1Which order and how many days?
The Golden Triangle is a loop of about 750 km linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Most people start in Delhi, where most international flights arrive, drive to Agra, then Jaipur, and back to Delhi. Five days is the sweet spot: two in Delhi, one in Agra and two in Jaipur. Four days works if you're quick; six lets you add Ranthambore or Pushkar. Plan Agra so you're not there on a Friday, when the Taj Mahal is closed.
2Delhi: one or two days
In Old Delhi, see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. In New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate and the Lotus Temple are the highlights. Delhi traffic is heavy, so group the sights by area and let your driver handle the parking. Two days in Delhi is comfortable; one day covers the main sights in a rush.
3Delhi to Agra: the Taj Mahal
Delhi to Agra is about 230 km on the Yamuna Expressway, around 3.5 to 4 hours. Arrive in the afternoon to see Agra Fort and the sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the river. Then see the Taj Mahal at sunrise the next morning, when the marble glows pink and the crowds are smallest. Carry ID, and leave bags and food in the car, as they're not allowed inside.
4Agra to Jaipur, via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri
Agra to Jaipur is about 240 km, 4 to 5 hours with stops. Leave after breakfast and stop at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's abandoned red sandstone city, 40 km out of Agra. A little further on, a short detour to Chand Baori in Abhaneri shows you one of India's deepest stepwells. You'll reach Jaipur by late afternoon, in time for an evening walk through the old city bazaars.
5Jaipur and back to Delhi
Spend a full day on Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, and finish with sunset at Nahargarh. Jaipur to Delhi is about 280 km on NH48, 5 to 6 hours; for an evening flight from Delhi, leave Jaipur by 9 am. October to March is the best season. Our Jaipur to Delhi cab handles the last leg one way from ₹2,500, or we can run the whole loop with one car and driver.
