The Best 14-Day India Itinerary for Australians (2026)
Fourteen days is the sweet spot for Australians crossing the Indian Ocean. You get to see two very different Indias (the Mughal north and the tropical south), you land back home just as jet lag is fading, and your annual leave still has a week left. Here is the exact route, day by day.
Who this itinerary is for
Australian first-timers to India who want the icons (Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Kerala backwaters) but hate rushing. It works for couples in their 30s, families with teens, or solo travellers.
The route in one glance
- Day 0: Fly out from Sydney or Melbourne evening. Arrive Delhi next morning.
- Days 1 to 2: Delhi (arrival recovery + Old Delhi walk)
- Days 3 to 4: Agra (Taj at sunrise, Agra Fort, drive to Jaipur)
- Days 5 to 6: Jaipur (Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Bapu Bazaar)
- Day 7: Fly Jaipur to Kochi (via Delhi or Mumbai, 5 to 6 hours)
- Days 8 to 9: Kochi (Fort Kochi walk, Chinese fishing nets, homestay)
- Days 10 to 11: Alleppey (Kerala backwaters houseboat, 1 night on the water)
- Days 12 to 13: Munnar tea gardens (highland break, cool weather)
- Day 14: Fly Kochi to Sydney or Melbourne (evening flight, land next morning)
Best flight combos for Australians
| Leg | Recommended | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Delhi | Air India direct evening flight, 12h 30m | 800 to 1,400 |
| Delhi to Agra | Vande Bharat Express train, 1h 40m | 40 |
| Agra to Jaipur | Private car, 4h scenic drive | 80 |
| Jaipur to Kochi | IndiGo via Delhi, 5h 30m | 180 |
| Kochi to Sydney | Air India via Delhi, 15h 30m total | 700 to 1,200 |
Days 1 to 2: Delhi arrival and recovery
Land at Delhi around 6 am. Take the metro or Uber to your hotel in Aerocity or Connaught Place. Nap until noon. Late lunch at Karim's in Old Delhi, walk Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. Day 2: Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, dinner at Bukhara. Save Red Fort for a photo stop.
Days 3 to 4: Agra and the Taj
Take the 6 am Vande Bharat from Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt. Drop bags at Oberoi Amarvilas or ITC Mughal, then straight to Taj Mahal (arrives at opening, best light). Afternoon: Agra Fort, sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river. Day 4: Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur (5-hour drive with lunch stop).
Days 5 to 6: Jaipur
Day 5: Amber Fort at 8 am (jeep up, walk down), Panna Meena Kund stepwell, Hawa Mahal photo from Wind View Cafe. Rooftop dinner at Bar Palladio. Day 6: City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Bapu Bazaar shopping (block print, juttis), Nahargarh sunset. Stay at Samode Haveli.
Day 7: Transit to Kerala
Fly Jaipur to Kochi via Delhi. Arrives late evening. Homestay in Fort Kochi, dinner at Malabar House.
Days 8 to 11: Fort Kochi + Alleppey backwaters
Walk Fort Kochi's Portuguese and Dutch quarters, Chinese fishing nets at sunset, Kathakali performance one evening. Day 10: drive to Alleppey, board a private houseboat. One night on the water with fresh Karimeen fish. Day 11: cruise, then drive to Munnar.
Days 12 to 14: Munnar and departure
Cool highland air, Windermere Estate, Kolukkumalai sunrise walk. Day 14: drive Munnar to Kochi (4h), 9pm flight home.
Total cost per person (AUD)
| Category | Mid-range | Boutique heritage |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Sydney return) | 1,400 | 1,800 |
| Hotels + houseboat (13 nights) | 1,800 | 5,200 |
| Food and drink | 500 | 1,200 |
| Transport | 450 | 700 |
| Sightseeing and tips | 350 | 600 |
| Total | 4,500 approx | 9,500 approx |
Build your own version in a minute
Winnie at trywinnie.com will build this exact itinerary for your dates and party size. Ask it to swap Munnar for Wayanad, or add Varanasi, or make it 10 days instead of 14 - it rebuilds the whole plan. Free.
Frequently asked questions
Is 14 days enough for India from Australia?
Yes for a first trip covering the Golden Triangle plus Kerala. If you want to add Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Udaipur) or Ladakh, extend to 21 days.
Which is better for Australians - Golden Triangle or Kerala?
Both. The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) is the icons; Kerala is the calm. A 14-day trip should combine them. If you must pick one, choose Kerala for a slower first trip.
When should Australians book flights to India?
4 to 6 months ahead for Christmas and New Year travel; 2 to 3 months ahead for shoulder months (Feb, March, October). Air India releases fare sales in April and August.
Do we need Yellow Fever vaccine for India from Australia?
Not required for direct Australia to India flights. Recommended (not required) shots: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus booster. Consult your GP 6 weeks before travel.
What is the best hotel booking site for Australians in India?
Booking.com works reliably with Australian credit cards. MakeMyTrip is India-native and often 10 to 15 percent cheaper. Winnie deep-links to both.
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