Ultimate India Road Trip: Explore All States in a Car Journey

Day 1: Northern Himalayas

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride on the famous Dal Lake, admiring the floating gardens and the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Stream Restaurant

Savor local Kashmiri dishes and tea in this cozy restaurant known for its traditional breakfast options.
INR200, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Explore this ancient Hindu temple perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains.
INR50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Wazwan Kashmiri cuisine including Rogan Josh and Gushtaba in this well-known restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Gulmarg

Begin the drive to Gulmarg, a scenic hill station with lush meadows and views of snow-capped peaks, approximately 2 hours away.
Fuel cost approx INR500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadows

Take a walk through the beautiful meadows of Gulmarg or opt for a cable car ride (Gondola) for a higher mountain view. Gondola operating hours: 9am to 6pm.
INR700, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Highland Park

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring local and Indian cuisine in Gulmarg before an overnight stay.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 2: Punjab Heritage

Amritsar, Punjab on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty traditional north Indian breakfast with parathas and chai to energize for the day.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive from Gulmarg to Amritsar

Long scenic drive to Amritsar, famous for its Golden Temple and vibrant culture, approximately 7 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR1500, 7h0m

3:30pm

Visit Golden Temple

Witness the serene Golden Temple complex, one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism; explore the community kitchen and spiritual ambiance. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk around Jallianwala Bagh

Visit this historic site that commemorates the tragic massacre of 1919, offering a poignant insight into Indian history.
Free, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Enjoy authentic Punjabi dhaba food known for buttery dal makhani, chole, and lassi at this popular eatery.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Capital City Tour

Delhi, India on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Drive Amritsar to Delhi

Begin early morning drive to Delhi, the bustling capital city, approximately 8 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR1700, 8h0m

3:30pm

Visit India Gate and Rajpath

Explore the iconic India Gate war memorial and take a leisurely walk along the grand Rajpath boulevard.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Red Fort Visit

Tour the magnificent Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Mughal architecture. Open 9:30am-4:30pm; last entry 4pm, so an earlier arrival on another day is advised.
INR600, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Karim's

Dine at the legendary Karim's near Jama Masjid serving Mughlai specialties such as kebabs and biryani.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Eastern Delights

Kolkata, West Bengal on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Fly or Drive to Kolkata

Drive is very long (~18 hours), so a flight is recommended from Delhi to Kolkata (~2.5 hours). Upon arrival, start exploring the city.
Flight approx INR4000, 3h0m (flight & transit)

11:00am

Breakfast at Flurys

Taste classic Anglo-Indian breakfasts including pastries and tea at the iconic Flurys on Park Street.
INR350, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Victoria Memorial

Explore this grand marble monument surrounded by lush gardens representing British colonial history.
INR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Oh! Calcutta

Enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine, including macher jhol (fish curry) and sweets like rasgulla.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Hooghly River and Howrah Bridge

Stroll near the river and admire the looming Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of Kolkata.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Peter Cat

Try their famous Chelo Kebabs for dinner in this heritage restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 5: Southern Coast

Chennai, Tamil Nadu on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Chennai

Fly from Kolkata to Chennai (~3 hours) to cover the southernmost states efficiently.
INR3500, 3h0m (flight & transit)

11:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Relish authentic South Indian breakfast delicacies like idli, dosa, and filter coffee.
INR250, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this famous Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its vibrant sculptures.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Rayar's Mess

Enjoy authentic Tamil home-style meals including sambar and rasam rice.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Marina Beach Visit

Relax or take a stroll on Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Raintree

Dine in a beautiful ambiance offering regional South Indian and fusion cuisine.
INR800, 1h30m
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