India8 days
India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, Jaipur & Agra — 8 Days
Delhi to Agra via Jaipur and rural Rajasthan, with Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and heritage village stay
This eight-day itinerary traces the Golden Triangle of northern India—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra—a foundational introduction to the region's Mughal and Rajput architecture, marketplace culture, and historical monuments. The route moves by private transport and local transit (metro, rickshaw) through the capital's Old City, then south into Rajasthan to the Pink City's palaces and observatories, a detour through rural Dausa District to a 17th-century village, and finally to Agra's Taj Mahal and fort complexes. Pacing is unhurried for an eight-day span, with one night in a restored heritage property breaking the hotel accommodations, and guided activities led throughout by English-speaking local leaders. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available daily.
Highlights
- Old Delhi by rickshaw and metro: Chandni Chowk bazaar, Jama Masjid (Delhi's oldest mosque), and Sheeshganj Gurudwara
- Taj Mahal in Agra: the marble inlay patterns and optical effects on this 1640s Mughal monument
- Amber Fort hillside complex near Jaipur: Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal's glass mosaic interior
- Lotwara Village in Dausa District: 17th-century temples, rural walking tour, and local sweets made with pumpkin, jaggery, and sesame
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jantar Mantar (18th-century astronomical observatory) in Jaipur
- Agra Fort: originally a military structure built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, later converted to a palace
- Fatehpur Sikri: the former Mughal capital with Persian and Hindu architectural influences
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhihotel · Humayun's Tomb · local restaurant
The itinerary opens in Delhi, India's capital. A welcome meeting is scheduled for 6 pm at the hotel, allowing time for independent arrival and rest, or an optional visit to nearby sights such as Humayun's Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage site). An optional group dinner at a local restaurant may follow the welcome meeting.
2Old Delhi by Metro and RickshawOld Delhi · Chandni Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara
A guided tour through Old Delhi begins with the metro system, then transitions to rickshaw travel through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk marketplace. The route includes Jama Masjid, one of Delhi's oldest mosques, and Sheeshganj Gurudwara, where the history of the Sikh faith is presented. Dinner recommendations are provided by the local guide.
3Jaipur: The Pink City's Palaces and ObservatoriesJaipur · Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) · Royal City Palace · Maharaja Jai Singh's astronomical observatory
The drive into Rajasthan leads to Jaipur, the state capital, known as the Pink City for its distinctive architecture and layout. The day includes time to wander the busy bazaars selling jewellery, textiles, tea, and spices. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is visited, alongside the Royal City Palace with its ornate interiors. The itinerary also includes one of Maharaja Jai Singh's five astronomical observatories, built in the 18th century.
4Amber Fort and Optional Hot Air BalloonAmber Fort · Jaipur countryside · Sheesh Mahal
An optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the Jaipur countryside may be arranged. The main activity is a visit to Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The fort exemplifies Rajput architecture and houses the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where walls are lined with reflective and colored glass mosaic.
5Lotwara Village: Rural Rajasthan and Heritage StayLotwara Village · Local stalls · restored heritage property
The journey continues south to Lotwara Village in Dausa District, a 17th-century settlement retaining its traditional temples and known locally as the Peacock Town for its dense population of peacocks. A guided walk through the Old Quarter provides an overview of rural Indian life beyond the main tourist routes. Local stalls offer seasonal sweets made from pumpkin (petha), jaggery, and sesame seeds (gazak). The night is spent in a restored heritage property with dinner included.
6Fatehpur Sikri and Arrival in AgraFatehpur Sikri · Akbar's Mausoleum · Taj Mahal
En route to Agra, the itinerary stops at Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. The mosque here displays both Persian and Hindu architectural elements and is marked by a 54-meter-high entrance gate. In Agra, an optional visit to Akbar's Mausoleum, the marble tomb of the great Mughal Emperor, is available. The evening concludes at the Taj Mahal, built in the 1640s as a memorial to Emperor Shah Jahan's wife and designated one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
7Agra Fort and Return to DelhiAgra Fort · Sheroes Hangout · hotel · Agra to Delhi
The morning begins with a guided tour along the Yamuna River banks to Agra Fort. Originally constructed in 1565 by Emperor Akbar as a military fortification, it was later converted into a palace under Emperor Shah Jahan's reign and eventually became his prison. An optional lunch stop at Sheroes Hangout, a vegetarian and vegan social enterprise café, provides employment opportunities for survivors of acid attacks. The afternoon journey back to Delhi by private bus allows time to settle into the hotel before a final dinner with the group.
8Delhi Departure
No scheduled activities are planned on this final day. You're free to depart from the hotel at any time that suits your travel plans. If you're catching a later flight or train, the hotel can arrange luggage storage so you can visit Delhi a little longer if you wish. If you'd like to extend your stay by a couple of days to rest and recover, or to wander more of the city, contact your booking agent in advance to arrange this. For those with additional time, consider exploring South India's highlights on a separate trip.
Where you go
- 1hotel
- 2Old Delhi
- 3Jaipur
- 4Amber Fort
- 5Fatehpur Sikri
- 6Taj Mahal
- 7Agra Fort
- 8Sheroes Hangout
- 9hotel
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (6 nights), Heritage Property (1 night)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 1, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.