Budget 4-Day Golden Triangle: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Delhi — Best Budget Eats & Sights

Day 1: Old & New Delhi

Delhi, India on November 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Chole Bhature)

Classic Old Delhi breakfast spot famous for chole bhature; cheap, filling and local. Opens early (roughly 7:00am–11:30am) so good for a start before sightseeing.
INR150, 0h45m

9:30am

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Major Mughal fort with museums and ramparts — a solid introduction to Delhi's history and architecture; best visited in the morning when it’s cooler. Open ~9:30am–4:30pm.
INR35, 1h30m

11:15am

Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk walk (street food / market)

Explore India’s largest mosque (visit windows/ramps) and wander the chaotic food alleys of Chandni Chowk for local snacks and market bargains; mosque visiting hours typically 7:00am–12:00pm and 1:30pm–6:30pm (avoid prayer time for entry).
INR0, 1h45m

1:15pm

Lunch — Karim's (near Jama Masjid)

Iconic, budget-friendly Mughlai eatery for kebabs and curries — slightly touristy but generous portions and authentic flavours. Open all day (approx 9:00am–11:00pm).
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Humayun's Tomb

UNESCO-listed garden tomb and precursor to the Taj’s architecture; peaceful gardens and good photography in late afternoon. Open ~6:00am–6:00pm.
INR40, 1h

5:00pm

Drive-by India Gate / Rajpath & photo stops

Iconic nation memorial and wide ceremonial avenue — free to visit and nice at dusk when lights come on; good for a relaxed stroll or photos.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Haldiram's (Connaught Place) or local dhaba

Reliable, inexpensive vegetarian and Punjabi options with clean seating — budget-friendly choice after a big day. Many branches open until late evening.
INR300, 1h

Day 2: Taj Sunrise

Agra, India on November 26, 2025

5:00am

Depart Delhi → Agra (train or shared car)

Take an early express train or pre-book a shared/ private taxi to reach Agra before sunrise; trains/buses vary but budget travellers often take an early AC/express train or Volvo bus. Travel ~3h–4h depending on mode.
INR700, 3h30m

8:00am

Taj Mahal (sunrise visit)

World-famous Mughal mausoleum — best at sunrise for cooler temps, softer light and fewer crowds. Open daily 6:00am–6:30pm; closed on Fridays (prayer day).
INR50, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast — Joney's Place or local cafe

Simple, budget-friendly cafe near the Taj that serves eggs, toast, tea and light Indian breakfasts; good spot to rest after early start.
INR200, 0h45m

12:00pm

Agra Fort

Large red-sandstone Mughal fort with palaces and views of the Taj; the fort complements the morning Taj visit and is open roughly 6:00am–6:00pm.
INR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch — Local dhaba / Pinch of Spice (budget option: local eateries)

Try local Mughlai dishes or simple thalis at a budget-friendly dhaba near Sadar Bazaar; cheap, filling and authentic.
INR350, 1h

4:00pm

Mehtab Bagh (Taj view at sunset)

Garden across the Yamuna offering frontal views of the Taj at sunset; a quieter, cheaper viewpoint than some private terraces. Open ~6:00am–6:00pm.
INR25, 1h

7:00pm

Transfer Agra → Jaipur (economy bus or shared car)

Evening road transfer to Jaipur (approx 3.5–4.5 hours on the Yamuna expressway and national highways); night travel saves time and allows more sightseeing next day.
INR800, 4h30m

11:30pm

Check-in — Budget guesthouse / hostel (Jaipur)

Budget hotels/hostels in Jaipur city centre are abundant and inexpensive; overnight to rest before Jaipur sightseeing.
INR1200, 0h30m

Day 3: Jaipur Highlights

Jaipur, India on November 27, 2025

8:00am

Amber Fort (Amer Fort)

Hilltop fort with courtyards and vistas over Maota Lake; start early to avoid heat and crowds. Open ~8:00am–5:00pm.
INR100, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast — Rawat Mishtan Bhandar (pyaaz kachori)

Famed local sweet shop and snack spot; try the pyaaz kachori and jalebi for a classic Rajasthani breakfast — cheap and delicious.
INR150, 0h30m

12:00pm

City Palace & Jantar Mantar

City Palace museum explores royal collections and lifestyle; Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory — both are central and walkable. Typical hours ~9:00am–5:00pm.
INR250, 2h30m

2:45pm

Lunch — Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar (LMB) Thali

Popular for Rajasthani thali and sweets; mid-range but excellent value for a proper regional meal. Open all day (~9:00am–10:00pm).
INR400, 1h

4:00pm

Hawa Mahal (photo stop) & Johari / Bapu Bazaar shopping

Exterior photo-op at the Palace of Winds then bargain in famed bazaars for textiles, jewellery and block-printed fabrics — great for budget souvenirs.
INR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Local street-food or Spice Court (budget-friendly Rajasthani fare)

Try dal bati churma or street snacks; Spice Court offers decent, affordable local dishes in a cleaner setting if you prefer a sit-down meal.
INR350, 1h

8:30pm

Optional cultural show / evening stroll MI Road

Small folk performances or a relaxed walk on MI Road with tea/coffee; good low-cost way to experience Rajasthani music and atmosphere.
INR200, 1h30m

Day 4: Return to Delhi

Delhi, India on November 28, 2025

7:00am

Depart Jaipur → Delhi (train or bus)

Morning express train or Volvo bus to Delhi; travel time typically 4–5 hours depending on service chosen — book an early connection to maximise the afternoon in Delhi.
INR800, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Saravana Bhavan or Sagar Ratna (Connaught Place / central Delhi)

Reliable South Indian vegetarian chains with clean, predictable food at modest prices — useful for a quick, comforting lunch after travel.
INR300, 1h

2:00pm

Qutub Minar (or Humayun's Tomb if preferred)

Choose Qutub Minar for its towering minaret and archaeological complex (open roughly 7:00am–5:00pm) or Humayun’s Tomb for more Mughal gardens; both are budget-friendly and easy to reach.
INR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lotus Temple (Baha'i House of Worship) or quick market visit

Peaceful, architecturally interesting temple open most afternoons for a calm pause (check exact hours before visiting); alternatively use this slot for last-minute shopping in Connaught Place or Sarojini Nagar for bargains.
INR0, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner — Haldiram's or Paharganj street food

Final budget meal in Delhi — either a clean chain (Haldiram’s) or go for affordable local eateries in Paharganj if you prefer street flavours before departure.
INR300, 1h

8:00pm

Transfer to airport / railway station

Allow ample time for traffic; Delhi can be congested in the evening so plan 1–2 hours to reach Indira Gandhi International Airport or major railway terminals for onward travel.
INR500, 1h30m
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