Start with a hearty South Indian or continental breakfast in Connaught Place to fuel your first day exploring the capital; easy access to central sights makes this ideal.
Visit the Baháʼí Lotus Temple (open hours often ~9:00am–5:30pm; check for Monday closure patterns) then relax at nearby Lodi Gardens for a short walk among tombs and lawns.
If interested in art and history, visit the National Museum (typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm; closed Monday) or the Crafts Museum to see traditional handicrafts.
Leave Delhi in the early evening to reach Agra by late night (driving ~3.5–4.5 hours on Yamuna Expressway); rest at your Agra hotel and prep for an early Taj visit.
Beat crowds with a sunrise visit — the marble glows at dawn. Note: Taj is typically open from sunrise to sunset and closed on Fridays; early entry is recommended.
Begin the long overnight drive (~8–9 hours; 520–580 km depending on route) to reach Ayodhya by early morning; consider a sleeper train as an alternative for comfort.
Visit the principal shrine dedicated to Lord Ram; complex timings generally span early morning to evening (6:00am–8:00pm typical), and devote time to darshan and gardens.
Visit the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati — take a short boat trip for the traditional view (early morning boats preferred but mid-day options available).
Attend the famous evening aarti (usually starts ~6:00–7:00pm depending on season); arrive early to secure a good vantage point or take a boat for a river view.
Explore the museum’s Mauryan sculptures and the Dhamek Stupa; the museum typically opens around 9:30am–5:00pm (closed some weekdays — confirm locally).
If you have time before departure, take a quiet sunrise walk or brief boat to soak in the last views of the Ganges; ghats open all day but are most atmospheric at dawn.
If your schedule allows, pick up final souvenirs (silk, incense, handicrafts) near the old city or stop at a recommended shop for quality Banarasi goods.