Itinerary Delhi, Jaipur & Varanasi

Seasonality: November is one of the best times to visit North India. The weather is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for exploring historical sites, vibrant markets, and rich cultural experiences.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1,400
🏨 Accommodations	$1,120
🧳 Gear	$120
🗺️ On-site	$1,200
Total	$3,840

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇮🇳 Delhi - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ Red Fort (Lal Qila) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Iconic Mughal fortress; audio tours available; arrive early to beat crowds.

• [ ] 🏛️ Humayun’s Tomb ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • UNESCO site, precursor to the Taj Mahal; serene gardens, good for photos.

• [ ] 🕌 Jama Masjid ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • India’s largest mosque; climb minaret for panoramic city views.

• [ ] 🛕 Qutub Minar ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Tallest brick minaret globally; stunning Indo-Islamic architecture.

• [ ] 🌳 Lodhi Gardens ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Relaxing park with historical tombs; popular for morning walks.

• [ ] 🏛️ Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) ⭐ (~1h)

  • Imposing colonial architecture; view from outside or guided tour by prior booking.

• [ ] 🏙️ Connaught Place ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Bustling colonial-era shopping district; cafes, Central Park.

• [ ] 🧭 Raj Ghat ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Gandhi’s memorial; peaceful, quick visit.

• [ ] 🎨 National Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • India’s treasure trove of art, relics, and sculptures; good orientation to regional history.

• [ ] 🌳 India Gate & Children’s Park ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • War memorial, evening lightings, relaxing lawns.

• [ ] 🏛️ Agrasen ki Baoli ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Atmospheric stepwell; hidden Instagram favorite.

• [ ] 🏘️ Chandni Chowk & Spice Market ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary bazaar, food stalls, spice aromas; best with walking food tour.

• [ ] 🏙️ Hauz Khas Village ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lively creative hub with medieval ruins, art galleries, and trendy cafés.

• [ ] 🛕 Lotus Temple ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Baháʼí house of worship; tranquil escape.

• [ ] 🛕 Akshardham Temple ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Modern marvel, light & sound show in evenings; strict security.

• [ ] 🏛️ Gurudwara Bangla Sahib ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Sikh temple; enjoy free langar meal.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 The Piano Man Jazz Club ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Live jazz, great vibe; pre-book tables.

• [ ] 🍹 Sky High, Connaught Place ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Rooftop bar, cityscape sunset view.

• [ ] 🎶 Kingdom of Dreams (Gurgaon) ⭐ (~3h)

  • Cultural performances (stage shows); evening only.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Paranthe Wali Gali ⭐⭐⭐

  • Legendary street food lane for stuffed parathas; ~$5/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Karim’s, Jama Masjid ⭐⭐

  • Historic Mughal restaurant; kebabs & curries; ~$8/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Indian Accent, Lodhi Road ⭐

  • Renowned for modern Indian cuisine; ~$40/person, reservations required.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🚂 National Rail Museum (~1.5h)

  • For railway history enthusiasts.

• [ ] 🏛️ Purana Qila (Old Fort) (~1h)

  • Nice views, but less impressive than the Red Fort.

🇮🇳 Jaipur - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏰 Amber Fort (Amer Fort) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Majestic hilltop fort; don’t miss mirrored palace section.

• [ ] 🏰 City Palace & Museum ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Seat of Jaipur royalty, peacock gate; art gallery, textiles.

• [ ] 🏯 Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Iconic pink sandstone facade; climb for old city views.

• [ ] 🏯 Jantar Mantar Observatory ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • UNESCO-listed astronomic instruments; guided tour recommended.

• [ ] 🏰 Jaigarh Fort ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Famed for largest cannon; great city panorama.

• [ ] 🏰 Nahargarh Fort ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Popular for sunset over the Pink City.

• [ ] 🌳 Jal Mahal (Water Palace) ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Beautiful photo stop, best at sunrise/sunset.

• [ ] 🏞️ Galta Ji (Monkey Temple) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Cluster of temples, scenic setting, plenty of monkeys.

• [ ] 🏙️ Bapu Bazaar & Johari Bazaar ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Traditional markets: jewelry, textiles, crafts; shop for souvenirs.

• [ ] 🧭 Albert Hall Museum ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Rajasthan’s oldest museum; Indo-Saracenic architecture.

• [ ] 🏘️ Old City (Pink City Walks) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Explore old gates, local markets, painted houses.

• [ ] 🎨 Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing ⭐ (~1h)

  • Demonstration of traditional block printing.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Bar Palladio ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Stylish bar in heritage setting; try local cocktails.

• [ ] 🍹 Padao Rooftop, Nahargarh ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic sunset drinks, entry fee includes complimentary beverage.

• [ ] 🎭 Chokhi Dhani Village ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Cultural experience: Rajasthani food, dance, crafts.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) ⭐⭐⭐

  • Best local sweets (ghevar, rasgulla), Rajasthani thali; ~$8/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Rawat Mishthan Bhandar ⭐⭐

  • Famous for kachori and onion snacks; ~$4/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Spice Court ⭐

  • Renowned for lal maas (spicy mutton); ~$15/person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🛕 Gaitore ki Chhatriyan (~1h)

  • Off-the-beaten-path royal cenotaphs.

• [ ] 🏖️ Jawahar Circle & Patrika Gate (~1h)

  • Insta-famous for painted interior arches.

🇮🇳 Varanasi - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌊 Ghats of Varanasi (Dashashwamedh Ghat) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Spiritual heart of the city; observe pilgrims, daily rituals.

• [ ] 🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Iconic Shiva temple; strict security, traditional attire appreciated.

• [ ] 🚤 Sunrise Boat Ride on Ganges ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Mesmerising dawn rituals, stunning light, best with local guide.

• [ ] 🛕 Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Renowned monkey-filled temple, especially vibrant during festivals.

• [ ] 🧭 Ramnagar Fort ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Overlooks the river; quirky museum of royal artifacts.

• [ ] 🎨 Bharat Kala Bhavan (BHU University) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Superb collection of miniature paintings, sculptures.

• [ ] 🏙️ Godowlia Market ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Bustling bazaar; souvenirs, silks, street eats.

• [ ] 🌳 Assi Ghat ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Chilled ghat, yoga, cafes, music performances.

• [ ] 🏛️ Tulsi Manas Temple ⭐ (~1h)

  • Modern temple, Ramayana murals.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🔥 Ganga Aarti (Dashashwamedh Ghat) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Unforgettable flame-lit daily river ceremony.

• [ ] 🍹 Blue Lassi Shop ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Legendary sweet lassis, atmospheric tiny spot.

• [ ] 🎶 Live Classical Music at Open Hand Cafe ⭐

  • Bohemian hangout, check schedule for gigs.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Kashi Chat Bhandar ⭐⭐⭐

  • Legendary chaat (snacks), lively crowd; ~$4/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Brown Bread Bakery ⭐⭐

  • Best German bakery and organic Indian fare; ~$8/meal.

• [ ] 🍜 Shree Cafe ⭐

  • Vegetarian delights; peaceful setting; ~$6/meal.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏛️ Sarnath Buddhist Site (~2h)

  • Major pilgrimage site – where Buddha gave first sermon.

• [ ] 🌊 Kedar Ghat (~1h)

  • Quieter ghat, great for photos.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇮🇳 Delhi

• [ ] 🎬 Delhi-6 (2009) — ⭐ 6.1 — Family drama and Old Delhi’s spirit — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Rang De Basanti (2006) — ⭐ 8.1 — Youth, activism, university life in Delhi — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Made in Heaven (2019) — ⭐ 8.3 — Indian wedding planners in Delhi’s elite circles — Prime Video

🇮🇳 Jaipur

• [ ] 🎬 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) — ⭐ 7.2 — Brits in Rajasthan, Jaipur’s charm — Disney+
• [ ] 🎬 Khoobsurat (2014) — ⭐ 6.4 — Romantic comedy, palace life — Netflix
• [ ] 📺 Raja, Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan (2014) — ⭐ 8.6 — Documentary: Indian culinary heritage — Netflix

🇮🇳 Varanasi

• [ ] 🎬 Masaan (2015) — ⭐ 8.1 — Life, loss, and tradition on the Ganges — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Water (2005) — ⭐ 7.6 — Widows’ lives in pre-independence Varanasi — Apple TV
• [ ] 📺 Sacred Games (Season 2) (2019) — ⭐ 8.5 — Crime, spirituality, Varanasi storyline — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇮🇳 Delhi

• [ ] Chole Bhature (spiced chickpeas with fried bread)
• [ ] Butter Chicken
• [ ] Dilli-style Biryani

🇮🇳 Jaipur

• [ ] Dal Baati Churma (baked wheat balls with lentils)
• [ ] Lal Maas (spicy mutton curry)
• [ ] Ghevar (sweet disc-shaped dessert)

🇮🇳 Varanasi

• [ ] Banarasi Paan (betel leaf snack)
• [ ] Kachori Sabzi (stuffed fritters with spicy curry)
• [ ] Malaiyo (winter milk froth sweet, seasonal)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇮🇳 Delhi

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
2. The Piano Man Jazz Club
3. Janpath Market
4. The Imperial New Delhi
5. Paranthe Wali Gali

🇮🇳 Jaipur

1. Amber Fort
2. Bar Palladio
3. Bapu Bazaar
4. Alsisar Haveli
5. LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar)

🇮🇳 Varanasi

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
2. Ganga Aarti (Dashashwamedh)
3. Godowlia Market
4. Brijrama Palace
5. Kashi Chat Bhandar

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Delhi
• [ ] 🚅 Delhi → Jaipur
• [ ] ✈️ Jaipur → Varanasi
• [ ] ✈️ Varanasi → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Delhi	4	The Imperial New Delhi	$320
Jaipur	5	Alsisar Haveli	$400
Varanasi	5	Brijrama Palace	$400
Total	14		$1,120