Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur for First-Time Visitors
India's most popular first trip: what to see in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, how to travel between them and when to go.
The "Golden Triangle" is the most popular route for first-time visitors to India. It links three cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. On a map they form a triangle, and each city is a few hours from the others.
How many days?
Most visitors spend 4 to 6 days: about two days in Delhi, one in Agra and two in Jaipur.
When to go
October to March is the most comfortable time. April to June is very hot, and July to September is the rainy monsoon season.
Delhi: what to see
- Red Fort, the Mughal palace-fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Qutub Minar, a tall tower of red sandstone (UNESCO).
- Humayun's Tomb, a garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal (UNESCO).
- India Gate and the old lanes of Chandni Chowk.
Delhi to Agra
About 230 km. Fast trains take around 2 hours; by road on the Yamuna Expressway it is about 3 to 4 hours.
Agra: what to see
- Taj Mahal. It is closed on Fridays. Go at sunrise for softer light and smaller crowds.
- Agra Fort, the red fort of the Mughal emperors (UNESCO).
- Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's abandoned city, on the way to Jaipur (UNESCO).
Agra to Jaipur
About 240 km, roughly 4 to 5 hours by road. Trains also run on this route.
Jaipur: what to see
- Amber Fort, a hilltop fort-palace (UNESCO, part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan).
- Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its many small windows.
- City Palace and Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory (UNESCO).
Jaipur back to Delhi
About 280 km, roughly 5 hours by road, or a short flight or train.
Useful tips
- Apply for an Indian e-Visa only on the official government website (link below). Many fake sites charge extra.
- Foreign visitors pay a higher entry fee at monuments; carry your passport.
- Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques and gurdwaras, and dress modestly.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Opening days, timings and ticket prices change. Check official sites before you go.