Cultural and Spiritual Journey Through Delhi, Rishikesh, Mathura, Agra, and Varanasi

Day 1: Arrival and Delhi Explore

Delhi, India on July 4, 2025

2:00pm

Arrive in Delhi

Arrival at Delhi, check in to your accommodation to freshen up.
INR 0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit India Gate and Parliament House

Explore India Gate and take a walk around the Parliament House area to get a feel of India’s political heart.
INR 0, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Humayun’s Tomb

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site – Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, open till sunset.
INR 40, 1h30m

7:15pm

Dinner at Khan Market

Dine at SodaBottleOpenerWala in Khan Market for delicious Parsi cuisine, open till 11pm.
INR 800, 1h
View Hotels

Day 2: Travel to Rishikesh

Delhi to Rishikesh, India on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with budget-friendly South Indian breakfast options in Connaught Place, open from 8am.
INR 150, 1h

10:30am

Visit Lotus Temple

Visit the serene Baháʼí House of Worship known for its flowerlike shape, open till 5pm.
INR 0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karim's

Enjoy authentic Mughlai cuisine at Karim's near Jama Masjid, open till 3pm on weekdays.
INR 500, 1h

2:00pm

Prepare for travel to Rishikesh

Rest and pack for overnight bus journey to Rishikesh.
INR 0, 2h

9:00pm

Bus to Rishikesh

Depart from Delhi to Rishikesh by Volvo bus. Journey time approx. 6-7 hours.
INR 600, 7h
View Hotels

Day 3: Explore Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Arrive and check-in

Arrive in Rishikesh and check in at The Hosteller for a budget-friendly stay.
INR 800, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Little Buddha Café

Enjoy healthy and delicious breakfasts like smoothie bowls and fresh juices, open from 7am.
INR 350, 1h

10:00am

Visit Triveni Ghat

Enjoy the spiritual atmosphere at Triveni Ghat and possibly witness the morning aarti by the Ganges River.
INR 0, 1h

11:30am

Visit Beatles Ashram

Explore the famous Beatles Ashram with colorful graffiti and meditation spots; open from 8am till 6pm.
INR 200, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Try continental and Indian dishes with a riverside view, open for lunch from 12pm.
INR 600, 1h

3:00pm

Yoga session

Join an afternoon yoga class at a local ashram or The Yoga Bhavan, sessions around INR 300, lasting 1.5 hours.
INR 300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Lakshman Jhula

Stroll across the iconic suspension bridge and explore the shops and cafes nearby.
INR 0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ganga View Restaurant

Dinner with an amazing view of the Ganges river specializing in North Indian cuisine, open till 9:30pm.
INR 500, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Last day in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Early morning Ganges river rafting

Experience beginner-friendly rafting on the Ganges river with local tour operators. Lasts about 3 hours.
INR 1200, 3h

11:00am

Brunch at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy organic dishes and smoothies in a peaceful setting, open from 7:30am.
INR 400, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Visit this revered Shiva temple located 32 km away, best in the midday to avoid crowds.
INR 0, 2h

3:00pm

Head back to Rishikesh town

Relax near the river or try local shopping before preparing for night travel.
INR 0, 3h

9:00pm

Bus back to Delhi

Overnight bus from Rishikesh to Delhi. Comfortable Volvo buses available.
INR 600, 7h
View Hotels

Day 5: Delhi to Mathura and Agra

Delhi to Mathura and Agra, India on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to Mathura

Travel to Mathura early morning, about 3 hours by car or train.
INR 700, 3h

10:30am

Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi

Explore the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura, an important pilgrimage site open till 7pm.
INR 0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brijwasi Mithai Wala

Enjoy local delicacies and sweets famous in Mathura, open till 6pm.
INR 300, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Agra

Short drive from Mathura to Agra takes approx. 45 mins.
INR 400, 45m

2:30pm

Check in at The Hosteller Agra

Settle down in your budget-friendly stay near central Agra.
INR 900, 30m

3:00pm

Visit Agra Fort

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar, open until 5:30 pm.
INR 650, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Mehtab Bagh for Taj Mahal sunset view

Enjoy a spectacular sunset view of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh park across the river.
INR 200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pinch of Spice

Experience fine North Indian dining with view of the Taj Mahal, open till 11pm.
INR 700, 1h
View Hotels

Day 6: Full day in Agra

Agra, India on July 9, 2025

6:00am

Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise

Witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise to avoid crowds and enjoy cool weather, tickets available from 6am.
INR 1300, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Sheroes Hangout

Enjoy breakfast at this café run by acid attack survivors, offering good food and inspiring stories.
INR 300, 1h

10:00am

Visit Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

Also called the ‘Baby Taj’, this delicate marble mausoleum offers intricate artwork, open till 5pm.
INR 250, 1h

11:30am

Explore local markets

Shop for marble crafts and souvenirs in Agra’s bustling markets.
INR 0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Esphahan in The Oberoi Amarvilas

Savor luxurious Mughal cuisine in a splendorous setting (budget higher), open till 3pm.
INR 1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax and rest

Return to your hostel for rest or explore nearby cafés.
INR 0, 3h

6:30pm

Evening walk and dinner at Joney’s Place

Casual dining with tasty Indian and continental dishes near Taj Mahal road, open till 9pm.
INR 400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 7: Travel to Varanasi

Agra to Varanasi, India on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hostel

Quick breakfast before travel, simple and budget-friendly options.
INR 150, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Varanasi by train or flight

Take a morning train (~10-12h) or a brief flight (1.5h) to Varanasi depending on budget and availability.
INR 700-3000, Varies

5:00pm

Check-in at The Hosteller Varanasi

Settle into your accommodation after arrival.
INR 900, 1h

6:30pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the spectacular and spiritual evening fire ceremony along the Ganges, starting at 7pm.
INR 0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy organic bakery treats and light meals in a cozy atmosphere, open till 9:30pm.
INR 400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Varanasi Ends

Varanasi, India on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise

Take a 1.5-hour guided boat tour to see the spiritual rituals along the ghats, starting early to catch the sunrise.
INR 400, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Try local breakfast snacks and sweets like kachori and jalebi.
INR 150, 45m

10:00am

Visit Sarnath

Explore the important Buddhist pilgrimage site and museum located 10 km from Varanasi, open till 5pm.
INR 200, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taj Ganges Hotel restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with views of the Ganges within this well-regarded hotel, open till 3pm.
INR 1000, 1h

3:00pm

Departure and trip ends

Prepare for your onward travel from Varanasi airport or railway station in the afternoon.
INR 0, N/A
View Hotels