaters Kerala is so well known for!
At just one and a half hours drive from Kochi, Kumarakom marks the last stop before some beach relaxation.
This tiny village features backwaters, lagoons, incredible lake views, coconut groves, and rice paddy fields. It’s such an idyllic and tranquil spot. The lake is laden with thick mangroves and water hyacinth adding to the serene feel.
We loved seeing locals clearing the hyacinth out of the backwaters. It’s a haven for birdlife and it would not be uncommon to spot kingfisher, egrets and herons.
In fact, there is a bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, which you could visit on your first day in the area. Kumarakom deserves three days, so you can split up the activities and sites with plenty of relaxation in between.
You cannot visit Kumarakom without getting out on the water. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake exploring some of the backwaters. This is also included in Exoticca’s itinerary. You will see many houseboats pass by which are unique to the area.
Once used for rice transportation, some of these boats offer a luxury private experience for guests to explore the backwaters.
Some other activities over the few days in the area could include canoeing, an ayurvedic massage or a village walk and cycling tour. Kumarakom is my favourite spot on this 2 week India trip itinerary.
Stay at Gokulam Grand Resort and Spa, featuring incredible lake views and plenty of cultural and relaxing activities; this is a relaxing spot to respite in Kumarakom.
Mararikulam – Day 10 to 12
After exploring one of India’s longest lakes, it’s time to head onto the backwaters to enjoy a houseboat ride exploring on route to Alleppey. This is part of Exoticca’s itinerary and also includes lunch.
It’s another picturesque village in Kerala and renowned for its stretch of golden sand beaches and aqua blue waters along Marari Beach. This area is relatively untouched and less crowded.
Here you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in the ocean and taking in the beauty of the swaying coconut palms lining the coast.
You will be able to see local fishermen going about their day in colourful boats and the different techniques used for fishing.
If you haven’t had enough cultural experiences at this point of your 2 week India trip itinerary, there are still some more places to explore in Mararikulam.
The St.Andrew’s Basilica is a significant Christian pilgrimage site and attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture.
There is also Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple and vibrant markets with handicrafts and spices.
Wind down and enjoy the relaxation before heading back to Kochi for your flight home!
Stay at Marari Beach Resort. It spans 55 acres of scenic lawns and groves, offering traditional yet modern accommodations. Enjoy diverse dining, candlelit dinners, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes.
Kochi – Day 12 to 13
Before heading home, enjoy one more night close to Fort Kochi. A show displaying traditional dance and art forms at Kerala Kathakali Centre is included in the Exoticca itinerary on the last day.
Here you will find incredible traditional make-up which you can watch being put on before the show.
This activity is also part of the private tour with Exoticca. Return to stay at Crowne Plaza before heading home.
Check out the Exoticca family trip here.
What To Pack
Packing for a trip that covers diverse destinations like Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Kerala, beaches, Fort Kochi, and the backwaters requires a mix of essentials for different climates and activities.
To make this 2 week India trip itinerary complete, I wanted to include a packing list!
Here’s a comprehensive list:
Clothing:
- Lightweight Clothing: Cotton shirts, t-shirts, and pants/skirts for hot and humid weather in Kerala and Delhi.
- Modest Attire: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites like the Taj Mahal and temples.
- Beachwear: Swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for the beach in Mararikulam.
- Evening Wear: Casual evening wear for dining out.
- Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or sandals for exploring cities and historical sites.
- Rain Gear: A light rain jacket or poncho and an umbrella, especially for the monsoon season in Kerala.
- Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight scarves to protect against the sun.
- Layers: A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned places.
Accessories:
- Daypack: A small backpack for day trips and carrying essentials.
- Travel Wallet: For keeping your passport, money, and travel documents secure.
- Travel Towel: Quick-drying and compact for beach and backwater trips.
- Scarf/Shawl: Useful for covering up when visiting religious sites or as an extra layer.
Toiletries and Health:
- Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against strong sun.
- Insect Repellent: To guard against mosquitoes, especially in backwaters and beaches.
- Personal Medications: Any prescribed medications, plus a basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.).
- Hand Sanitizer: To keep hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, etc.
- Tissues and Wet Wipes: Useful for freshening up on the go.
Electronics:
- Camera and Accessories: To capture memories of the trip.
- Chargers and Power Bank: For all electronic devices which should be packed in hand luggage.
- Universal Adapter: For charging devices if plugs differ from your home country.
Travel Essentials:
- Travel Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, and copies of important documents.
- Guidebook/Maps: For navigating and learning more about each destination.
- Entertainment: Books, e-reader, or downloaded movies for long journeys.
Optional Items:
- Snorkeling Gear: If you plan to snorkel in the beach areas.
- Binoculars: For birdwatching in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
- Notebook/Journal: To document your travel experiences.
Local Considerations:
- Respect Local Customs: Pack modest clothing for religious sites and be mindful of local dress codes.
- Reusable Bags: These are used for shopping to reduce plastic use. We found Kochi to be hot on reusable bags and single-use plastics.
I hope you enjoyed reading about this sample 2 week India trip itinerary. Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.
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