Golden Triangle Itinerary: 7 Days in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur (2026)
The Golden Triangle is India's classic first trip: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur linked by fast trains and short car rides. Here is a complete 7-day plan with costs, timings, and tips.
What is the Golden Triangle?
The Golden Triangle connects three cities in North India: Delhi (the capital), Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur (the Pink City). Roughly 720 kilometers of driving in a triangle shape, easily covered in seven days with mixed transport.
When to do the Golden Triangle
October through March. December mornings can be foggy in Delhi. February and March offer the best light and comfortable temperatures. Avoid May and June: Rajasthan hits 45 degrees Celsius.
7-day Golden Triangle itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Land at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), take a prepaid taxi to Connaught Place or Old Delhi (700 to 900 rupees). Rest, then evening stroll through Khan Market or India Gate. Grab dinner at a rooftop overlooking the lit-up Rajpath.
Day 2: Old Delhi and Mughal marvels
Morning at Jama Masjid and a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. Lunch at Karim's or Paranthe Wali Gali. Afternoon at Humayun's Tomb (the Taj Mahal's older cousin), then Qutub Minar or Lodi Gardens. Dinner in Nizamuddin.
Day 3: Gatimaan Express to Agra
Catch the Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin at 08:10, arrive Agra Cantt 09:50. Executive Class costs about 1,500 rupees and includes breakfast. Check in, then Agra Fort in the afternoon. Cross the river to Mehtab Bagh for sunset views of the Taj without the crowds.
Day 4: Sunrise Taj Mahal, transfer to Jaipur
Enter the Taj at first gate opening (usually 06:00). Two hours inside. Return to hotel for breakfast. Private car to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Akbar's abandoned Mughal capital, worth two hours). Total drive: five to six hours. Arrive Jaipur late afternoon.
Day 5: Amber Fort and Pink City
Morning at Amber Fort with its Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). Take the ramp on foot instead of the elephant ride. Lunch in Amer village. Afternoon at City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Evening rooftop tea overlooking Hawa Mahal from Tattoo Cafe.
Day 6: Nahargarh sunset and bazaars
Slow start. Morning at Anokhi Museum of Block Printing in Amer. Lunch at LMB in Johari Bazaar for a proper Rajasthani thali. Afternoon shopping in Bapu Bazaar. Uber up to Nahargarh Fort for sunset over the pink city. Dinner at Peacock Rooftop or Baradari.
Day 7: Return to Delhi
Catch the Vande Bharat Express from Jaipur Junction at 15:45, arriving New Delhi 20:25. Chair Car costs 1,300 rupees. Or fly Jaipur to Delhi in 55 minutes if you have an evening international flight.
How much does the Golden Triangle cost?
| Category | 7 days per person (INR) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotels (3-star) | 22,000 to 28,000 |
| Heritage hotels (4-star) | 40,000 to 55,000 |
| Trains and private car | 8,500 to 12,000 |
| Entry fees and guides | 6,000 to 8,500 |
| Food (mixed) | 6,000 to 10,000 |
| Total mid-range | 42,000 to 58,500 |
Where to stay in each city
- Delhi: Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi (heritage) or Bloomrooms @ Janpath (modern mid-range).
- Agra: Coral Tree Homestay near East Gate (walking distance to Taj) or ITC Mughal (luxury).
- Jaipur: Shahpura House (heritage) or Umaid Bhawan Palace (a full royal experience).
Insider tips for the Golden Triangle
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Plan Agra accordingly.
- Buy monument tickets online on the ASI portal. Skip queues by 30 minutes.
- Never take auto rickshaws recommended by hotel touts. Use Uber or Ola.
- Panchi Petha is the authentic petha brand in Agra. Try the saffron flavor.
- Bargain in bazaars starting at 50 to 60 percent of the asking price.
- Carry cash for entry fees. Some monuments do not accept cards.
How to extend the Golden Triangle
Add three days for Ranthambore National Park (tiger safaris). Add four days for Udaipur and Jodhpur to make a full Rajasthan circuit. Add two days for Varanasi if you have time to fly.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for the Golden Triangle?
Seven days is the ideal length. It gives you two full days in Delhi, one and a half in Agra, and two and a half in Jaipur without rushing. Five days is possible but tight. Ten days lets you add Ranthambore or Udaipur.
What is the best way to travel between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur?
Take the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra. Drive from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. Return by Vande Bharat Express from Jaipur to Delhi. This uses each mode where it is fastest.
How much does the Golden Triangle cost per person?
Budget travelers spend around 22,000 to 30,000 rupees for seven days. Mid-range comfort is 42,000 to 58,000. Luxury heritage properties push it to 90,000 and up.
What are the must-see sights on the Golden Triangle?
Taj Mahal at sunrise, Amber Fort with its Sheesh Mahal, Humayun's Tomb, City Palace of Jaipur, Jama Masjid Old Delhi, and Agra Fort. Everything else is optional.
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