India’s storied “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur showcases millennia of history—Mauryan to Mughal to Rajput—told through sandstone forts, marble mausoleums, and bustling bazaars. For this 7-day itinerary we keep things relaxing: fewer hotel changes, leisurely mornings, and restorative spa time balanced with essential sights.

Expect refined dining (from tandoor classics to modern Indian tasting menus), leafy gardens for golden-hour strolls, and palace courtyards where peacocks wander. You’ll day-trip to the Taj Mahal by superfast train to avoid road fatigue, then settle into Jaipur’s royal rhythm with sunset views and artisan workshops.

Practical notes: Dress modestly at temples and mosques; carry small bills for tips. Delhi and Jaipur are well-served by Uber, Ola, and metered cabs. Winter (Nov–Feb) is cool and crisp; March–April and Oct–Nov are warm but pleasant. Hydrate, choose reputable eateries, and rely on registered guides at major monuments.

New Delhi

India’s capital is a tapestry of eras: Mughal domes rise over Old Delhi’s spice-scented lanes, while New Delhi’s broad boulevards glide past colonial landmarks and leafy parks. It’s also a culinary capital—from street snacks to destination dining.

• Top sights: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (exterior), National Museum, Hauz Khas.
• Why it captivates: Contrasts—in a single day you can float past crumbling 14th-century tombs in Lodhi Gardens, then sip single-origin coffee in a glassy café.
• Dining to note: Bukhara (legendary dal bukhara and kebabs), Indian Accent (inventive, elegant), Café Lota (regional plates), The Grammar Room (brunch and views), Karim’s (Old Delhi Mughlai).

Where to stay (Delhi):

• The Leela Palace New Delhi (top-tier service, spa, rooftop pool): Check rates
• The Imperial, New Delhi (art deco icon, museum-like corridors): Check rates
• ITC Maurya (home of Bukhara; club lounges, wellness): Check rates
• Browse more hotels: Hotels.com – New Delhi or apartments on VRBO – New Delhi

How to arrive: Fly into DEL. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi, Gardens and a Gentle Welcome

Morning: In transit. Hydrate and rest on the flight—tonight is for a soft landing, not a checklist.

Afternoon: Land at DEL and check into your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll in Lodhi Gardens—stone tombs, banyan trees, and parakeets set a calming first impression.

Evening: Dinner at Indian Accent (pre-book), where blue cheese naan and tamarind pork ribs meet an excellent wine list. Prefer classics? Book Bukhara at ITC Maurya for tandoor theatrics and the cult-favorite dal.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi, Done the Easy Way

Morning: Ease into the city with a private, customizable tour covering both Old Delhi and New Delhi. You’ll glide between Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and colonial landmarks with a guide who handles logistics.

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

Afternoon: Lunch at Café Lota (regional favorites like bihar-style litti chokha and ragi dosas). Visit Humayun’s Tomb or Qutub Minar at a relaxed pace—both are UNESCO sites with beautiful geometry.

Evening: Sunset tea or a cocktail at The Imperial’s 1911 Bar, then a light dinner at The Grammar Room overlooking forested ruins near Qutub.

Day 3: The Taj Mahal by Superfast Train (Day Trip, Low Effort)

All-day experience (no need to split by morning/afternoon/evening). Skip the highway and ride India’s superfast train to Agra for a smooth, comfortable Taj Mahal day. A guide meets you, arranges transfers, and times the visit to avoid peak heat; you’ll also see Agra Fort and, time permitting, the “Baby Taj.”

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

Good to know: Typical rail time ~1h40 each way; door-to-door ~11–12 hours including transfers and sightseeing. If you fall in love with Agra’s sunset views, consider an overnight on a future trip—top picks include The Oberoi Amarvilas: Check rates.

Optional bundle: Prefer everything stitched together with a driver across the full triangle? Consider a short private tour that covers Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with hotels and transport.

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

Day 4: Slow Morning in Delhi, Rail to Jaipur

Morning: Brunch at The Lodhi Bakery or a late breakfast at Saravana Bhavan (crispy ghee roast dosas). Enjoy a final amble through Khan Market’s bookshops and boutiques.

Afternoon: Train to Jaipur. The Vande Bharat Express or Shatabdi typically takes ~4–5 hours; AC Chair Car runs roughly $12–30. Book India trains on Trip.com Trains. Prefer flying? Delhi–Jaipur flights take ~1 hour and often price $40–120 on Trip.com.

Evening: Check into your Jaipur hotel, then decompress at the spa. For dinner, try Bar Palladio’s candlelit courtyard (Italian-leaning menu, Jaipur royalty vibe) or Suvarna Mahal for a stately Indian feast.

Jaipur

The “Pink City” of Rajasthan balances royal grandeur with easygoing desert light. Amber Fort climbs a hill of honeyed stone, while City Palace and Hawa Mahal flash intricate jali screens and frescoes.

• Top sights: Amber Fort & Sheesh Mahal, City Palace, Hawa Mahal (photo stop), Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh for sunset views.
• What to savor: Rajasthani thalis (dal baati churma), ghewar sweets, saffron lassi, and rooftop dinners under a starry sky.
• Craft scene: Block printing, blue pottery, gemstones—visit artisan studios for hands-on workshops.

Where to stay (Jaipur):

• Rambagh Palace (palatial lawns, peacocks, Jiva Spa): Check rates
• Trident Jaipur (lakeside views near Amber): Check rates
• ITC Rajputana (modern Rajasthani design, excellent pool): Check rates
• Browse more hotels: Hotels.com – Jaipur or apartments on VRBO – Jaipur

Day 5: Amber Fort Ease + City Palace

Morning: Coffee and almond croissants at Wind View Café for an early look at Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb façade. Then head to Amber Fort; take the Jeep up (no stairs, less strain). Don’t miss Sheesh Mahal’s mirrored mosaics sparkling in soft light.

Afternoon: Lunch at 1135 AD inside Amber for regal thalis and fort views. Continue to City Palace—peek into the Pritam Niwas courtyards and the famous peacock door. Cool off with a saffron lassi at Lassiwala on MI Road.

Evening: Gentle sunset at Nahargarh (drive up; minimal walking) with panoramic Jaipur views. Dinner at Cinnamon (at Jai Mahal) or The Verandah at Rambagh for alfresco calm.

Day 6: Crafts, Cuisine, and a Spa Afternoon

Morning: Photo stop at Hawa Mahal when the pink sandstone glows. Browse Johari Bazaar’s gemstone ateliers (ask your hotel concierge for vetted shops). Consider a blue pottery class at a local studio—therapeutic and hands-on.

Afternoon: Lunch at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) for a classic Rajasthani thali and sweets counter. Return to the hotel for spa time—opt for an Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage or an herbal steam to rejuvenate.

Evening: Dinner and folk performances at Chokhi Dhani (make a reservation), or choose a rooftop like Padao for relaxed snacks and night views of the city’s pink glow.

Day 7: Slow Start and Departure

Morning: Easy breakfast at your hotel. Optional quick visit to Jantar Mantar (UNESCO observatory with giant astronomical instruments) or Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell if you prefer a short scenic outing.

Afternoon: Depart from Jaipur (JAI). Check flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you prefer returning to Delhi by train or car, factor ~4–6 hours.

Evening: If you have a late flight, book a final early dinner at your hotel or a quick bite at Tapri Central (tea and snacks), then transfer to the airport unrushed.

Dining short list (save for the trip):

• Delhi: Indian Accent (modern Indian tasting menu), Bukhara (tandoor legends), Café Lota (regional Indian), Karim’s (Old Delhi Mughlai), The Grammar Room (brunch/coffee).
• Jaipur: 1135 AD (fort-side fine dining), LMB (thali and sweets), Bar Palladio (romantic courtyard), Suvarna Mahal (grand Indian), Tapri Central (tea house, sunset views).

Pacing & practical tips for a relaxing experience:

• Go early to major monuments to avoid heat and crowds; book skip-the-line options where possible.
• Build in daily “hotel time” for the pool and spa—you chose beautiful properties, make them part of the journey.
• Use a private guide/driver for half-days to minimize decision fatigue and maximize stories.

In one restful week you’ll sip tea beneath Mughal domes, watch the Taj Mahal’s marble glow, and unwind in Rajasthani palaces. With curated tours and thoughtful pacing, India’s Golden Triangle feels not just doable—but deeply enjoyable.