7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for India in August 2023
Day 1: Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi in the morning where you can visit the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. In the afternoon, head to the Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Finish your day with a stroll in Lodhi Garden.
Day 2: Agra
240 km (4 hours) from Delhi
Start your day early and visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Then, head to Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, and the Mehtab Bagh for a stunning view of the sunset over the Taj Mahal.
Day 3: Jaipur
240 km (4 hours) from Agra
Visit the beautiful Amber Fort in the morning and then head to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal at Chokhi Dhani.
Day 4: Pushkar
145 km (3 hours) from Jaipur
Visit the holy city of Pushkar and take a dip in the sacred lake. Explore the Brahma Temple and the colorful local market. Enjoy the sunset at the Savitri Temple.
Day 5: Jodhpur
200 km (4 hours) from Pushkar
Visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the local market around the clock tower. End your day with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Day 6: Udaipur
260 km (5 hours) from Jodhpur
Visit the City Palace and Jagdish Temple in the morning. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the iconic Lake Palace in the afternoon. Enjoy the sunset at Fateh Sagar Lake.
Day 7: Mumbai
760 km (13 hours) from Udaipur
Visit the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the morning. Explore the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Crawford Market in the afternoon. End your day with a stroll at Marine Drive.
Recommendations
Consider visiting the Ranthambore National Park for a safari experience or taking a day trip to the stunning Chittorgarh Fort. You can also take a cooking class in Udaipur or watch a Bollywood movie in Mumbai.
Maximize your fun by trying street food in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, bargaining at local markets, and taking public transport.
Time and Costs Estimates
Red Fort (2 hours, ₹ 35)
Jama Masjid (1 hour, free)
Lotus Temple (1 hour, free)
Qutub Minar (1 hour, ₹ 30)
Lodhi Garden (1 hour, free)
Taj Mahal (2-3 hours, ₹ 50 for Indians, ₹ 1,100 for foreigners)
Agra Fort (1-2 hours, ₹ 40 for Indians, ₹ 550 for foreigners)
Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (1 hour, ₹ 20)
Mehtab Bagh (1 hour, ₹ 20)
Amber Fort (2-3 hours, ₹ 50 for Indians, ₹ 550 for foreigners)
City Palace (2-3 hours, ₹ 200 for Indians, ₹ 700 for foreigners)
Jantar Mantar (1-2 hours, ₹ 50 for Indians, ₹ 200 for foreigners)
Chokhi Dhani (3-4 hours, ₹ 900 per person)
Brahma Temple (1 hour, free)
Pushkar market (2 hours, free)
Savitri Temple (1 hour, free)
Mehrangarh Fort (2-3 hours, ₹ 100 for Indians, ₹ 600 for foreigners)
Jaswant Thada (1 hour, ₹ 30 for Indians, ₹ 100 for foreigners)
Umaid Bhawan Palace (1-2 hours, ₹ 30 for Indians, ₹ 100 for foreigners)
City Palace (2-3 hours, ₹ 30 for Indians, ₹ 200 for foreigners)
Jagdish Temple (1 hour, free)
Lake Pichola boat ride (1 hour, ₹ 400-500)
Lake Palace (1 hour, ₹ 200 for Indians, ₹ 500 for foreigners)
Fateh Sagar Lake (1 hour, free)
Gateway of India (1 hour, free)
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (1 hour, free)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1 hour, free)
Crawford Market (2 hours, free)
Marine Drive (1 hour, free)
Total Estimated Costs: ₹ 7,065 - 9,115 (approx. $95-125) per person