A 5-day trip covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, known as the “Golden Triangle,” is a popular and classic introduction to India’s rich history, culture, and architecture. This itinerary is fast-paced but allows you to see the highlights of all three cities. Here’s a possible plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi & City Exploration
- Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. A pre-booked car or a taxi is the easiest way to get to your hotel.
- Afternoon (New Delhi): Start your sightseeing in New Delhi. Visit the iconic India Gate, a war memorial, and drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and the Parliament House.
- Evening: Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal-era tomb that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Later, you can explore the bustling market of Connaught Place (CP) or a cultural market like Dilli Haat for some shopping and dinner.
Day 2: Old Delhi & Drive to Agra
- Morning (Old Delhi): Explore the historical heart of Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow, chaotic lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and the Red Fort (Lal Qila).
- Afternoon: After a local lunch, start your drive to Agra (approximately a 3-4 hour journey via the Yamuna Expressway). Check into your hotel upon arrival.
- Evening: As you’ll arrive in the afternoon, you can visit Agra Fort, a magnificent red sandstone fort that was the main residence of the Mughal emperors. From its walls, you can see a distant view of the Taj Mahal.
Day 3: The Taj Mahal & Drive to Jaipur
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The soft morning light makes the white marble glow in a way you’ll never forget. This is the highlight of your trip. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- Morning: After your Taj Mahal visit, return to your hotel for breakfast.
- Drive to Jaipur: Check out and begin the drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City” (approximately a 5-6 hour journey).
- En Route Stop: On the way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-preserved ghost city that was the former capital of the Mughal Empire.
Day 4: Jaipur City Tour
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, located on a hilltop just outside Jaipur. You can take a jeep ride or an elephant ride to reach the fort’s entrance.
- Afternoon: Head back into the city to see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a stunning honeycomb-like structure with 953 windows. Next, explore the City Palace, a complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
- Evening: Visit Jantar Mantar, a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. In the evening, you can explore the local bazaars of Jaipur for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. For a cultural experience, you can consider a visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic Rajasthani village resort.
Day 5: Departure from Jaipur or return to Delhi
- Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping or visit a place you missed.
- Departure: You have two options for departure:
- Fly from Jaipur: Jaipur has a major airport with flights to major Indian cities and international destinations. This is the most time-efficient option.
- Drive back to Delhi: The drive from Jaipur to Delhi takes approximately 5 hours. This is a common way to complete the circuit, especially if your international flight is from Delhi.
Important Travel Tips:
- Transportation: The most common and convenient way to do this tour is to hire a private car with a driver for the entire trip. This gives you flexibility and comfort.
- Tickets: You can book your monument entrance tickets online in advance to save time.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to do the Golden Triangle tour is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot.
- Bargaining: When shopping in local markets, remember to bargain for a fair price.
- Guides: Hiring a local, licensed guide at each major monument can greatly enhance your experience with their historical knowledge and stories.