5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Delhi, Agra, Mathura, and Amritsar
Day 1: Friday, August 25 - Arrival in Delhi
Start your family adventure in the bustling city of Delhi. In the morning, visit the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of Mughal emperors. Afterward, head to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, known for its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market for an authentic shopping experience. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll in Lodhi Gardens, a beautiful park filled with historical tombs.
Red Fort: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant in Connaught Place. Enjoy delicious dosas and idlis, and the average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Karim's, a famous restaurant in Jama Masjid known for its mouth-watering Mughlai cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, the Mutton Korma, and the average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Bukhara at the ITC Maurya Hotel, known for its traditional Northwest Frontier cuisine. Indulge in their succulent kebabs and biryanis, and the average cost for a meal is about 3000 INR per person.
Day 2: Saturday, August 26 - Exploring Delhi
Start your day with a visit to the iconic India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to soldiers. From there, head to Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts showcasing India's rich history. In the evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the colourful streets of Old Delhi, experiencing its vibrant culture and sampling delicious street food.
India Gate: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
National Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 20 (approx. $0.30), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Day 3: Sunday, August 27 - Agra and Mathura Day Trip
Embark on a day trip from Delhi to the historic city of Agra. In the morning, marvel at the breathtaking Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as the sunrise casts a golden glow on its pristine white marble. Afterward, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, travel to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and explore its ancient temples and vibrant markets. Return to Delhi in the evening.
Taj Mahal: Estimated Cost - INR 1300 (approx. $18.50), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Mathura: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Grand Buffet, a popular restaurant known for its wide spread of delicious Indian and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Pinch of Spice, a renowned restaurant offering a diverse menu of Indian and Mughlai delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Peshawri at ITC Mughal, where you can indulge in authentic North Indian cuisine, including their famous tandoori delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
Day 4: Monday, August 28 - Departure to Amritsar
Head to the city of Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. In the morning, visit the Golden Temple, the holiest gurdwara and a symbol of peace and spirituality. Explore the serene surroundings of the temple complex and partake in the langar, a free community meal served to visitors. In the afternoon, visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial garden that commemorates the 1919 massacre. Witness the patriotic Wagah Border Ceremony in the evening, a daily ceremony showcasing the closing of the India-Pakistan border.
Golden Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
One of the popular breakfast spots in Amritsar is Kulcha Land, known for its delicious stuffed kulchas. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, you can visit Kesar Da Dhaba, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine. Don't miss their signature dishes like dal makhani and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Finish off your day with a delightful dinner at Bharawan da Dhaba, famous for their vegetarian menu featuring dishes like sarson ka saag and makki ki roti. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Day 5: Tuesday, August 29 - Exploring Amritsar
Delve deeper into the history and culture of Amritsar. Start your morning by visiting the Partition Museum, which chronicles the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Take a heritage walk through the old city, exploring its narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant bazaars of Amritsar and shop for local handicrafts and textiles. End your day with a visit to the Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fortress that offers cultural shows and a glimpse into the city's past.
Lassi Wala: A popular breakfast spot known for its delicious traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, lassi. Enjoy a refreshing glass of lassi for about ₹50 per person.
Kesar Da Dhaba: Indulge in a vegetarian lunch at this iconic restaurant that has been serving delicious Punjabi cuisine for over a century. Try their signature dish, Dal Makhani, and other mouthwatering dishes for around ₹300 per person.
Beera Chicken House: Feast on Amritsari chicken and other delectable Punjabi non-vegetarian dishes at this famous dinner spot. A meal here costs around ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Wagah-Attari border ceremony, which takes place every evening at the India-Pakistan border. The lively and patriotic atmosphere makes it a memorable event. Additionally, explore the Amritsar countryside and visit the fascinating Ram Tirath Temple, an ancient mythological site associated with the epic Ramayana. Don't forget to try the delicious street food in Amritsar, especially the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Lassi.