Begin your family-friendly adventure in Aligarh by visiting the beautiful Aligarh Fort. In the morning, explore the historical fort and learn about its rich history. Afterward, head to the Sir Syed Academy Museum, which showcases the life and achievements of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent educational reformist. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk in the lush surroundings of Shekha Jheel, a serene lake perfect for a picnic. In the evening, visit the Aligarh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and delicious street food.
Aligarh Fort: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Sir Syed Academy Museum: Cost - INR 50 (approximately $0.70) per person, Time - 1-2 hours
Shekha Jheel: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Aligarh Market: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe River Heights, known for its freshly brewed coffee and mouth-watering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Spice Kitchen. This restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and international cuisines, and their buffet is a hit among locals and tourists. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at The Tandoori Village. This restaurant specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine, and their tandoori dishes are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, August 11: Aligarh Muslim University and Cultural Exploration
On the second day, immerse yourselves in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Aligarh. Begin your morning with a visit to the Aligarh Muslim University, one of the leading educational institutions in India. Explore the beautiful campus and admire its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Maulana Azad Library, the largest university library in Asia, and marvel at its vast collection. In the evening, attend a traditional music and dance performance at the Kennedy Auditorium, showcasing the rich heritage of Aligarh.
Aligarh Muslim University: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Maulana Azad Library: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Kennedy Auditorium: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Head to Café Delight for a delicious morning meal. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Lunch: Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Flavors of India. Their flavorful curries and freshly baked naan bread will leave you satisfied. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Dinner: Experience fine dining at The Royal Feast where you can enjoy a range of Indian and international cuisines. Their exquisite dishes and elegant ambiance make it the perfect spot for a dinner date. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, August 12: Exploring Nature and Wildlife
Escape the city and embrace nature on your third day in Aligarh. Start your morning by visiting the Aligarh Zoo, home to a wide variety of species including lions, tigers, elephants, and exotic birds. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Khereshwar Temple, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a peaceful picnic and take in the serene surroundings. In the evening, visit the Aligarh Botanical Garden, a tranquil oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll with your family.
Aligarh Zoo: Cost - INR 30 (approximately $0.42) per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Khereshwar Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Aligarh Botanical Garden: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Surya Bhoj, a popular restaurant known for its scrumptious Indian breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
Satisfy your appetite for lunch at Chatkara Restro, a cozy eatery offering a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at The Spice Lounge, a fine dining restaurant serving a fusion of Indian and Continental cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Sunday, August 13: Cultural Heritage and Shopping
On the fourth day, dive deeper into the cultural heritage of Aligarh. Start your morning at the Aligarh Museum, where you can explore a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, coins, and manuscripts. Afterward, visit the Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque known for its exquisite architecture. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the Center Point Mall, one of the city's popular shopping destinations. Enjoy shopping for clothing, accessories, and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, savor the local flavors at a traditional Aligarh restaurant.
Aligarh Museum: Cost - INR 20 (approximately $0.28) per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Jama Masjid: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Center Point Mall: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Aligarh is Sunrise Cafe, offering a variety of options like omelettes, parathas, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Head to Al-Nawab's Biryani House for lunch, a famous restaurant known for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, try Haveli Restaurant, serving delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Day Trip to Aligarh's Neighbouring Towns
On the fifth day, take a day trip to explore the nearby towns around Aligarh. Start your morning by visiting the historical city of Mathura, located approximately 60 kilometers from Aligarh. Explore the famous Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Vrindavan, a town known for its numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Visit the Banke Bihari Temple and experience the vibrant devotional chants and rituals. In the evening, return to Aligarh and relax at your hotel.
Mathura: Cost - Varies, Time - Full day
Vrindavan: Cost - Varies, Time - Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Paratha King in Aligarh. This local eatery offers a wide variety of freshly made parathas, with options like aloo, paneer, and onion. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Govinda Restaurant in Mathura. This vegetarian restaurant serves a delectable thali with an assortment of authentic Indian dishes like dal, paneer, vegetable curries, and chapatis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Brijwasi Mithai Wale in Vrindavan. This popular restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, offering a variety of dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and tandoori kebabs. Don't forget to try their delectable mithai (sweets) for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Farewell Aligarh
On your last day in Aligarh, spend the morning exploring the picturesque AMU City Park. Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst the lush greenery and beautiful flowers. Afterward, visit the Maulana Azad Hall, a historic building with intricate architecture. In the afternoon, have a delightful family picnic at the Aligarh Golf Course, surrounded by scenic views. In the evening, bid farewell to Aligarh and cherish the memories of your family-friendly adventure.
AMU City Park: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Maulana Azad Hall: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Aligarh Golf Course: Cost - INR 100 (approximately $1.40) per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Tikka, known for its wide range of Indian and Continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Food Villa, a popular restaurant offering a variety of mouthwatering vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at The Royal Spice, a fine dining restaurant specializing in North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a true off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Naqvi Park, a peaceful park filled with lush greenery and a small lake where you can enjoy boating. Another local favorite is the Aligarh Public Library, a treasure trove of knowledge with an extensive collection of books. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Aligarh Petha, a sweet delicacy made from winter melon and adorned with a variety of flavors. These hidden gems and local favorites will add an extra layer of charm to your family adventure in Aligarh.