Shoestring Budget 8-Day North India Itinerary

1. Day 1: Delhi
   Indira Gandhi International Airport to Red Fort (15.2 km, 45 min)

   Explore the iconic Red Fort followed by Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

2. Day 2: Jaipur
   Delhi to Jaipur by bus (281 km, 6 h)

   Visit the striking Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), and the opulent City Palace.

3. Day 3: Jaipur
   Amber Fort to Jaipur City Palace (11 km, 33 min)

   Embark on an adventurous elephant ride to Amber Fort, then explore the grand Jantar Mantar.

4. Day 4: Agra
   Jaipur to Agra by train (240 km, 4 h)

   Witness the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise, then tour the majestic Agra Fort.

5. Day 5: Varanasi
   Agra to Varanasi by train (875 km, 12 h)

   Observe the rituals on the banks of river Ganges followed by witnessing the serene beauty of The Dhamek Stupa.

6. Day 6: Varanasi
   Less than 1 km to each of the two locations

   Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple followed by the Alamgir Mosque also known as Gyanvapi Mosque.

7. Day 7: Haridwar
   Varanasi to Haridwar by train (808 km, 16 h)

   Take a religious dip at the Har Ki Pauri Ghat followed by a walk on Lakshman Jhula, a popular suspension bridge.

8. Day 8: Rishikesh
   Haridwar to Rishikesh by bus (20 km, 50 min)

   Enjoy a scenic view of the Ganges River from the Laxman Jhula Bridge followed by a visit to Triveni Ghat.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Red Fort (1-2 h, Rs. 40)
• City Palace (2-3 h, Rs. 200)
• Hawa Mahal (1-2 h, Rs. 50)
• Amber Fort (2-3 h, Rs. 500)
• Taj Mahal (2-3 h, Rs. 1300)
• Agra Fort (2-3 h, Rs. 550)
• Dhamek Stupa (1-2 h, Free entry)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1-2 h, Free entry)
• Har Ki Pauri Ghat (1-2 h, Free entry)
• Lakshman Jhula (1 h, Free entry)
• Triveni Ghat (1-2 h, Free entry)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 3,190

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit the Qutub Minar in Delhi, and Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh. If you have less time, skip Jaipur and head straight to Agra from Delhi.