India’s Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—braids together Mughal grandeur, Rajput palaces, and the everyday theatre of markets and street life. You’ll see UNESCO World Heritage sites, iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, and neighborhoods that reward gentle wandering with a cup of masala chai.

Across nine days, this family-friendly itinerary balances headline sights with kid-approved pit stops: parks to run around, short museum visits, and roomy lunch breaks. Trains keep transfers efficient, while walks and short rides let you soak in each city’s character without long daily slogs.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Feb) is peak for clear skies and comfortable temperatures; April–June is very hot; July–Sept brings monsoon showers. Dress modestly at temples and forts, carry small cash for tips, and use rideshares or hotel cars at night. Vegetarian food is abundant, and most hotels can provide child-friendly meals and cribs on request.

New Delhi

Capital of modern India and once the seat of powerful empires, Delhi is a living archive—from the 12th‑century Qutub Minar to Edwin Lutyens’ 20th‑century boulevards. Families love the mix: spacious gardens, hands-on crafts museums, and unforgettable street-food lanes you can sample safely with reputable vendors.

• Top sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Lodhi Gardens, India Gate/Kartavya Path, Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
• Local experiences: Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, spice shopping at Khari Baoli, kite-spotting at Lodhi Gardens, crafts demonstrations at the National Crafts Museum.
• Food to try: Chole bhature, kebabs near Jama Masjid, South Indian dosas, kulfi falooda for dessert.

Stay (Delhi): Mid-range comfort at The Suryaa New Delhi (pool, family rooms). Value and location at Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station. Splurge heritage at The Imperial, New Delhi or contemporary luxury at The Leela Palace New Delhi. Browse more stays: Hotels.com New Delhi or family apartments on VRBO New Delhi.

Getting there: Fly into Delhi (DEL). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Within the city, use rideshares, the metro (clean, frequent), or hotel cars.

Agra

Agra is the Taj Mahal—yet it’s also Akbar’s mighty Agra Fort and the delicate Baby Taj across the Yamuna. Plan sunrise at the Taj, then fill the day with shaded courtyards and riverbank gardens ideal for families.

• Top sights: Taj Mahal (sunrise is worth the early alarm), Agra Fort, Itimad‑ud‑Daulah (Baby Taj), Mehtab Bagh (sunset view), nearby Fatehpur Sikri.
• What kids enjoy: Boat views of the Taj (seasonal), spotting parrots in Mehtab Bagh, fort ramparts and courtyards.

Stay (Agra): Mid-range with a pool at Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Great value near the Taj at Hotel Taj Resorts or Hotel Sidhartha. Bucket‑list splurge with Taj views at The Oberoi Amarvilas. Browse: Hotels.com Agra or VRBO Agra.

Getting there from Delhi: The Gatimaan Express train takes ~1h40m; seats often $10–$20. Book via Trip.com Trains. By car, allow 3–4 hours (Yamuna Expressway).

Jaipur

The “Pink City” shines with hilltop forts, mirrored halls, and bustling bazaars. Amber Fort feels like a storybook set; City Palace and Jantar Mantar turn a history lesson into an afternoon adventure.

• Top sights: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal (façade views at golden hour), Nahargarh Fort (sunset), Albert Hall Museum, Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell.
• What to buy: Block‑printed textiles, lac bangles, blue pottery. Haggle gently and check quality.

Stay (Jaipur): Solid mid-range and central at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. Lakeside serenity near Amber at Trident Jaipur. Premium heritage vibe at ITC Rajputana. Budget‑minded hostel vibe at Zostel Jaipur. Browse more: Hotels.com Jaipur or VRBO Jaipur.

Getting there: Agra–Jaipur is 4–5 hours by car (good for stops) or ~4–5 hours by train. Book trains on Trip.com Trains. Jaipur has an international airport for your flight home; compare on Trip.com Flights.

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi (Afternoon arrival, easy evening)

Afternoon: Land in Delhi and check into your hotel. Stretch your legs at Lodhi Gardens—broad lawns, 15th‑century tombs, and plenty of space for kids to roam.

Evening: Drive past India Gate and the Presidential Palace en route to dinner in Connaught Place. Try Saravana Bhavan for crisp dosas and kid‑friendly idlis; United Coffee House for old‑world ambience; or Pandara Road’s Gulati for North Indian classics. Dessert: kulfi at Kuremal near Chandni Chowk if you want a sweet detour.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi Highlights (Guided tour option)

Morning: Start at Jama Masjid (modest attire), then a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk to Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli. Grab breakfast parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali or a safer sit‑down at Haldiram’s nearby.

Afternoon: See Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Coffee break at Blue Tokai or Perch in Vasant Vihar. Quick stop at Agrasen ki Baoli for photos.

Evening: Sunset at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara—serene, welcoming. Dinner in Khan Market: Town Hall (pan‑Asian) or Moti Mahal (tandoori roots). Early night for kids.

Consider booking this family‑friendly guided day: Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

Day 3: Green Delhi + Crafts (Low‑key, great for kids)

Morning: National Rail Museum (mini train rides and engines) or the National Crafts Museum for artisan demos. Brunch at Café Lota (seasonal Indian plates) next door to the Crafts Museum.

Afternoon: Stroll Lodhi Art District’s murals, then relax at Sunder Nursery (heritage gardens, butterflies). Pick up souvenirs at Dilli Haat (open‑air craft market, fixed‑price stalls).

Evening: Dinner in Aerocity (plenty of choices; K3 at JW Marriott is an expansive buffet) or Karim’s (Jama Masjid area) for kebabs and kormas if you didn’t go yesterday.

Day 4: Delhi → Agra (Morning train), Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh

Morning: Catch the Gatimaan Express (~1h40m). Typical CC seats $10–$20; book on Trip.com Trains. Check in, freshen up, quick lunch at Pinch of Spice (reliable North Indian).

Afternoon: Explore Agra Fort—red sandstone ramparts, palaces, and river views toward the Taj. It’s shaded, with short walks between sites—good for families.

Evening: Mehtab Bagh at sunset for that classic Taj silhouette across the Yamuna. Dinner near your hotel: Peshawri (robust tandoor plates) or Dasaprakash (South Indian, light and kid‑friendly).

Alternative for those preferring to day‑trip (staying based in Delhi): Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

Day 5: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj, Markets

Morning: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal (arrive 30–45 minutes before gates). Kids can nap after back at the hotel. Late breakfast at your hotel or at Café Sheroes Hangout’s successors have varied; instead try Mocha Café & Bar for a western‑leaning menu if needed.

Afternoon: Visit Itimad‑ud‑Daulah (Baby Taj) for delicate pietra dura work without the crowds. Break for lassi at Gopaldas or tea at Tea’se Me rooftop.

Evening: Sadar Bazaar for handicrafts and leather goods. Dinner at Esphahan (if staying at Amarvilas; book ahead) or Family‑friendly thalis at Pinch of Spice/Bon Barbecue for variety.

Day 6: Agra → Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (and optional Abhaneri Stepwell)

Morning: Depart by private car after breakfast (~4–5 hours to Jaipur). Stop at UNESCO‑listed Fatehpur Sikri (Akbar’s red‑sandstone capital). If kids still energetic, detour to Chand Baori at Abhaneri (adds ~1.5 hours) to see one of India’s deepest stepwells—fascinating geometry.

Afternoon: Arrive Jaipur, check in, relax by the pool. Coffee/tea at Tapri Central (great city views, snacks kids love).

Evening: MI Road for dinner: Handi (laal maas and tandoori), or Peacock Rooftop (breezy, varied menu). Early night.

Day 7: Amber Fort, Panna Meena Stepwell, City Palace & Jantar Mantar

Morning: Head early to Amber Fort (take the jeep up; skip elephant rides). Explore Sheesh Mahal’s mirror mosaics and the cooling channels of the zenana. Walk or quick hop to Panna Meena ka Kund for photos.

Afternoon: Return to the Pink City for City Palace (royal textiles, arms gallery) and the open‑air astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar—kids love the giant sundials.

Evening: Photo stop at Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb façade from across the street as it glows at dusk. Dinner at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (Rajasthani thali) or Spice Court (safely spiced curries, outdoor seating).

Day 8: Museums, Hilltop Sunset, and Cultural Night

Morning: Albert Hall Museum (mummies to miniatures) or the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (hands‑on block printing; short and engaging). Coffee at Curious Life Coffee Roasters.

Afternoon: Shopping time: Bapu Bazaar for textiles, Johari Bazaar for jewelry; look for fixed‑price sections if you don’t want to haggle. Light lunch at Anokhi Café (salads, sandwiches).

Evening: Sunset from Nahargarh Fort over the city. For dinner, consider Chokhi Dhani (evening cultural village, folk dance, and Rajasthani thali)—very popular with families. If you prefer quiet, dine at Suvarna Mahal (Rambagh Palace; reservations essential).

Optional day-trip idea from Jaipur for Taj return‑viewers: Skip The Line: Sunrise Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour From Jaipur

Day 9: Easy Jaipur Morning & Departure

Morning: Slow start and café breakfast at Rustic by OTH or Tapri. If time allows, quick walk through the old city’s painted gates or a visit to the tranquil Sisodia Rani Garden.

Afternoon: Fly out of Jaipur (JAI) or train/drive back to Delhi for your international flight. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com; trains on Trip.com Trains.

Optional: Prefer a packaged Golden Triangle with guide and driver?

If you’d rather outsource logistics, consider these well‑reviewed options (swap into your plan as desired):

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

Getting Between Cities (Times & Costs)

• Delhi → Agra (Day 4): Gatimaan Express train ~1h40m, ~$10–$20 (CC). Book on Trip.com Trains. Private car via Yamuna Expressway 3–4 hours.
• Agra → Jaipur (Day 6): Private car 4–5 hours (best for Fatehpur Sikri stop). Trains ~4–5 hours; check schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains.
• Jaipur → Home (Day 9): Fly from JAI; compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Alternatively, return to Delhi by train/road for international flights.

Where to Eat & Drink (Quick Picks by City)

• Delhi: Saravana Bhavan (South Indian), Karim’s (Mughlai near Jama Masjid), Andhra Bhavan Canteen (thali lunch), Blue Tokai Coffee, Indian Coffee House (Connaught Place), Sagar Ratna (mild and kid‑friendly).
• Agra: Pinch of Spice (reliable mains), Peshawri (robust tandoor), Dasaprakash (South Indian), Tea’se Me (rooftop views), Mama Chicken Mama Franky House (rolls on the go).
• Jaipur: LMB (thalis and sweets), Rawat Misthan Bhandar (kachori), Peacock Rooftop (varied menu), Spice Court (courtyard seating), Tapri Central (tea & snacks), Curious Life Coffee (specialty brews).

Budget notes (50/100 mid‑range): Expect ~$80–$160 per night for comfortable hotels, $10–$20 per person per day for meals if mixing casual and sit‑down spots, and trains that are excellent value. Private day cars with driver typically $60–$120 per day depending on distance and vehicle size.

In nine days, you’ll sample India’s essential sights without rushing—sunrise at the Taj, mirrored halls at Amber, and the swirl of Old Delhi balanced by leafy gardens. With trains, short transfers, and plenty of flexible meal stops, this plan keeps families comfortable while hitting the must‑see highlights.