Family Friendly Nature Shoestring Budget Itinerary in North India

Day 1: Exploring Delhi

Delhi, India

8:00AM

Visit Red Fort

Start your day exploring the historic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into India's rich past.
Take a taxi or public transport from your accommodation to Red Fort. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 35, 2 hours

11:00AM

Humayun's Tomb

Next, visit the beautiful Humayun's Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Mughal architecture.
Humayun's Tomb is a short taxi ride away from Red Fort. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chandni Chowk

Head to Chandni Chowk for a delicious lunch experience, trying local street food and traditional dishes.
Chandni Chowk is a bustling market area near Humayun's Tomb. You can take a cycle rickshaw for a fun ride through the narrow lanes. It takes about 15 minutes to reach.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Qutub Minar

Visit the iconic Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, surrounded by fascinating archaeological structures.
Qutub Minar is a short drive from Chandni Chowk. It takes about 45 minutes to reach.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Paharganj

End your day with a hearty dinner in Paharganj, a lively area known for its diverse food options.
Take a taxi or walk to Paharganj from Qutub Minar. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Delhi

Delhi, India

9:00AM

Visit India Gate

Start your day with a visit to India Gate, a war memorial and iconic landmark in Delhi that offers a peaceful atmosphere.
India Gate is a short drive from Paharganj. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Lotus Temple

Next, explore the Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its stunning lotus-like architecture and tranquil gardens.
Lotus Temple is a short taxi ride away from India Gate. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hauz Khas Village

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Hauz Khas Village, a trendy neighborhood with cafes, art galleries, and a historic water tank.
Hauz Khas Village is a short drive from Lotus Temple. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Dilli Haat

Shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts at Dilli Haat, an open-air market showcasing India's diverse culture and craftsmanship.
Dilli Haat is a short drive from Hauz Khas Village. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cyber Hub

End your day with dinner at Cyber Hub, a vibrant food and entertainment destination with a variety of dining options.
Take a taxi to Cyber Hub from Dilli Haat. It takes about 40 minutes to reach.
INR 500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Relaxing in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

9:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session by the holy Ganges river, embracing the peaceful vibes of Rishikesh.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation to the Ganges. It takes about 15 minutes to reach.
Free activity, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Beatles Ashram

Explore the Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, where the legendary band stayed and meditated in the 1960s.
Beatles Ashram is a short walk from the Ganges. It takes about 10 minutes to reach.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ram Jhula

Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at a local restaurant near Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge offering scenic views of the river.
Ram Jhula is a short walk from Beatles Ashram. It takes about 5 minutes to reach.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

White Water Rafting

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ganges, with varying levels of rapids suitable for beginners and experienced rafters.
Book a rafting tour from a local operator near Ram Jhula. They will arrange transportation to the rafting starting point. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 1000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ganga Beach Cafe

Relax and unwind with dinner at Ganga Beach Cafe, a popular spot by the river offering delicious vegetarian dishes and serene views.
Walk back to your accommodation or take a short auto-rickshaw ride. It takes about 15 minutes to reach.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Trek to Neer Garh Waterfall

Embark on a scenic trek to Neer Garh Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a refreshing natural pool for swimming.
Join a guided trekking group from Rishikesh town center. They will provide transportation to the waterfall trailhead. It takes about 1 hour to reach.
INR 200, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Sitting Elephant, a cozy cafe known for its delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
After the trek, return to Rishikesh town center and walk to The Sitting Elephant. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Meditate at Parmarth Niketan

Spend the afternoon meditating and attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan, a renowned ashram on the riverbank.
Parmarth Niketan is a short walk from The Sitting Elephant. It takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Free activity, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chotiwala

Indulge in a traditional North Indian dinner at Chotiwala, a popular restaurant serving authentic flavors and generous portions.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride from Parmarth Niketan to Chotiwala. It takes about 15 minutes to reach.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

9:00AM

Visit Bhagsunag Waterfall

Start your day with a visit to Bhagsunag Waterfall, a serene spot surrounded by lush forests and perfect for a refreshing dip.
Take a taxi or local transport from your accommodation to the waterfall. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Enjoy a Tibetan lunch at Tibet Kitchen, known for its authentic momos and thukpa dishes in a cozy setting.
After exploring the waterfall, head to Tibet Kitchen in McLeod Ganj. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Namgyal Monastery

Visit Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama, offering spiritual insights and stunning views of the valley.
Namgyal Monastery is a short walk from Tibet Kitchen. It takes about 10 minutes to reach.
INR 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at McLeod Ganj Market

Browse through the colorful stalls and shops at McLeod Ganj Market, known for Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Explore the market area near Namgyal Monastery on foot. It takes about 1 hour to shop around.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Illiterati Cafe

End your day with a cozy dinner at Illiterati Cafe, a charming book cafe with a wide selection of dishes and literary vibes.
Walk back to your accommodation or take a short taxi ride. It takes about 15 minutes to reach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nature in Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Trek to Triund Hill

Embark on a breathtaking trek to Triund Hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and a chance to camp under the starlit sky.
Join a guided trekking group from McLeod Ganj for the Triund trek. They will arrange transportation to the trek starting point. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach.
INR 500, 6 hours

2:00PM

Picnic at Triund Top

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit of Triund Hill, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a sense of tranquility.
After the trek, savor your packed lunch amidst the scenic beauty of Triund. It takes about 1 hour to reach the top.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Dal Lake

Visit the picturesque Dal Lake, a serene water body surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance for a leisurely stroll.
Dal Lake is a short drive from Triund Hill base. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Relish a comforting dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen, a cozy restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes.
Drive back to McLeod Ganj for dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen. It takes about 40 minutes to reach.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Experience in Amritsar

Amritsar, India

9:00AM

Golden Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple, a spiritual and cultural landmark that shines with golden hues.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from your accommodation to the Golden Temple. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kesar Da Dhaba

Savor traditional Punjabi cuisine for lunch at Kesar Da Dhaba, a renowned eatery serving authentic flavors and hearty meals.
After exploring the Golden Temple, head to Kesar Da Dhaba for a flavorful meal. It takes about 10 minutes to reach.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Jallianwala Bagh

Visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden with a memorial that commemorates the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
Jallianwala Bagh is a short walk from Kesar Da Dhaba. It takes about 5 minutes to reach.
INR 20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Wagah Border Ceremony

Experience the patriotic fervor at the Wagah Border ceremony, a daily military practice that marks the closing of the India-Pakistan border.
Take a taxi from Jallianwala Bagh to Wagah Border. It takes about 1 hour to reach. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Free entry, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Beera Chicken House

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at Beera Chicken House, a popular spot for mouthwatering tandoori chicken and Punjabi dishes.
After the ceremony, head to Beera Chicken House for dinner. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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