3-week Northern India itinerary

Hi there,

A friend and I are planning to visit Northern India from March 3rd to March 25th. We’ll arrive in New Delhi, then take a night train to Bikaner, Bikaner to Jaisalmer (train) Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (train) Jodhpur to Udaipur (car) Udaipur to Bundi (train) Bundi to Jaipur (train/bus) Jaipur to Agra by train Agra to Varanasi and return from Varanasi to Delhi by night train

We’re planning to stay 1 or 2 days in each city. This itinerary was recommended by a guide my friend has been talking to—what do you think?

It’s our first time in Northern India. I’ve only been to Southern India before—Pondicherry for 10 days about 10 years ago—so it’s nothing like the North. Thanks!

Hi there,

Your itinerary is classic and solid. But with only one or two days per stop while using public transport, you won’t get to enjoy much and will just accumulate fatigue. Personally, I’d have skipped Varanasi—it’s quite out of the way compared to the rest of your route—and spent more time in Rajasthan, meaning 2 to 3 days per stop.

Hi there,

This itinerary isn’t bad at all. It’ll keep you on the move a bit, but the in-country travel costs will be pretty reasonable.

My tips:

1. Previously, Indian Railways only allowed booking tickets up to 60 days in advance starting November 1st. 2. Make sure to buy/reserve your train tickets as soon as your travel dates are within that 60-day window. Don’t wait too long. 3. Even if you’re not 100% sure about your dates, go ahead and buy the tickets anyway. You can always cancel them for a small fee. 4. Choose the Vande Bharat train between Varanasi and Delhi—it’s the best class of train in India right now. It’ll be way more comfortable and a great new experience.

Jaydev

Thanks so much, pagal! We’re looking at all the options—you’re right, we do need to factor in fatigue. Nothing’s set in stone for our route yet.

Hi there,

I did this route last January in 3 weeks. Except for Vanasari. And thankfully so! Pagal is right. You spend a lot of time on transport, and the trains are often delayed. 2 or 3 nights in each stop are essential if you want to enjoy it and avoid rushing (note that 3 nights = only 2 full days ;)).

I wrote a travel journal if you're interested. https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10554821;a=10554821

Hello Joycegwada,

I’m planning my trip to Rajasthan in March and I’m looking for travel companions. Even though I’m used to traveling alone all over Europe, Vietnam, and Cambodia, the idea of wandering alone in India makes me a bit nervous because of the reports about violence against women there.

Your itinerary fits perfectly with my schedule (flight from Marseille to Delhi on March 3rd, and Delhi to Marseille on March 19th). I was wondering if I could join you and your friend on your trip? The more of us there are (within reason), the safer we’ll feel, I think. We could even hire a driver together for some routes where we want to visit remote places to discover authentic temples or baolis at a lower cost if that works for you?

I’m 37, a Vietnamese woman living in Aix-en-Provence, not too far from Toulon. I’ve traveled solo quite a bit over the last 15 years, backpacking to explore countries in terms of culture, heritage, and the local way of life... If you and your friend are interested, we could meet for coffee in Toulon first to discuss the trip?

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.

Best regards,

Lan 🙂

hey lan

Yeah, why not. We’re meeting this Sunday with my friend to sort out our visas—we just want someone chill and easygoing. I’ll keep you posted during the week about grabbing a drink.

Have a good evening

Hi Jocelyne,

I’d love to grab a drink and chat about the trip! I work in hospitality, so my days off are Mondays and Tuesdays. I could come down to Toulon on those days, or I’m free in the afternoons during the week—but I’m usually in Aix.

Have a great evening!

Lan.