Route: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi
Places covered: Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal
The Golden Triangle links India's capital with two of its most visited cities. In six days you can see the Mughal monuments of Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and the forts and palaces of Jaipur. It is the standard introduction to north India, and it works well for first-time visitors, families visiting from abroad and anyone with limited time.
Who it suits
First-time visitors to India, families and groups who want a classic route without long desert drives, and travellers who want a mix of history, architecture and food. It is comfortable from October to March. In summer, the heat makes sightseeing difficult, and we suggest early starts and a long afternoon rest.
How the days flow
You begin in Delhi with a day of old and new: Red Fort or Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and a walk through Chandni Chowk. The drive to Agra on day three takes around four hours via the Yamuna Expressway, and the Taj Mahal is best seen at sunrise or in the afternoon, with Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. Day four moves to Jaipur through Fatehpur Sikri, a Mughal ghost city. Day five is Jaipur sightseeing, with Amer Fort in the morning and the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in the afternoon. The final day returns to Delhi.
Why this route works
The distances are manageable: Delhi to Agra is around 230 km, Agra to Jaipur 240 km and Jaipur to Delhi 270 km. Roads are good, and you can pause for breakfast or lunch at roadside restaurants. The route covers three distinct styles of architecture: Mughal, Rajput and the planned city of Jaipur.
Things to know
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so we plan Agra around that.
- Monument tickets are paid separately and vary for Indian and foreign visitors.
- Touts are common at Agra and Jaipur; use official guides and prepaid taxis.
- Winter mornings can be foggy, which sometimes affects views and traffic.
- Elephant rides at Amer Fort are optional and we suggest walking or a jeep.
Customising
Common changes include adding Ranthambore, extending to Udaipur, shifting to a train for part of the route, upgrading hotels or adding a night in Jaipur so that the Amber Fort and the City Palace are not squeezed into one afternoon. Tell us your dates and we will tailor the plan.
