A Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Delhi and Taj Mahal

  1. Day 1: Explore Old Delhi
    40 minutes (8 miles) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

    Start your adventure in Delhi with a visit to Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that used to be the residence of Mughal Emperors. After that, head over to the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, to learn about traditional Islamic architecture and culture. Round off the day with a stroll through the bustling Chandni Chowk, a vibrant shopping district that's perfect for picking up souvenirs. Take a rickshaw ride to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

  2. Day 2: Discover Delhi's Modern Side
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Old Delhi

    Begin your second day in Delhi with a visit to the Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship that's shaped like a lotus flower. Next, head over to the India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful park surrounding it. After that, finish your day by visiting the Akshardham Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. Be sure to catch the water show that takes place in the evening.

  3. Day 3: Visit Taj Mahal
    3 hours (130 miles) from Delhi

    You can't visit India without seeing the stunning Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise over the white marble monument, and take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. Spend the rest of your day exploring the surrounding gardens and enjoy the beauty of the intricate carvings and inlays.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Red Fort (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Jama Masjid (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Chandni Chowk (2 hours, Free to walk around - shopping costs separate)
  • Lotus Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
  • India Gate (1-2 hours, Free entry)
  • Akshardham Temple (2-3 hours, INR 220 per person)
  • Taj Mahal (3-4 hours, INR 1300 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2520 per person (excluding transportation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other popular spots in Delhi such as Humayun's Tomb or Qutub Minar. For adventure seekers, you can try taking a hot air balloon ride to see the Taj Mahal from the sky. If you have less time, consider skipping Old Delhi and spend more time in modern Delhi. Remember to always carry cash as not all attractions accept credit cards. Bring comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking a lot and keep hydrated with plenty of water. Lastly, don't be afraid to try the local street food, Delhi is famous for its delicious and flavorful cuisine!

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