The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is India's classic first circuit. The three cities are linked by good expressways, so five days is enough for the highlights.
Day 1: Delhi
Start with New Delhi: Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, India Gate and a drive past the government buildings. In the evening, visit Akshardham for its water show (check the schedule).
Day 2: Old Delhi, then Agra
Explore Old Delhi early by cycle-rickshaw: the Red Fort (closed on Mondays), Jama Masjid and the lanes of Chandni Chowk, with a street-food stop. Drive to Agra in the afternoon via the Yamuna Expressway, about three and a half hours.
Day 3: Agra
Enter the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the light is soft and crowds are smallest. Remember that the Taj is closed on Fridays. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah. Watch sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
Day 4: Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur
On the way to Jaipur, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's abandoned capital. Arrive in Jaipur in the afternoon and visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar if time allows, or shop in the old city bazaars.
Day 5: Jaipur
Reach Amber Fort at opening time, then see the Hawa Mahal and Albert Hall Museum. Fly home from Jaipur or drive back to Delhi.
Adding a sixth day
Add Ranthambore for tiger safaris between Agra and Jaipur, or add Varanasi by flight. A popular extension is Amritsar for the Golden Temple.
Tips
- Season: October to March. December and January mornings can be foggy, which sometimes delays trains and flights.
- Monuments' closing days: Taj Mahal (Friday), Red Fort (Monday).
- Guides: hire licensed guides at the Taj, Agra Fort and Amber Fort.
See our Cultural holidays page for ready-made Golden Triangle tours.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go