5-Day Budget Adventure in India: Experience City Life, Nature, and Volunteering by Train

Day 1: Explore Delhi

Delhi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Start your day with a famous North Indian breakfast of chole bhature at this local eatery known for its authentic flavors.
Located in Pahar Ganj, take an auto-rickshaw from your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit India Gate

Stroll along Connaught Place and enjoy the gorgeous war memorial while experienced local street vendors showcase their crafts.
Walk approximately 30 minutes from Sita Ram Diwan Chand.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Tour Qutub Minar

Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning architecture and towering minaret.
Take the metro to Qutub Minar station.
INR 600, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Refuel with flavorful South Indian dishes in this popular vegetarian restaurant.
Return to the metro and head to Connaught Place.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer at an NGO

Spend the afternoon volunteering at a local NGO to give back and immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of the city.
Use local transport to reach the NGO location.
Free, 4 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Karim's

End your day with delicious Mughlai kebabs and biryani at this historic eatery in Old Delhi.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Taj Mahal and Agra

Agra, India

6:00 AM

Train to Agra

Take an early morning train to Agra from Delhi for an efficient start to your day.
Book tickets via IRCTC website or at the station.
INR 300, 2 hours

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a simple but nutritious breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
At your accommodation.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Taj Mahal

Witness the sunrise over one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'. It’s a breathtaking sight!
Walk or take a local rickshaw to the site.
INR 1,000, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Dhaba Cafe

Savor North Indian thalis in this quaint cafe popular among locals.
Short walk from the Taj Mahal.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Agra Fort

Dive into history at this powerful fort, full of impressive architecture and scenic views.
Walk or rickshaw from the cafe.
INR 600, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Visit to Mehtab Bagh

Perfect place for a beautiful sunset view of the Taj Mahal, set against the Yamuna River.
Use a rickshaw to reach the gardens.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Pind Balluchi

Indulge in traditional North Indian cuisine in this themed restaurant that replicates a village atmosphere.
Return by rickshaw to your accommodation.
INR 450, 1 hour
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Day 3: Jaipur: The Pink City

Jaipur, India

7:00 AM

Train to Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur early in the morning to maximize your exploration time of this vibrant city.
Board a train from Agra.
INR 250, 4 hours

11:30 AM

Breakfast at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar

Delve into the famous kachoris and enticing sweets at this famous Jaipur eatery.
Roughly 10 minutes from the train station by auto-rickshaw.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Amber Fort

Take a captivating tour of this fort while learning about its royal history and majestic architecture.
Take a local bus or shared taxi from the cafe.
INR 500, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Lunch at Chokhi Dhani

Experience Rajasthan’s village life with traditional meals and cultural performances in this themed village resort.
Taxi or bus from Amber Fort.
INR 600, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Visit Hawa Mahal

Explore the iconic 'Palace of Winds' and marvel at its unique design while taking photographs.
Head back to the main city center by rickshaw.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB)

Finish your day with some delicious Rajasthani sweets and snacks at this historic and popular eatery.
Walk to LMB for dinner.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Spiritual Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

8:00 AM

Train to Haridwar

Journey by train to Haridwar, the gateway to the revered town of Rishikesh.
Book a train ticket from Jaipur to Haridwar.
INR 220, 5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian lunch with stunning Ganga views at this popular riverside restaurant.
Rickshaw from Haridwar train station.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Check into a Local Ashram

Settle into your chosen ashram for an immersive experience into yoga and meditation.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Meditation Session

Join a guided meditation session to submerge yourself in tranquility and peace.
At the ashram.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Ganga Aarti

Witness the mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony along the Ganges river, a spiritual highlight of Rishikesh.
Walk to the Ganga bank.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at an Ashram

Enjoy a simple vegetarian dinner provided by the ashram, offering a glimpse into the life of yogis.
At your ashram.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 5: Return to Delhi

Delhi, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Ashram

Start your day with light, wholesome breakfast options served at the ashram.
At your ashram.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train back to Delhi

Head back to the bustling capital to wrap up your adventure.
Travel to Haridwar station by rickshaw.
INR 200, 5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Rajdhani Express

Enjoy a traditional thali served on board as the train makes its way to Delhi.
Onboard the train.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Chandni Chowk

Dive into the market scene, filled with street food, vibrant shops, and local culture.
Take a metro from the station to Chandni Chowk.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Red Fort

Explore this monumental fort which served as a powerful symbol of India’s rich history.
Short walk from Chandni Chowk.
INR 600, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Parathe Wali Gali

Conclude your journey with a delightful meal of stuffed parathas and local specialties.
Stroll over to the market street.
INR 300, 1 hour
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