7-Day Itinerary for India's Golden Triangle

Morning: Arrive in Delhi and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Red Fort (Lal Qila), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. Marvel at its impressive red sandstone architecture and learn about the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets. Take a rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes filled with shops selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and street food. Visit the historic Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque that can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers.

Evening: Experience a welcome dinner at Karim's, a legendary restaurant established in 1913 known for authentic Mughlai cuisine. Try their famous butter chicken, mutton burra, and biryani. End your day with a light and sound show at Red Fort (if available) that narrates the history of Delhi.

Morning: Visit Humayun's Tomb, another UNESCO site that inspired the Taj Mahal's design. Admire its perfect symmetry and beautiful Persian-inspired gardens. Continue to the 12th-century Qutub Minar complex with its 73-meter tall minaret and the mysterious Iron Pillar that has not rusted in over 1,600 years.

Afternoon: Explore New Delhi with a drive past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Visit the Gandhi Smriti, where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last days and was assassinated, now converted into a moving memorial and museum.

Evening: Spend time at Dilli Haat, an open-air craft marketplace where artisans from across India showcase traditional handicrafts, textiles, and regional cuisines. Enjoy dinner sampling different regional Indian dishes from various food stalls representing different states.

Morning: Travel to Agra by express train (2-3 hours) or private car. Check into your hotel and freshen up. Visit Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress on the banks of the Yamuna River that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. Explore its palaces, audience halls, and the tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned.

Afternoon: Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), often described as a jewel box and considered a draft of the Taj Mahal. This exquisite tomb features delicate marble latticework and inlay designs. Explore Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) across the Yamuna River for sunset views of the Taj Mahal.

Evening: Attend Mohabbat the Taj, a live performance that tells the romantic story behind the Taj Mahal's creation. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Taj Mahal illuminated in the moonlight (subject to viewing hours).

Morning: Wake up early to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the changing colors of the marble create a magical atmosphere. Take time to explore this magnificent monument of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Listen to the fascinating stories and architectural details from your guide.

Afternoon: Depart for Jaipur by road (4-5 hours). En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar built in red sandstone. Explore the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), Jama Masjid, and the tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Continue your journey to Jaipur, the 'Pink City' of Rajasthan.

Evening: Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel. Take an orientation walk through the old bazaars of Jaipur, observing the characteristic pink buildings. Have dinner at a traditional Rajasthani restaurant like Chokhi Dhani, where you can also enjoy folk performances and village-style ambiance.

Morning: Begin with a photo stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its unique honeycomb facade designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivities while remaining unseen. Continue to the impressive Amber Fort, perched on a hill. Take an elephant or jeep ride up to the fort and explore its magnificent halls, gardens, and temples.

Afternoon: Visit the City Palace, still the residence of the royal family with a museum displaying royal artifacts, textiles, and weapons. Next, explore Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726 featuring the world's largest stone sundial and other astronomical instruments that still provide accurate readings.

Evening: Discover the local craft traditions with a visit to block printing or blue pottery workshops. Later, enjoy shopping in the colorful bazaars of Jaipur, known for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Have dinner at an authentic Rajasthani restaurant, trying dishes like laal maas (spicy meat curry), gatte ki sabzi (gram flour dumplings), and dal baati churma.

Morning: Take a morning flight or start a scenic road journey to Udaipur (flight: 1 hour, road: 6-7 hours). If driving, stop at Chittorgarh Fort, one of India's largest forts spread over 700 acres with a dramatic history of valor and sacrifice.

Afternoon: Arrive in Udaipur, known as the 'City of Lakes' and often called the most romantic city in India. Check into your hotel and visit the City Palace, a majestic complex on Lake Pichola's shores featuring courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and gardens with spectacular views.

Evening: Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past the famous Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) that appears to float on water. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the illuminated palaces, creating a magical ambiance.

Morning: Visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens), featuring beautiful fountains, marble pavilions, and a lotus pool. Continue to Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple in Indo-Aryan architectural style dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with remarkable carved pillars and painted walls.

Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of old Udaipur, visiting art galleries, miniature painting studios, and handicraft shops. Stop by the Shilpgram craft village to see artisans at work and purchase authentic souvenirs. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch with a local family to learn about Rajasthani cuisine.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance of traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music at Bagore Ki Haveli. For your farewell dinner, enjoy a rooftop meal overlooking the twinkling lights of Udaipur, reflecting on your journey through the highlights of North India. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.