India’s Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—blends imperial architecture, living craft traditions, and legendary cuisine. In Delhi, Mughal domes share a skyline with modern design; in Jaipur, ornate palaces glow at sunset and centuries-old ateliers still hand-print textiles. This 7-day itinerary focuses on Delhi and Jaipur, with an essential Taj Mahal day trip woven in.

From Chandni Chowk’s spice bazaars to Amber Fort’s frescoed courtyards, each day combines can’t-miss sights with insider food stops and neighborhood gems. You’ll ride a superfast train to Agra, sip rooftop masala chai overlooking Hawa Mahal, and learn block printing techniques passed down through generations.

Practical notes: Dress modestly at religious sites, carry small bills for tips, and plan around midday heat (Oct–Mar is most pleasant; Apr–Jun is hot; Jul–Sep is monsoon). For flights and trains, book early around holidays and weekends. Street food is a highlight—choose busy, freshly cooked stalls.

New Delhi

India’s capital is a tapestry of eras: Old Delhi’s 17th-century lanes orbit the Jama Masjid, while New Delhi’s wide boulevards frame parliament buildings and leafy neighborhoods. It’s also a culinary metropolis—from historic kebab houses to avant-garde tasting menus.

• Top sights: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Qutub Minar (UNESCO), Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), India Gate, Lodhi Art District, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
• Why go now: A thriving gallery scene, polished metro, and growing café culture make Delhi an exciting base for a Taj Mahal day trip.
• Dining highlights: Old Delhi’s kebabs at Karim’s and korma at Al Jawahar; North Indian classics at Bukhara; contemporary Indian at Indian Accent; specialty coffee at Blue Tokai and Perch.
• Fun fact: “Dilli” has served as the seat of power for multiple empires—its layers are best tasted, not just toured.

Where to stay (Delhi): Browse stays on VRBO or Hotels.com. Traveler-loved picks: The Imperial, New Delhi (heritage grandeur and a storied bar), The Leela Palace New Delhi (top-tier dining, serene spa), value-friendly Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station, and iconically North Indian ITC Maurya (home to Bukhara).

Getting to Delhi: Search international flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Within India, Delhi’s airport has frequent connections and efficient ride-hailing to the city.

Jaipur

Nicknamed the “Pink City” after its 19th-century terracotta makeover, Jaipur pairs Rajput palaces with vibrant craft workshops. Expect mirror-lined halls, astronomy instruments the size of houses, and textiles you’ll want to pack home.

• Top sights: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (UNESCO), Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort sunset, Jal Mahal viewpoint, Panna Meena ka Kund, Galtaji (Monkey Temple).
• Eat & drink: Lassiwala’s frothy lassi in clay cups; Rawat Mishthan Bhandar’s pyaaz kachori; thalis at LMB; laal maas at Spice Court; rooftop vibes at Peacock; cocktails at Bar Palladio; heritage dining at 1135 AD in Amber Fort.
• Shopping: Johari Bazaar for jewelry, Bapu Bazaar for mojari shoes and textiles, Sanganer/Bagru for block printing.
• Fun fact: Jaipur’s 1727 city plan is based on ancient Vastu principles, making it one of India’s earliest planned cities.

Where to stay (Jaipur): Explore options on VRBO or Hotels.com. Top choices: royal icon Rambagh Palace, lakeside-facing Trident Jaipur, central comfort at ITC Rajputana or Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, and social-budget hub Zostel Jaipur.

Delhi ⇆ Jaipur travel: Morning Vande Bharat Express train takes ~4–4.5 hours; AC Chair Car is ~US$12–20, Executive Class ~US$25–35—book on Trip.com Trains. Flights are ~55 minutes (often US$25–60) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Private car via NH48 is ~5–6 hours (US$90–140).

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, sunset strolls and a spice-scented welcome

Afternoon: Land in Delhi and check in. If you’re early, decompress with a leafy walk around Lodhi Garden and the nearby open-air murals of Lodhi Art District—an easy, restorative first look at the city.

Evening: Dinner choices: book Indian Accent for a tasting menu that riffs on classics (blue cheese naan is a cult favorite), or go old-school with tandoori and dal at Bukhara (famously cooked in clay ovens). Nightcap at The Imperial’s vintage bar, or a glass of wine at Perch in Khan Market.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi with a local expert

For a time-efficient overview, join this guided day out:

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

Morning: Start at Jama Masjid (modest attire required) then dive into Chandni Chowk by rickshaw. Snack your way through parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, kachori at Jung Bahadur, and kulfi from a traditional shop.

Afternoon: Head south to Qutub Minar’s soaring minaret and Humayun’s Tomb—precursors to the Taj’s Mughal elegance. Pause at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the langar community kitchen in action.

Evening: Drive past India Gate and the Parliament buildings at golden hour. Dinner near Mehrauli: The Grammar Room for breezy café plates or go upscale at a fine-dining spot nearby.

Day 3: Taj Mahal day trip by superfast train

Skip traffic with a quick round-trip to Agra:

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

The Gatimaan Express covers Delhi–Agra in ~1h40m, giving you a generous window for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and a glimpse of Itimad-ud-Daulah (“Baby Taj”). Many tours include hotel pickup, pre-booked tickets, a licensed guide, and lunch—ideal for a stress-free day. Back in Delhi by evening.

Food notes: In Agra, try Bedhai with aloo sabzi for breakfast if you arrive early, and petha (candied ash gourd) for a sweet souvenir.

Day 4: Delhi to Jaipur (morning train or flight), Pink City first impressions

Morning (travel): Take the Vande Bharat Express (~4–4.5 hours) or a short flight (~55 minutes). Book via Trip.com Trains or Trip.com Flights. Check in at your Jaipur hotel: splurge-worthy Rambagh Palace, scenic Trident Jaipur, or central ITC Rajputana.

Afternoon: Ease in with Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb façade—snap it from Wind View Café across the street over masala chai. Walk to Jantar Mantar’s giant stone instruments and the City Palace textile galleries.

Evening: Try Tapri Central for tea-time snacks (paneer pakoras, chilli cheese toast) with city views. Dinner ideas: thali at LMB (Lakshmi Mishtan Bhandar) or laal maas (chili-rich mutton) at Spice Court. Nightcap amid cobalt walls at Bar Palladio.

Day 5: Jaipur’s icons with a private guide

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour - Private

Morning: Head early to Amber Fort to catch soft light on mirrored halls and painted gateways. Drop down to the photogenic Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell.

Afternoon: Stop for a Rajasthani thali (gatte ki sabzi, dal, churma) before returning to the City Palace apartments and Jantar Mantar. Shop Johari Bazaar for meenakari jewelry and Bapu Bazaar for hand-printed cottons.

Evening: Dine at 1135 AD inside Amber Fort for a regal setting, or Steam (a restored train at Rambagh) for wood-fired pizzas and grills under the stars.

Day 6: Craft, textiles, and Jaipur by night

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric

Morning: Join a family-run workshop to carve, ink, and hand-stamp fabric—you’ll take home your own printed scarf or tote. It’s a beautiful way to understand Jaipur’s living craft traditions.

Afternoon: Refuel at Anokhi Café (seasonal salads, date cake) then browse its boutique for contemporary prints. Coffee lovers: Dzurt Patisserie for pastries and cold brew.

Evening (tour): See the Pink City glow with a local pro: Guided Night Tour of Jaipur With Optional Street Food Tasting

Marvel at floodlit facades—Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal—then sample kachori, mirchi vada, and rabri at beloved local stalls. It’s atmospheric, delicious, and photo-friendly.

Day 7: Fort views, temple bells, and departure

Morning: Sunrise at Nahargarh Fort for sweeping city views, or head to Galtaji (Monkey Temple) where saffron-clad pilgrims bathe in spring-fed tanks. Grab a final lassi at Lassiwala and pyaaz kachori from Rawat Mishthan for the road.

Afternoon (departure): Fly out of Jaipur (JAI) or return to Delhi by Vande Bharat (~4–4.5 hours) for onward flights. Compare options on Trip.com, Kiwi.com, and Trip.com Trains. If you have extra time, a leisurely lunch at Peacock Rooftop is a lovely finale.

Optional add-ons if you extend: A 2-day Ranthambhore tiger safari from Jaipur (tour link), or an ethical elephant interaction at a sanctuary (tour link—verify welfare standards before booking).

In one week, you’ll have sampled Delhi’s dynastic layers, stood awestruck at the Taj Mahal, and traced Jaipur’s royal signatures through its forts, astronomy park, textiles, and cuisine. This Golden Triangle itinerary balances big-sight brilliance with the little details—chai stops, craft studios, and sunset views—you’ll remember most.