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Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — India's classic first journey, in five unhurried days.
Best For: First-time India, Short trips, History and architecture
Old and New Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and the palaces and bazaars of Jaipur, linked by good roads and an expressway. It is the most travelled route in the country because it works: three very different cities, a manageable amount of driving, and Mughal and Rajput history side by side.
Airport transfer and the rest of the day at leisure to adjust.
Old and New Delhi in the morning — Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate — then the expressway to Agra.
The Taj at first light and Agra Fort, then on to Jaipur via the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal, with time in the bazaars.
Return to Delhi by road in time for an evening flight.
PeakWarm
MonsoonPeakWarm days, cool nights and clear skies. December and January can be foggy in the early morning.
Very hot, regularly above 40°C. Sightseeing is limited to early morning.
Humid with heavy downpours, but the landscape greens up and prices drop.
Why this trip
It is enough for the three headline cities at a steady pace. If you want to slow down or add Ranthambhore or Varanasi, look at the seven-day versions on the tabs above.
Private car and driver throughout, with local guides in each city.