22 Days in India on a Budget: A Family-Friendly Itinerary for Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Indore

History-rich forts, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and India’s tastiest street food—crafted for families, paced for kids, and priced for value travelers.
Construction worker at a building site carrying rebar, wearing a safety helmet and vest.
Photo by Anil Sharma on Pexels

India’s story stretches across millennia, and few trips deliver more variety than pairing the famed Golden Triangle with Indore—the country’s cleanest city and a culinary paradise. This 22-day itinerary balances blockbuster sights like the Taj Mahal with interactive, family-friendly experiences: hands-on crafts, gentle hikes, boat rides, and safe street food stops.

Expect vibrant markets, palaces fit for young history buffs, and parks where kids can run free. We’ve designed this plan with a budget-first mindset (public trains, value hotels, inexpensive eats), while still sprinkling in the occasional splurge-worthy moment. Transit times and prices are included, and each city features tailored food, coffee, and kid-friendly tips.

Practical notes for families: carry reusable water bottles (ask hotels to refill), use ride-hailing or prepaid taxis, and plan outdoor visits in the morning or late afternoon. Major sights often close one day a week (e.g., Red Fort and Lotus Temple on Mondays; Taj Mahal on Fridays), so scan closures before heading out. Book long-distance trains/flights early during school holidays.

Getting to your first city (Delhi): Most international flights land in Delhi or Mumbai. Search competitive fares on Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com. For in-country trains, use Trip.com (trains).

Delhi

India’s capital is a tapestry of eras—Mughal forts, tree-lined colonial boulevards, and a modern metro that makes getting around with kids easy. It’s also a fantastic city to introduce young travelers to India’s flavors and festivals without breaking the bank.

Where to stay (budget to smart-value):

Family-friendly bites and coffee:

  • Breakfast: Paranthe Wali Gali (Old Delhi) for stuffed parathas; Indian Coffee House (Connaught Place) for filter coffee and eggs; Blue Tokai outlets for cappuccinos and pain au chocolat.
  • Lunch: Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) for chole bhature; Saravana Bhavan (Janpath) for dosas and a kid-pleasing thali.
  • Dinner: Karim’s (Jama Masjid area) for mild kebabs and butter chicken; Haldiram’s food court (multiple locations) for hygienic, budget street-food classics.

Days 1–2: Old and New Delhi Essentials

Wander the lanes of Old Delhi: Jama Masjid’s vast courtyard, Chandni Chowk’s spice-scented alleys, and a rickshaw ride kids will talk about for years. Note: Red Fort is closed Mondays; time your visit accordingly.

In New Delhi, see India Gate at sunset, Rashtrapati Bhavan (from outside), and the National War Memorial. The metro is stroller-friendly; carry small cash for rickshaws.

Days 3–4: Temples, Museums, and Green Spaces

Lotus Temple and Akshardham (both closed Mondays) are spectacular for families—gardens for open play, architecture to inspire questions. For hands-on fun, try the National Rail Museum’s toy train and the Crafts Museum’s folk art demos.

Picnic in Lodhi Gardens, then explore Hauz Khas deer park. Evenings: Khan Market for momos and kulfi; early nights help with jet lag.

Days 5–6: Markets and Neighborhoods

Browse Dilli Haat’s crafts by state (great for souvenirs). In the afternoon, Humayun’s Tomb and nearby Sunder Nursery for lawns and butterflies.

Optional day trip: Qutub Minar complex, then Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Keep fluids high; Delhi can be dry even in winter.

Travel to Agra (Day 7 morning): Fastest is the Gatimaan or Shatabdi trains (2–3 hours; ~$5–15 per person in AC chair car). Book on Trip.com (trains). By car via Yamuna Expressway is ~3–4 hours (tolls extra), and intercity buses take ~5 hours ($5–10).

Agra

Agra is more than the Taj Mahal. It’s a compact, budget-friendly base where kids can marvel at red sandstone forts, riverside gardens, and storytellers who bring Mughal legends to life.

Where to stay:

Family-friendly bites and coffee:

  • Breakfast: poha and masala chai near the East Gate; cafe bakeries along Fatehabad Road.
  • Lunch: Pinch of Spice for North Indian curries with AC seating; South Indian platters near Sadar Bazaar for quick, clean thalis.
  • Dinner: Rooftop spots around Taj Ganj for sunset views; end with petha (candied ash gourd), Agra’s signature sweet.

Days 7–9: Taj, Forts, and a Day Trip

Catch the Taj Mahal at sunrise (closed Fridays). Bring a compact scarf for shoulders, and keep snacks handy for kids while queueing. Later, explore Agra Fort—ramparts and echoing halls are perfect for little imaginations.

Head to Mehtab Bagh across the river for a serene Taj view. Consider a day trip to Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO; ~1.5 hours each way by car or bus); its red sandstone courtyards are vast and stroller-friendly.

Travel to Jaipur (Day 10 morning): Fast trains take ~4–6 hours ($4–15), or a car via NH21 is ~4–5 hours. Book trains on Trip.com (trains).

Jaipur

The “Pink City” enchants families with hilltop forts, mirror-lined palaces, and wide boulevards ideal for evening strolls. Markets brim with puppets, bangles, and block-printed textiles that kids love picking out.

Where to stay:

Family-friendly bites and coffee:

  • Breakfast/coffee: Curious Life Coffee Roasters for pour-overs; Anokhi Café for granola, sandwiches, and kid-friendly salads.
  • Lunch: Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) for thalis; Rawat Mishthan Bhandar for onion kachori and mirchi vada.
  • Dinner: Spice Court for Rajasthani classics (ask for mild laal maas); Tapri for tea and city views with sandwiches.

Days 10–12: Forts and Palaces

Start with Amber (Amer) Fort; take the road up or the jeep, and explore Sheesh Mahal’s glittering mirrors. Continue to Jaigarh Fort (huge cannon; great city views) and Nahargarh for sunset.

In the city, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar—giant astronomical instruments that fascinate kids. Evenings in the Old City bring puppet shows and bangle shopping near Hawa Mahal.

Days 13–15: Crafts and Markets

Take a family-friendly block-print workshop in Sanganer or Bagru; kids love stamping patterns on fabric. Stroll Bapu and Johari Bazaars for textiles and bangles—carry small bills and practice gentle bargaining.

Relax in Central Park, then sample kulfi and falooda after dinner. Keep afternoons light during hotter months; museums or hotel pool time works well.

Travel to Indore (Day 16 morning): A short flight is ~1 hr 15 min ($30–70); search on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Overnight trains take ~10–12 hours ($5–12 in Sleeper/3AC) via Trip.com (trains).

Indore

Indore, the former Holkar capital, is India’s “food city,” famed for Sarafa Bazaar’s nightly feast and elegant palaces like Rajwada and Lal Bagh. It’s also consistently ranked among the country’s cleanest cities—ideal for families easing into street food.

Where to stay:

Family-friendly bites and coffee:

  • Breakfast: Chappan Dukan for poha-jalebi, sabudana khichdi, and hot milk. Clean counters and stools are great with kids.
  • Lunch: Light, budget thalis around Sarafa and Rajwada; try dal baati churma or mild paneer curries.
  • Dinner: Sarafa Bazaar after 8 pm for bhutte ka kees, garadu (fried yam), pani puri, and the famed “Johny Hot Dog” veg roll; go early to avoid crowds.
  • Coffee: Third-wave style at local roaster cafés around Vijay Nagar; milkshakes and waffles make easy kid treats.

Curated Indore activities (Viator):

Days 16–18: Palaces, Glass Temples, and Parks

Explore Rajwada (the Holkar palace) and Lal Bagh Palace (European-inspired interiors). The Central Museum has sculptures to spark curiosity; keep visits short for younger kids.

Visit the shimmering Kanch Mandir (Jain glass temple), then relax with pedal boats at the Regional Park lake. Evenings: early dinner, then a light Sarafa stroll for desserts.

Days 19–20: Day Trips to Mandu or Maheshwar

Mandu (~2–2.5 hours by car) offers fairytale arches at Jahaz Mahal and wide lawns perfect for picnics. Or choose Maheshwar (~2 hours) for riverside ghats, the Ahilya Fort complex, and weaving workshops demonstrating Maheshwari textiles.

Estimate for a full-day car with driver: ~$30–50 depending on vehicle size; pack snacks and sunhats.

Days 21–22: Food Trails and Easy Shopping

Return to Chappan Dukan for a DIY breakfast crawl. Let kids pick a souvenir at Sitlamata Bazaar or Khajuri Bazaar—colorful puppets and bangles are lightweight for luggage.

Final evening at Sarafa Bazaar; look for freshly made jalebis and safe, piping-hot snacks. Early night for travel day.

Departing Indore: Direct flights to Delhi/Mumbai ~1.5 hours ($25–60) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Trains to Delhi take ~12–14 hours ($6–20 in AC classes) via Trip.com (trains).

Budget snapshot: With value hotels/hostels, local eateries, and AC train tiers, families typically spend ~$30–50 per adult per day (kids less), excluding flights. Prioritize AC Chair Car/3AC for comfort, carry snacks, and build in daily downtime.

This route threads India’s greatest hits—Old Delhi’s bazaars, the Taj Mahal’s sunrise glow, Jaipur’s hilltop forts—with Indore’s legendary street food and relaxed parks. It’s a family-first rhythm with real savings, rich stories, and the kind of meals everyone will remember.

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