3 Weeks In India Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

India is undeniably a very interesting country, and that’s why a lot of travellers have it on their bucket lists. From beautiful landscapes to spicy cuisine to diverse cultures, there’s just so much that India has to offer.

Some of the things or practices in India might amaze you. This 3 weeks in India itinerary will show you more amazing places to visit.

Did you know that India is the wettest inhabited place on earth? The Mawsynram holds the Guinness world record title for that.

Apart from that, India has over 300,000 mosques and 2,000,000 Hindu Temples. You’ll even find a temple of rats because, in India, rats are considered sacred. And finally, you” find the highest rail bridge in the world in India.

TIP: If India is not for you, check our list of recommended places to spend your 3-week vacation

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO INDIA

taj mahal with blue water in front sunset background, arga fort (brick fort), river with a temple, Indian food on a table - 3 weeks in India Itinerary

Now that you’re a bit inspired about spending a vacation for 3 weeks in India, there are some reminders that you need to know before heading to India.

This section of the article will talk about the ways you could get around in India, as well as the best time to go. So sit back, relax and continue on reading the article.

Getting around India

You can travel to India through their rail transport, which is the most common mode of transportation they have. But remember, they are often very packed, and many are no longer of their best quality.

India also has buses and what they call “auto“, which is a three-wheeled vehicle for hire; some of you might know it as “tuk-tuk” as well as automobiles and taxis if you want safer and more private options. Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are also widely used in urban areas, offering both affordability and convenience.

For those who really want to try their culture, they also have unique modes of transportation while touring around various cities or provinces.

India has human-pulled rickshaws, horse carts, cycle rickshaws, or what they call a “coracle”, which is shaped like a deep saucer and is a mode of transportation across small rivers. 

Best time to go to India

The best time to travel to India would be from October to March because those are the dry and sunny months, although it’s also the peak and busiest time of the month.

For those who are on a budget, accommodation rates are usually lower between April and May. The trekking season is at its peak from August to September.

The hot season is from April to June when temperatures soar. The rainy season, or monsoon, spans from July to September, bringing heavy rains and lush landscapes but also the possibility of flooding.

Shoulder season, in late September and March, offers a balance with fewer tourists and mild weather, though regional variations like the Himalayas or southern India have their own best times to visit.

Remember that India is such a massive country. The northern region gets quite cold in winter, while the southern part is mostly hot and humid. So, depending on where you want to go and the things you want to do, you should decide when to go to India.

Language and currency

India has 22 recognised languages (but has 100+ dialects). India’s official languages are Hindi and English, with English widely used in business, education, and urban areas, making it a convenient lingua franca for tourists.

Travellers can generally get by with English, especially in tourist hotspots, larger cities, and when dealing with the hospitality industry. However, in rural areas, knowledge of local languages can be beneficial.

India’s official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Major currencies like USD or Euros are not commonly accepted for everyday transactions. In urban areas and tourist destinations, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in rural areas.

There are ATMs everywhere. It’s best to exchange currency at official bureaus such as a bank and avoid street vendors to ensure legitimate and favourable rates.

What to pack


In India, modesty is key. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting religious sites.

Women may prefer long skirts or pants and shawls to cover their heads if needed. Men should wear pants and shirts with sleeves.

Comfortable, conservative dress not only respects local customs but also helps protect against the sun and pollution. Regardless of whether you plan to visit temples, it’s important to always dress conservatively to show respect for Indian culture and religion.

We have a packing list for a 3-week trip, but we also have a summer packing list.

Visa

For visas, travellers coming from almost anywhere in the world can apply for an eVisa valid for 30-180 days. I recommend you apply for your evisa no later than 14 days.

This will give you plenty of time to ensure you have the right documents before your departure. Leaving it at the last minute could result in missing your flight since most airlines will look for it before allowing you to board.

As of late 2023, the visas for foreign visitors holding passports from Canada are suspended due to political issues. I will update this once the suspension has been lifted.

Other basic travel tips

MUST-SEE PLACES IN INDIA PINNED MAP

This will help you have a visual idea of where the best attractions in India are located and plan your itinerary.

You may click the icon on the top right corner to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN INDIA ITINERARY

If you still need some convincing, India also has very diverse cuisines. Every state highlights different foods or cuisines.

Seafood is the main food in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Andhra Pradesh has what they call Telugu cuisine, which consists mainly of lentil soups and a variety of curries. Gujarat food is mainly vegetarian, consisting of roti, vegetables, and spices. 

This travel itinerary is only here to inspire you and give you some ideas on how to spend you 20 days in India. You can definitely follow it as much as you want or re-create your own travel plan. First on your India travel itinerary would be staying in Rishikesh, New Delhi, and Agra for 12 days.

Package tours

You can arrange a package tour where the tour company handles everything on your behalf. This includes transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and guides. This will save you time and ensures that you can focus on the trip instead of planning every bit. Here are a few tours you can check out:

New Delhi, Rishikesh, and Agra for 12 days

taj mahal with blue water in front sunset background, arga fort (brick fort), river with a temple, spice market - 3 weeks in India Itinerary

New Delhi is the capital of India and is well-known for its historical significance and stunning landscapes. 

New Delhi is where modern metropolises and ancient landmarks perfectly coexist. It is where you would be able to find the world’s tallest brick structure. You can also find Asia’s largest wholesale spice market here. New Delhi is the second most bird-rich capital in the whole world, second to Nairobi in Kenya.

Rishikesh is regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus and is regarded as a pilgrimage town. On the other hand, Agra is famous for its Mughal cuisine. Rishikesh is a city in India that is known as the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and the yoga capital of the world. Meditation is also prominent in this area.

Last but not least is Agra, which is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra has numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of which is the world-famous Taj Mahal. If you prefer convenient planning, check out this 3-day or 6-day Golden Triangle tour – it covers New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.

RELATED POST: Best 3-week yoga retreats worldwide

Must-see attractions in New Delhi

Aside from the ones written in the previous paragraphs, here are other places to see or things to do in New Delhi:

Where to stay in New Delhi:

Must-see attractions in Rishikesh or Jaipur

I know some people would prefer to go to Rishikesh. However, Jaipur is a popular destination as part of the Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra). If you want to follow this route, that should be easy as well.

Let’s first talk about Rishikesh. There are actually a lot of ways to reach Rishikesh if you’re coming from New Delhi. You can take the bus, hail a cab, ride the train, or via plane if you’re in a rush.

Taking the plane from Rishikesh to New Delhi would only take 50 minutes, but it is the most expensive option. That’s why if you’re on a budget and want to save, you can choose either of the three other options.

Rishikesh

  • Trimbakeshwar Temple
  • The Beatles Ashram
  • Experience the Ganges Aarti at Triveni Ghat
  • Take part in a yoga class at the Yoga Capital of the World
  • Shiv Puri
  • Jumpin Heights
  • Benog Tibba – do a day hike
  • Byasi Village
  • Kaudiyala
  • Walk across the historic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges
  • Go white-water rafting on the Ganges River – read the tour reviews
  • Visit the Beatles Ashram to see the art and history

Where to stay in Rishikesh

Jaipur

Jaipur is also another very popular place. It’s about a 5-hour drive or an hour flight. Jaipur is known as the location of the Iconic Wind Palace. Apart from that, here are other things you can see while in Jaipur:

  • Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal)
  • Tour the iconic Amber Fort and Palace
  • Enjoy a day tour – that covers all must-see places in Jaipur or book a full-day tuk tuk tour
  • Water Palace (Jal Mahal)
  • Hawa Mahal’s unique façade
  • Visit the astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar
  • Join the famous Instagram tour – a great tour for photographers
  • Nahargarh Fort
  • Heritage Water Walk
  • Patrika Gate
  • Join a food tour
  • Enjoy shopping at the vibrant bazaars in the old city
  • Explore the opulent City Palace complex

Where to stay in Jaipur

Must-see attractions in Agra

To reach Agra coming from Rishikesh, you could ride a bus, take the train, or hail a cab. The longest travel time is the cheapest option, which is riding a train and then boarding a bus. Travel time lasts for more than 14 hours.

The shortest travel time is via riding a bus than hailing a cab, with an estimated travel time of more than six hours. Agra is the last stop for your three weeks in India, and here are some of the tourist attractions here:

  • Taj Mahal and Agra Fort – you can book a sunrise tour that combines these two or an 11-hour tour of Taj Mahal
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Discover the history at Fatehpur Sikri
  • Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb
  • Mehtab Bagh
  • Chini ka Rauza
  • Shop for marble crafts at the local bazaars
  • See the sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the Taj Mahal

Where to stay in Agra

Mumbai and Pune for 5 days

brick temple, mumbai skyline - 3 weeks in india itinerary

Next on the itinerary for your 3 weeks in India would be staying in Mumbai and Pune for 5 days. Mumbai is the sixth most populous metropolitan in the world and is well-known for its lucrative streets and high-end malls.

You can see various things there, including promenades, and you can experience the Indian cosmopolitan culture.

Meanwhile, Pune is known for being the top automobile and manufacturing hub of India and the second major IT hub in India. It is also known as Oxford of the East as it is an educational centre of the country.

Must-see attractions in Mumbai

Where to stay in Mumbai

Must-see attractions in Pune

There are four direct trains from Mumbai to Pune. The cheapest way to reach your destination is by train. Travel time could last around 2 hours and 40 minutes. The fastest way is through a plane, which lasts for about 55 minutes. You can also ride the bus or hail a cab. 

  • Shaniwar Wada
  • Visit the historic Aga Khan Palace
  • Book a full day Pune tour
  • Sinhagad Fort
  • Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
  • Panshet Water Park
  • Explore the fascinating rock-cut Pataleshwar cave temple
  • Trek up to the Sinhagad Fort for panoramic views
  • Enjoy a food tour
  • Parvati Hill Temple
  • Stroll through the lush Osho Teerth gardens
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife on Koregaon Park Lane 7

Where to stay in Pune

Kerala for 3 days

kerala boat on backwaters river, cliff with a beach view - 3 weels in india

3 weeks in India is not complete without a visit to the Southern part. Kerala is famous for its palm-lined beaches, network of canals, and backwaters. It has various national parks as well.

It is perfect for photoshoot backdrops as there are numerous coconut trees and turquoise blue waters. It is also known as the cleanest state in India.

The first Aryuvedic resort and the world’s wealthiest Hindu temple can be found here. They also have the most number of festivals, so chances are, you’ll get to experience one of those during your stay. 

Must-see attractions in Kerala

  • Alleppey
  • Explore the lush tea gardens of Munnar – do a day trip
  • Kochi/Cochin – you can book a 2-day Alappuzha backwater boat cruise
  • Wayanad
  • Cruise the serene backwaters on a traditional houseboat
  • Vagamon
  • Kozhikode
  • Athirapphilly Waterfall – book a day tour with lunch
  • Watch a Kathakali performance, Kerala’s classical dance-drama
  • Visit the ancient temple complex at Sabarimala
  • Relax on the pristine beaches of Varkala

Where to stay in Kochi, Kerala

MUST-TRY INDIAN DISHES

You might have tried Indian food from your local restaurant – but as they say, there is no better way to eat a dish than having them where they originally came from. I will list a few Indian foods that you must try during your visit to India.

indian food- biryani, tikka masala, nann, gulab jamun
  • Biryani – is a rice mix with spices and meat, it’s probably something some people would compare to fried rice
  • Vindaloo – a curry dish based on meat marinated in sauce and spices, it is known as a very spicy dish
  • Gulab Jamun – a flour and milk-based dessert that is cooked by deep-frying
  • Korma – a creamy dish with meat and vegetables, it is cooked with yoghurt or water or stock to produce a thick and gravy-like sauce
  • Tikka Masala – is probably one of the most famous dishes from India, it is made of any meat in a creamy saucy with vegetables, and it’s known for its orange-colour sauce
  • Naan – a flatbread cooked in a clay oven, a very staple dish in Indian cuisine

SUMMARY ON 3 WEEKS IN INDIA

With my 3 weeks in India trip, I only scratched the surface of things it offers to foreign visitors. I am definitely coming back to explore other areas and try more local dishes.

It is easy to get drawn to this country’s charms as it is brimming with culture, history, and religious or spiritual practices aside from its sceneries and cuisine. That’s why it can also get overwhelming, and first-time travellers might not know where to go first. 

There’s no place that is more perfect to do all of that and more than India, as it is famous for yoga and meditation practices. If you’re into arts, history, and culture, there are also tons of places to visit here, and if you are an adrenaline junkie or a foodie, there are still lots of restaurants, cafes, and hole-in-the-wall places that you could discover.

This country is suitable for travellers of all ages. Whether you’re with your partner, family, or friends, you’ll always find something to do. That’s why give yourself a break and have a 3-week holiday in India because you totally deserve it.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

India, a land of astounding diversity, offers a blend of ancient traditions, spiritual landmarks, vibrant festivals, and diverse landscapes. From the Himalayas to the backwaters of Kerala, it's a sensory and cultural feast. via @threeweektraveller