Delhi on a Shoestring Budget: 6-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Jama Masjid
   20 minutes (6.4 km) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

   Start your trip with a visit to one of the largest mosques in India. Take a guided tour and climb to the top of the minaret for stunning views of the city. Then, head to Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, to experience the local culture and try some delicious street food. In the evening, attend the sound and light show at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Day 2: Humayun's Tomb
   30 minutes (8.5 km) from Jama Masjid

   Start your day at Humayun's Tomb, a beautiful mausoleum that inspired the Taj Mahal. Take a stroll through the gardens and marvel at the intricate architecture. Next, visit the India Gate, a war memorial and iconic landmark of Delhi. In the evening, attend a free Bollywood movie screening at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

3. Day 3: Lotus Temple
   30 minutes (10.3 km) from Humayun's Tomb

   Begin your day at the Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship that is shaped like a lotus flower. Take a tour of the temple and meditate in the serene gardens. Afterwards, head to the Hauz Khas Village, a trendy neighbourhood filled with art galleries, cafes and boutiques. In the evening, attend a Kathak dance performance at the India Habitat Centre.

4. Day 4: Akshardham Temple
   40 minutes (13.5 km) from Lotus Temple

   Spend your day at the Akshardham Temple, a spiritual and cultural complex that showcases the beauty of Hinduism. Take a boat ride through the temple's history and culture exhibition, and then watch the musical fountain show in the evening. Finish the day with a visit to the Dilli Haat, a handicrafts market that features products from all over India.

5. Day 5: Qutub Minar
   50 minutes (17.8 km) from Akshardham Temple

   Start your day at the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Take a guided tour of the complex and learn about its history and architecture. Next, visit the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artefacts from India's past. In the evening, attend a Sufi music concert at the Nizamuddin Dargah.

6. Day 6: Raj Ghat
   40 minutes (14.5 km) from Qutub Minar

   End your trip with a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. Take a guided tour and learn about his life and legacy. After paying your respects, head to Connaught Place, a bustling commercial and cultural centre, for some last-minute shopping and a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and the Chandni Chowk market on a bicycle tour. You can also take a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. For nightlife, head to the Hauz Khas Village or the Connaught Place area. And don't forget to try some of Delhi's famous street food, like chaat, chole bhature and parathas!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Jama Masjid (2-3 hours, free)
• Chandni Chowk (2-3 hours, food and shopping costs vary)
• Red Fort sound and light show (1 hour, INR 80)
• Humayun's Tomb (2-3 hours, INR 40)
• India Gate (1-2 hours, free)
• Bollywood movie screening (2-3 hours, free)
• Lotus Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Hauz Khas Village (2-3 hours, food and shopping costs vary)
• Kathak dance performance (2-3 hours, INR 500)
• Akshardham Temple (4-5 hours, free)
• Dilli Haat (2-3 hours, food and shopping costs vary)
• Qutub Minar (2-3 hours, INR 30)
• National Museum (2-3 hours, INR 20)
• Sufi music concert (2-3 hours, free)
• Raj Ghat (1-2 hours, free)
• Connaught Place (2-3 hours, food and shopping costs vary)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 670