Golden Triangle Itinerary Guide – Exploring Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

The Golden Triangle of India is a renowned tourist route that connects three iconic cities: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This guide details our experience of traveling the Golden Triangle independently, offering tips and insights to help you plan your own adventure.

Delhi: The Bustling Capital

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Sights

Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, is a fascinating blend of the old and new. This city offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. During our 3-day stay in Delhi, we explored numerous attractions, including:

• Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive fort made of red sandstone is a stunning example of Mughal architecture. It features beautiful gardens, museums, and light and sound shows in the evening.
• Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, offering stunning views of Old Delhi from its minaret.
• Raj Ghat: The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, set amidst a beautiful garden.

Day 2: Modern Delhi and Iconic Landmarks

• India Gate: A war memorial dedicated to soldiers who died in World War I, surrounded by lush lawns and an eternal flame.
• Connaught Place: A bustling commercial hub where you can shop, dine, and experience the vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Markets and Local Experiences

• Chandni Chowk: A bustling market area that is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of local delicacies. Visit the Paranthe Wali Gali for delicious stuffed parathas.
• Qutub Minar: The tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by historical ruins.
• Dilli Haat: An open-air market offering crafts, food, and cultural performances from across India.

Read our detailed guide on what to do in Delhi to find out more.

Agra: The City of the Taj Mahal

Agra, located about four hours from Delhi, is famous for the magnificent Taj Mahal. We spent 2 days in Agra, but it’s a city that deserves more time.

Day 1: Iconic Monuments

• Taj Mahal: This iconic white marble mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views.
• Agra Fort: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this red sandstone fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).

Day 2: Beyond the Taj

• Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj): Often considered a draft of the Taj Mahal, this smaller mausoleum is known for its intricate marble inlay work.
• Mehtab Bagh: A garden complex situated across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, offering stunning views of the monument, especially at sunset.

Discover more about what to do in Agra in our detailed article.

Jaipur: The Pink City

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, where rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine await you. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights, culinary experiences, and hidden gems of Jaipur.

Day 1: Exploring Jaipur’s Temples and Palaces

• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): Begin your day with a visit to this iconic red and pink sandstone structure. Built in 1799, it features 953 windows designed for royal women to observe street life without being seen. The intricate design and city views make it a must-visit.
• City Palace: Next, head to the nearby City Palace, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This complex blends Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and houses museums and gardens. Don’t miss the museum exhibits showcasing royal costumes, armory, and art. Entry fee: 700 INR (~€8).
• Jantar Mantar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 18th-century observatory features the world’s largest collection of astronomical instruments. Explore the 19 instruments used for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking celestial bodies. Entry fee: 200 INR (~€2.50).
• Masala Chowk: Enjoy lunch at Masala Chowk, an open-air food court near Albert Hall Museum. Try a variety of street foods, including chaat, dosa, and curries. Entrance fee: 10 INR for adults and 5 INR for children.
• Jal Mahal (Water Palace): Located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, this beautiful palace is best viewed from the lake’s edge. It’s an ideal spot for photography and to marvel at its 18th-century architecture.
• Hanuman Ji Temple (Monkey Temple): End your day at this temple, situated on a hill and known for its playful monkeys. While the temple itself isn’t well-maintained, the monkeys and views make it a unique experience.
• Peacock Restaurant at Hotel Pearl Palace: Enjoy a relaxed meal at Peacock Restaurant. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the view while you feast on delicious food with live music and friendly staff.

Day 2: Majestic Forts and Culinary Delights

• Amer Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Amer Fort is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Explore the fort at your own pace while enjoying the architecture. Entry fee: 500 INR (~€6).
• Nahargarh Fort: Located on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort offers panoramic views of the city. Explore its various structures, including temples, palaces, and step-wells. Entry fee: 200 INR (~€2.50). Best visited on clear days to enjoy the stunning views.
• Jaipur Cooking Classes: Experience the flavors of India by taking a cooking class with Chef Lokesh. Learn to make dishes like chicken tikka, butter chicken, paneer korma, biryani, naan, and kheer. The class is both fun and educational, and the best part is tasting the delicious food you’ve made.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences and Bollywood Magic

• Albert Hall Museum: Start your day at this beautiful museum showcasing a wide range of artifacts, including paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, and metal sculptures.
• Bazaars: Explore Jaipur’s famous markets. You can choose to visit the Johari Bazaar, famous for its jewelry or opt for Bapu and Tripolia Bazaar, perfect for shopping traditional textiles, handicrafts and souvernirs. No matter which you bazaar you choose, prepare for busy colorful markets!
• Raj Mandir Theatre: End your Jaipur adventure with a visit to this famous theatre. Built in 1976, Raj Mandir offers an authentic Bollywood experience where the audience’s lively reactions enhance the fun. Be prepared for language barriers as Bollywood movies are usually in a mix of English and Hindi. Entry fee varies.
• Masala Chowk: For your final meal in Jaipur, return to Masala Chowk to enjoy more street food from different stalls, allowing you to savor a variety of local flavors one last time.

You will find more about what to do in Jaipur in our Jaipur travel guide.

Getting around the Golden Triangle

Traveling between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is convenient with several transportation options:

🚖 Uber Intercity: Comfortable and private, costing EUR 25-40 per trip.
🚅 Train: Multiple daily departures with travel times ranging from 2-5 hours and costs from EUR 2-15. You can easily book train tickets through 12GO.
🚌 Buses and Flights: Available but less recommended for the Golden Triangle route.

Here’s an overview of travel times and costs:

Route	Uber Intercity	Train
Delhi to Agra	4-5 hours, INR 2500-3000 (~€25-30)	2-3 hours, INR 100-1000 (~€2-12)
Agra to Jaipur	4-5 hours, INR 3500-4000 (~€35-40)	3-4 hours, INR 100-1500 (~€2-15)
Jaipur to Delhi	4-5 hours, INR 3500-4000 (~€35-40)	4-5 hours, INR 100-1500 (~€2-15)

Final Tips for the Golden Triangle

🔒 Safety: Be mindful of your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
📅 Plan Ahead: Allow plenty of time to explore each city.
🚗 Transportation: Hire a private driver or join a group tour for convenience.
👗 Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites.
💵 Carry Cash: Many places do not accept credit cards.

What to do after finishing the Golden Triangle?

After completing the Golden Triangle, you can return to Delhi or continue your journey to other fascinating destinations. Consider exploring other cities in Rajasthan like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Jodhpur. Another popular destination is Varanasi, a holy city on the Ganges, reachable by night train or plane. Read this travel guide to learn more more about our experience in Varanasi.