If you have a week to ten days in India for the first time, the Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — is the route that's earned its reputation: three unmissable cities, close enough to link comfortably, packed with the sights that made you want to come. Here's a day-by-day plan, plus the best ways to extend it if you have the extra days.
The classic 7-day Golden Triangle
Days 1–2: Delhi
Arrive, recover from the flight, and ease in. Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk (street food, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid) is a sensory deep end; New Delhi's Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and India Gate are calmer and grand. A pre-booked airport transfer makes the arrival painless — a named driver waiting, fixed price, no 2 a.m. haggling.
Day 3: Delhi → Agra (the Taj Mahal)
Travel to Agra (fast train or a 3–4 hour drive). See the Taj Mahal at sunrise the next morning if you can — it's worth the early alarm — plus Agra Fort and a sunset view from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
Day 4: Agra → Jaipur (via Fatehpur Sikri)
Break the drive to Jaipur at the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive in Jaipur, the "Pink City," by evening.
Days 5–6: Jaipur
Amber Fort (go early), the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal's honeycomb façade, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Jaipur is also the trip's best shopping — textiles, blue pottery, jewelry.
Day 7: Return
Fly home from Jaipur, or loop back to Delhi for an onward flight.
Best extensions if you have 8–10 days
- +2 days: Udaipur. India's most romantic city — lake palaces, sunset boat rides. A short flight from Jaipur or Delhi.
- +2 days: Varanasi. The spiritual heart of India — the evening Ganga Aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges are unforgettable.
- +3 days: Goa. Swap forts for beaches, Portuguese old towns and seafood to end the trip on the coast.
- +3 days: Kerala. Fly south for the backwaters, a houseboat night and Fort Kochi's calm.
Practical tips for this route
- When to go: October to March is the comfortable season across North India; April–June is very hot, and the monsoon runs roughly June–September.
- Getting around: Private car with driver is the easy default for the Golden Triangle; trains are great for Delhi–Agra. Book internal flights for Udaipur, Varanasi, Goa or Kerala.
- Book the headline sights ahead — the Taj Mahal and major forts have queues and visitor caps in peak season.
- Stay connected from the moment you land with an India eSIM — you'll want maps and ride apps from day one.
Build your own version in seconds
Want this tailored to your exact dates and interests? Our free AI India Trip Planner takes your cities and travel style and produces a personalized day-by-day plan, then lines up flights, hotels, transfers, tours and an eSIM — all in one place.
First, the one thing that gets you in
None of this happens without your Indian e-visa. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most countries can apply online. Check your eligibility — we review your application before it's filed so a small mistake doesn't derail the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for the Golden Triangle? Yes — seven days covers Delhi, Agra and Jaipur at a comfortable pace, including travel between them.
What's the best time to do the Golden Triangle? October to March, when North India's weather is coolest and most pleasant for sightseeing.
Should I add Varanasi or Udaipur? If you have 9–10 days, yes — Udaipur for lakes and palaces, Varanasi for the spiritual Ganges experience. Both are short flights from the triangle.