35 days in North India Itinerary

Designed by notable English architects and proclaimed India's capital in 1931, New Delhi sits in the middle of a sprawling metropolitan area with a population of over 25 million.

Head to DLF Cyber Hub and Chandni Chowkfor plenty of shopping. Humayun's Tomb and Red Fort are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step out of New Delhi with an excursion to Ambience Mall in Gurugram (Gurgaon)--about 30 minutes away. Spend the 1st (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to India Gate, get some fabulous bargains at Kamala The Craft Outlet, take in the exciting artwork at An Yahh!!, and take in nature's colorful creations at Akshardham.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our New Delhi trip builder site.

Florence, Italy to New Delhi is an approximately 13-hour combination of train and flight. You can also fly. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to India Standard Time, which is usually a 4.5 hour difference. While traveling from Florence, expect much warmer days and somewhat warmer nights in New Delhi, ranging from highs of 34°C to lows of 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can drive to Agra.

Tourism in Agra revolves around two words: Taj Mahal.

Head to Mughal Carpet and Agra Art Galleryfor plenty of shopping. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Taj Mahal and Kailash Temple. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Agra Fort, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, take in the spiritual surroundings of Balkeshwar Mandir, and admire the architecture and history at Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Agra trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from New Delhi to Agra in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. April in Agra sees daily highs of 44°C and lows of 24°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Varanasi.

A sacred city for Hindus and thought by many to be the place where Buddhism formed as a religion, Varanasi leaves an imprint on the hearts and minds of visitors regardless of their creed, race, or religion.

Escape the urban bustle at Ganges River and Lakhaniya Dari. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Bala Ji Handicraft and Tiwari International Silk. There's lots more to do: soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, take in the spiritual surroundings of Birthplace of Sant Ravidas Seergovardhan Varanasi, browse the exhibits of Pratibha Art Gallery, and don't miss a visit to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Varanasi online driving holiday planner.

Fly from Agra to Varanasi in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In April in Varanasi, expect temperatures between 45°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can catch the train to Lucknow.

A traditionally cultural city with peculiar architecture and a blend of civilizations, Lucknow offers popular sightseeing of a number of historic monuments.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): buy something for everyone on your list at Phoenix United Mall, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Lhasa Spa Lucknow, and then look for gifts at Sugandhco. On the 16th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Sri Radha Raman Bihari Ji Mandir, then buy something for everyone on your list at East End Mall, then take in the exciting artwork at Hussainabad Picture Gallery, and finally take a stroll through Hazratganj.

For traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Lucknow route planner.

You can take a train from Varanasi to Lucknow in 5.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In April, plan for daily highs up to 44°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Mussoorie.

The self-styled "Queen of Hill Stations," Mussoorie features scenery that can be spoken of in regal terms.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): look for gifts at Hamers, get outside with The Real Adventure Sports, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Mussoorie tour itinerary tool.

Traveling by flight from Lucknow to Mussoorie takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Rishikesh.

Rishikesh draws in visitors of all creeds with its wealth of ashrams and yoga and meditation teaching centers.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sivananda Ashram and Shri Sachcha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple. Escape the urban bustle at River Rafting & Tubing and Bike Rental Rishikesh (BRR). There's lots more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, push the limits with an extreme tour, stop by Shiv Gauri Pashmina World, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Triveni Ghat.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Rishikesh trip builder.

You can drive from Mussoorie to Rishikesh in 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) early enough to fly to Manali.

People visit Manali for a number of reasons, but all of them revolve around the landscape.

Get in touch with nature at Solang Valley and Riding Solo. There's still lots to do: relax and rejuvenate at Pure Ganga Yoga, admire the sheer force of Jogini Waterfall, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hidimba Devi Temple, and fly down the slopes at Solang Nullah.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Manali trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Rishikesh to Manali takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Shimla.

The city of Shimla spreads out across a ridge, offering views of Himalayan scenery all around.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Tue): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Jakhoo Hill, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Jakhu Temple, and then relax and rejuvenate at Akasa Spa @ Hotel Willow Banks.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Shimla online sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Manali to Shimla in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Dharamsala.

The hill station of Dharamsala's reputation stems from its large community of exiled Tibetan Buddhists, including the Dalai Lama.

Take a break from the city and head to Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar National Park. Get some cultural insight at Shri Kangra Jain Shwetambar Teerth and Ambika Devi Temple. Explore Dharamsala's surroundings by going to Kangra (Chinmay Tapovan, Maharaja Sansar Chandra Museum & Cafe, &more). The adventure continues: soothe aching muscles at Raj Yoga School, stop by Thankas and Gifts, browse the different shops at Maximus Mall, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Triund Hill.

To see ratings, photos, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Dharamsala tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Shimla to Dharamsala takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Amritsar.

A holy city, Amritsar stands as the spiritual and cultural capital of Sikhism, and the location of the religion's most revered and holiest shrine.

On the 1st (Mon), take in the spiritual surroundings of Digamber Jain Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Harmandir Sahib, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then stop by India House, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Prachin Shiv Mandir.

To see more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Amritsar driving holiday tool.

Drive from Dharamsala to Amritsar in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 39°C in April, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Srinagar.

The focus lies mainly on the waters in Srinagar, with the river and lakes of the city dotted with colorful houseboats and making the relatively cool summer capital a popular tourist destination.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Tue): stop by Hazara Arts, explore the activities along Dal Lake, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Durga Nag Temple.

To find reviews, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Srinagar trip planner.

Getting from Amritsar to Srinagar by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Traveling from Amritsar in May, expect nights in Srinagar to be little chillier, around 18°C, while days are much colder, around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.