Last updated: 13 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
A Golden Triangle itinerary links Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, three of India's most visited cities. The full loop is roughly 760 km by road.
You can see the highlights in 3 days, but it is a rush. Five days is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. Below are both plans, with distances, timing tips and ideas for your days in Jaipur.
Golden Triangle Distances at a Glance
- Delhi to Agra: about 240 km, around 3 to 4 hours on the Yamuna Expressway, or about 1 hour 40 minutes on a fast train such as the Gatimaan Express.
- Agra to Jaipur: about 240 km, around 4 to 5 hours by road, with Fatehpur Sikri about 40 km from Agra on the way.
- Jaipur to Delhi: about 280 km, around 5 to 6 hours by car or 3.5 to 4.5 hours on the fastest trains.
The 3-Day Golden Triangle Itinerary
Day 1, Delhi to Agra: leave Delhi early. Visit Agra Fort in the afternoon and rest in Agra for an early start.
Day 2, Agra to Jaipur: see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive in Jaipur by evening.
Day 3, Jaipur to Delhi: spend the morning at Amber Fort, see the old city, then return to Delhi in the evening.
This plan works if you are short on time, but you will spend a lot of it on the road, and Delhi itself gets almost no time.
The 5-Day Golden Triangle Itinerary
Day 1, Delhi: explore Old Delhi, India Gate and Humayun's Tomb at a relaxed pace.
Day 2, Delhi to Agra: travel in the morning, then visit Agra Fort and the local markets.
Day 3, Agra to Jaipur: see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, stop at Fatehpur Sikri on the drive, and reach Jaipur by evening.
Day 4, Jaipur: Amber Fort in the morning, then a few hours with elephants at our sanctuary in the afternoon.
Day 5, Jaipur: City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the bazaars, then travel back to Delhi or onward to Udaipur or Ranthambore.
3 Days or 5 Days: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose 3 days if you only want the headline sights and do not mind long travel days.
- Choose 5 days if it is your first trip to India, you are travelling with children, or you want time to enjoy each city.
- Add a sixth day if you want a slower Jaipur stay, with a full day for elephants, markets and a workshop.
Taj Mahal Timing Tips
According to the official Taj Mahal website, the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. It opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset.
So never plan your Agra day on a Friday. Sunrise is the best time to visit, with softer light and smaller crowds.
Best Time of Day in Each City
Mornings: keep these for the big outdoor sights: the Taj Mahal at sunrise and Amber Fort early in Jaipur.
Afternoons: use them for travel, museums and lunch, especially in the warmer months.
Evenings: enjoy the markets, a rooftop dinner or a sunset view, when the cities cool down.
Practical Tips for the Golden Triangle
- Best season: October to March, when days are pleasant. See our guide to the best time to visit Jaipur.
- What to wear: light, modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples and mosques, plus a scarf. Bring a warm layer for winter mornings.
- Trains: book early through Indian Railways' official site, as popular trains fill up in peak season.
- Pace: start early each day and keep afternoons light.
Make Jaipur the Highlight
Jaipur is where many travellers slow down. Our sanctuary is 10 to 15 km from the city centre and open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A visit lasts 2 to 4 hours and costs between ₹2,500 and ₹5,500 per person.
For the classic arrival at Amber Fort, read our guide to choosing an elephant ride or jeep at Amber Fort. Rides run in the morning only.
Planning all three cities? See our Golden Triangle tours, our Delhi to Jaipur travel guide and our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Give yourself five days, start every morning early, and save a slow afternoon in Jaipur for our elephants. Happy travels!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur