India’s Golden Triangle—New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—traces centuries of dynasties and design. Mughal mausoleums, Raj-era boulevards, and Rajput palaces sit within a few hours of each other, making this 7-day itinerary efficient and unforgettable.

Expect headline UNESCO sites like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, the Taj Mahal, and Amber (Amer) Fort alongside spicy street food, silk and block-print textiles, and sunset rooftops. Delhi’s lanes hum with history; Agra’s marble masterpiece needs no introduction; Jaipur’s pink façades glow at golden hour.

Practical notes: winter (Oct–Mar) is mild; summers are hot. Dress modestly for temples, carry small bills for tips, and sample street food from busy, reputable vendors. The Taj Mahal is closed Fridays. Book intercity trains early and consider eSIMs and digital payments (UPI) for ease.

New Delhi

India’s capital is a living archive: Old Delhi’s spice-laden bazaars and Mughal landmarks meet New Delhi’s tree-lined avenues, museums, and ambitious modern dining. Highlights include Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, and the ceremonial axis from India Gate along Kartavya Path.

Between heritage stops, duck into third-wave coffee bars in Khan Market and design-forward boutiques in Mehrauli. Come hungry—this city invented cravings for chole bhature breakfasts and late-night kebabs.

• Getting there & around: Fly into Indira Gandhi International (DEL). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport Metro to central Delhi takes ~22–28 minutes (~$0.75); taxis/ride-hailing to Connaught Place are ~35–60 minutes, $6–12 depending on traffic.
• Where to stay (Delhi):
  • Search broad options: Hotels.com – New Delhi | VRBO – New Delhi
  • Top picks: The Leela Palace New Delhi (grandeur, excellent restaurants), The Imperial, New Delhi (art deco heritage), Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station (great-value, modern), ITC Maurya (home of Bukhara).
• Great bites & sips: Breakfast on chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) or dosas at Sagar Ratna (multiple). Old Delhi legends: Karim’s (kebabs), Al Jawahar (nihari), Kuremal Mohan Lal (kulfi). Modern favorites: Indian Accent (inventive), Bukhara (frontier cuisine), Perch Wine & Coffee (Khan Market), Blue Tokai (specialty coffee).
• Bookable experiences: See the icons efficiently with a guided city day.

  

  Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available: customizable, covers Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and more.

  
  

Agra (Day Trip for the Taj Mahal)

Agra, once the Mughal capital, holds the Taj Mahal—ivory marble perfection best seen at dawn or late afternoon. Nearby, Agra Fort reveals emperors’ private worlds, while the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah) hints at the marble masterpiece to come.

• Getting there (from Delhi): The Gatimaan Express train takes ~1h40m from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt. Expect ~$15–30 round-trip in Executive/Chair Car. Check schedules and book on Trip.com Trains. By private car, it’s ~3.5–4 hours each way via the Yamuna Expressway (tolls apply). Note: Taj is closed on Fridays.
• Optional Agra stay: If you choose a sunrise at the Taj, consider: The Oberoi Amarvilas (Taj views), Courtyard by Marriott Agra, Hotel Taj Resorts, or budget-friendly Hotel Sidhartha.
• Lunch ideas: Pinch of Spice (North Indian classics), Peshawri at ITC Mughal (tandoor specialties), or tour-included lunches at reputable hotels.
• Bookable experiences:

  

  Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR: efficient Gatimaan itinerary hitting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj with guides and transfers.

  

  All Inclusive Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj from Delhi by Car: great if you prefer door-to-door convenience without trains.

Jaipur

Nicknamed the Pink City, Jaipur is Rajasthan’s dazzling capital—ceremonial gates, honeycombed Hawa Mahal, hilltop forts, and bazaars piled with block-printed cottons and gemstones. Amer Fort and the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar anchor its UNESCO pedigree.

The city’s craft heritage thrives in Bagru’s block-print studios and the Anokhi Museum. Evenings bring rooftop sunsets and princely dining—steam-powered pizzas in a vintage railcar and candlelit thalis in palace halls.

• Getting there (from Delhi): Morning express trains take ~4h30m–5h30m (Ajmer Shatabdi/other fast services) for ~$8–18; book on Trip.com Trains. Flights are ~1 hour ($35–85, check Trip.com Flights). A private car via NH48 is ~5–6 hours depending on traffic.
• Where to stay (Jaipur):
  • Search broad options: Hotels.com – Jaipur | VRBO – Jaipur
  • Top picks: Rambagh Palace (iconic heritage stay), Trident Jaipur (lakeside Amer views), ITC Rajputana, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, budget social stay at Zostel Jaipur.
• Food & coffee favorites: Tapri Central (chai, city views), Anokhi Café (salads, cakes), Rawat Mishtan Bhandar (pyaaz kachori), Lassiwala (thick lassi in clay cups), Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar—LMB (Rajasthani thali), Bar Palladio (stylish aperitivo), Steam at Rambagh (railcar pizzeria), 1135 AD at Amer (royal setting).

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi (Afternoon arrival)

Afternoon: Land at DEL and transfer to your hotel. Stretch your legs at Lodhi Gardens among 15th-century tombs, then continue to India Gate along Kartavya Path for orientation and sunset.

Evening: Dinner on Pandara Road (Gulati for butter chicken and kebabs) or in Khan Market (Pandara alternatives book up on weekends). Nightcap at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar or an early sleep to reset.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi Icons (Guided Day)

Maximize time with a curated city tour covering Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk (rickshaw ride recommended), then New Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Lotus Temple. You’ll learn the backstories—why Humayun’s Tomb inspired the Taj and how Jantar Mantar once measured the heavens.

Book: Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

Food tips: Start with South Indian filter coffee and dosas at Sagar Ratna. Lunch near Mehrauli (Olive Qutub or The Grammar Room—book ahead). For dinner, book Indian Accent for a refined “modern India” tasting menu or Bukhara for iconic dal and tandoor.

Day 3: Taj Mahal Day Trip to Agra (Full Day)

Early transfer to Hazrat Nizamuddin for the Gatimaan Express. In Agra, meet your guide for timed-entry at the Taj Mahal and detailed history at Agra Fort, with a stop at the Baby Taj. Return to Delhi in the evening.

Book: Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

Alternative if you prefer a car door-to-door: All Inclusive Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj from Delhi by Car.

Note: Avoid Fridays (Taj closed). Pack a scarf/hat and water; security is strict—limit bags.

Day 4: Delhi to Jaipur + City Palace, Jantar Mantar

Morning: Depart Delhi for Jaipur. Fast trains are ~4.5–5.5 hours; book seats on Trip.com Trains. Prefer speed? Fly (~1 hour) via Trip.com Flights. Check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the City Palace (royal textiles, armory, and courtyards) and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar observatory’s giant instruments. Coffee at Tapri Central with skyline views.

Evening: Bazaar strolls—Johri and Bapu Bazaars for gemstones, juttis, and block prints. Dinner at LMB for classic Rajasthani thali or Anokhi Café for lighter fare; post-dinner aperitivo at Bar Palladio’s blue salons.

Day 5: Amer Fort, Stepwells, and Hilltop Views

Morning: Head to Amer Fort early to beat crowds; admire mirrored Sheesh Mahal and Mughal-Rajput courtyards. Skip animal rides—jeeps or the walk are better. Photo stop at Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell.

Afternoon: Continue to Jaigarh Fort for cannon lore and Aravalli views; stop at Anokhi Museum (Amer) for block-print heritage. Cool down with sweet lassi on MI Road.

Evening: Return to Amer for the sound-and-light show (seasonal) or dine at 1135 AD inside the fort for regal ambiance. Alternatively, try Steam at Rambagh Palace, a vintage train-car restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and grills.

Day 6: Craft Workshops, Hawa Mahal, and Rooftops

Morning: Sunrise at the Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal) façade, then climb to its galleries for breeze-cooled views. Coffee and masala chai at Tapri or a pastry at Dzurt (by Chef Tejasvi Chandela) if you have a sweet tooth.

Afternoon: Hands-on block-printing in Bagru village (half-day workshops; arrange via your hotel) or visit the Anokhi Museum if you skipped it yesterday. Shop ethically for quilts and tableware at authorized stores in the Johri area.

Evening: Rooftop dinner at The Peacock Rooftop Restaurant (lively, multi-cuisine) or a refined meal at Suvarna Mahal (Rambagh) with live classical music. Night stroll past Hawa Mahal’s lit jharokhas.

Day 7: Jaipur Slow Morning + Departure (Afternoon)

Morning: Easy breakfast—Rawat Mishtan’s pyaaz kachori or LMB’s sweets to take home. Last-minute shopping for hand-blocked scarves and Jaipur Blue Pottery.

Afternoon: Fly out of Jaipur International (JAI) or take an afternoon/evening train back to Delhi for onward connections. Compare routes and times on Trip.com Flights and Trip.com Trains.

Optional: Prefer everything packaged?

If you’d rather have one operator handle transport, guides, and hotels across all three cities, consider a private Golden Triangle package.

3-Days Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur by Car

Where to book your stays quickly: Hotels.com – New Delhi | Hotels.com – Jaipur | VRBO – New Delhi | VRBO – Jaipur

Transport at a glance: International and domestic flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com; intercity trains on Trip.com Trains. Typical costs: Delhi–Agra train ~$15–30 RT; Delhi–Jaipur train ~$8–18 OW; Delhi–Jaipur flight ~$35–85 OW.

Summary: In one week, you’ll trace India’s Golden Triangle: Mughal Delhi, the ethereal Taj Mahal, and regal Jaipur. With efficient trains, guided day tours, and handpicked eateries and stays, this plan balances blockbuster sights with authentic bites and artisan encounters.