More than ten million tourists flock to the Taj Mahal yearly in search of that ideal sunrise shot.
But packing for Delhi’s bustling streets, Agra’s enduring marble macabre, and Manali’s majestic mountains together…. Now that’s where the fun begins.
So, if you are looking for an answer to the question: “How many days are enough for Delhi, Agra, and Manali?” you have made the right choice.
I have cross-traveled on my own, as a backpacker, and with a group on vacation in these locations while constantly tweaking my itineraries to be laidback and enjoy myself without experiencing burnout.
I have learned the hard way how not to do things, like when I tried to accomplish everything in one week and ended up zombie walking on one of Manali’s trails. Not cool.
This article will guide you on how to plan a Delhi-Agra-Manali trip.Â
Why Hit Delhi, Agra, and Manali in One Go?
Each of the three destinations presents a unique flavor.
Delhi means to be hectic with street food and history, while Agra feels pure romance with the Taj Mahal, and Manali completely shifts into an adventure destination in the Himalayas.
This combination gives you a great variety of urban, heritage, and nature experiences.
In my experience, a total of 8-10 days is appropriate for Delhi-Agra-Manali, with time for travel included (which can creep up on you).
While it is only a 3-hour train trip to get from Delhi to Agra, the journey from Agra to Manali will be at least 12 hours by car, or a flight via Kullu.
If you want to spare yourself any trouble (and feel less like you fought a bear overnight), then book the flight instead of the overnight bus.
Diving into Delhi: 3-4 Days of Urban Energy
Delhi is an awakening similar to a caffeine shot. Spending 3-4 days here is good to revel in the beauty and thrill without being overloaded.
The reason why you need 3-4 days is that the city is very large, and dealing with the chaos means you miss the true beauty of the city.
On my last visit, I flew in and went straight to Old Delhi. The scene around Chandni Chowk? I swear…. Pure lunacy.
I wandered into a tiny stall for some parathas stuffed with potatoes and paneer – and it was the best fifty rupees I ever spent. That energy sent me through the day with the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Here’s how you can plan out your days in Delhi.
Day 1 – Experience the beauty of Old Delhi. Start at the Red Fort for a lesson in Mughal history, and visit the Jama Masjid. You can try some local delicacies like the street food chaat and aloo tikki – trust me, it will change your life. For the afternoon, you can rickshaw ride through the bazaars to find spices and silver.
Day 2 – New Delhi highlights. India Gate for photos, and next, you might enjoy visiting Humayun’s Tomb – it is like a precursor of the Taj, but miniature. I sat in Lodhi Gardens once and clicked some pictures with the locals.
Day 3 – South Delhi crowd. Qutub Minar towers over you – preferably get there early and avoid the line. Then you can visit the Lotus Temple for zen time. If you enjoy the experience, consider a day four to New Delhi and browse the markets such as Hauz Khas for trendy cafes/stores and special deals.
Stay in Paharganj for budget vibes or Connaught Place for ease. Metro’s your best friend – cheap and efficient. I skipped taxis after one haggling nightmare; lesson learned.
Agra’s Magic: 1-2 Days for the Historical Exploration
Agra is a quick stop on your journey, but filled with sights to see. One to two days is all you need, because beyond two days, it would be repetitive and boring. The Taj Mahal is the star of the show, but explore some of the other good sights as well.
I remember arriving in Agra by train from Delhi, and I was excited. I woke up very early to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The white marble changes colors similar to a mood ring, which is fun! A good tip is to enter through the east gate to be able to wait in shorter lines. I spent a long time walking around and taking pictures of the Taj reflecting in the water pools. It was pretty!
If you only have one day in Agra, start by visiting the Taj Mahal first, and then go to the Agra Fort. From the balcony at the fort, you can see the Taj Mahal far away, which is the same view that Emperor Shah Jahan had when he was locked up there.
That story is really amazing. And you can read up about it more on google.
If you have two days, you can also visit Mehtab Bagh to see the Taj Mahal at sunset from across the Yamuna River. Or check out the Baby Taj, which is also called Itimad-ud-Daulah—it’s smaller than the big Taj, but it has beautiful detailed carvings that will surprise you.
I didn’t go to Fatehpur Sikri last time because it was too hot, but if you don’t mind driving about 40 kilometers, it’s a cool place that feels like an empty old city.
Try the yummy petha sweets. It’s a good idea to stay near Taj Ganj so you can walk to the Taj Mahal easily. Also, don’t visit in the summer because it’s too hot—go between October and March when the weather is nice and comfortable.
Manali’s Adventure Rush: 4-5 Days in the Mountains
Manali is a big change from the flat lands. You should spend 4 to 5 days there to relax and do exciting things. If you stay shorter, you might feel sad about missing the walking paths.
My favorite memory is paragliding in Solang Valley. I was tied to an expert, and we jumped off the hill. My heart was beating fast, but the views of the Pir Panjal mountains were amazing. It cost about 2,000 rupees, and it was worth every bit.
On day 1, get comfortable in Old Manali. There are cafes with views of the river, and Hadimba Temple has an old wooden feel. I once walked to Jogini Falls. The path was easy, and jumping into the waterfall was super fun.
On days 2 and 3, go to Solang and Rohtang Pass. Take the cable car up to try zorbing or skiing in winter. Rafting on the Beas River gives exciting rides through fast water for 500 rupees. If there’s snow from December to March, riding snowmobiles is really fun.
On day 4, take a short trip to Kullu or Naggar Castle. Or, if you are strong, walk the Hampta Pass trail. I did a short part and felt like a winner.
If you have an extra day, relax in the Vashisht hot springs. The natural warm water with sulfur feels great after adventures.
Stay in Old Manali for a fun, relaxed vibe. The places to sleep are cheaper, and the apple drink is yummy. A bus from Delhi takes 12 hours. For a quicker trip, fly to Bhuntar. The best time to go is March to June for green scenery, or winter for playing in the snow.
Travel Hacks and Tips
- Plan for 8 or 10 days in total so that you have enough time to experience everything. Spend 3 full days exploring the fun markets and amazing monuments in Delhi, at least 1 or 2 days in Agra to see the impressive Taj Mahal up close, and 4 days in Manali for an opportunity for adventure, whether it is hiking or playing in the snow.Â
Another option would be to add on a few stops like Shimla for a bit more mountain views, and it can stretch it out a bit longer, too.
- Aim for a budget of 20,000 to 30,000 rupees per person, outside of any flights, for basic lodging, meals, and travel in India. If you’d like to lower expenses, travel in the off-season, specifically March to May, when prices drop, and ride-share with friends at the site, or take buses.
- Layer your clothing options because the climate can vary day by day: Delhi is nice and mild, Agra is warm during the day and cooler at night, and Manali is much colder, especially with the snow! Certainly pack warm sweaters, light jackets, comfy pants, and for sunny days, don’t forget your sunglasses, hat, and best practical shoes to walk in, which will be necessary for the hills or forts.
- Get maps onto your phone to use without an internet connection, as you can lose signal in the windy mountain regions around Manali. Additionally, pack some water bottles to keep you hydrated and avoid stomach issues on long-distance trips.
- From my previous experiences on trips, I suggest you set up your train tickets early with the IRCTC app online to have the best seat availability based on your desired train and schedules.Â
Wrapping Up Your Trip
So how many days should you dedicate to Delhi, Agra, and Manali? I recommend eight to ten days in total so you can enjoy everything without feeling rushed, like having enough time to explore the cool spots and relax a bit.
But you can always change the plan a little to suit your requirements.
Also read: How Many Days Do You Need for Amritsar & Manali Tour?