What Is the Golden Triangle?
The Golden Triangle connects India’s three most visited cities — Delhi (the capital), Agra (the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur (the Pink City) — forming a rough triangle in northern India, each city 2–3 hours from the others.
It’s India’s most logical first itinerary — covering the three most iconic sights within manageable distances.
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7-Day Golden Triangle Itinerary
Days 1–2: Delhi
Old Delhi:
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): Mughal fortress. ₹600 foreigners.
- Jama Masjid: India’s largest mosque. Free.
- Chandni Chowk: The chaotic market street. Walk or rickshaw.
- Karim’s Restaurant: Near Jama Masjid. Delhi’s most famous Mughal-style restaurant.
New Delhi:
- Qutub Minar: 12th-century minaret. UNESCO. ₹600.
- Humayun’s Tomb: The prototype for the Taj Mahal. ₹600.
- India Gate: War memorial. Free evening stroll.
- Lodhi Garden: Beautiful historic park with medieval tombs.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra (3 hours)
Train options: Gatimaan Express (1h40m, fastest), Shatabdi Express (2h), car hire (3h by road).
Afternoon in Agra: Agra Fort (₹600) — the Mughal fortress overlooking the Yamuna River.
Day 4: Taj Mahal
Sunrise visit: The Taj Mahal is most beautiful and least crowded at sunrise. Arrive at gate opening (30 minutes before sunrise). The marble turns from pink to white as the sun rises.
Spend 2–3 hours exploring the main mausoleum, gardens, and the mosque. ₹1,100 for foreigners.
Afternoon: Fatehpur Sikri — the abandoned Mughal capital 40km from Agra. Extraordinarily well-preserved. ₹610.
Days 5–6: Agra to Jaipur (5 hours by road, 4.5 hours by train)
Day 5: Travel. Stop at Abhaneri Step Well (Chand Baori) en route if driving — extraordinary 9th-century stepped well.
Day 6: Jaipur
- Amber Fort: 16th-century hilltop palace. ₹500. Jeep up from base.
- Hawa Mahal: The 953-window facade. ₹50.
- City Palace: Part museum, part royal residence. ₹500.
- Jantar Mantar: 18th-century astronomical observatory. ₹200.
- Johari Bazaar: Gem and jewelry market. Jaipur is India’s gem cutting capital.
Day 7: Jaipur exploration or return to Delhi
Option: Hire a cycle rickshaw for the morning through the old city lanes. Afternoon flight or train back to Delhi.
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Practical Tips
Train booking: Book trains on IRCTC.co.in. Foreign tourist quota available. Book at least a week ahead.
Hired car: A car with driver for the whole circuit costs $80–150/day and provides maximum flexibility. Worth considering for groups of 2+.
Touts: Heavy near all major attractions. Be firm but polite. “No thank you” said once, clearly.
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Guided Golden Triangle tours with private car and guide are available through Klook — the most stress-free way to navigate Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
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