Wishing you were on Race Across the World’s India leg? We’ve got an itinerary for an adventure that’s just as thrilling (without the ticking clock).
Our office has been buzzing about Race Across the World since Brian first helped Melvyn drag his suitcase up the Great Wall of China. For a team of people with an unquenchable thirst for travel, shows like this are our catnip. And while we didn’t always agreed on our favourite siblings or who deserved to win, we can all agree on one thing: India looks incredible.
Sure, the teams’ first foray into India’s overcrowded capital looked pretty stressful, but as they ventured deeper into the country, through rural enclaves and ancient cities, we became more and more envious of their journey.
Here is our slightly modified India itinerary that includes some of the best checkpoints, stops and detours from Race Across The World. We hope it inspires some once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Starting point: Delhi
Delhi is a popular starting point for tourists on the Golden Triangle circuit (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and an easy spot to fly into. This can be an overwhelming city, so be prepared for sensory overload.
Where to stay in Delhi:
Mizpah: Escape the noise and bustle of New Delhi with a stay at this cute B&B in the upmarket Safdarjung Enclave
1st checkpoint: Varanasi
South of Delhi, Varanasi was the first checkpoint in India in episode four, when the teams made their way from Kathmandu. It’s a hugely significant city in India’s history, and considered to be the holiest in Hinduism.
Where to stay in Varanasi:
Suryauday Haveli: What better place than the checkpoint hotel featured in the show? This boutique riverside Haveli is right on the Ganges, and well-placed for cultural exploration.
2nd checkpoint: Agra
Making your way back up to the Golden Circle, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, and heaving with tourists because of it. But this is one of those wonders of the world that’s well worth the queue. Sisters Elizabeth and Letitia couldn’t help stopping to get a glimpse, and neither should you.
Where to stay in Agra:
Ekaa Villa: Claiming to be the city’s first and only boutique hotel, this 13-room gem is discreetly hidden in an unassuming residential neighbourhood within walking distance of the Taj Mahal.
3rd checkpoint: Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Rajasthan, a region full of natural beauty and colourful cities. There are lots of incredible sites here from The City Palace to Hawa Mahal, the rose-hued, honeycomb-like ‘Palace of the Winds’, and of course, Amber Fort, a great sandstone fortress that looms over the city.
Where to stay in Jaipur:
28 Kothi: Experience a quieter side of the city in this boutique guesthouse, radiating style and creativity, with 5 airy rooms in a residential but well-connected part of Jaipur.
4th checkpoint: Jodhpur
West of Jaipur, this may not be en route to the ‘final checkpoint’, but it would be a shame to miss The Blue City on a trip to Rajasthan. This also takes you very close to the Thar Desert, where you can take inspiration from Brian and Melvyn’s day with the camels, but maybe in a slightly higher end desert camp?
Where to stay in Jodhpur:
Raas Jodhpur: Designed to reflect the unique character of the city, this gorgeous hotel combines modern blue and rose sandstone blocks with an ancient haveli to create a truly unique oasis.
5th checkpoint: Ranthambore National Park
If you were drooling over the incredible wildlife the teams saw in Gir National Park in episode 7, but don’t have time to be blown too far off course, a stop in Ranthambore National Park is a must. You’ll still get the chance to spot tigers roaming wild, but just a few hours south of Jaipur – on the way down to Udaipur.
Where to stay in Ranthambhore National Park:
Sher Bagh: An authentic, luxurious tented jungle camp, perfect for game viewing and spotting the lucky tiger – but make sure to book your safaris at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
6th checkpoint: Udaipur
Surrounded by seven lakes, Udaipur is one of the most romantic Indian cities with palaces, temples, havelis and colourful bazaars. It’s the perfect stop on your way through Rajasthan towards southern India.
Where to stay in Udaipur:
Raas Devigarh: The sister property of Raas Jodhpur, this glorious 18th-century fort-palace – imposingly grand with its ramparts of domes, turrets and balconies – is an hour outside of Udaipur.
7th checkpoint: Mumbai
Not all of the teams chose to travel through Mumbai to avoid the crowds, but as we saw from Caroline and Tom’s experience, there’s a lot to love about this sprawling, vibrant city (though catching a train isn’t for the faint-hearted).
Where to stay in Mumbai:
Le Sutra: Conceived as an ‘art hotel’, this little suburban sanctuary is a great entry point for first-time travellers to India who want a rapid initiation into its art, philosophy and culture.
8th checkpoint: Goa
If, like Sioned, you find the frenetic cities overwhelming, Goa provides the perfect antidote. It’s known for popular palm-fringed beaches, yoga retreats and Portuguese colonial influences. The north attracts backpackers with its buzzy nightlife, while the romantic south boasts a scattering of unspoilt beaches and a slower pace of life.
Where to stay in Goa:
Cabo Serai: An affordable eco-luxe resort hidden among palm trees on one of southern Goa’s best beaches, offering yoga, healthy food and sea-view suites.
Final checkpoint: Kerala
While the teams had little time to relax in beautiful Kerala as they sped through en route to the finish line in Kanyakumari, we think it’s a natural end to this epic tour of India. Explore the region’s tranquil backwaters and ancient traditions, perhaps by staying on an authentic houseboat or admiring the medieval Chinese fishing nets in Kochi like Tom and Caroline.
Where to stay in Kerala:
Cranganor: A charming riverside guesthouse with 7 heritage-inspired, airy rooms and top-notch food on a little-known stretch of the Periyar River.
If you’d like a hand planning your dream India itinerary, check out our Tailormade Tours partners in Kerala and Northern India.
Date published: 12 Jun 2025
Last updated: 26 Feb 2026