Ultimate Shoestring Budget Itinerary for a Lifetime of Travel

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Delhi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, where you can enjoy dishes like Idli and dosa.
Located in Connaught Place, a short metro ride from your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit India Gate

Stroll over to the iconic India Gate, taking in the beauty of this historical monument and the surrounding gardens.
It's about a 20-minute walk from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

National Museum

Explore the vast collections at the National Museum, from ancient sculptures to contemporary art.
A 30-minute walk or a cheap auto-rickshaw ride will get you there.
INR 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chandni Chowk

Head to Chandni Chowk for authentic street food such as Chole Bhature or Paratha.
Take a metro to Chandni Chowk station, a vibrant area worth the visit.
INR 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Red Fort

Visit the stunning Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spend time enjoying its architecture and history.
The Red Fort is a short walk from Chandni Chowk.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Haldiram's

End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at Haldiram's, where you can try a variety of Indian snacks and meals.
Located near Connaught Place.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Evening Stroll at Connaught Place

Take a leisurely stroll in Connaught Place, enjoying the local shops and atmosphere.
Walk back to Connaught Place after dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Road Trip to Rajasthan

Rajasthan, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at a local dhaba

Enjoy a hearty, local breakfast at a roadside dhaba on your way to Rajasthan.
Fast local bus will be available to Rajasthan.
INR 120, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Jaipur

Head towards Jaipur, known as the Pink City, on a public bus.
The bus takes about 5 hours from Delhi to Jaipur.
INR 400, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar

Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani lunch at LMB, famous for its sweets and local fare.
Located in the heart of the old city.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit City Palace

Explore the majestic City Palace and its museums showcasing royal collections.
A walk from LMB will take you there.
INR 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chokhi Dhani

Experience Rajasthani culture with a dinner at Chokhi Dhani, featuring traditional food and performances.
A short taxi ride from the City Palace.
INR 600, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening at Hawa Mahal

Admire the stunning Hawa Mahal illuminated at night, a perfect spot for photography.
A brief walk will take you there.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Explore Jaipur

Jaipur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar

Dig into some local kachoris for breakfast at Rawat, a local favorite.
Take a rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Amer Fort

Take a bus to Amer Fort and enjoy the grand architecture and scenic views.
Local buses depart frequently for the fort.
INR 100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Fort Café

Stop by the Fort Café for a quick bite of local snacks and fresh juices.
Within the Amer Fort premises.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jaipur Markets Adventure

Roam the colorful markets of Jaipur and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Head back towards the city center by bus.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Local Dhabha

Enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine at a budget-friendly dhaba.
Choose from several affordable options in the area.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening Leisure in City Gardens

Spend your evening leisurely strolling through the local gardens, soaking in the regional ambiance.
Walking distance from the dining area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Heritage & History

Agra, India

6:30AM

Early breakfast at the hostel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your hostel before heading out to Agra.
Travel by train or bus to Agra.
INR 50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Agra

Head early to Agra by bus to witness the grandeur of the Taj Mahal.
Bus tickets can be purchased at the station.
INR 400, 4 hours

12:00PM

Visit Taj Mahal

Arrive in Agra and head straight to the breathtaking Taj Mahal.
Tickets can be booked online for convenience.
INR 1000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Dasaprakash

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch at Dasaprakash, known for its traditional meals.
Located not far from the Taj.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Agra Fort

After lunch, head to the historic Agra Fort and learn about its rich history.
A short rickshaw ride can take you there.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a local dinner featuring Mughlai cuisine at a budget-friendly restaurant.
Explore options on the main street.
INR 250, 1 hour

8:00PM

Evening at the Taj

Admire the evening view of the Taj Mahal, a magical experience as it is bathed in sunset hues.
Walk back to the Taj for a serene view.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

5:30AM

Early morning train to Varanasi

Catch an early train to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India.
Travel via sleeper class to save money.
INR 600, 10 hours

4:30PM

Check into a guesthouse

Arrive in Varanasi and settle into a budget guesthouse near the ghats.
Everything is within walking distance.
INR 500, 30 mins

5:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony held on the ghats.
Walk to the ghats that are nearby.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Savor some local vegetarian dishes at a nearby diner.
There are many dining options along the river.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night Walk Along the Ghats

Take a peaceful stroll along the ghats reflecting on your day.
Walking along the riverfront is a serene experience.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature & Adventure

Pokhara, Nepal

7:00AM

Breakfast in Varanasi

Grab breakfast at your guesthouse before heading to the station.
Simple breakfast options are available.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Pokhara, Nepal

Board a bus from Varanasi to Sunauli and cross the border to Pokhara.
Check for local bus schedules ahead of time.
INR 800, 12 hours

9:00PM

Check into a Hotel

Settle in at a budget hotel in lakeside Pokhara with a view of the lake.
Find hotels along Lakeside Road.
NPR 1000, 30 mins

9:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful Nepali dal bhat at a local dining spot.
Lakeside area has plenty of restaurants.
NPR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability