7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Delhi - Mathura - Vrindavan - Agra - Ayodhya

1. Day 1: Delhi
   Starting point

   In the morning, visit the iconic Red Fort. Afternoon, explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market. In the evening, take a walk at India Gate.

   • Red Fort: Estimated cost: ₹50, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Chandni Chowk market: Estimated cost: ₹100 (for food and shopping), Estimated time: 3-4 hours
   • India Gate: Free entry, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
2. Day 2: Mathura
   3 hours (100 miles) from Delhi

   Start your day with a visit to the famous Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Prem Mandir. End the day with a peaceful boat ride on Yamuna River.

   • Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Prem Mandir: Free entry, Estimated cost: ₹50 (for prasad), Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Boat ride on Yamuna River: Estimated cost: ₹100, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
3. Day 3: Vrindavan
   30 minutes (11 miles) from Mathura

   Begin your day with a visit to the famous Banke Bihari Temple. In the afternoon, explore the serene ISKCON Temple. Enjoy the evening aarti at Prem Mandir.

   • Banke Bihari Temple: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • ISKCON Temple: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Evening aarti at Prem Mandir: Free entry, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
4. Day 4: Agra
   2 hours (60 miles) from Vrindavan

   Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, explore the historical Agra Fort. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Mehtab Bagh for a view of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

   • Taj Mahal: Entry fee: ₹1300 (foreign tourist), Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Agra Fort: Entry fee: ₹600 (foreign tourist), Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Mehtab Bagh: Entry fee: ₹300, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
5. Day 5: Ayodhya
   6 hours (250 miles) from Agra

   Explore the holy city of Ayodhya. Visit the famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Spend the evening at Saryu River for a peaceful boat ride.

   • Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Boat ride on Saryu River: Estimated cost: ₹100, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Recommendations

While exploring these destinations, don't miss out on tasting the delicious local street food. Consider taking a day trip to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra, known for its stunning architecture. To save money, opt for local transportation like buses or trains instead of private taxis. Booking hotels and flights in advance can help you find the best deals. Enjoy your shoestring budget trip!

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.