India in 5 Days: The Perfect Extended Itinerary

A five-day India trip works best as a Delhi-and-Agra itinerary: spend three days exploring Delhi’s historic neighborhoods, dedicate one day to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, then use the final day for Old Delhi, shopping, or a relaxed cultural experience. This India travel plan balances major sights with realistic travel times, meals, neighborhood suggestions, and budgets. For most travelers, plan approximately $250-$450 per person excluding international flights, with costs varying by hotel, dining, and private transport. Delhi’s Airport Express connects New Delhi station with Terminal 3 in roughly 15-22 minutes, with fares reported around ₹60-₹64. The official Taj Mahal website lists foreign entry at ₹1,100, plus ₹200 for optional access to the main mausoleum. Book your train and Taj Mahal tickets ahead, dress modestly at religious sites, and keep small cash for street food, cycle rickshaws, and tips. Hello helps organize the trip with budget tracking, expense splitting, and an eSIM from Hello for India, so you can arrive connected and monitor spending across currencies.

The easiest first day in this India itinerary is a gentle introduction to central Delhi, combining an efficient airport transfer with open-air landmarks and an easy evening in Connaught Place. Morning: arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, collect luggage, and take the Airport Express to New Delhi station for approximately ₹60-₹64, or use a prepaid taxi for roughly $10-$20 depending on traffic and vehicle class. Check in around Connaught Place, New Delhi, or nearby Paharganj; Connaught Place is more polished, while Paharganj offers cheaper hotels and quick rail access. Afternoon: walk through Connaught Place’s circular streets, visit Agrasen ki Baoli, and continue by metro or auto-rickshaw toward India Gate. Allow ₹20-₹50 for short metro journeys and ₹100-₹250 for an auto-rickshaw, agreeing on the fare before departure. Evening: stroll around India Gate after sunset, then eat at a reputable restaurant in Khan Market or Connaught Place. Try butter chicken, dal makhani, kebabs, or a vegetarian thali. Budget travelers can eat for $3-$7 per meal, mid-range diners should expect $8-$20, and upscale restaurants often cost $25-$50 per person. Use Hello’s receipt scanning and multi-currency tracking to record airport, hotel, and meal expenses from the first day.

Spend the second day of your India 5 day itinerary in Old Delhi, where Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and the Red Fort reveal the capital’s Mughal character within a compact but lively historic district. Morning: arrive early at Jama Masjid, dress respectfully, and allow about one hour for the courtyard and surrounding lanes; visitors should cover shoulders and knees, and photography fees may apply. Walk or take a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, budgeting ₹100-₹250 for a short ride depending on distance and negotiation. Stop for breakfast or a snack such as paratha, jalebi, samosa, or chole bhature at a busy, well-reviewed establishment. Afternoon: visit the Red Fort, then pause indoors during the hottest part of the day. A metro ride from central Delhi to Old Delhi generally costs a small amount, while a tuk-tuk or app-based taxi may cost ₹150-₹400. Evening: explore the spice and market lanes with a local guide, or return to Connaught Place for dinner. Eat vegetarian street food only where turnover is high, choose sealed bottled water, and avoid raw garnishes if hygiene looks uncertain. Plan roughly $35-$55 on a budget, $80-$130 at mid-range, or $220-$350 for luxury accommodation, private guiding, and fine dining.

Day three provides a slower, greener Delhi experience: visit Humayun’s Tomb in the morning, combine it with Lodhi Garden and Safdarjung Tomb, then finish among South Delhi’s restaurants and boutiques. Morning: arrive at Humayun’s Tomb near opening time to avoid heat and crowds, allowing 90 minutes for the gardens and architecture. A taxi or auto from Connaught Place may cost approximately ₹200-₹500; metro users can connect with a short last-mile auto ride. Afternoon: walk through Lodhi Garden, one of Delhi’s best places for a relaxed break, then continue to Safdarjung Tomb or the National Museum if you prefer more history. Carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes because shaded seating is limited at some monuments. Lunch in Khan Market, Greater Kailash, or Hauz Khas typically costs $5-$12 at a casual restaurant and $15-$35 at a mid-range venue. Evening: visit Hauz Khas Village for cafés and independent shops, or choose a quieter rooftop dinner. This is a useful day to check your total trip spending in Hello: AI categorization can separate accommodation, transport, attractions, and food, while automatic exchange-rate conversion keeps rupee expenses understandable in your home currency.

The most efficient way to include Agra in a five-day India travel plan is an early train day trip from Delhi, centered on sunrise at the Taj Mahal and an afternoon visit to Agra Fort. Morning: take a pre-booked train from New Delhi to Agra Cantt, commonly around two to three hours depending on the service, then use a prepaid taxi or trusted driver to reach the Taj Mahal. A train ticket may range from approximately $10-$35 one way by class, while a private car for the day can cost about $45-$100 or more. The official Taj Mahal ticketing information lists foreign entry at ₹1,100, with an additional ₹200 for optional access to the main mausoleum. Leave large bags at your hotel or train storage because security restrictions apply. Afternoon: visit Agra Fort, eat lunch at a reputable restaurant, and consider Mehtab Bagh for a Yamuna-side view if time and energy allow. Evening: return to Delhi by train, or stay overnight in Agra if you prefer a less rushed schedule. A budget day costs about $70-$110, mid-range travel $140-$240, and a private luxury day $350-$600. Keep the day organized in Hello by splitting rail, guide, driver, and meals with travel companions in multiple currencies.

Use the final day of this India 5 day trip for flexible experiences close to your hotel, leaving enough time for traffic, airport security, and last-minute shopping. Morning: choose one focus rather than crossing the entire city—Dilli Haat for handicrafts and regional food, the National Museum for a deeper historical overview, or a guided cooking class for a practical cultural memory. Afternoon: shop for textiles, tea, spices, block prints, or small handicrafts, and keep receipts if you need to track shared purchases. Ask permission before photographing vendors and avoid assuming that bargaining is appropriate in fixed-price stores. A casual lunch costs approximately $3-$8, while a cooking class or curated food tour may cost $25-$80. Evening: have an early farewell meal near Connaught Place, Aerocity, or your hotel. If departing from Terminal 3, allow at least three hours before an international flight and check Airport Express operating times; a taxi is safer late at night or when carrying multiple bags. Typical final-day spending ranges from $35-$60 budget, $80-$150 mid-range, or $200-$400 luxury. Review your Hello trip budget before departure, including card charges that may post later and any shared expenses still awaiting settlement.

Budget comparison

Stay in Connaught Place for central access, Old Delhi for heritage atmosphere, South Delhi for greener neighborhoods and restaurants, or Aerocity for airport convenience. Use the Delhi Metro for predictable fares and traffic-free travel, auto-rickshaws for short connections, and pre-booked trains for Agra. India’s traffic can be slow, so a location that looks close on a map may require 30-60 minutes. Hello’s expense splitting is especially useful when one traveler pays for a driver, hotel, or group dinner; the app can convert multiple currencies and track who owes what. Add a 10-15% buffer for tips, bottled water, unexpected tuk-tuk rides, and attraction changes.

Five days are enough for a rewarding first visit to India if you focus on Delhi and Agra rather than trying to cover several distant cities. This plan prioritizes the capital’s major heritage sites and the Taj Mahal while leaving practical time for transport, meals, and rest.

Is five days enough for India? Yes, for a focused Delhi-and-Agra trip. It is not enough to see the whole country, but it gives first-time visitors a strong introduction to Mughal history, food, markets, gardens, and modern urban life.

Should I stay in Delhi or Agra after visiting the Taj Mahal? Stay in Delhi if your return flight departs from Delhi and you can tolerate an early train. Stay in Agra if you prefer a slower day and want sunset views or additional monuments.

What should I wear in Delhi? Lightweight, breathable clothing is practical, but cover shoulders and knees at mosques, temples, and other religious sites. Carry a scarf, comfortable walking shoes, and socks for places where footwear must be removed.

How much cash should I carry? Keep small rupee notes for rickshaws, snacks, tips, and small shops, while using cards at established hotels and restaurants. Do not carry all your travel money in one place.

How can I stay connected? Activate Hello’s eSIM before departure so maps, translation, ride-booking, train information, and emergency contacts work as soon as you arrive. Hello plans support 200+ countries, start from 5GB, and prices are updated live. Download the Hello app from travelwithhello.com or the App Store and Google Play, and confirm that your phone supports eSIM before purchasing.