Our 10-day adventure through India’s famed Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (plus Ranthambore)—was packed with vibrant culture, incredible food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Can’t wait to go back!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to India or looking for a tried-and-true itinerary, this guide covers all the highlights (and a few hidden gems) to help you get the most out of your journey.
Trip Overview: Exploring India’s Golden Triangle
- Duration: 10 Days
- Route: Delhi ➝ Agra ➝ Ranthambore ➝ Jaipur
- Best for: First-time visitors to India, cultural explorers, history lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts
- Ideal travel season: October to March for cooler weather (we visited in February)
Days 1–3: Delhi – A Sensory Welcome to India
We kicked off our 10-day India adventure in Delhi, one of the most vibrant and stimulating cities we’ve ever visited. Ridley had already been in India for a couple weeks on a work trip, and I flew in from Seattle to meet him. Pro tip for fellow West Coasters: jetlag when flying into India is no joke. I had every intention of joining Ridley and his coworkers for dinner on the first night… and completely slept through it. Oops. 😅
Our first full day in India was the perfect mix of cultural immersion and culinary delight. We booked a guided Old Delhi walking tour through Airbnb Experiences with a local named Aman (@tourswithaman on Instagram), and it was well worth battling jet lag for!
Aman was friendly, professional, and made us feel incredibly safe from the moment we met up. His directions were clear, he kept a relaxed pace, and—most importantly—he guided us through his favorite street food stalls (I have a history of getting stomach bugs when traveling, but I felt confident eating everywhere he brought us!).
Street Food Highlights in Old Delhi:
- Crispy, golden samosas
- Freshly brewed chai
- Parantha served with a rainbow of tangy, spicy chutneys
The spice market was pure sensory overload in the best way possible. Aromas of cardamom, cumin, and chili filled the air as we wandered through narrow alleys packed with bustling vendors. One highlight was Nau Ghara Gali, a historic lane of colorful havelis (old mansions), where we stopped to take some photos.
One of the most moving experiences of the trip was visiting a Sikh temple, where we not only learned about the faith but also got hands-on in the langar kitchen, where community meals are prepared and shared. We even tried our hand at making roti and joined in for a meal afterward, sitting cross-legged among locals.
The tour ended with a rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Old Delhi.
In the afternoon, we made our way to the Red Fort, a majestic 17th-century Mughal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We didn’t end up getting a guide for this as I was crashing from jet lag, but the architecture is definitely worth stopping for!
Where We Stayed in Delhi: The Roseate
Thanks to Ridley’s work trip, we were lucky to stay at The Roseate—a sleek, modern hotel that felt like something out of Dune. With tranquil reflecting pools and futuristic architecture, it was the perfect place to recharge after a packed day in the city.
Days 4–5: Agra
From Delhi, we headed south to Agra, home of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—the Taj Mahal. But while the Taj understandably gets all the glory, Agra Fort totally surprised us and turned out to be a highlight of our trip. Don’t skip it!
Taj Mahal at Sunrise: Worth the Hype?
We went for the sunrise entry, which is one of the most popular ways to visit the Taj Mahal. Heads up: even at sunrise, you’ll probably have to wait in line—it’s no secret that this is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. We anticipated watching the first light of day illuminate the white marble, but with the pollution there was not much “sunrise” at all that day, so not necessarily worth the early wake-up (however, crowds might get worse throughout the day?).
Our guide not only gave us a solid rundown on the history (which is a love story, a monument, and a power move all in one), but he also turned into our personal photographer for the morning…He had a whole repertoire of poses he wanted us to try – quite comical.
Don’t Miss Agra Fort
Later that day, our guide brought us to Agra Fort, and it quickly became one of my favorite stops of the trip. Built in the 16th century, this massive red sandstone complex is full of palaces, courtyards, and secret passageways, all with a view back toward the Taj in the distance.
It felt way less crowded than the Taj, which gave us space to explore at our own pace and soak in the atmosphere. If you’re into architecture, photography, or Mughal history, Agra Fort is absolutely worth a visit.
Where We Stayed in Agra
We stayed in a small, locally-owned hotel called Aman Homestay. Very different than the Roseate, but rooms were clean and the staff was so personable! They recommended a Taj Mahal guide for us super last-minute (we didn’t confirm until the night before), and it worked out perfectly.
Days 6–7: Ranthambore
Getting from Agra to Ranthambore National Park wasn’t exactly seamless—but that’s what makes us the global “stumble,” right?
Our “Global Stumble” Moment: The Forgotten Phone Fiasco
Our hotel arranged for a driver to take us from Agra to Mathura Junction—the closest train station en route to Ranthambore. About 45 minutes into the drive, I realized I left my phone somewhere back at the hotel.
Our driver, who was incredibly kind, didn’t hesitate—he called the hotel, spoke to the staff, and turned the car around to help us look. When we arrived, the phone still hadn’t been found, so I sprinted up to the rooftop lounge, and there it was, wedged between some cushions. 😅
That left us with a frantic drive back to Mathura, hoping we wouldn’t miss our train.
When we got to Mathura Station, we were hit with pure chaos. Very few signs, very little English, and people crossing directly over the train tracks to get to other platforms. We had booked our train tickets online, but the platform numbers weren’t clearly marked. Panic started setting in.
After asking a few people (and giving very lost-tourist energy), we found a family who spoke enough English to point us in the right direction and we made it on the right train just in time!
The train ride itself was about 3 hours. We had a shared cabin with bunk beds and were even served a hot meal onboard. It was a surprisingly comfortable experience after such a stressful mad dash.
Where We Stayed: Fateh’s Retreat
Once we arrived in Ranthambore, we checked into Fateh’s Retreat, a peaceful, family-run guesthouse just outside the national park. The vibe here was serene and personal—morning tea by the pool, friendly hosts, and cozy vibes. It did get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so we were glad to have brought puffy jackets and scarves (especially useful during dusty safaris!).
Booking a Ranthambore Safari: What to Know
You’ll need to book your safaris in advance, since Ranthambore is divided into multiple zones, and each one has a limited number of visitors per day. Some zones are known for being better for tiger sightings, and there are two types of vehicles:
- Jeep (6-seater) – more maneuverable and ideal for small groups
- Canter (20-seater) – bigger and more available, but less personal
We wanted a Jeep but due to timing and availability we ended up booking a shared safari through Viator (Ranthambore National Park Shared Wildlife Safari – 3 hrs). We did two safaris: one in the early morning and one in the evening. Just as we were about to exit the park on our evening safari, we finally spotted on a majestic Bengal tiger walking towards our vehicle. We had about one minute to take photos and soak in this special moment before other jeeps started rolling up, and there was soon a full caravan with drivers vying for the best view for their guests.
Pro Tips:
- Book early for better vehicle and zone selection
- Bring layers—mornings are chilly!
- Cover your face with a scarf or mask if it’s dusty
Days 8–10: Jaipur; Valentine’s Day in the Pink City
Our final stop on the Golden Triangle route was Jaipur. Between vibrant textiles, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, Jaipur ended up being our favorite city on this itinerary.
Getting to Jaipur: Train Travel Adventures, Part II
We caught a train from Sawai Madhopur Station (Ranthambore) to Jaipur, and this time, boarding was much smoother. But once on the train, things got confusing. We had booked a fare class with assigned seats, but when we found our car, our “seats” turned out to be… bunks—already occupied.
After awkwardly pacing back and forth with our luggage (dodging kids sprinting down the aisle yelling “chai!” and selling candy), we eventually learned from some kind women—via hand gestures—that each bunk seated two people during the day. They kindly scooted over and shared a bunk so we could each sit. The sheets looked used…but we were just glad to be on board!
Where We Stayed: Shahpura House
In Jaipur, we checked into Shahpura House, a gorgeous heritage-style hotel with traditional Rajasthani architecture and beautiful interiors. It felt like staying in a mini palace—very on-theme for the Pink City.
Getting Around: Tuk Tuks & Private Tours
We met a tuk tuk driver, Super Salim (check him out on TripAdvisor), right outside our hotel, and he was amazing—friendly, trustworthy, and super fun. Highly recommend reaching out to him directly if you’re visiting Jaipur.
For a full-day sightseeing tour, we booked an Airbnb Experience with Ajay, who had a clean car with working seatbelts (rare in our experience haha). He was extremely knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about sharing Rajasthani culture.
We did our full tour day of Jaipur on Valentine’s Day, which felt fittingly romantic in the “Pink City.” The City Palace was covered in fresh flowers and beautifully painted buildings—it made for the sweetest memory.
What We Saw in Jaipur:
- Amber Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – epic hilltop views and intricate interiors
- Panna Meena Ka Kund – stunning symmetrical stepwell
- Jal Mahal (Water Palace) – great for a quick photo stop
- Hawa Mahal – the famous honeycomb palace facade
- City Palace – full of flower-lined courtyards (especially festive on Valentine’s Day!). Highly recommend the art market here – we got to meet artists and see them work, which felt much more authentic than the tourist markets on the street
- Jantar Mantar (UNESCO Site) – ancient astronomical instruments
- Pink City Walkabout – chaotic and colorful
- Albert Hall Museum
- Block Printing Workshop – highlight of the day!
- Oldest Gems Factory – where we picked out stones and even got custom rings made
Textile Heaven: Block Printing & Custom Clothing
One of the most interactive and unique activities we did in India was the block printing workshop Ajay took us to. We picked out bold, vibrant fabrics and got measured for custom pajamas and bedding. Ridley still regrets not getting fitted for a suit here haha.
Dining in Jaipur: Samosa Chaat at Sunset
We ended our final night with dinner at the rooftop restaurant at Shahpura House. The food was delicious—especially the samosa chaat—and it was the perfect way to wind down after an epic day of sightseeing.
The Long Road Back: Jaipur to Delhi
For our return to Delhi, we made the unfortunate decision to drive instead of fly. If you have the option—take the one-hour flight.
What we got instead was a 7-hour road trip through dark, poorly lit highways and chaotic, lane-less traffic. Only one of us had a seatbelt. There were rest stops along the way, and we were grateful for snack breaks and bathroom runs, but by the time we reached Delhi, we were exhausted. Not our finest travel decision—but hey, another stumble for the story.
Final Thoughts on Our India Golden Triangle Trip
India was colorful, spiritual, overwhelming, and absolutely unforgettable. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the dreamy marble of the Taj Mahal, the wild jungles of Ranthambore to the artistic soul of Jaipur—we felt like we experienced a little bit of everything.
If you’re planning your first trip to India, this 10-day Golden Triangle itinerary is a perfect intro. It’s packed with bucket-list sights and immersive experiences, but manageable enough to not feel too rushed.
We’re already dreaming of going back. Next time? Maybe the south. Or Varanasi. Or the mountains…
The Global Stumble 