First light on the Taj Mahal is a moment people remember for life. The marble turns from grey to pink to gold while the garden is still quiet. Add Delhi’s Mughal monuments and Jaipur’s honey-coloured forts, and you have India’s most famous journey – in under a week.
The route
The three cities form a neat triangle. Delhi to Agra is about three and a half to four hours on the Yamuna Expressway. Agra to Jaipur is around four to five hours, with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur back to Delhi is about five hours. A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to do it.
Day by day
- Day 1, Delhi: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Lodhi Garden; evening rickshaw ride in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk.
- Day 2, Delhi → Agra: drive to Agra, visit Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh for a sunset view of the Taj across the river.
- Day 3, Agra → Jaipur: Taj Mahal at sunrise, then drive to Jaipur via the abandoned red-stone city of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Day 4, Jaipur: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal photo stop, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the bazaars for block prints and jewellery.
- Day 5: Drive back to Delhi.
See the Taj at sunrise. Everything about the day – the light, the calm, the photos – is better.
Taj Mahal tips
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays – plan around it.
- Arrive at the gate before sunrise for the softest light and smallest crowds.
- Carry little: large bags, food and tripods are not allowed inside.
- Hire a licensed guide – the stories of the inlay work and the symmetry bring it alive.
Hand-picked packages
When to go
October to March is ideal – cool mornings and sunny days. December and January can be foggy in Delhi and Agra early in the morning. April to June is very hot; July to September is the monsoon.
Planning a Golden Triangle tour?
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Add Ranthambore for a tiger safari, Udaipur for lakes and palaces, or Rishikesh and Haridwar for the Ganga aarti. See our Rajasthan and Golden Triangle tours – all can be customised with the hotels you prefer.
Questions travellers ask
How many days do I need for the Golden Triangle?
Four to five nights is enough for Delhi, Agra and Jaipur at a comfortable pace.
Which day is the Taj Mahal closed?
The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.
What is the best way to travel between the cities?
A private car with a driver gives the most flexibility and comfort. Trains also connect Delhi with Agra and Jaipur.
Explore more: Rajasthan tours · All India tours · Heritage tours · Visit our West Delhi office
Visa and entry information last checked on 3 October 2026. Government rules can change at short notice – please confirm the latest requirements before you travel, or ask our team.
