Itinerary Overview

D1-D2 Delhi → D3 Agra → D4-D5 Jaipur → D6-D8 Varanasi. Travel between cities is via train and private car. Delhi to Agra takes about 3 hours, Agra to Jaipur about 4-5 hours. After returning to Delhi, take a domestic flight or overnight train to Varanasi.

D1-D2 Delhi: Capital and Old City

• D1: Arrive in Delhi → Red Fort and Jama Masjid (Old Delhi) → Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk → India Gate and Rajpath.
• D2: Humayun’s Tomb → Qutub Minar → Lotus Temple → Akshardham Temple or shopping at Connaught Place.

D3 Agra: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise for the softest light and fewer crowds, when the white marble details are most striking; then explore Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In the evening, you can drive to Jaipur or depart the next morning.

D4-D5 Jaipur: The Pink City

• D4: City Palace → Jantar Mantar → Exterior of Hawa Mahal → Amber Fort (elephant or jeep ride up).
• D5: Sunrise at Nahargarh Fort → Photos at Jal Mahal → Shopping in the old city markets → Evening local cultural performance. Consider a hot air balloon ride at dawn for views over Amber Fort.

D6-D8 Varanasi: Sacred Ganges City

• D6: Fly to Varanasi → Witness the Ganges Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• D7: Morning Ganges boat ride to see bathing and laundry rituals → Sarnath (where Buddha delivered his first sermon) → Stroll through the old city alleys.
• D8: Free time in the morning → Fly back to Delhi for onward travel.

Tips

• Roads between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are in good condition; private cars offer more flexibility than trains but take longer.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Taj Mahal, Varanasi boat rides, and the Ganges Aarti.
• Summers in northern India are extremely hot; plan activities for the early morning and evening.