Ultimate 7-Day Self-Guided Itinerary for India’s Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
If you’re heading to northern India, you’ll likely want to see all the highlights of the famous Golden Triangle – Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. One week is a tight schedule to make this trip, but it is definitely possible!
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Day 1: Land in Delhi and explore Delhi
- Day 2: Explore Delhi
- Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur
- Day 4: Explore Jaipur
- Day 5: Jaipur to Agra
- Day 6: Taj Mahal at sunrise, back to Delhi
- Day 7: Fly out of Delhi
Transportation:
To fly or to drive to get around India? There is no airport in Agra, so the only leg of this journey that you could fly would be Delhi to Jaipur. It is a quick flight so it could save you a couple hours, but it would likely be cheaper to hire a car for the 6 hour drive from Delhi to Jaipur.
Taking an Uber: There are a few things you need to know about using Uber in India.
- Drivers will almost always call you to confirm where you are and where you’re going before they come to pick you up. It is common for them to cancel the trip if they don’t want to go where you’re going.
- Many cars in Delhi run on compressed natural gas “CNG.” The CNG tank takes up the whole trunk, so if you have a lot of luggage, it might be difficult to fit unless you get an Uber XL.
- They often ask for extra money. The drivers could ask you for cash for various reasons (that may or may not be true) such as tolls, parking fees, or other charges. We usually just said we didn’t have cash, hence why we booked an Uber.
Getting a driver: There are a couple ways you can get a driver to take you on this tour. You could hire an Uber for each leg. Check out my details on hiring an Uber on my Delhi guide. You can also ask your hotel concierge to help arrange a driver. You could hire a driver for the long legs, or the whole time.
Why is it called the “Golden Triangle?”
There’s not any deep history about why this route is called the Golden Triangle. It is essentially the most popular tourist route in northern India. The term golden came along since all the cities are rich in culture and history, and on a map, they make the shape of a triangle – hence the Golden Triangle.
Delhi Summary
Nehru Place, Connaught Place, or near Lodhi Garden
Where to Stay:Best Transportation: Uber, Auto-Rickshaw, or driver/tour
Airports:
Delhi – DEL
Food to Try: Butter chicken, Momos, chaats (aloo tikki chaat, samosa chaat), Jalebi
Day 1:
When you land in Delhi, you’ll likely want to head to your hotel and relax for a bit. Later, you can head out and grab some dinner somewhere local and start exploring the rich cuisine of India! Make sure you are careful as to not get sick, especially on your first day! Check out my guide on how to avoid getting sick in India.
Day 2:
Get out and explore Delhi! There is so much history, architecture, and culture to experience in Delhi. Here are all the main sights I would hit in a jam packed Delhi day:
- Qutub Minar
- Lotus Temple
- India Gate/President’s Estate
- Jama Masjid
- Red Fort
- Connaught Place
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Chandni Chowk
I would recommend booking a tour so you can get all the key information and minimize time spent organizing travel. Here’s one good option.
Day 3:
On Day 3, you can head from Delhi to Jaipur. Some people might want to spend more time in Delhi, which I totally recommend, but on this tight schedule, I would prioritize more time in Jaipur. Jaipur is my favorite place in India!
I’d recommend driving from Delhi to Jaipur, then exploring around your hotel for the evening. If you have time, go up to Nahargarh Fort at sunset for breathtaking views of the city! Grab dinner at my favorite spot in Jaipur – Tapri Central.
Jaipur Summary
Narain Niwas, Trident Jaipur, or if you’re feeling luxurious, Rambagh Palace.
Where to Stay:Best Transportation: Uber, Auto-Rickshaw, or driver/tour
Airports:
Jaipur – JAI
Food to Try: Dal Bati, Rajasthani Thali, Lassi
Day 4:
For Jaipur, I’d recommend getting a tour that will take you around all day. Ubers are be challenging to get, so this is a better option! This tour will take you to see:
- Patrika Gate
- Albert Hall
- Jantar Mantar
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan
- Amber Fort Palace
- Panna Meena ka Kund
If you do this tour, lunch will be included, but you’ll be on your own for dinner. I recommend checking out one of my top Jaipur restaurants:
- Cinnamon at Jai Mahal Palace ($$$) – The best Rajasthani Thali
- Tapri Tea House ($$) – Rooftop tea house
- Bar Palladio ($$$) – Luxury outdoor bar
- Chokhi Dhani ($$) – Rajasthani experience
You can see more details on my Jaipur guide.
Day 5:
Have a nice breakfast in Jaipur and then hit the road to head for Agra. This will be another ~5 hours of driving depending on traffic. Check into your hotel in Agra and then do some exploring! A few main sights I’d recommend checking out in Agra:
- Agra Fort
- Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj)
- Akbar’s Tomb
Agra Summary
Radisson, Courtyard Marriott, or Ramada Plaza Agra. For luxury – Oberoi.
Where to Stay:Best Transportation: Uber, Auto-Rickshaw, or driver/tour
Airports:
None
Food to Try: Petha, Falooda Kulfi, Chaat
Day 6:
Today is the day most people dream about when coming to India – see the Taj Mahal! I found that it is best to go at sunrise to avoid the crowds and get that golden hour glow.
Check out my blog on all the details you need to know to see the Taj Mahal!
After exploring, go back to your hotel and have a nice big breakfast. Then start your drive back to Delhi. With any extra time you have in Delhi, you can check out Akshardham, grab a meal in Hauz Khas or go shopping in Khan Market.
Day 7:
Enjoy your last morning in India with a big indian breakfast, then fly out of Delhi airport.
Any comments, ideas, or suggestions – leave a comment below!