10-Day Delhi Itinerary for Shoestring Budget Travelers

1. Day 1: Red Fort
   20 minutes (8.1 km) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

   Enter the Mughal era at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning red sandstone architecture and a light-and-sound show.

2. Day 2: Chandni Chowk Market
   30 minutes (8.7 km) from Red Fort

   Bargain for clothes, spices, and jewelry at this bustling market, one of the oldest and busiest in Delhi.

3. Day 3: Humayun's Tomb
   30 minutes (6.5 km) from Chandni Chowk Market

   Wander around this majestic 16th-century mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

4. Day 4: Lotus Temple
   20 minutes (8.4 km) from Humayun's Tomb

   Bask in the serenity of this Bahá'í House of Worship, shaped like a lotus and open to all regardless of religion or nationality.

5. Day 5: India Gate
   20 minutes (8.9 km) from Lotus Temple

   Picnic or people-watch at this iconic war memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and flanked by lush lawns and fountains.

6. Day 6: Akshardham Temple
   30 minutes (8.4 km) from India Gate

   Marvel at the art, architecture, and spirituality of this jaw-dropping temple complex, touted as the world's largest Hindu temple.

7. Day 7: Jama Masjid
   30 minutes (8.1 km) from Akshardham Temple

   Join the Friday prayers or climb the minarets of this 17th-century mosque, one of the largest and most famous in India.

8. Day 8: Qutub Minar
   30 minutes (13.4 km) from Jama Masjid

   Gaze at the soaring tower and surrounding ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century.

9. Day 9: Hauz Khas Village
   40 minutes (16.4 km) from Qutub Minar

   Explore this trendy neighborhood, known for its art galleries, boutiques, pubs, and parks around a historic water tank.

10. Day 10: Dilli Haat
    30 minutes (12.1 km) from Hauz Khas Village

    Savor the flavors and crafts of India's diverse regions at this rustic open-air market, featuring food stalls, shops, and live performances.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Red Fort (2 hours, INR 60)
• Chandni Chowk Market (2-3 hours, depends on shopping budget)
• Humayun's Tomb (1-2 hours, INR 30)
• Lotus Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• India Gate (1-2 hours, free)
• Akshardham Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Jama Masjid (1-2 hours, free)
• Qutub Minar (1-2 hours, INR 30)
• Hauz Khas Village (2-3 hours, depends on interests)
• Dilli Haat (2-3 hours, INR 30)
Total Estimated Costs (excluding flights and accommodations): INR 180

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. If you have less time, skip some of the less famous sights or combine them based on proximity. Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes, and respect the dress code and customs of each place of worship.