Budget Indian Adventure – 3 Days Under $200

Day 1: Delhi – Arrival & Old City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station and check into a clean budget hostel in Paharganj. Freshen up, then stroll to the bustling Jama Masjid and enjoy a quick street‑food breakfast of aloo paratha.

Afternoon: Walk through the historic lanes of Chandni Chowk, sampling spicy chaat and visiting the colorful Red Fort. A short rickshaw ride takes you to the serene Jantar Mantar for a quick photo stop.

Evening: Relax at India Gate and watch the sunset, then head to Connaught Place for a budget dinner of butter chicken and naan. Return to the hostel for a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Agra – Taj Mahal & Fort

Morning: Catch an early Indian Railways passenger train to Agra (≈2 h). Store luggage at the station lockers and head straight to the iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise, marveling at its marble glow.

Afternoon: After a light lunch of street‑side kachori, explore the imposing Agra Fort, wandering its courtyards and museums. Later, visit the nearby Mehtab Bagh for a reflective view of the Taj across the Yamuna.

Evening: Return to the train station and board a night‑time service back to Delhi, enjoying a simple dinner on the train and resting for the next day’s journey.

Day 3: Jaipur – Pink City Highlights

Morning: Depart early by bus to Jaipur (≈5 h). Upon arrival, drop bags at a budget guesthouse and head to the majestic Amber Fort, taking an elephant ride or a jeep up the hill.

Afternoon: Descend to the city center for a quick lunch of dal‑baati‑churma, then explore the regal City Palace and the adjoining Jantar Mantar observatory.

Evening: Stroll through the vibrant Hawa Mahal façade, shop for affordable handicrafts in the bazaar, and enjoy a farewell dinner of Rajasthani thali before heading back to Delhi by night bus.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Jama Masjid – 30 min, $1 (entry free, small donation)
• Red Fort – 2 h, $2 (entry)
• Jantar Mantar (Delhi) – 45 min, $1
• Train Delhi‑Agra (2nd class) – 2 h, $8
• Taj Mahal – 2 h, $12 (entry)
• Agra Fort – 1.5 h, $5 (entry)
• Mehtab Bagh – 45 min, $2 (entry)
• Night train Delhi‑Agra – 2 h, $8
• Bus Delhi‑Jaipur – 5 h, $10
• Amber Fort – 2 h, $7 (entry)
• City Palace – 1.5 h, $5 (entry)
• Jantar Mantar (Jaipur) – 45 min, $1
• Hawa Mahal (exterior) – 30 min, free
• Budget meals & street food (3 days) – 9 h, $40
• Hostel accommodations (2 nights) – 2 nights, $30
• Local transport (rickshaws, metros, buses) – 5 h, $10
• Night bus Jaipur‑Delhi – 5 h, $12
• Miscellaneous (water, tips) – 3 h, $5
• Total Estimated Cost: $130

Tips

If you have extra time, add a half‑day in Delhi to visit the Lotus Temple and a day in Jaipur to explore the nearby Nahargarh Fort for panoramic views. To tighten the budget further, replace the night train with an overnight bus and choose shared dorm rooms in hostels, which can bring the total under $100. Conversely, extending the stay by a day in each city allows for deeper cultural immersion and optional guided tours, raising the cost modestly but enriching the experience.