A 6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, and New Delhi
Wednesday, August 30: Arrival in Katra
Welcome to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage! Morning: Begin your spiritual journey by trekking to the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple, nestled in the Trikuta Mountains. Afternoon: Explore the bustling local market of Katra, offering a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Evening: Witness the enchanting Aarti ceremony at the temple, where devotees sing hymns and light lamps in devotion.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Free, 6-8 hours
Katra Market: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Aarti at Vaishno Devi Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Katra is Shri Hari Vaishno Hotel, known for its delicious vegetarian breakfast offerings, such as stuffed parathas and puri bhaji. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
For lunch, head to Royal Grover's Restaurant, a family-friendly establishment serving a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering tandoori platters. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Vaishnav Bhojanalaya, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine, including dal makhani and butter naan. With a cozy ambience, the average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 400 per person.
Thursday, August 31: Amritsar
Morning: Travel to Amritsar, home to the iconic Golden Temple. Visit this serene Sikh shrine, known for its beautiful architecture and the peaceful Sarovar (holy tank). Afternoon: Experience the patriotic ceremony at the Wagah Border, where the lowering of flags by Indian and Pakistani soldiers takes place. Evening: Explore the buzzing streets of the lively old city, indulging in Amritsar's famous street food.
Golden Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Wagah Border Ceremony: Free, 1-2 hours
Old City Food Exploration: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Bharawan Da Dhaba, a popular Punjabi restaurant known for its delicious parathas and authentic Punjabi breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Kesar Da Dhaba, a legendary restaurant in Amritsar known for its rich and flavorful vegetarian Punjabi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, enjoy the traditional ambiance and lip-smacking Punjabi food at Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner. This restaurant is famous for its tandoori dishes and fish preparations. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, September 1: Amritsar
Morning: Pay a visit to the Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial garden commemorating the tragic Amritsar Massacre of 1919. Afternoon: Explore the fascinating history of the Partition at the Partition Museum, providing insights into this significant event. Evening: Take a stroll in the beautiful Ram Bagh Gardens, named after the renowned Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das.
Jallianwala Bagh: Free, 1-2 hours
Partition Museum: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Ram Bagh Gardens: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba which is known for its delicious Punjabi breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Beera Chicken House where you can savor their famous Amritsari chicken dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba, a popular eatery serving authentic Punjabi cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, September 2: New Delhi
Morning: Travel to New Delhi, the capital city of India. Explore the magnificent architecture of the Qutub Minar complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon: Discover the history and culture of India at the National Museum, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts. Evening: Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets.
Qutub Minar: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
National Museum: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Chandni Chowk: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The All American Diner, a retro-themed restaurant in New Delhi. Indulge in classic American breakfast options like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a delicious and authentic Indian lunch, head to Karim's near Jama Masjid. Known for its mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis, this iconic eatery has been serving customers since 1913. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a flavorsome dinner at Indian Accent located in The Lodhi Hotel. This upscale restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Indian cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and delectable. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 INR per person.
Sunday, September 3: New Delhi
Morning: Explore the grandeur of the historic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's rich heritage. Afternoon: Visit the peaceful Lotus Temple, renowned for its distinctive lotus-shaped architecture. Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens of Lodhi Garden, dotted with ancient tombs and picturesque landscapes.
Red Fort: Budget-friendly, 2-4 hours
Lotus Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Lodhi Garden: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at The All American Diner, offering a wide variety of American-style breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Punjab Grill, known for its authentic Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their signature butter chicken and dal makhani. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
To end the day with a memorable dinner, dine at Indian Accent, a fine dining restaurant known for its innovative Indian cuisine. Enjoy their tasting menu featuring dishes like soy keema, black dairy dal, and ghevar tart. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Departure from New Delhi
Morning: Before departing from New Delhi, delve into the history of India at the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings. Afternoon: Indulge in some last-minute shopping at the modern and vibrant Connaught Place. Evening: Bid farewell to India, cherishing the memories of your family-friendly journey.
National Gandhi Museum: Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours
Connaught Place Shopping: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near New Delhi is The All American Diner, which serves a variety of American-style breakfast dishes such as pancakes, omelettes, and bacon. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Old Delhi, famous for its delicious and traditional Indian desserts. Enjoy their specialty, stuffed kulfi, which is a frozen dairy dessert filled with flavors like mango, paan, and saffron. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Indian Grill Room, a restaurant in South Delhi that offers a modern twist on Indian cuisine. Indulge in their delectable kebabs, curries, and biryanis while enjoying the contemporary ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Amritsar, make sure to visit the off the beaten path Pul Kanjari, a historical village known for its intriguing architecture. Another hidden gem is the Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs' Well, an underground well where many innocent lives were lost during the Amritsar Massacre. Locals also love to spend time at Lodhi Garden in New Delhi, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city, perfect for picnics and relaxation.