Delhi, Agra & Jaipur: Three Capitals in 2 Days

A tour through three Indian cities featuring Mughal monuments, royal palaces, and astronomical instruments.

This two-day itinerary connects three of India's most historically significant cities in rapid succession. A departure from Delhi in the early morning leads south to Agra, where the Taj Mahal and the red sandstone of Agra Fort occupy the morning and early afternoon. The route continues west through Fatehpur Sikri, a sixteenth-century palatial complex built and abandoned by the Mughal emperor Akbar, arriving in Jaipur by evening. The second day focuses on Jaipur's principal landmarks—the Amber Fort overlooking the city, the City Palace still partially inhabited by the royal family, the water tank of Jal Mahal, the geometric facade of Hawa Mahal, and the Jantar Mantar, an eighteenth-century astronomical observation site now designated UNESCO heritage. Return to Delhi completes the circuit by late afternoon.

Highlights

Taj Mahal in Agra—mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Agra Fort—sixteenth-century Mughal fortress complex
Fatehpur Sikri—palatial sixteenth-century city and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Amber Fort, Jaipur—elevated royal fortress with palace interiors
City Palace, Jaipur—active royal residence and heritage museum
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur—five-story pink sandstone structure
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur—UNESCO-designated eighteenth-century astronomical instrument park

Day by day

1Delhi to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri to JaipurAgra · Fatehpur Sikri · Jaipur · Delhi hotel or residence · Taj Mahal · Agra Fort · Agra to Jaipur

Pickup occurs in the early morning—around 6 a.m.—from a Delhi hotel or residence. The three-hour drive southward covers approximately 200 kilometers to Agra. Upon arrival, the itinerary includes visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, both central monuments of the city. From Agra, the route continues westward toward Jaipur, a journey of approximately 240 kilometers. The route passes through Fatehpur Sikri, a sixteenth-century palatial compound built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Arrival in Jaipur occurs in the evening, followed by overnight accommodation.

2Jaipur's Monuments and Return to DelhiAmber Fort · City Palace · Jal Mahal · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar · Jaipur to Delhi

After breakfast, visit Jaipur's well-known sites: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. In early afternoon, begin the four-hour drive back to Delhi (240 km). Arrive at your Delhi hotel or airport around 6 p.m.

Where you go

Map: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur: Three Capitals in 2 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Agra
2Fatehpur Sikri
3Jaipur
4Taj Mahal
5Agra Fort
6Amber Fort
7City Palace
8Hawa Mahal
9Jantar Mantar