North India’s Golden Triangle has wooed travelers for centuries—Delhi’s layered capital energy, Agra’s ethereal Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s rose-hued palaces. In one compact week, you’ll weave Mughal grandeur with Rajasthani royal heritage, sample legendary street eats, and bargain for block prints in bustling bazaars.

Delhi’s history spans at least eight cities—from the sultans of Mehrauli to British-era New Delhi. Agra still glows with Shah Jahan’s white marble dream, while Jaipur, India’s first planned city (1727), dazzles with astronomy at Jantar Mantar and hilltop forts. Expect vivid colors, fragrant spice, and remarkable craftsmanship everywhere.

Practical notes: October–March is the best weather; carry a scarf for temples/mosques and dress modestly. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays (plan sunrise on other days). Digital payments (UPI) are widely used, but keep small cash. For winter smog in Delhi, a light mask can help.

New Delhi

Where old meets new: Mughal-era lanes, British boulevards, and leafy enclaves with hip cafes. See India Gate by dusk, trace history at Qutub Minar, and taste Old Delhi’s legendary kebabs.

• Top sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, India Gate/Kartavya Path, Lodhi Gardens, Lotus Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
• Food & drink: Karim’s (Mughlai grills) and Al-Jawahar by Jama Masjid; Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed parathas; Indian Accent for refined modern Indian; Perch Wine & Coffee Bar or Blue Tokai for coffee.
• Stays: Look near Connaught Place, Aerocity, or South Delhi for easy logistics.

Where to stay (search and compare): VRBO New Delhi | Hotels.com New Delhi

Agra

Home to the Taj Mahal—sunrise turns marble to honey, then pearl. Pair it with the red sandstone power of Agra Fort and the delicate “Baby Taj,” I’timād-ud-Daulah.

• Top sights: Taj Mahal (closed Fridays), Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh (sunset views), I’timād-ud-Daulah, Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra).
• Food & drink: Esphahān (fine dining, Oberoi Amarvilās), Pinch of Spice (North Indian hits), Joney’s Place (old-school), Sheroes Hangout (social enterprise café). Don’t miss petha sweets at Panchi.
• Stays: Taj Ganj area for quick pre-dawn access to the Taj.

Where to stay (search and compare): VRBO Agra | Hotels.com Agra

Jaipur

The Pink City mixes astronomy, artistry, and aristocracy. Ride up to Amber Fort, gaze through Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb windows, and shop for gemstones, block prints, and blue pottery.

• Top sights: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort (sunset), Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell.
• Food & drink: Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (thali), Rawat (pyaz kachori), Tapri Central (tea + views), Bar Palladio (design-forward cocktails), Steam at Rambagh Palace (railway-car pizzeria).
• Stays: Pink City, MI Road, Civil Lines, or Bani Park for central access.

Where to stay (search and compare): VRBO Jaipur | Hotels.com Jaipur

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi

Arrival (Afternoon): Fly into DEL (Indira Gandhi International). For flights, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Check into your hotel near Connaught Place or South Delhi for easy sightseeing.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs at Lodhi Gardens, a green oasis dotted with 15th-century tombs. Continue to India Gate and Kartavya Path for sunset light on the arch and Parliament buildings.

Evening: Dinner at Indian Accent (book ahead) for inventive tasting menus, or Havemore at Pandara Road for classic butter chicken and tandoori. Nightcap at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar (Khan Market) or craft coffee at Blue Tokai (multiple branches).

Day 2: Old & New Delhi in a Day (Guided)

Use today for a comprehensive city immersion with a flexible, private tour that covers both eras—perfect for first-timers who want context and efficient logistics.

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

What you’ll see: Jama Masjid, a rickshaw spin through Chandni Chowk’s spice-laden lanes, Red Fort exteriors, Raj-era boulevards, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the lotus-shaped Baháʼí House of Worship. Note: Many museums/monuments close Mondays; check timings.

Food breaks: Try breakfast chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj). Lunch near Jama Masjid—Karim’s or Al-Jawahar for kebabs and nihari. Sweet stop for jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala. Dinner back in New Delhi at Bukhara (North-West Frontier) or Moti Mahal Delite (the birthplace of butter chicken lore).

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (Start Golden Triangle Tour)

Assume a morning departure to Agra. By train, the Gatimaan Express takes ~1h40 (AC Chair Car/Executive ~$8–20)—compare on Trip.com Trains. By car on Yamuna Expressway, it’s ~3.5–4 hours plus tolls.

Recommended 3-day transfer + guiding: Book a seamless multi-day with driver-guide that handles Delhi→Agra→Jaipur, hotel pickups, and curated stops.

3-Day Delhi, Agra and Jaipur Private Tour - India Golden Triangle

Afternoon in Agra: After check-in near Taj Ganj, visit Mehtab Bagh at sunset for a reflective Taj view across the Yamuna—ideal for golden-hour photos.

Evening: Dine at Pinch of Spice for hearty North Indian or book Esphahān for a refined multicourse meal. Sample petha for dessert from a reputable shop (ask your guide/concierge).

Alternative for day-trippers: Prefer to base only in Delhi and still see the Taj? Consider this high-speed day trip: Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

Day 4: Agra Highlights (Tour Day 2)

Early morning: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal is non-negotiable for photographers. Arrive 30–45 minutes before dawn with pre-booked tickets; note it’s closed on Fridays. Dress modestly and avoid large bags to speed security.

Late morning: Explore Agra Fort, the red sandstone fortress where Shah Jahan spent his final years gazing at the Taj. Continue to I’timād-ud-Daulah (“Baby Taj”) for intricate pietra dura work that prefigured the Taj’s artistry.

Evening: Shop for marble inlay (avoid pushy touts; ask your guide for vetted cooperatives). Dinner at Joney’s Place for old-school curries or Sheroes Hangout for a meaningful meal supporting acid-attack survivors.

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Tour Day 3)

Morning: Drive ~4–5 hours to Jaipur, optionally stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s short-lived red sandstone capital (a UNESCO site with soaring Buland Darwaza). By train, Agra Fort/Agra Cantt to Jaipur runs ~4–5 hours; compare on Trip.com Trains.

Afternoon: Check into your Jaipur hotel, then visit the City Palace and the open-air astronomical park Jantar Mantar. Pause for lassi at Lassiwala (MI Road)—creamy, served in clay cups.

Evening: Photograph Hawa Mahal’s façade as it blushes at dusk. Dinner options: LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) for a classic Rajasthani thali, or Steam at Rambagh Palace for a unique railcar setting.

Day 6: Jaipur Forts, Bazaars, and Sunset

Morning: Head early to Amber Fort to beat the heat; walk or take a jeep to the hilltop. Detour to Panna Meena ka Kund, a serene stepwell perfect for geometry lovers and photos.

Afternoon: Lunch at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar—order pyaz kachori and mirchi vada. Shop Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar for block-print textiles, mojari shoes, and gemstones (buy certified, ask for receipts). Coffee or chai at Tapri Central overlooking the city.

Evening: Golden-hour views from Nahargarh Fort. Later, cocktails in a design dream at Bar Palladio or a craft beverage at Johri & Sons (The Johri Hotel). For immersive culture, book dinner at a Rajasthani village-style venue like Chokhi Dhani (folk dance, thali).

Day 7: Jaipur to Delhi and Departure

Morning (travel time accounted): Fly Jaipur→Delhi in ~1 hour (fares often $25–80; compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com). By train, the Ajmer Shatabdi and other services take ~4.5–6 hours; by car it’s ~5–6 hours on NH48.

Afternoon: If time allows before your flight, grab a last Indian lunch in Aerocity or Connaught Place—try a quick thali or kebabs. Transfer to DEL for your onward journey.

Where to Sleep Each Night

• Night 1–2: New Delhi (Connaught Place, Aerocity, or South Delhi). Compare: VRBO New Delhi | Hotels.com New Delhi
• Night 3–4: Agra (Taj Ganj). Compare: VRBO Agra | Hotels.com Agra
• Night 5–6: Jaipur (Pink City/Civil Lines). Compare: VRBO Jaipur | Hotels.com Jaipur
• Night 7: In transit or New Delhi (if your flight is next morning).

Logistics at a Glance

• Arrivals/Departures: Delhi (DEL). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com.
• Intercity trains: Delhi–Agra ~1h40 (Gatimaan Express), Agra–Jaipur ~4–5h, Jaipur–Delhi ~4.5–6h. Check schedules/prices on Trip.com Trains.
• Private driver: Expect ~$40–80/day depending on distance/vehicle; useful for Golden Triangle flexibility (your hotel or tour operator can arrange).
• Local tips: Carry a photocopy of your passport; use registered taxis or rideshares; buy monument e-tickets in advance where possible.

Optional Add-On (Wildlife)

Have an extra day or two? Slot a tiger safari between Agra and Jaipur at Ranthambore National Park (best chances Nov–May). Consider this packaged variant if you can extend beyond 7 days: 4 Day Golden Triangle with Ranthambore Tiger Safari Tour from Delhi

Final notes: This 7-day North India itinerary balances headline monuments with local food, coffee breaks, and market time. Keep small bills for tips, start early for cooler temps and thinner crowds, and bring patience—India rewards it with wonder.

In one unforgettable week you’ll trace empires, taste regional specialties, and watch the Taj Mahal glow at dawn. With trains, private cars, and optional guided tours, the Golden Triangle becomes both easy and extraordinary.