Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
The Golden Triangle links three of India’s most famous cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Each is roughly 200-280 km from the next, making it an ideal first trip for travellers who want history, architecture and food in one circuit.
Suggested 5-day itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Delhi | Old Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk food walk, Raj Ghat |
| Day 2: Delhi | Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Kartavya Path, Lotus Temple |
| Day 3: Agra | Early drive or Gatimaan/Vande Bharat train; Taj Mahal at sunrise (closed Fridays), Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh at sunset |
| Day 4: Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur | Visit Fatehpur Sikri, then Jaipur; evening at a local bazaar |
| Day 5: Jaipur | Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar; return to Delhi or fly out |
Getting around
- Road: the Yamuna Expressway (Delhi-Agra) and Agra-Jaipur highway make a hired car convenient.
- Train: fast trains connect Delhi with Agra in about 2 hours and Jaipur in 4-5 hours.
- Within cities: Delhi Metro, app cabs and autos.
Best time to visit
October to March has pleasant weather. Summers (April-June) are very hot, and the monsoon (July-September) is humid but greener and less crowded.
Tickets and timings
- Buy ASI monument tickets online to avoid queues; Indian citizens pay much less than foreign visitors.
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers.
- Night viewing of the Taj is allowed on select full-moon nights.
- Jaipur offers a composite ticket covering several monuments.
Budget tips
- Travel by train between cities to save money.
- Stay in well-reviewed guesthouses or homestays.
- Eat at local favourites: chaat in Delhi, petha in Agra, dal baati churma in Jaipur.
- Bargain politely at markets and use fixed-price government emporiums for crafts.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for the Golden Triangle?
4-6 days is ideal; add Ranthambore or Udaipur for a longer trip.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day?
No. It is closed on Fridays.
Which is better, train or car?
Trains are fast and cheaper; a car gives flexibility for stops like Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell.
Keep exploring
- Facts about the Taj Mahal
- Famous monuments of India
- The Mughal Empire
- More Travel articles on Tiwaripedia
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
