The Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — is India's most famous tourist circuit, and for good reason. In roughly 500 kilometres of road and rail, it distils three of the world's great historic cities: the layered capital, the city of the Taj Mahal, and the Pink City of Rajasthan. For first-time visitors, it remains the ideal introduction to North India.
How Many Days?
The minimum to do it justice is 7 days (2 nights Delhi, 2 nights Agra, 2 nights Jaipur, plus travel time). Ten days is better, giving you breathing room and the ability to make short excursions — Fatehpur Sikri from Agra, Pushkar or Ranthambhore National Park from Jaipur. Rush it in 5 days and you will spend too much time in transit and feel overwhelmed.
Delhi (2 Nights Minimum)
Start with Old Delhi — Chandni Chowk market at 8am before the crowds, the Jama Masjid mosque, and the Red Fort (UNESCO). Afternoon: Humayun's Tomb or the Qutb Minar complex (both UNESCO, both brilliant). In the evening, head to Connaught Place or Hauz Khas Village for dinner.
Day two: Lodi Garden for a morning walk among Mughal tombs, the National Museum, and the extraordinary National Rail Museum if you have children. Delhi's food scene — from street chhole bhature to high-end modern Indian restaurants — deserves at least two proper meals.
Getting from Delhi to Agra
The Gatimaan Express or Shatabdi Express train is the best option — about 1.5–2 hours, comfortable, punctual by Indian standards. The Yamuna Expressway by private car takes around 3–4 hours by road. Avoid overnight buses. Book trains well in advance on IRCTC or a third-party booking platform.
Agra (1–2 Nights)
The Taj Mahal requires one morning dedicated entirely to it — arrive at opening, stay until mid-morning when the light is best. The tourist entrance queue can be significant; book tickets online in advance at asi.payumoney.com to skip the ticket queue. Agra Fort (2 hours), Itmad-ud-Daulah (the "Baby Taj" — quieter and exquisite), and Mehtab Bagh (garden with a perfect reverse view of the Taj across the river) round out a full day.
Do not stay more than 2 nights — Agra's sights are concentrated and it is not a city for aimless wandering. Move on to Jaipur refreshed.
Getting from Agra to Jaipur
By road is most common — roughly 5 hours on the Agra–Jaipur highway. Many travellers do this leg by private car, which allows a stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the abandoned Mughal capital, genuinely extraordinary, worth 2 hours). By train: the Agra–Jaipur route is possible but requires a change or longer journey; check current timetables.
Jaipur (2 Nights Minimum)
Amber Fort (take the road up rather than elephant — elephant rides are ethically dubious) is the highlight. The City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal (best viewed from the street, from inside it is underwhelming) fill another day. The bazaars of the old city — textiles, jewellery, blue pottery — are among India's finest for shopping.
Accommodation Guide
Budget (£20–40 / $25–50 per night): Zostel Delhi and Jaipur (excellent social hostels), guesthouses in Agra's Taj Ganj neighbourhood.
Mid-range (£60–120 / $75–150 per night): The Roseate New Delhi, ITC Mughal in Agra (genuinely special Mughal-inspired property), Samode Haveli in Jaipur (heritage haveli hotel).
Luxury (£200+ / $250+ per night): The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra (every room faces the Taj Mahal — jaw-dropping), Rambagh Palace in Jaipur (former royal residence of the Maharajah), The Leela Palace New Delhi.
Tourist Traps to Avoid
Unofficial guides at major monuments who claim the site is "closed" and offer to take you to an alternative. Gem dealers in Jaipur who approach you unsolicited and offer commission on purchases. Tuk-tuk drivers who offer suspiciously cheap rates — they earn commission from shops they divert you to. Always arrange guides through your hotel or a licensed tour operator.