Best 14 Day Itinerary In India With Teens (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

We loved our 2 week trip to India in March with our four teenagers aged 12, 13, 15 and 19 years old. I feel like they were at the perfect age to experience and appreciate India, one of the most complicated, chaotic and astonishing countries that we have ever visited. One moment, we experienced luxury accommodation and food on an extraordinary level, and the next, we saw extreme poverty and hardships that were often difficult to see. We shared crazy “hold on tight” experiences that challenged our comfort levels but then moments later, some awe inspiring sights that made us gape open mouthed with amazement. India is a place that provokes you in some of the hardest and then, in the most wonderful ways. Here is our 14 day itinerary in India.

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Planning Our Trip To India

Like any trip we take, I spent hours and hours over many weeks thinking, researching and planning our trip to India with our teens. I decided that I wanted to:

• visit cities and rural villages;
• see key cultural and historical sites;
• learn about local crafts and artisans;
• go on a tiger safari; and
• meet locals and learn about their way of life.

However, when it came time to finalizing the details of our 14 day vacation in India, I wanted the expertise that only a local could provide.

It was my good fortune that I discovered Mona Kapoor, the owner of a travel agency located just outside Dehli called Indian Vistas. She was absolutely fantastic in helping me finalize my trip to India and recommending a packing list for India.

We had our own driver and guide everywhere we went. We always had someone dropping us off at the airport, greeting us upon arrival, and helping with our luggage to and from the car. They recommended restaurants that were excellent and we never once got sick. We saw amazing cultural and historical attractions, and went on fantastic tiger safaris.

14 Day India Itinerary With Teens

We divided our trip into two. First, we went to the north to Punjab for five days. We explored Amritsar, the Golden Temple, and then, went into the countryside to Hoshiapur.

After that, we flew to Delhi and spent the rest of our 2 week holiday in India touring by car or train in Rajasthan.

Punjab Itinerary

We arrived from Dubai in Amritsar in Punjab for our four night/5 day adventure.

Punjab is one of 29 states in India. It borders Pakistan and is the heart of India’s Sikh community. More importantly to us, Punjab is the home to the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is the most religious site in the world for Sikhs. However, it is a friendly and welcoming place for the faithful or visitors.

Day 1 In Punjab – Amritsar and the Golden Temple

Afternoon – Our international flight arrived and we were greeted at the airport. On our way to our hotel, we stopped at The Yellow Chilli restaurant and had a delicious lunch. The food was exceptional and it was spiced to a level that we could all tolerate and appreciate. We ended up eating here a couple more times while we were in Amritsar.

Afterwards, we went to our hotel, Ranjit’s Svaasa. This was a lovely boutique hotel that instantly reminded me of the hotel in the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – comfortable, quaint, and of course, exotic!

Evening – We went to the Golden Temple and watched the Sikh’s Holy Book be put to bed, a nightly celebration. The Temple was alive with thousands of people celebrating Holi and their pilgrimage to the Golden Temple. It was an exhilarating atmosphere. We returned late and ate dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 In Northern India – Amritsar

Morning – We returned to the Golden Temple and toured the magnificent complex. A highlight was visiting the Langar, a kitchen run entirely by volunteers that provides between 50,000 -75,000 free meals a day. We even volunteered in the kitchen which was a fantastic experience and one that my teenagers really enjoyed.

For more information about our time at the Golden Temple, please read Tips For Visiting Amritsar And The Golden Temple With Teens.

We also visited Jalianwala Bagh, a public garden near the Temple that commemorates a massacre by British soldiers in 1919. Despite the history of the garden, it was a very beautiful place. We went back to The Yellow Chilli for lunch.

Afternoon – In the late afternoon, we drove to the Wagah Border, the common border between India and Pakistan. We watched Indians and Pakistanis, on both sides of the border, celebrate the lowering of the Indian and Pakistani flags.

This was a wild experience! Every day in the late afternoon, thousands of people arrive to watch an elaborate choreographed routine with Indian and Pakistani soldiers on each side of the border.

There is singing and dancing in the stands and on the street. Adults and children run around proudly waving the Indian flag with huge smiles on their faces. It is an amazing spectacle to watch and one that I would highly recommend including in a 14 day trip to northern India.

Day 3 In Punjab – Hoshiarpur

Morning – We drove approximately 2.5 hours to Hoshiarpur, a city and district in Punjab. There, we stayed in the countryside in lovely cabins around 15 minutes out of town on a farm called Citrus County. We were the only guests for our two night stay and were thoroughly spoiled by the owners and their staff.  All meals were home cooked and delicious.

Afternoon – After lunch, our host took us on a guided walk of the small village next to the farm. We met many lovely families and were invited to every single person’s home for tea!

We learned about how many families live in rural Punjab which was fascinating. Once back on the farm, we hopped on the back of a tractor and took a tour of the farm, which was pretty cool.

Dinner – In the evening, our hosts organized a cookout in the garden. We were taught how to make a mouth watering mutton stew from a family recipe, and then, we ate under the stars.

Day 4 In North India – Hoshiarpur

Morning – Our host took us to Hoshiarpur for a walking tour of the city. We shopped in narrow alleys, all the while dodging people, cows, dogs, motorcycles and bicycles coming from all sorts of directions.

We saw beautiful wood crafts and leather shoes, and my daughter and I tried on traditional sarees. We enjoyed exploring this small city, but it was a relief to return to the quiet and calm of the farm.

Afternoon – Our hosts drove us into the mountains and we went for hike. It was wonderful to be in the countryside, getting fresh air, and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. I strongly recommend including some hiking on your 14 day itinerary in India with teens.

Rajasthan

The balance of our 2 week trip in India was spent in Rajasthan visiting several cities and towns. We flew from Punjab to Delhi, but after that, we mostly made this a road trip, although once we took a train.

Day 5 Of 2 Week Itinerary In India – Delhi

Morning – We drove back to Amritsar and had lunch at The Yellow Chilli.

Afternoon – We flew to Delhi. We were met at the airport and driven to our hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi, a spectacularly beautiful and luxurious hotel.

Evening – We ate at Megu, a Japanese restaurant at the hotel. The restaurant was stunning and the food was delicious.

Day 6 In Rajasthan – Delhi

Morning – We went to Old Delhi and visited Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

Then, just steps away, we took a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a market area brimming with people, monkeys, cows, cars, bicycles and motorcycles. It was crazy and we hung on for dear life! I was relieved to not be walking.

Afterwards, we went to a Hindu Temple called LaxmiNarayn Temple and learned about the Hindu faith. This was a beautiful temple.

Afternoon – We had a fabulous lunch at Lutyens Cocktail House. In the late afternoon, we drove 1 1/2 hours to Gurgaon, a city next to Delhi. Mona (our travel agent) and her husband hosted us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres in their home. This was a special evening.

Evening – We went to the Kingdom of Dreams to see a live Bollywood show. The theatre complex was incredible and we saw some amazing dancing and costumes.

Day 7 of India itinerary – Delhi

Morning – We went to New Delhi and visited Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, which were fascinating. We drove around the colonial part of Delhi called Raisina Hill and saw various monuments and government buildings. We also went shopping at Hauz Khas Village, which had fantastic shopping for contemporary Indian fashion and art. I bought a beautiful dress and shoes.

Afternoon – We had a delicious lunch at Lazeez Affaire and then, did more shopping.

Evening – We had dinner outside at Lodi – The Garden Restaurant. It was beautiful.

Day 8 In Rajasthan – Agra

Morning – We drove 4 hours to Agra. This was a long drive, but it was fascinating looking out the window at the countryside.

We checked into the Courtyard by Marriott Agra and then, went to the Taj Mahal. This was an extraordinary experience and one of the reasons we decided to visit India. It did not disappoint.

Afternoon – We ate a delicious lunch at Bon Barbecue. After lunch, we visited stone masons descended from the masons who built the Taj Mahal. It was interesting watching them create works of art. Afterwards, we did a tour of Agra Fort, which was a fascinating. Dinner was at the hotel.

Day 9 In Rajasthan With Teens – Ranthambore National Park

Morning – We drove 1 1/2 hours to Bhartapur to catch a train to Ranthambore National Park. The train ride was approximately two hours.

This was a pretty interesting experience. We were all scattered about on the train in “first class” (which was not even close to first class in western terms) and shared spaces with other Indian people who couldn’t speak English.

I loved looking out the window and seeing rural life. I also thoroughly enjoyed the people watching on the train. Everybody who we met was very helpful and kind.

Afternoon – We were met at the station and transferred to our luxury lodge Sher Bagh. This was a small gorgeous resort right next to Ranthambore National Park.

We stayed in beautiful tents with teak furniture that looked like it had only just been removed from an old English colonial house. Once settled, we had a delicious lunch (all meals were included in our stay) and then, went on our first safari. We did not see any tigers, but saw other wild animals in beautiful surroundings.

Evening – We had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by a campfire, and dinner under the stars. It was magnificent.

However, I had one of the most terrifying experiences of my life when I came across a Bengal Tiger outside our tent on my return from dinner. The lodge is located outside the walls of Ranthambore National Park where the Bengal Tigers live. However, this one got out, and somehow, I survived.

For the whole story, please see How I Survived A Bengal Tiger Outside Ranthambore National Park.

Day 10 Of Golden Triangle India Itinerary – Ranthambore National Park

Morning – We went on a safari and saw a tiger. It was UNBELIEVABLE! I would highly recommend that any visit to India includes a tiger safari. They are extremely endangered and it was extraordinary to see them in their natural habitat.

Afternoon – We sat by the pool, played cards and read. In the late afternoon, we went on another safari.

Evening – We had cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner under the stars in a different spot on the property. It was spectacular!

Day 11 Of 2 Week India itinerary – Jaipur

Morning – We drove four hours to Jaipur and checked into the magnificent Jai Mahal Palace and had lunch.

Afternoon – We went to Hawa Mahal, a wall with 953 little windows and balconies that had allowed women of the royal household to view outside events without being seen.  

After, we went on a walking tour of the market and learnt about spices and Indian foods. I loved exploring this market! The smells, colours and activity made it exciting just to walk in and out of all the stalls.

Later, we had High Tea on the roof of a home of a local noble family where we learned about the history of Jaipur and their important role in it. It was fascinating.

Day 12 In Rajasthan – Jaipur

Morning – We went to Amer, the Medieval Rahput Citadel. It was an amazing complex and the scenery was breathtaking.

Afterwards, we went to Jantar Mantar, a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and learned the history and use of these items.

Afternoon – We had lunch at the Indiana restaurant, which was excellent. Then we proceeded to the Albert Hall Museum and saw traditional weapons and ancient clothing, which we really enjoyed.

Dinner – We ate dinner outside at Giardino, an Italian restaurant at the hotel. It was very good.

Day 13 Of 14 Day Holiday In India – Jaipur

Morning – We visited Dera Amer, a farm on the outskirts of Jaipur and had an elephant safari. These elephants are rescued from abusive owners and brought here for care.

It was really lovely. We washed and fed the elephants and afterwards, we decorated them (with natural and organic products) in a traditional Indian fashion. After our time with elephants, we had a fantastic private lunch in the garden.

Afternoon – We visited a block printing factory and watched the traditional form of hand-dying and printing patterns on material, which was very interesting. On the way back to the hotel, we did a little bit of shopping. I bought some really cool jewellry.

Day 14 Of Our India Trip With Teens

We flew home.

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