9‑Day College Adventure: Jaisalmer → Agra → Shimla → Rishikesh (February)

Day 1: Arrival in Jaisalmer

Morning: The overnight train from Trivandrum reaches Jaisalmer after an approximate 48‑hour journey. Freshen up at the budget hostel and enjoy a light breakfast of dosa and chai (≈ ₹150).

Afternoon: Take a short city‑tour on a shared auto to the iconic Jaisalmer Fort. Explore the sandstone walls and the bustling market inside while sampling local snacks (≈ ₹200).

Evening: Stroll along the **Gadisar Lake** at sunset, rent a paddle‑boat, and relish a simple dinner of dal‑bhat at a lakeside dhaba (≈ ₹250).

Day 2: Jaisalmer Exploration

Morning: Visit the intricately carved Patwon Ki Haveli and learn about merchant life; entry fee ₹100. Follow with a hearty breakfast at the hostel (₹150).

Afternoon: Head to the **Sam Sand Dunes** for a camel safari. Enjoy a desert lunch served in a traditional tent (≈ ₹300) and watch local folk performances.

Evening: Return to town for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort, trying Rajasthani thali (≈ ₹350).

Day 3: Travel to Agra

Morning: Board the express train from Jaisalmer to Agra (approx. 13 hrs, AC 2‑tier, ₹1,800). Have a packed breakfast (₹120) on the train.

Afternoon: Arrival in Agra, check‑in at a guesthouse and enjoy a quick lunch of street chaat (≈ ₹200). Rest briefly before evening sightseeing.

Evening: Visit the illuminated **Agra Fort**; entry fee ₹300. Dine on Mughlai kebabs at a nearby eatery (≈ ₹400).

Morning: Early sunrise visit to the **Taj Mahal** to avoid crowds; entry fee ₹1,300 plus ₹50 for audio guide. Breakfast at the hotel (₹150).

Afternoon: Explore the marble masterpiece interior, then have lunch at a café with view of the Yamuna (≈ ₹350). Optional short trip to **Fatehpur Sikri** (entry ₹250, travel ₹200).

Evening: Return to Agra, stroll the Sadar Bazaar for souvenir shopping, and enjoy a sweet‑pani puri dinner (≈ ₹250).

Day 5: Travel to Shimla

Morning: Catch the overnight train from Agra to Kalka (approx. 12 hrs, AC 2‑tier, ₹1,600). Breakfast on board (₹120).

Afternoon: Upon arrival at Kalka, board a scenic **Kalka‑Shimla toy train** (2 hrs, ₹500). Check‑in at a hostel in Shimla, followed by a light lunch of momos (≈ ₹200).

Evening: Walk along the **Mall Road**, sip hot tea at a colonial café, and dine on Himachali dishes like “siddu” (≈ ₹300).

Day 6: Shimla Exploration

Morning: Hike up to **Jakhu Temple**, enjoy panoramic views, and offer prayers; entry free. Breakfast at the hostel (₹150).

Afternoon: Visit **Kufri** for horse riding and a short trek; entry ₹100, activity ₹250. Picnic lunch with local cheese (≈ ₹250).

Evening: Return to Shimla, explore the Ridge, and have dinner at a rooftop restaurant featuring trout (≈ ₹350).

Day 7: Travel to Rishikesh

Morning: Board a morning train from Shimla to Dehradun (approx. 10 hrs, AC 2‑tier, ₹1,500). Breakfast on train (₹120).

Afternoon: Upon reaching Dehradun, take a shared taxi to Rishikesh (≈ 1 hr, ₹200). Check‑in, then enjoy a simple lunch of aloo paratha (≈ ₹200).

Evening: Walk to **Laxman Jhula** and **Ram Jhula**, explore the ashrams, and witness the Ganga Aarti at **Triveni Ghat**. Dinner of vegan thali at an ashram café (≈ ₹300).

Day 8: Rishikesh Adventure

Morning: Experience a beginner‑friendly white‑water rafting session on the Ganges; cost ₹800. Breakfast at the hostel (₹150).

Afternoon: Relax with a yoga session at the **Parmarth Niketan** ashram (donation ₹200). Lunch of fresh fruit and nuts (≈ ₹250).

Evening: Sunset at **Neelkanth Mahadev Temple**, followed by a dinner of paneer tikka and naan at a riverside dhaba (≈ ₹350).

Day 9: Return to Trivandrum

Morning: Transfer to Dehradun Airport (taxi ₹300) and board a direct flight to Trivandrum (≈ 3 hrs, ₹4,500). Light airport breakfast (₹120).

Afternoon: Arrival in Trivandrum, check‑in at home or hostel, and enjoy a leisurely lunch of Kerala fish curry (≈ ₹300).

Evening: Reflect on the journey over a final dinner of appam and stew with friends (≈ ₹350).

Time and Cost Estimates

• Jaisalmer Fort – 2 hrs – ₹200 entry
• Patwon Ki Haveli – 1.5 hrs – ₹100 entry
• Sam Sand Dunes (camel safari) – 3 hrs – ₹600
• Agra Fort – 2 hrs – ₹300 entry
• Taj Mahal – 3 hrs – ₹1,300 entry + ₹50 audio guide
• Fatehpur Sikri (optional) – 2 hrs – ₹250 entry + ₹200 travel
• Jakhu Temple – 1 hr – Free
• Kufri (horse riding) – 2 hrs – ₹350 total
• Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – 1 hr – Free
• Triveni Ghat Aarti – 1 hr – Free
• White‑water Rafting (Rishikesh) – 3 hrs – ₹800
• Yoga at Parmarth Niketan – 2 hrs – Donation ₹200
• Train: Trivandrum → Jaisalmer (48 hrs) – ₹2,800
• Train: Jaisalmer → Agra (13 hrs) – ₹1,800
• Train: Agra → Kalka (12 hrs) – ₹1,600
• Train: Kalka → Shimla (toy train, 2 hrs) – ₹500
• Train: Shimla → Dehradun (10 hrs) – ₹1,500
• Flight: Dehradun → Trivandrum (3 hrs) – ₹4,500
• Food (average ₹900 per day × 9 days) – ₹8,100
• Accommodation (hostels/guesthouses, avg. ₹600/night × 9 nights) – ₹5,400
• Local transport (taxis, shared autos) – ₹2,000
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹31,208

Tips

To extend the trip, add a full day in Agra for a deeper look at **Mariam‑Ul‑Nisa** and a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, or spend an extra night in Shimla to explore nearby **Chail** and its cricket ground. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the optional Fatehpur Sikri day and combine the Shimla‑to‑Rishikesh travel by taking a night bus instead of the train, saving both time and a portion of the transport budget.