Morning: Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, collect luggage, and take a prepaid airport taxi to a budget hotel in Paharganj. Check‑in and freshen up.
Afternoon: Walk through Chandni Chowk, sampling street foods like aloo tikki and jalebi, then visit the historic Red Fort (entry ₹35 per adult).
Evening: Stroll to Jama Masjid for sunset views, then enjoy a simple dinner at a local dhaba near the market.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore India Gate and the nearby Rashtrapati Bhavan lawns, followed by a quick photo stop at the Lotus Temple.
Afternoon: Visit the grand Qutub Minar complex (entry ₹30) and wander through the bustling Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
Evening: Relax at Connaught Place, shop for souvenirs, and dine on affordable North Indian thalis.
Find HotelsMorning: Board an early Shatabdi Express to Agra (≈₹800 per adult). Check into a budget guesthouse near the Taj Mahal.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Taj Mahal (entry ₹1300, includes audio guide). Spend time photographing the marble marvel from multiple angles.
Evening: Explore the imposing Agra Fort (entry ₹550) and enjoy a sunset view of the Taj from the fort’s ramparts.
**Day 4: Mathura & Vrindavan Day Trip**Morning: Take a shared taxi to Mathura (≈₹300 per person). Visit the sacred Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex.
Afternoon: Continue to Vrindavan to see the charming Banke Bihari Temple and the colorful ISKCON Temple, both free to enter.
Evening: Return to Agra, enjoy a simple dinner, and rest for the next day’s travel.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out and board an overnight Volvo bus to Rishikesh (≈₹900 per adult). Relax on the bus and enjoy the scenic drive.
Afternoon: Arrive in Rishikesh, check into a riverside hostel, and have a light lunch of momos and chai.
Evening: Walk along the Ganga Ghats, witness the tranquil Ganga Aarti at Triveni, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Cross the iconic Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, then hike up to the ancient Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (free).
Afternoon: Explore the historic Beatles Ashram (entry ₹200) and enjoy a modest lunch at a local café.
Evening: Optional white‑water rafting on the Ganges (≈₹900 per adult) or simply relax with yoga by the river.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a budget-friendly group yoga session at a local ashram (donation ₹150).
Afternoon: Visit the serene Parmarth Niketan campus, walk the botanical garden, and have a vegetarian thali lunch.
Evening: Free time to shop for handicrafts at the nearby market or enjoy a peaceful sunset on the riverbank.
Find HotelsMorning: Board an early train back to Delhi (≈₹800 per adult). Store luggage at the station locker if needed.
Afternoon: If time permits, visit Humayun’s Tomb (entry ₹30) or shop for last‑minute gifts at Dilli Haat.
Evening: Head to the airport for your flight home, carrying wonderful memories of the Golden Triangle and the Himalayas.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost per Adult: ₹10,215
For a shorter trip, skip the day‑trip to Mathura/Vrindavan and spend an extra night in Delhi to explore museums and markets. If you have an extra day, consider adding a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal or a short trek to the nearby hill town of Mussoorie from Rishikesh. Use shared auto‑rickshaws and local trains to keep transport costs low, and book hostels with kitchen facilities to save on meals.