India6 days
India's Golden Triangle with Mathura and Vrindavan — 6 Days
Delhi, Mathura, Agra, and Jaipur with temple visits and Taj Mahal sunrise
This six-day itinerary combines the principal monuments of India's Golden Triangle with a significant detour to Mathura and Vrindavan, the cities associated with the life of Krishna in Hindu tradition. The route moves from Delhi's Mughal and colonial architecture through the Krishna temples of Mathura, to Agra's Taj Mahal and Mughal fort, before concluding in Jaipur's palace architecture and stepwells. Each city is approached through guided walking tours and vehicle transfers, with viewing of the Taj Mahal timed for sunrise. The pace allows for both major monuments and secondary sites often passed over on standard triangle routes.
Highlights
- Sunrise view of the Taj Mahal from the main gate, Agra
- Krishna Janambhoomi temple in Mathura, marking the traditional birthplace of Krishna
- Amber Fort approached by elephant, Jaipur
- Red Fort and India Gate, Delhi
- Fatehpur Sikri, en route to Jaipur
- Abhaneri Stepwell (Baoli), a multi-level water structure near Fatehpur Sikri
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur's five-storey pink sandstone structure
- Agra Fort, containing Mughal palaces and the Khas Mahal
- Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), a marble mausoleum in Agra
- Jantar Mantar astronomical observation platform, Jaipur
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhiairport · hotel in central Delhi
International flights typically arrive in the evening. Airport staff meet arriving passengers and arrange transfer by vehicle to the hotel in central Delhi. Overnight accommodation in Delhi.
2Guided Tour of Delhi's MonumentsRed Fort · Humayun's Tomb · India Gate · Qutub Minar · Lotus Temple
A full-day guided walking and vehicle tour covers Delhi's principal sites. The itinerary includes the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Qutub Minar, President House, Parliament House, and the Lotus Temple. Overnight in Delhi.
3Mathura Temple Circuit and Transfer to AgraDelhi to Mathura · Krishna Janambhoomi temple · Radha Rani Temple · Raman Reti Temple · ISKCON temple · Prem Mandir · Mathura to Agra
Morning departure from Delhi to Mathura is approximately a two-hour drive. Upon arrival, a guided tour visits Krishna Janambhoomi temple (the traditional birthplace of Krishna), Radha Rani Temple, Raman Reti Temple, the ISKCON temple, and Prem Mandir. After temple visits, the journey continues to Agra, roughly one hour south. Overnight in Agra.
4Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri en Route to JaipurTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Fatehpur Sikri · Jaipur · Itimad-ud-Daulah · Abhaneri Stepwell
The day begins early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. After viewing, the group returns to the hotel for breakfast, then departs for Agra Fort (the Mughal imperial fort containing palaces, courts, and private chambers) and Itimad-ud-Daulah (a marble mausoleum smaller in scale than the Taj). The drive to Jaipur includes stops at Fatehpur Sikri and the Abhaneri Stepwell. Overnight in Jaipur.
5Jaipur's Palaces, Forts, and MarketsAmber Fort · City Palace · Jal Mahal · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar · local markets
A morning guided tour covers Amber Fort (approached by elephant), City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. The afternoon allows for rest at the hotel. The evening may be spent visiting local markets for Rajasthani textiles and crafts, or remaining at the hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.
6Return to Delhi and DepartureJaipur to Delhi · Delhi airport
Morning departure from Jaipur to Delhi is approximately a four-hour drive. Upon arrival, passengers are transferred to Delhi airport according to their flight departure time.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Taj Mahal
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Fatehpur Sikri
- 5Jaipur
- 6Itimad-Ud-Daulah
- 7Amber Fort
- 8City Palace
- 9Hawa Mahal
- 10Jantar Mantar