The Golden Triangle links Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – three cities roughly 200–250 km apart that together show off Mughal and Rajput India. It is the perfect first trip for overseas visitors and a great family holiday for Indians.
Route and Distances
Delhi → Agra (230 km, about 3.5 hrs via the Yamuna Expressway) → Jaipur (240 km, about 4.5 hrs, via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri) → Delhi (280 km, about 5 hrs).
5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Old Delhi – Red Fort, Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. New Delhi – India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar.
Day 2: Delhi → Agra
Morning drive. Afternoon at Agra Fort and sunset at Mehtab Bagh across the river from the Taj.
Day 3: Taj Mahal → Jaipur
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri and the stepwell at Abhaneri.
Day 4: Jaipur
Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and bazaars. See our Jaipur guide.
Day 5: Jaipur → Delhi
Nahargarh or Albert Hall in the morning; drive back to Delhi.
Taj Mahal Tips
- The Taj is closed on Fridays.
- Buy tickets online through the ASI portal to skip queues.
- Sunrise has the softest light and fewer people.
- Night viewing is available on select dates around the full moon.
- Large bags, food and tripods are not allowed.
Train or Car?
The Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat trains make Delhi–Agra under 2 hours, and Shatabdi trains serve Jaipur. Book on IRCTC. A private car is more flexible for Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri.
Popular Add-ons
- Ranthambore for tiger safaris (from Jaipur)
- Varanasi for the Ganga aarti – see our Varanasi guide
- Udaipur or the rest of Rajasthan – see our Rajasthan 7-day itinerary
- Rishikesh and Haridwar in the north
Best Time
October to March. Summers are very hot; monsoon is humid but green.
Golden Triangle Packages
- Golden Triangle Tour India
- Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Camp Stay – 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Jaipur & Udaipur – Pink City to City of Lakes, 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Rajasthan Forts & Desert – Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh & Jaisalmer, 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Rajasthan Heritage Circuit – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur, 5 Nights / 6 Days
See all Rajasthan tours and Uttar Pradesh tours.
More information: Incredible India.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed for the Golden Triangle?
Five days is ideal; four is possible with an early start.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day?
It is closed on Fridays for prayers.
Which order is best?
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Delhi is the most common and efficient loop.
Can I add Varanasi?
Yes – fly or take an overnight train from Agra or Delhi.
Make the journey your own.
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