India8 days

Delhi, Agra & Jaipur: Mughal Capitals & Palaces — 8 Days

A circuit through India's three principal Mughal and colonial centers.

This eight-day itinerary moves through three of India's historically significant cities: Delhi, the seat of multiple empires and the modern capital; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the Mughal court; and Jaipur, the planned city built on a grid of nine blocks. The route covers distances by road, with guided tours of monuments in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, including the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, and the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. Transfers between cities are by private vehicle; most days include a guide and structured sightseeing, with free time built in for rest and local exploration.

Highlights

  • Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, monuments of the Mughal era
  • Taj Mahal at sunrise from Agra, viewed from the main mausoleum and from Mehtab Bagh across the river
  • Amber Fort approached by elephant from the base to the main gate
  • Hawa Mahal, the five-story pink sandstone palace in Jaipur's city center
  • Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, a garden-tomb complex.
  • Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, an astronomical observation site.
  • Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital, visited en route to Jaipur
  • Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, explored by cycle rickshaw through narrow lanes
  • Qutub Minar in Delhi, a minaret.

Day by day

1Arrival in DelhiDelhi airport · hotel
International flights typically arrive in the evening. A representative meets guests at Delhi airport and arranges transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
2Old Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid & Chandni ChowkRed Fort · Jama Masjid · Chandni Chowk · Humayun's Tomb · Raj Ghat
A guided tour of Old Delhi begins after breakfast. The itinerary includes the Red Fort, seat of Mughal power; Jama Masjid, a mosque; Humayun's Tomb, a garden-tomb complex; and Chandni Chowk, the main bazaar, explored by cycle rickshaw. The day concludes at Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight in Delhi.
3New Delhi: Monuments & TemplesIndia Gate · Qutub Minar · President's House · Parliament House · Lotus Temple · Akshardham Temple · Jantar Mantar
After breakfast, a guided tour covers the planned districts of New Delhi, built during the British Raj. Sites include India Gate, a war memorial arch; Qutub Minar, a minaret; the President's House and Parliament House; Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í house of worship; Akshardham Temple, a Hindu complex; and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical instrument site. Overnight in Delhi.
4Delhi to Agra: 200 KilometersDelhi to Agra · Baby Taj (Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah) · Mehtab Bagh
After breakfast, a driver collects guests around 10 a.m. for the four-hour drive to Agra. On arrival and after checking in, the evening includes a visit to Baby Taj (Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah) and a view of the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh, a garden on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. Overnight in Agra.
5Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Journey to JaipurTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Abhaneri Stepwell · Fatehpur Sikri · Agra to Jaipur
An early-morning visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise is followed by breakfast at the hotel. The day continues with a tour of Agra Fort, a Mughal stronghold. After sightseeing, the drive to Jaipur begins (240 kilometers, approximately five to six hours). En route, stops include Abhaneri Stepwell, a water structure, and Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital. Arrival in Jaipur is in the evening. Overnight in Jaipur.
6Jaipur: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal & City PalaceAmber Fort · Hawa Mahal · City Palace · Jal Mahal · Jaipur's local markets
A guided tour begins after breakfast around 9 a.m. Amber Fort, the hilltop palace complex, is approached by elephant from the parking area to the main gate. The tour includes Jal Mahal, a palace set in a lake; Hawa Mahal, the five-story pink sandstone structure; and City Palace, a blend of Mughal and European architecture still partially inhabited. After sightseeing, guests return to the hotel for rest. The evening is free for exploration of Jaipur's local markets. Overnight in Jaipur.
7Jaipur to Delhi: Jantar Mantar, Temples & ReturnJaipur to Delhi · Jantar Mantar · Birla Temple · Monkey Temple
After breakfast, the tour continues with Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observation site, Birla Temple, a modern Hindu temple, and Monkey Temple. In the afternoon, the drive back to Delhi begins (approximately four hours, 240 kilometers). Overnight in Delhi.
8Delhi Airport TransferDelhi Airport
Your driver will transfer you to Delhi Airport according to your flight schedule, covering approximately 240 kilometres.

Where you go

Map: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur: Mughal Capitals & Palaces — 8 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1hotel
  2. 2Red Fort
  3. 3Jantar Mantar
  4. 4Taj Mahal
  5. 5Agra Fort
  6. 6Fatehpur Sikri
  7. 7Amber Fort
  8. 8Hawa Mahal
  9. 9City Palace
  10. 10Jantar Mantar