Golden Triangle Itinerary 5 Days: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur Complete Guide

India's Most Popular Tourist Circuit

The Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur - is the perfect introduction to India. This 5-day route covers three iconic cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and delivers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Your 5-Day Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Delhi - Arrival & Exploration
• Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing → Evening train to Agra
• Day 3: Taj Mahal → Agra Fort → Drive to Jaipur
• Day 4: Jaipur - Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal
• Day 5: Jaipur - Morning exploration → Return to Delhi

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Morning - Arrival

• Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
• Exchange currency at airport (better rates than city)
• Pre-book airport pickup (₹800-1200) or use Uber/Ola

Midday - Explore

• Red Fort: UNESCO site, entry ₹35 (foreigners ₹250), 2 hours
• Jama Masjid: India's largest mosque, free entry, 1 hour
• Lunch at Chandni Chowk (₹100-300 for authentic food)

Evening

• India Gate: Evening visit, free entry
• Agrasen Ki Baoli: Hidden stepwell, free entry
• Dinner at Connaught Place (₹300-800)

Budget for Day 1:

₹1,500-2,500 (excluding accommodation)

Day 2: Delhi Full Day → Agra

Morning (8 AM - 12 PM)

• Qutub Minar: UNESCO site, entry ₹30 (foreigners ₹200), 1.5 hours
• Akshardham Temple: Entry free, water show ₹50, 2-3 hours

Afternoon

• Lunch (₹150-400)
• Return to hotel, check out
• Head to New Delhi Railway Station

Evening - Travel to Agra

• Option 1 (Recommended): Gatimaan Express - 1st AC ₹750, 2 hours, depart 6:00 PM
• Option 2: Delhi - Agra expressway bus, ₹400, 3 hours
• Option 3: Private car with driver - ₹2,000-3,000

Arrive Agra

• Check into hotel (₹800-2,000 for mid-range)
• Rest for early morning Taj Mahal

Budget for Day 2:

₹2,000-4,000

Day 3: Agra → Jaipur

Early Morning (5:30 AM)

• Wake up, head to Taj Mahal (10 min from hotel)
• Taj Mahal Entry: ₹250 Indians, ₹1,100 foreigners (book online)
• Arrive by 6 AM - beat the crowds!
• Spend 2-3 hours exploring

Mid-Morning

• Return to hotel, freshen up
• Breakfast (₹100-300)
• Check out

Late Morning

• Agra Fort: UNESCO, entry ₹100 (foreigners ₹550), 2 hours
• Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj): Entry ₹100, 1 hour

Afternoon - Drive to Jaipur

• By Car: 4-5 hours, ₹2,000-3,000
• By Bus: Volvo AC, 4 hours, ₹400-600

Evening in Jaipur

• Check into hotel
• Explore Johari Bazaar for shopping
• Dinner at Chawadi (traditional Rajasthani), ₹300-600

Budget for Day 3:

₹3,000-5,000

Day 4: Jaipur Full Day

Morning (5:00 AM)

Start early for Amber Fort - beat the heat and crowds!

• Drive to Amber Fort (30 min from city)
• Amber Fort Entry: ₹100 (foreigners ₹500)
• Elephant/Jeep ride up: ₹600/head (elephant) or free (jeep)
• Spend 2-3 hours exploring

Late Morning

• Jal Mahal (Water Palace): Photo stop, free
• Nahargarh Fort: ₹50 entry, views of Pink City

Afternoon

• Lunch at restaurant with city views (₹300-600)
• Rest during hot afternoon

Evening

• City Palace: Entry ₹500, 2 hours
• Hawa Mahal: Entry ₹50 (foreigners ₹200), exterior view recommended
• Jantar Mantar: UNESCO, entry ₹50 (foreigners ₹200)

Night

• Watch sunset from Nahargarh Fort
• Dinner at 1135 AD (traditional), ₹400-800

Budget for Day 4:

₹2,500-4,500

Day 5: Jaipur → Delhi

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Last-minute shopping or sightseeing
• Albert Hall Museum (if interested), entry ₹50

Midday - Return to Delhi

• By Car: 5-6 hours, ₹2,500-3,500
• By Train: Jaipur-Delhi Express, 4-5 hours, ₹400-1,500
• By Flight: 1 hour, ₹2,000-4,000 (not recommended)

Evening in Delhi

• Drop luggage at hotel or storage
• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Depart for airport (3 hours before flight)

Budget for Day 5:

₹2,000-4,000 (excluding departure)

Total Budget Summary

Budget Traveler (₹10,000-15,000 / $120-180 / £95-140)

• Accommodation: ₹2,500 (5 nights, ₹500/night average)
• Food: ₹1,500
• Transport: ₹2,500
• Entry Fees: ₹1,500
• Misc: ₹1,000

Mid-Range (₹18,000-25,000 / $220-300 / £175-240)

• Accommodation: ₹5,000
• Food: ₹3,000
• Transport: ₹4,000
• Entry Fees: ₹2,500
• Misc: ₹2,000

Luxury (₹40,000+ / $500+ / £400+)

• Accommodation: ₹15,000
• Food: ₹5,000
• Transport: ₹8,000
• Entry Fees: ₹3,000
• Misc: ₹3,000

Pro Tips

• Book Taj Mahal tickets online 15 days in advance
• Use 12go.asia for train bookings
• Start each day early to avoid heat and crowds
• Stay near Connaught Place in Delhi, Tajganj in Agra, C Scheme in Jaipur
• Negotiate auto-rickshaw prices or use app-based cabs
• Carry bottled water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes

Conclusion

The Golden Triangle delivers the best of India in just 5 days. From the chaos of Delhi to the romance of the Taj Mahal and the royal heritage of Jaipur, this itinerary provides unforgettable memories. Choose your budget level and enjoy!