stevento

We are usually planners, and have trips laid out far in advance. But lately have been traveling so frequently, much of planning has been very short notice.
So... likely going to India in 10 (or 24) days (awards booked for both , but prefer earlier). 10 day trip.

Have been to Delhi (half a day, very briefly), Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur. Interests are culture, history, meeting interesting people, art, in that order.
Tickets are to DEL and out COK.
Plan was 3days Delhi, 2 Nights Madurai, 2 nights Munnar, 3N Cochin,
However, not sure that that lays out that well. Madurai is interesting but kind out of the way. Not sure if it's worth spending so much time (flying and then drive to Munnar) there vs other places. Maybe instead of Madurai, fly to MAA and spend time around that before flying to Cochin? Or maybe add Udaipur or Jodhpur and Cochin from there

This trip has been planned for months, but somehow plans didn't materialize.. so would appreciate last minute advice..

oliver2002

When are you planning to land in India? February? Delhi in Winter is rather unpleasant due to the pollution: https://www.ventusky.com/28.663;77.227#actual

If you absolutely want to do Delhi, do the usual in 1-2 days: Old Delhi: red fort, humayuns tomb, jama masjid, New/Lutyens Delhi: India gate, foodie tour of connaught circus, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

If you have done Agra and Jaipur I would skip Udaipur & Joodhpur. Concentrate on the south instead, lots to see, mostly nature and temples.

kosy91

Because you are landing in the North and leaving from the South, you are sort of constrained to visiting those locations.

In terms of North India, Jodhpur and Udaipur are definitely great options Other options are Ranthambore national park if you are interest in wildlife. Some fantastic properties around that area.

In South India, I would focus on Kerala and the greenery/nature around that area. There are a lot of Kerala 'back waters' tours include house boats etc. You might not get ultra luxury options but there are some good ones. Coorg is another option with great coffee plantation views

Keyser

For your first proper trip to India, 10 days is too little time. If you have plans to visit again then maybe dividing north & south over 2 trips would be a good idea. If not then 5 days for Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur & another 5 days in the South would be ideal.

stevento

we have been to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. This is a second trip.

Keyser

Then skip this part of the country. You can easily do 10 days in South India.

puchong

The OP's issue may be that he/she has secured award tickets already to and out of India; given how difficult it is to get award space, I would not disturb those bookings

Instead I would suggest a flight from DEL to the South immediately after doing whatever you want to do in DEL

Madurai is definitely worth visiting as is Munnar & Cochin. If you can cut your DEL stay to 2 days that would be even better