A One-Day Itinerary to Discover the Best of India

1. 9:00AM: Visit the Taj Mahal
   Located in the city of Agra, the Taj Mahal is one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring structures in the world. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his late wife, this mausoleum is made entirely of white marble and features intricate carvings and designs.
   Estimated time spent: 2 hours
   Estimated distance: 230 km from Delhi (approximately 3 hours by car)
2. 12:00PM: Lunch at Karim's
   No trip to India is complete without sampling some of its delicious cuisine. Head to Karim's in Old Delhi, which has been serving up mouth-watering Mughalai dishes for over a century. Be sure to try their signature mutton burra, which is marinated in a special blend of spices and cooked to perfection in a clay oven.
   Estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
   Estimated distance: 17 km from the Taj Mahal (approximately 30 minutes by car)
3. 2:00PM: Explore the Red Fort
   Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, the Red Fort is a beautiful fortification that served as the palace for the Mughal dynasty for over 200 years. It features impressive sandstone walls, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens.
   Estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
   Estimated distance: 3 km from Karim's (approximately 10 minutes by car)
4. 4:00PM: Take a stroll through India Gate
   A war memorial located in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is a beautiful archway made of sandstone that commemorates Indian soldiers killed in World War I. It's surrounded by lush green lawns, and is a popular spot for picnics, evening walks, and people-watching.
   Estimated time spent: 1 hour
   Estimated distance: 6 km from the Red Fort (approximately 20 minutes by car)
5. 5:00PM: Visit the Lotus Temple
   The Lotus Temple is a stunning temple shaped like a lotus flower, featuring 27 marble petals and nine pools. It's a Baha'i House of Worship, which welcomes people of all religions to pray and meditate.
   Estimated time spent: 1 hour
   Estimated distance: 7 km from India Gate (approximately 25 minutes by car)

Time and Costs Estimates

• Taj Mahal (2 hours, INR 1300)
• Karim's (1.5 hours, INR 800)
• Red Fort (1.5 hours, INR 600)
• India Gate (1 hour, free)
• Lotus Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): INR 2700

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting some of Delhi's other famous attractions, such as Humayun's Tomb or the Qutub Minar. If you have less time, skip the Red Fort and head straight to India Gate or the Lotus Temple. However, keep in mind that traffic in Delhi can be quite congested, so plan accordingly.