Family-Friendly 5-Day Delhi and Taj Mahal Itinerary for July 2023

1. Day 1: Humayun's Tomb
   15 minutes (5 miles) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

   Visit the tomb complex in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. The tomb is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and is surrounded by lush gardens. After lunch, head to the National Museum to learn about India's rich history and culture. In the evening, walk around India Gate while enjoying street food from nearby vendors.

2. Day 2: Qutub Minar
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Humayun's Tomb

   Start the day early by visiting the Qutub Minar, one of the tallest minarets in the world. Next, head to Lotus Temple, a unique and breathtakingly beautiful temple shaped like a lotus flower. In the afternoon, explore the colorful and chaotic Chandni Chowk market. End the day by watching the sunset at the majestic Red Fort.

3. Day 3: Agra Fort and Taj Mahal
   3 hours (124 miles) from Delhi

   Take a day trip to Agra to visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. After a quick lunch, head to the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and taking in the stunning architecture.

4. Day 4: Akshardham Temple and Swaminarayan Akshardham
   20 minutes (8 miles) from Delhi

   Start the day by visiting the Akshardham Temple, a modern Hindu temple complex known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, head to Swaminarayan Akshardham, a cultural and spiritual campus that features a spectacular fountain show. End the day by enjoying dinner and drinks at one of Delhi's rooftop bars.

5. Day 5: National Zoological Park and Hauz Khas Village
   30 minutes (8 miles) from Swaminarayan Akshardham

   Spend the morning at the National Zoological Park, home to a variety of animals including tigers, elephants, and bears. In the afternoon, head to Hauz Khas Village, a trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafes, and shops. End the trip by watching the sunset at the beautiful Hauz Khas Lake.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, or the Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. You can also take a side trip to the colorful city of Jaipur, known as the Pink City. To maximize your fun, try to plan your itinerary around the cooler hours of the day and use ride-sharing apps to get around. Lastly, don't forget to try some of Delhi's famous street food!

Time and Cost Estimates

• Humayun's Tomb (2 hours, 600 INR)
• National Museum (2 hours, 500 INR)
• India Gate (1 hour, 100 INR)
• Qutub Minar (2 hours, 500 INR)
• Lotus Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Chandni Chowk market (2 hours, Free)
• Red Fort (2 hours, 500 INR)
• Agra Fort (2 hours, 550 INR)
• Taj Mahal (2 hours, 1300 INR)
• Akshardham Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Swaminarayan Akshardham (2 hours, Free)
• National Zoological Park (2 hours, 40 INR)
• Hauz Khas Village (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 4090 INR