Golden Triangle Classic
6 days — Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
Overview
India's most iconic circuit — Delhi's Mughal grandeur, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and Jaipur's pink-walled forts. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in six days. The ideal introduction to India for first-time visitors, and still rewarding for those returning.
Day-by-Day Plan
DelhiDay 1 — Arrive Delhi — First impressions
Delhi, North India
Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport and check into your hotel. Delhi is overwhelming on first contact — give yourself the afternoon to recover from the journey. Start gently: a walk through the leafy diplomatic enclave of Lodhi Colony or a sunset stroll around Humayun's Tomb (one of Delhi's most underrated monuments and the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal).
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DelhiDay 2 — Delhi — Old City & New City
Delhi, North India
Delhi is two cities in one: the chaotic Mughal labyrinth of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad, built 1638) and the rational colonial geometry of New Delhi (Lutyens's Delhi, built 1911–31). Today covers both. Start early in Old Delhi before the heat — the Red Fort and Jama Masjid are at their best before 10am.
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Day 3 — Delhi → Agra — The Taj at Sunset
Take the morning Gatimaan Express train from Hazrat Nizamuddin station (2 hours, $10–15 USD in chair car class) — the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Agra. Arrive by noon, check in, then time your first Taj Mahal visit for the late afternoon when the light turns golden and crowds thin slightly.
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AgraDay 4 — Agra — Taj at Sunrise + Agra Fort
Agra, North India
The Taj Mahal at sunrise is one of the great travel experiences on Earth. Set an alarm for 5am. After sunrise, a full morning at Agra Fort — then an optional detour to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri before the evening drive to Jaipur.
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JaipurDay 5 — Jaipur — Forts, Palaces & the Pink City
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is the most photogenic city in India for many travellers — a walled city of rose-pink buildings, turbaned merchants, and monumental Mughal and Rajput architecture. Start early at Amber Fort before the heat builds and the day-trippers arrive.
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Day 6 — Jaipur — Morning markets & departure
A final morning in the Pink City before heading to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) or back to Delhi. Morning is best for photography — the old city's pink walls glow in the early light. Flights from Jaipur connect directly to most major Indian cities and several international routes.
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Budget Estimator
Approximate costs per person for 6 days, excluding international flights
Budget
$24 USD/day
Total ~$145 USD
(~₹12,000 INR)
- ✓Budget guesthouses & backpacker hostels
- ✓Street food, dhabas & local thali restaurants
- ✓Train 2nd class Delhi–Agra ($5 USD)
- ✓Self-guided sightseeing with free audio apps
Mid-range
$65 USD/day
Total ~$393 USD
(~₹33,000 INR)
- ✓3–4 star hotels in all three cities
- ✓Sit-down restaurants, rooftop dining
- ✓Gatimaan Express train Delhi–Agra ($15 USD)
- ✓Private AC car Agra–Jaipur
- ✓Licensed guide at Taj Mahal & Amber Fort
Luxury
$180 USD/day
Total ~$1080 USD
(~₹90,000 INR)
- ✓5-star & heritage hotels (ITC, Oberoi, RAAS)
- ✓Fine dining & in-hotel experiences
- ✓Private chauffeur throughout
- ✓Private guides at every monument
- ✓Sunrise Taj Mahal private tour
* Costs are indicative for 2025–26. Prices vary by season, booking lead time, and personal preference. Luxury tier assumes 5-star heritage hotels throughout.
Packing List
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