BRICS Summit 2026: Best Day Trips from Delhi for International Visitors
By Rajkumar
The BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi is bringing international leaders, delegates, business professionals and visitors to India’s capital. The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for September 12–13, 2026, with Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi serving as the main venue.
For international visitors attending the summit, Delhi offers much more than business meetings and official events. The capital is also an ideal starting point for exploring some of North India’s most famous historical, spiritual and cultural destinations.
If you have an extra day before or after your BRICS Summit schedule, consider taking a day trip from Delhi to destinations such as Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan, Haridwar or Jaipur.
Here are some of the best options for international travellers.
1. Agra – See the Taj Mahal in One Day
Best for: First-time visitors to India, history lovers, couples and photography enthusiasts.
Agra is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Delhi. The city is home to the Taj Mahal, one of India's most famous monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A well-planned Delhi-to-Agra day trip can include:
Taj Mahal
Agra Fort
Mehtab Bagh
Local handicraft shopping
Mughlai cuisine
Guided heritage experiences
For international visitors with limited free time, Agra is arguably the best day trip from Delhi because it provides the opportunity to experience one of India's most iconic landmarks without requiring a multi-day itinerary.
Suggested Agra Day Trip
Early morning: Depart Delhi
Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal
Late morning: Explore Agra Fort
Lunch: Enjoy local Indian cuisine
Afternoon: Visit Mehtab Bagh or explore local handicrafts
Evening: Return to Delhi
Delhi Tourism's official booking information also lists same-day Agra car packages, demonstrating the popularity of Agra as an excursion from the capital.
Travel tip: International visitors should allow extra time for security checks, traffic and potential delays. During the BRICS Summit period, security arrangements and traffic restrictions may affect movement around Delhi, so an experienced driver or organised tour can make the journey easier.
2. Mathura & Vrindavan – Explore India's Spiritual Heritage
Best for: Culture seekers, spiritual travellers and visitors interested in Indian traditions.
If you want a day trip that offers a different experience from Delhi's monuments, consider Mathura and Vrindavan.
Mathura is traditionally associated with the life of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is known for its temples, devotional traditions and vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
Popular places to explore include:
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Banke Bihari Temple
ISKCON Vrindavan
Prem Mandir
Yamuna ghats
Local markets
A Delhi–Mathura–Vrindavan day trip allows international travellers to experience India's religious traditions, architecture, food and local culture in a single day.
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Delhi departure
Late morning: Mathura sightseeing
Afternoon: Vrindavan temples
Evening: Explore local markets and return to Delhi
This is a particularly good option for travellers who want to experience Indian culture beyond the major tourist monuments.
3. Jaipur – A Taste of Rajasthan
Best for: Architecture lovers, culture enthusiasts and travellers who want to experience Rajasthan.
Jaipur is farther from Delhi than Agra, so it is better suited to travellers with a longer free day or an overnight extension rather than a rushed conventional day trip.
The Pink City offers a completely different experience, including:
Amber Fort
City Palace
Hawa Mahal
Jantar Mantar
Traditional markets
Rajasthani cuisine
Handicrafts and textiles
For visitors with several free days around the summit, a Delhi–Agra–Jaipur Golden Triangle itinerary is an even better option.
The Golden Triangle remains one of India's best-known travel circuits, connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and combining Mughal history, the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan's royal heritage.
Better Option: Extend Your Stay
Instead of attempting Jaipur and returning to Delhi on the same day, international travellers should consider:
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Delhi
over several days.
This provides considerably more time for sightseeing and reduces the pressure of long road journeys.
4. Haridwar – Experience India's Spiritual Side
Best for: Spiritual tourism, culture, temples and travellers interested in the Ganges.
Another interesting option from Delhi is Haridwar.
Located on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is one of India's important pilgrimage destinations and offers international visitors an opportunity to experience a different side of Indian culture.
Things to experience include:
Har Ki Pauri
Ganga Aarti
Temples
Local markets
Indian vegetarian cuisine
Spiritual and cultural experiences
For travellers interested in photography and cultural immersion, the evening atmosphere around the Ganges can be particularly memorable.
5. Rishikesh – Adventure, Wellness & the Ganges
Best for: Adventure travellers, wellness travellers and younger international visitors.
Rishikesh is another popular destination that can be considered from Delhi, although it is better suited to an overnight stay if your schedule allows.
Rishikesh is known for:
Yoga
Meditation
River experiences
Adventure activities
Ashrams
Cafés
The Ganges
Spiritual tourism
If you have two days available after the BRICS Summit, combining Haridwar and Rishikesh can provide a very different experience from Delhi.
6. Neemrana – A Short Heritage Escape
Best for: Luxury travellers, history enthusiasts and visitors with limited time.
If you don't want to spend an entire day travelling long distances, Neemrana can be considered for a shorter heritage-focused excursion from Delhi.
The destination is particularly known for its historic fort and heritage atmosphere.
A Neemrana excursion can be suitable for travellers who want:
Heritage architecture
A relaxed getaway
Traditional Indian experiences
Luxury heritage hospitality
A break from the busy capital
It can be a convenient option when an international visitor has only a limited amount of free time.
Which Delhi Day Trip Is Best for BRICS Summit Visitors?
Destination Best For Recommended Time
Agra Taj Mahal & history 1 day
Mathura & Vrindavan Spiritual & cultural experiences 1 day
Jaipur Rajasthan & heritage 2+ days recommended
Haridwar Spiritual tourism1– 2 days
Rishikesh Yoga, wellness & adventure 2 days recommended
Neemrana Heritage & relaxation 1 day
Why International Visitors Should Plan Ahead During BRICS Summit 2026
Travelling around Delhi during a major international summit requires more planning than a normal holiday.
The BRICS Summit is expected to bring a significant number of international delegates and visitors to New Delhi. Hotel availability has already tightened, with reports of sharp increases in hotel prices ahead of the summit.
Traffic and security arrangements are also expected to affect movement around parts of the capital during the summit period.
International visitors should therefore consider:
Book Transportation in Advance
Pre-arranged private transportation can make day trips much easier, particularly when travelling with luggage or a group.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Security arrangements and traffic diversions may affect journey times around central Delhi.
Check Attraction Timings
Opening days, ticketing arrangements and visiting hours can change, so confirm information before departure.
Use a Local Tour Operator
A professional travel company can help coordinate transportation, sightseeing, guides and itinerary timing.
Keep Your Schedule Flexible
Don't plan a day trip with extremely tight connections immediately before an important summit commitment or international flight.
Make the Most of Your India Visit After the BRICS Summit
The BRICS Summit can be more than a business or diplomatic visit.
For international travellers, it can also be an opportunity to discover India's history, culture, cuisine and landscapes.
A visitor attending meetings in Delhi could potentially extend the trip with:
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur
or choose a shorter cultural experience such as:
Delhi → Mathura → Vrindavan
or a spiritual getaway:
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh
This approach allows business travellers to combine their professional commitments with a memorable Indian holiday.
BRICS Summit 2026 Travel FAQs
What are the best day trips from Delhi during the BRICS Summit 2026?
The best options include Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan, Haridwar and Neemrana. Jaipur is also possible, but an overnight stay is generally more comfortable.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi in one day?
Yes. Agra is a popular same-day excursion from Delhi. A typical itinerary can include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and another nearby attraction before returning to Delhi.
Is Jaipur suitable as a day trip from Delhi?
Jaipur can technically be visited on a long day trip, but international visitors are generally better served by allowing at least an overnight stay because of the travel distance and number of attractions.
What is the best day trip from Delhi for first-time visitors to India?
For most first-time international visitors, Agra is the top choice because of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
What should international visitors know about travelling during the BRICS Summit?
Visitors should expect additional security arrangements and possible traffic restrictions around Delhi during the summit period. Planning transportation in advance and allowing extra travel time is recommended.
Should I book a private tour for a Delhi day trip?
A private tour can be useful for international visitors because transportation, sightseeing and itinerary timing can be coordinated in advance. This can be particularly helpful during a high-security international event.
Plan Your India Experience with KindQuest Travel
Attending the BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi can be the beginning of a much bigger India travel experience.
Whether you want to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, explore the spiritual heritage of Mathura and Vrindavan, experience the royal architecture of Jaipur, or discover the Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh, planning your itinerary properly can make your visit more comfortable and memorable.
KindQuest Travel can help international visitors and travellers explore India through thoughtfully planned holidays, sightseeing experiences and customised travel itineraries.
From short Delhi excursions to longer Delhi–Agra–Jaipur holidays, your BRICS Summit visit can become an opportunity to discover the best of India.
Final Takeaway
The BRICS Summit 2026 will put New Delhi in the international spotlight. For visitors travelling to India for the summit, there is an excellent opportunity to combine business with leisure.
If you have just one free day, choose Agra and the Taj Mahal.
If you want culture and spirituality, choose Mathura and Vrindavan.
If you have more time, extend your journey to Jaipur, Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Your BRICS Summit trip doesn't have to end when the meetings are over—India is waiting to be explored.