India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

India‘s Golden Triangle Itinerary: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. India’s “Golden Triangle” is the country’s most iconic travel route, linking three of its most captivating cities — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This trio of cities forms a triangle on the map and offers travellers an all-encompassing experience stuffed to the gunwales with history, architecture, amazing food and colourful chaos. If you’re visiting India for the very first time, this is a perfect place to start.

If you have a week or a bit more time, this travel guide covers the essential places to see, travel tips, and how to make the most of your Golden Triangle itinerary.

Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Call of the World readers receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.

Why Is It Called the Golden Triangle?

The term “Golden Triangle” refers to the triangular shape made when you plot Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on a map. Each leg of the journey is around 200–250 kilometres, forming a manageable route for road trips or train travel. What makes this route special is how each city offers a unique lens into India’s heritage — from the Mughal grandeur of Delhi and Agra to the royal elegance of Jaipur.

Golden Triangle Itinerary

Day 1–2: Discovering Delhi

Start your journey in Delhi, India’s vibrant capital and a city of stark contrasts. Here, ancient monuments and centuries-old markets sit alongside modern skyscrapers and buzzing cafés. It’s a place where the past and present coexist, and every street tells a story.

In Old Delhi, you’ll find bustling bazaars, crumbling Havelis (a traditional mansion-style house) and the aromatic chaos of street food stalls. Meanwhile, New Delhi is more orderly, with wide boulevards, colonial architecture, and leafy parks. Between the two, you’ll experience an unforgettable mash-up of Mughal history and modern-day India.

Top Things to See in Delhi

• Red Fort – A UNESCO-listed fort that once housed the emperors of Mughal India.
• Humayun’s Tomb – An architectural marvel and precursor to the Taj Mahal.
• India Gate – A memorial arch surrounded by green lawns.
• Lotus Temple – An elegant, flower-shaped sanctuary open to all faiths.
• Qutub Minar – A soaring minaret surrounded by ancient ruins.
• Chandni Chowk – A sensory overload of spices, fabrics, and street eats.

Insider Tip:

Book a free walking tour through GuruWalk. I can recommend the “Old Delhi Odyssey: A Tour of Religion, Spice Market, and Best Food” with Aman. He was such a good guide and we had a really fun and informative day. Note: the tour is free so tipping is expected – budget for the equivalent of UDS15-30 per person.

Day 3–4: The Magic of Agra

From Delhi, head to Agra. This city draws millions of visitors each year to see one of the most famous monuments in the world — the Taj Mahal. But there’s more to Agra than just this iconic landmark. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra is dotted with impressive forts, tombs, and gardens that reflect its regal past.

Though smaller and less chaotic than Delhi, Agra offers a glimpse into India’s royal history and artistic heritage. The city sits along the Yamuna River and is best experienced slowly — ideally over two days so you can take in its beauty at sunrise and sunset.

Top Things to See in Agra

• Taj Mahal – Best seen at sunrise when the marble glows in soft morning light.
• Agra Fort – A powerful fortress where emperors once ruled.
• Mehtab Bagh – A peaceful garden across the river, perfect for photos of the Taj.
• Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb – A jewel-like building, often called the “Baby Taj”.

Insider Tip:

If you’re into photography, plan a visit to Mehtab Bagh during golden hour for a serene and unique perspective of the Taj Mahal away from the crowds.

Read Also:

How to Spend a Day in Agra, India: 24 Hour Itinerary

How to Visit the Taj Mahal (Agra, India): 8 Top Tips to Ensure a Smooth Visit

Day 5–7: Jaipur, the Pink City

Last but not least, make your way to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan and India’s beloved Pink City. Known for its peachy rose-tinted buildings, opulent palaces and colourful bazaars, Jaipur is a feast for the eyes. It’s a city that proudly showcases Rajput royal heritage, with every street, courtyard, and doorway telling a tale of kings, queens and conquests.

Jaipur blends the traditional with the contemporary. You’ll find camel carts and luxury cars side by side, and royal palaces turned into heritage hotels. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, Jaipur is the perfect finale to your Golden Triangle adventure.

Top Things to See in Jaipur

• Amber Fort – A hilltop fortress with mirror halls and sweeping views.
• City Palace – A royal residence with museums and courtyards.
• Hawa Mahal – The famed Palace of Winds with its honeycomb façade.
• Jantar Mantar – A fascinating collection of astronomical instruments.
• Nahargarh Fort – Ideal for sunset panoramas over the pink-hued city.
• Patrika Gate – A stunning modern tribute to the city’s cultural past and the perfect Insta photo spot
• Galta Ji (Monkey Temple) – An impressive Hindu temple complex where playful macaques roam freely around.

Insider Tip:

Spend a morning wandering through Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. You’ll find hand-block prints, colourful bangles, and handcrafted leather goods — ideal souvenirs to remember your trip.

Read Also:

How to Spend 3 Days in Jaipur, India: Epic Itinerary

How to Travel Between Cities

• By train – Convenient and affordable. Book through the official IRCTC website or apps like 12Go.
• By bus – I was really impressed at how comfy the buses are – use the RedBus app to book and always check the star rating.
• By car – Hiring a private driver is very common and offers flexibility.
• By air – Domestic flights are quick but miss the scenic journey.

If time allows, consider stopping at Fatehpur Sikri or Chand Baori stepwell between Agra and Jaipur.

Best Time to Visit the Golden Triangle

The best time to visit is from October to March, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon season (July–September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.

My Travel Tips for the Golden Triangle

• Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
• Use hand sanitiser and drink only bottled water.
• Download offline maps before travelling between cities.
• Be prepared to negotiate prices in markets and with tuk-tuks.
• Respect local customs — a little politeness goes a long way.

Final Thoughts on India’s Golden Triangle Route

India’s Golden Triangle is more than just a tourist trail — it’s a journey through centuries of culture, empire, and tradition. From the busy streets of Delhi to the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal and the royal splendour of Jaipur, every stop has something unforgettable to offer.

With a bit of planning, this itinerary can give you a deep and rewarding taste of North India, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

Practical Information for Visiting India

As well as the itinerary for India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, I’ve also included some practical guidance for visiting India below:

Money in India: (INR)

If you’re visiting India you’ll need Indian Rupees (INR). To get INR at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Indian Rupees (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in India without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Note that many businesses in India are cash only. There are plenty of ATMs.

Get your WISE card here.

How to Get to India & Where to Find Cheap Flights

There are a lot of good flight routes to India. For India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary, I recommend flying to Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL). There are also airports in both Agra and Jaipur. It’s also easy to find a lot of good domestic flight routes around India if you’re planning on visiting other cities. The best way to find the cheapest flights is to use a dedicated flight search engine like Skyscanner. This platform compare fares across multiple airlines, helping you find the best deals.

👉 Find cheap flights to India here.

How to get around India’s Golden Triangle

India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary includes 3 cities. So here is some advice on travelling between them. I’ve also included guidance for transport within each city below.

• By train – Book through the official IRCTC website or apps like 12Go.
• By bus – Use the RedBus app to book and always check the star rating.
• By car – Hiring a private driver is common. Book via your accommodation.
• By air – Domestic flights. Book via Skyscanner

How to get around Delhi

Delhi Metro: To get around Delhi, which is quite a big city(!) I highly highly recommend using the metro. It’s clean and safe and they even have woman-only carriages at the front of each train. It makes getting around the city so much easier and faster (driving takes ages as the traffic is horrendous). Plus – the metro is so cheap – it’s a fraction of the price of an Uber. When I was there in March 2025, the price of a single fare metro ticket in Delhi was only Rs 30 (USD 0.35 / GBP 0.27). There’s also a direct metro line to the airport (Rs 60).

Uber: You can also get around Delhi using Uber, but note this will be more expensive and might actually take longer depending on the time of day.

How to get around Agra

The easiest way to get around Agra is by auto-rickshaw (tuk tuk). These are cash only and you’ll need to be prepared to negotiate the price, as haggling is standard here, even for locals. You can hail tuk tuks for individual rides, or make an agreement with a driver (or via your accommodation) to hire one driver for the full day. There are also taxis available, which have AC but are more expensive.

How to get around Jaipur

The easiest way to get around Jaipur is by auto-rickshaw (tuk tuk). You can book these using Uber – which will give you the best price! – but note that these are cash only. If not using Uber, you’ll need to be prepared to negotiate the price, as haggling is standard here, even for locals. You can hail tuk tuks for individual rides, or make an agreement with a driver (or via your accommodation) to hire one driver for the full day. There are also taxis available, which have AC but are more expensive.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for India

As well as planning your India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary, you should also make sure you have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travelers or families visiting India:

1. Heymondo Travel Insurance

I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit India.

Why choose Heymondo?

• Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
• User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
• Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.

👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For digital nomads, long-term travelers, or those planning an extended stay in India, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues—making it ideal for travelers who need long-term protection.

Why choose SafetyWing?

• Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.

👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Plan Your Trip to India: Useful Travel Resource Links

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