3-Day Golden Triangle Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Golden Triangle tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGolden Triangle travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in India's Golden Triangle, incl. Delhi and Agra

  North India's most iconic cities unfold over 3 action-packed days, spanning 780km. Delhi reveals India Gate and Sikh Temple, while Jaipur showcases the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar and pink-hued Hawa Mahal. The finale brings you to Agra's UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal and 16th-century Agra Fort.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi to Jaipur

    Start your morning in Delhi exploring the Sikh Temple and India Gate. Get to Qutub Minar early to avoid crowds and escape the heat. Next comes a 5-hour drive to Jaipur (300km). The roads are rough and traffic can be heavy so pack motion sickness pills if needed. Your driver will stop for breaks along the way. Once in Jaipur you can check out the local bazaars but stay on main streets if walking at night.

    
  • Day 2

    Jaipur to Agra

    Head to Amber Fort early for the best morning photos. "The guides were great in helping take photos - they were thorough in their knowledge of the location," a visitor noted. Tour the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory before driving 4-5 hours to Agra (240km). Watch out for tourist traps pushing you to shop at "factories" where jewelry tends to be overpriced.

    
  • Day 3

    Agra to Delhi

    Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when it's less crowded and the light is perfect. Remember it's closed Fridays. Explore the huge Agra Fort to learn about the Mughal empire. Your guide will explain how these two UNESCO sites connect historically. The 4-hour drive back to Delhi (240km) takes time so book a late afternoon flight to avoid rushing. Solo female travelers regularly mention feeling secure with the drivers and guides on this route.

    

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• 3 Day India's Golden Triangle Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Agra

  The Golden Triangle reveals Delhi's Qutub Minar, Agra's Taj Mahal, and Jaipur's Amber Fort over 3 days. The 600km route features 8 UNESCO sites, expert guides, and 4-star accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi Exploration

    Start in Delhi by exploring both the old and new sections. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India before experiencing the bustling Chandni Chowk spice market. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Qutub Minar in the afternoon. It's best to arrive before 3 PM to skip the crowds and avoid the strongest sun. Finish your day taking sunset photos at Humayun's Tomb. Quick tip: Pack slip-on shoes since you'll remove them often at religious sites.

    
  • Day 2

    Agra and the Taj Mahal

    Leave Delhi by 6 AM for the 4-hour trip to Agra. One visitor noted: "Witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise was unforgettable - the soft light cast a magical glow over the white marble." Get there when it opens at 6 AM to avoid crowds and heat. After seeing the Taj Mahal, visit Agra Fort. Take a 40-minute drive to explore Fatehpur Sikri's abandoned city. Then head to Jaipur (5-6 hours) to spend the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Jaipur's Pink City

    Visit Amber Fort early in the morning since the hilltop gets very hot later. Next up are the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and Jantar Mantar observatory. Save time to shop in the local bazaars. Travelers suggest friendly bargaining is normal and expected. Plan to start the 5-hour drive back to Delhi by 3 PM to avoid nighttime travel.

    

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• 3 Day India's Golden Triangle Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Agra

  A 460km circuit winds through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur over 3 days. Sunrise at Taj Mahal, UNESCO sites like Qutub Minar and Fatehpur Sikri, plus authentic rickshaw rides in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk create lasting memories.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi to Agra

    Be ready by 8:30 AM to account for Delhi's unpredictable morning traffic. Your first stop is Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Take a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk's narrow lanes before 11 AM to avoid peak heat and crowds. Visit the Red Fort mid-morning when the lighting is best for photos. After lunch, visit New Delhi's landmarks including Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. "The historic landmarks of Delhi, including the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, were incredible - every stop was a highlight." Pack water and snacks for the 3-hour drive to Agra on the Yamuna Expressway since stops are limited.

    
  • Day 2

    Agra to Jaipur

    Get up at 5 AM for sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The early start rewards you with better light and fewer tourists. "Rafiq was a brilliant guide with great insights during the tour around the Taj Mahal. He's very knowledgable and engaging." Remember to bring slip-on shoes since you'll remove them at the entrance. Visit Agra Fort before noon to avoid the hot sun on the red sandstone. On your way to Jaipur, stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Bring a hat and water since this ghost city offers little shade. The full journey to Jaipur takes about 5 hours with the stop included.

    
  • Day 3

    Jaipur to Delhi

    Start at Amber Fort by 8 AM before the crowds and heat intensify. "Monis was our guide in Jaipur, showed us all the best sights and explained everything really well - great knowledge of the history of the fort." Visit the City Palace complex and Jantar Mantar in the morning. After lunch, see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal. Leave Jaipur by 2 PM for the 5-6 hour drive back to Delhi. Most visitors arrive in Delhi between 8-9 PM.

    

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