Northern India is where grand Mughal monuments, Rajput palaces, and spice-laced bazaars collide with modern cafés and rooftop bars. This one-week itinerary focuses on New Delhi and Jaipur—two cities that pair beautifully for a romantic birthday and anniversary celebration—plus a day trip to Agra to stand together before the Taj Mahal.

Delhi’s story stretches from ancient empires to today’s capital, with layers you can taste (Old Delhi’s street food), feel (Lutyens’ tree-lined avenues), and see (Qutub Minar’s carvings). Jaipur—nicknamed the Pink City—was purpose-built in the 1700s and still dazzles with rose-colored facades, mirror-inlaid halls, and sunset hilltop views.

Expect pleasant weather from October to March, lighter crowds early in the morning, and warm hospitality year-round. Dress modestly for temples and forts, carry small cash for tips, and book top restaurants and tours in advance. Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

New Delhi

Delhi is India in fast-forward: medieval bazaars beside sleek galleries, Mughal tombs near rooftop lounges. It’s an ideal soft landing, with world-class dining and easy rail links to Agra for the Taj Mahal.

• Top sights: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Lodhi Gardens, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Lotus Temple.
• Why couples love it: Lodhi’s leafy art district strolls, candlelit dinners at destination restaurants, heritage neighborhoods perfect for hand-in-hand wandering.
• Food highlights: Butter chicken, kakori kebabs, chole bhature, and Old Delhi’s chaat. Save room for kulfi.

Where to stay (Delhi): For privacy and space, browse VRBO Delhi stays. For boutique to palace hotels, check Hotels.com Delhi. Consider The Imperial (colonial grandeur), The Leela Palace (sumptuous rooms and a lovely rooftop pool), or The Oberoi New Delhi (views over the golf course and Humayun’s Tomb).

Getting in: Fly into Delhi (DEL). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. For city transport, use taxis, Uber/Ola, or metro (smart, clean, and efficient).

Jaipur

Jaipur is a living postcard: palaces of honeyed stone, jewelers’ lanes, and hilltop forts glowing at dusk. It’s one of India’s most romantic cities—perfect for a celebration getaway.

• Top sights: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund.
• Why couples love it: Sunset viewpoints, royal dining rooms, heritage hotels with courtyards strung in fairy lights, and excellent shopping for block prints and gemstones.
• Food highlights: Rajasthani thali (dal-baati-churma), laal maas (spicy mutton curry), ghewar (festival sweet), and fragrant ker sangri.

Where to stay (Jaipur): Browse intimate havelis and palace hotels on VRBO Jaipur or Hotels.com Jaipur. For a big romantic splash: Rambagh Palace (regal suites, rose-petal turndowns), Samode Haveli (heritage hideaway), or Rajmahal Palace (art-deco glam).

Getting there from Delhi: The Delhi–Jaipur Vande Bharat/Shatabdi trains take ~4–5 hours, typically US$12–25 in AC classes—book via Trip.com Trains. Flights take ~1 hour (often US$30–75) on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. A private car takes 5–6 hours (roughly US$80–120).

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, settle in, and a romantic first evening

Afternoon: Arrive at DEL and transfer to your hotel. If you’re early, decompress with a leafy stroll in Lodhi Gardens—tombs, parrots, and shaded benches set a serene tone for your celebration.

Evening: Toast your arrival at Cirrus 9 (Oberoi rooftop) or the elegant lobby bar at The Imperial. For dinner, choose one: Indian Accent (inventive tasting menus—duck khurchan, blue cheese naan), Bukhara (legendary dal and kebabs; communal, rustic vibe), or Sevilla at The Claridges (alfresco Mediterranean, candlelit and intimate).

Night: A gentle drive past India Gate and the lit-up Presidential Palace is a photogenic nightcap.

Day 2: Delhi’s icons—with a private city tour and an Old Delhi food walk

Full-day experience: Join this curated exploration that stitches together Old and New Delhi—the mosques, markets, and modern boulevards—with a knowledgeable guide who streamlines entry and routes.

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

Expect highlights such as Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and a quiet pause at the Lotus Temple or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. It’s efficient—great for maximizing a short stay.

Evening (optional, delicious add-on): Dive deeper into flavor with a guided food-and-heritage walk—safe, curated, and filled with stories and snacks (think jalebi hot from the fryer, parathas, and lassi).

The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk

Dinner ideas if you skip the food walk: Café Lota (India Crafts Museum; seasonal regional plates), Dum Pukht (slow-cooked Awadhi classics), or Town Hall (sushi and grills) for something lighter after a big day.

Day 3: A romantic Taj Mahal day trip by superfast train

Full-day experience: Travel round-trip from Delhi to Agra on the Gatimaan Express (about 1 hour 40 minutes each way) to see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and time permitting, the Baby Taj. Door-to-door logistics keep it relaxed—perfect for a special occasion.

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

For couples: Ask your guide for the best angles at the Diana Bench and riverside Mehtab Bagh if time allows. If sunrise at the Taj is your dream, consider a very early private car option (drive ~3.5–4 hours each way) instead of the train.

Evening: Return to Delhi. Celebrate with an easy late dinner: Sita Ram Diwan Chand (legendary chole bhature; earlier hours) or the chic The Grammar Room in Mehrauli for cocktails and small plates.

Day 4: Delhi to Jaipur, pink sunsets, and a courtyard dinner

Morning: Depart Delhi for Jaipur. Easiest is the Vande Bharat/Shatabdi (~4–5 hours; AC chair car ~US$12–25) via Trip.com Trains. Flying takes about 1 hour (often US$30–75) on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Check in and refresh.

Afternoon: Start at the honeycomb façade of Hawa Mahal—peek into the latticed windows. Stroll to the City Palace for museums, courtyards, and if available, the exclusive night tour (magical with fewer crowds).

Evening: Dinner at Samode Haveli (romantic courtyard under lanterns) or Baradari (City Palace complex; contemporary Rajasthani). For something casual and classic, Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar (LMB) serves an excellent vegetarian thali; finish with ghewar for dessert.

Day 5: Amber Fort day, stepwells, and a palace dinner

Morning: Head to Amber Fort early to wander Sheesh Mahal’s mirrored halls before tour groups. Nearby, detour to Panna Meena ka Kund, an 8th-century stepwell where the crisscrossing stairs make stunning photos.

Afternoon: Continue to Jaigarh Fort (for Aravalli views and the world’s once-largest wheeled cannon) or the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (learn block-printing traditions; great for textiles lovers). Lunch suggestions: The Stag Rooftop (Amber views) or Once Upon A Time at The Bagh (Rajasthani fare, leafy setting).

Evening: Book a celebratory dinner at 1135 AD inside Amber Fort’s old royal quarters—arched ceilings, candlelight, and Rajasthani specialties. Alternatively, Suvarna Mahal at Rambagh Palace pairs live classical music with gilded dining rooms—dress up for this one.

Day 6: Slow Jaipur: craft workshops, café culture, and sunset over the city

Morning: Sunrise photos at Patrika Gate’s painted archways in Jawahar Circle, then coffee at Curious Life Coffee Roasters (expert pours) or Anokhi Café (fresh salads, cakes, great for brunch). Consider a private block-print workshop in Sanganer or Bagru to stamp your own textiles—romantic, hands-on, and you take home a keepsake.

Afternoon: Shop together in Johari and Bapu Bazaars: gemstones, juttis, and hand-printed cottons. Spa hour: book a couples’ treatment at your hotel or a top city spa to recharge.

Evening: Watch a Bollywood film at Raj Mandir—ornate interiors and a lively crowd make it a fun local date night. Post-movie, head to Steam at Rambagh Palace (a vintage train-themed bar) or the peacock-filled courtyard at Peacock Rooftop for tandoori platters and city views.

Day 7: A leisurely Jaipur morning and departure

Morning: If you’re early risers, ride up to Nahargarh Fort for wide-angle views over the Pink City; the Padao terrace is fabulous for photos. Prefer something gentler? Explore quiet lanes around Ganesh Pol for last-minute snapshots and a chai stop.

Afternoon: Depart from Jaipur (JAI) to your next destination or fly/rail back to Delhi for onward connections. Compare options on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com Trains. If time allows, cap the trip with a light lunch at Bar Palladio (Italian aperitivo vibe) or Café Palladio (sunny, Sicilian-inspired).

Daily dining cheat sheet (highly recommended)

• Delhi breakfast/coffee: Blue Tokai (specialty coffee), The Grammar Room (brunch with a view), Saravana Bhavan (South Indian classics).
• Delhi lunch: Karim’s (Mughlai near Jama Masjid), Café Lota (regional Indian), Andhra Bhavan canteen (fiery thali, fast service).
• Delhi dinner/date night: Indian Accent, Bukhara, Sevilla.
• Jaipur breakfast/coffee: Anokhi Café, Curious Life Coffee Roasters, Wind View Café (Hawa Mahal backdrop).
• Jaipur lunch: Baradari, LMB thali, The Stag Rooftop (Amber views).
• Jaipur dinner/date night: 1135 AD, Suvarna Mahal, Steam, Peacock Rooftop, Bar Palladio (drinks).

Practical notes and romantic upgrades

• Transport: For city hops, prebook trains (AC Chair Car/Executive) via Trip.com Trains. Flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Timing: Start major sights at opening time to beat heat and crowds; carry water and small bills for tips.
• Romantic touches: Arrange a private heritage walk in Jaipur, a block-printing class making matching scarves, spa treatments, and a surprise cake at dinner (restaurants happily oblige with advance notice).

Where to stay (quick links):

• Delhi: VRBO | Hotels.com
• Jaipur: VRBO | Hotels.com

With Delhi’s history, a day before the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s royal romance, this 7-day North India itinerary balances once-in-a-lifetime sights with intimate moments. It’s a perfect canvas for birthday surprises and anniversary memories you’ll talk about for years.