Delhi, the capital city of India, is a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure. With its wide network of metro stations, exploring the city becomes convenient and affordable. If you’re looking for a low-budget yet exciting one-day trip, the Delhi Metro is your best option to get around efficiently. Here’s a simple guide to explore Delhi on a budget, with metro details and entry ticket prices for every spot.
Start Your Day – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and Head to Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue Line)
Begin your day early and have a budget-friendly breakfast at a local café or street vendor around Connaught Place. A simple paratha or sandwich will cost around ₹50-₹100.
Metro Ride: From Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, your day’s journey will begin!
Stop 1: India Gate (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat Metro Station (Yellow Line)
Exit the Central Secretariat Metro Station and take a 10-15 minute walk to reach India Gate.
Entry Ticket: Free
India Gate, a symbol of India’s pride and freedom, is an iconic landmark. It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll, offering beautiful views and a touch of history. You don’t need any entry fee, making it a great stop for a budget trip.
Stop 2: Humayun’s Tomb (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium Metro Station (Violet Line)
From India Gate, you can take a short cab or auto-rickshaw ride to reach Humayun’s Tomb, or use local buses.
Entry Ticket: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for Foreigners
Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an excellent example of Mughal architecture and is known for its serene atmosphere. The ticket is affordable for Indians and gives you a chance to experience one of Delhi’s historical gems.
Stop 3: Lotus Temple (12:30 PM – 1:15 PM)
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station (Violet Line)
Take a short walk from Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station to reach the Lotus Temple.
Entry Ticket: Free
The Lotus Temple is a stunning Bahá’í House of Worship, known for its unique lotus flower shape. It is free to enter, making it a perfect addition to a low-budget itinerary.
Lunch Break – 1:30 PM
Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at a nearby restaurant or food court. Try local street food like chaat or a thali. A good meal will cost around ₹150-₹250.
Stop 4: Qutub Minar (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar Metro Station (Yellow Line)
Take the metro from Kalkaji Mandir to Qutub Minar Metro Station, and you will find the historical monument just a short walk away.
Entry Ticket: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for Foreigners
Qutub Minar is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
Stop 5: Akshardham Temple (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station (Blue Line)
From Qutub Minar, take the metro to Akshardham Metro Station and visit one of Delhi’s most magnificent temples.
Entry Ticket: Free for Entry; ₹170 for Exhibition
Akshardham Temple is a beautifully crafted monument that showcases India’s ancient culture, with a light and sound show, exhibitions, and boat rides. The entry to the temple is free, but some exhibitions and rides require a small fee.
Stop 6: Red Fort (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)
End your day at the Red Fort, located in the heart of Old Delhi. You can take the metro to Chandni Chowk and walk to the fort.
Entry Ticket: ₹50 for Indians, ₹600 for Foreigners
The Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, offers insight into India’s Mughal past. It is a must-visit historical monument in Delhi.
End Your Day – 7:30 PM: Shopping at Chandni Chowk
After your visit to the Red Fort, stroll through Chandni Chowk for some street shopping. The market is famous for its budget-friendly clothes, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
Travel Tips for Your Low-Budget Delhi Metro Trip:
Metro Card: Opt for a Delhi Metro smart card, which will save you money and time. The card can be recharged with an initial deposit of ₹50 and a minimum recharge of ₹100, and it offers discounts on each trip.
Total Cost Breakdown (for Indian Tourist)
- Breakfast: ₹50 – ₹100
- Metro Travel: ₹120 (approximately)
- India Gate: ₹0
- Humayun’s Tomb: ₹40
- Lotus Temple: ₹0
- Lunch: ₹150 – ₹250
- Qutub Minar: ₹40
- Akshardham Temple: ₹170 (exhibition)
- Red Fort: ₹50
Meals: Stick to street food and local eateries to keep costs low. You can easily find snacks, fruit, and light meals for ₹50-₹200 per item.
Traveling Between Spots: The Delhi Metro is fast and reliable, making it easy to travel between all of the locations listed above. Plan your trip around metro timings and use Google Maps to figure out the nearest metro connections.
Footwear: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking to explore the various monuments.
Conclusion
Exploring Delhi on a budget using the Delhi Metro is not only practical but also an enriching experience. From the majestic India Gate to the historical Red Fort, every stop provides a glimpse into the city’s diverse past and present. With affordable entry fees and low transportation costs, a one-day trip to Delhi can be both memorable and economical.
