How to Plan a 2-Week Golden Triangle Itinerary in India

Plan 5 days in Delhi, 4 days in Agra, and 5 days in Rajasthan (Jaipur plus one additional city like Udaipur or Jodhpur). Book trains between cities, get your visa 6-8 weeks ahead, and budget $50-70 per day including mid-range hotels.

  1. Map out your triangle route. Start in Delhi (5 days), train to Agra (4 days), then Jaipur (3 days), and add 2 days in either Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Pushkar before flying back from Delhi or Jaipur. This gives you the classic triangle plus one bonus Rajasthani city.
  2. Book your flights. Fly into Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Book your return from either Delhi or Jaipur depending on your final stop. Domestic flights within India are cheap ($30-60) if you want to skip the train back to Delhi.
  3. Reserve train tickets. Book AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier sleeper trains on Indian Railways website or through Cleartrip. Delhi to Agra: Gatimaan Express (2 hours). Agra to Jaipur: Intercity Express (4.5 hours). Book 30-60 days ahead for better seats.
  4. Get your visa sorted. Apply for an e-Visa 6-8 weeks before travel. Tourist e-Visa costs $25-80 depending on your country and allows 30-365 days. Have your passport, photo, and hotel booking ready for the application.
  5. Book your first few nights. Reserve hotels in Delhi and Agra in advance. Book 3-star properties in central locations: Karol Bagh or Paharganj in Delhi ($25-40/night), Taj Ganj area in Agra ($20-35/night). Leave Rajasthan bookings flexible for spontaneous discoveries.
  6. Plan your Delhi days. Day 1-2: Old Delhi (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk markets). Day 3-4: New Delhi (India Gate, Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb). Day 5: Museums and departure prep. Book a Old Delhi walking tour for day 2.
  7. Schedule Agra strategically. Day 1: Arrive and explore Agra Fort. Day 2: Taj Mahal at sunrise, then Mehtab Bagh for sunset views. Day 3: Fatehpur Sikri day trip. Day 4: Local markets and departure. Book Taj Mahal tickets online in advance.
  8. Design your Rajasthan portion. Jaipur (3 days): City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal. Plus 2 days in either Udaipur for lakes and palaces, Jodhpur for the blue city and Mehrangarh Fort, or Pushkar for a spiritual desert town experience.
Is 2 weeks enough for the Golden Triangle?
Yes, 2 weeks gives you proper time in each city without rushing. You'll have 5 days in Delhi, 4 in Agra, and 5 in Rajasthan with travel days built in.
Should I book hotels in advance?
Book your first few nights in Delhi and Agra since you'll be jet-lagged and need certainty. Leave Rajasthan more flexible so you can discover places and extend stays if you love somewhere.
What's the best way to get between cities?
Train for all routes. The Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra is fast and comfortable. Regular intercity trains connect Agra to Jaipur. Book AC 2-tier or 3-tier sleepers for overnight journeys.
Can I extend beyond the triangle?
Absolutely. Add Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Pushkar in Rajasthan. Or head south to Kerala, east to Varanasi, or north to the mountains. The triangle is just your introduction to India.