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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.