After over a month in India I can honestly say it’s a country that stays with you. The variety is endless – vibrant cities, quiet lakes, grand palaces, people, and moments you don’t expect. There is so much beauty here, often hidden in the details, that it’s impossible to capture everything in one guide. But here’s a little glimpse into the locations that stayed with me the most.
This route will blend iconic landmarks with atmospheric places, creating a journey that feels both classic and local. I’m so excited to take you along with me & my photographs!
My journey actually began in Udaipur and ended in New Delhi. However, since most international flights arrive in Delhi, I’ve designed this guide in a way that makes it easy to follow – from New Delhi to Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), then on to Jaipur (my personal favorite), followed by Udaipur and finally Jodhpur, a true hidden gem. So here we go … my
Ultimate Guide: Golden Triangle + Rajasthan Circuit
- New Delhi
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
New Delhi - 2 days
First of all, getting around New Delhi can be tricky. The traffic is intense and the streets are constantly busy, so I highly recommend arranging a private driver for your stay. It makes everything much easier and allows you to move comfortably between locations. Expect to pay around $30–50 per day, and it’s always a lovely gesture to leave a small tip.
Start your day with sunrise at YAMUNA GHAT, one of the most iconic photo locations in Delhi and, for me, one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the city. The early morning light, the mist over the river, and thousands of birds flying above the water create such a magical atmosphere.
To experience it fully, take a small boat ride at sunrise. The boatman usually charges around $20–30 to take you out onto the river, which creates the most incredible photography opportunity.
After sunrise, you continue the day by exploring RED FORT and the vibrant streets of CHANDNI CHOWK. This area is a dream for photographers – chaotic, colorful, and full of life. Yes, it’s messy and intense, but it’s such an authentic India experience. I highly recommend doing this part with a guide or your driver, as it makes the experience much easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Later in the day, make time for some of Delhi’s more peaceful and historic spots, such as LODHI GARDEN (this garden is my top top on Delhi list!) , HUMAYUN’S TOMB , and SAFDAJUNG TOMB – the perfect places to slow down after the energy of Old Delhi.
For another day in the city, I would recommend exploring some of Delhi’s iconic landmarks, including INDIA GATE , QUTUB MINAR , LOTUS TEMPLE, and the elegant streets around KHAN MARKET. Khan Market was easily one of my favourite shopping spots in India, the quality of the clothes, materials are incredible, with amazing designers, beautiful jewellery, and some truly great (and clean) places to eat. If you have extra time, AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE is also absolutely worth visiting for its incredible architecture. Just remember you cant take photos inside of the temples!
AGRA - TAJ MAHAL (1-2) DAYS
And this is where the magic truly begins – TAJ MAHAL , one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As much as I absolutely loved seeing the Taj Mahal in person, I have to be honest: Agra itself was not my favorite place to stay for long. Compared to the elegance and atmosphere you’ll find later in Rajasthan, it felt much busier and less polished (and a little too much dusty).
I would recommend one to two nights in Agra. If your main focus is simply visiting the Taj Mahal, one night is enough. However, if, like me, you love photography and want to explore a few different viewpoints, two nights is ideal.
The Taj Mahal is best visited early in the morning, ideally around 6 AM, when the light is soft. Get to the ticket counter before opening for minimal crowds. Sunrise and sunset are by far the best times for photos. There are several beautiful angles within the complex itself, and it’s worth taking your time to walk around and enjoy the details. One thing to note – the iconic viewpoint from the mosque side, which was once one of the most photographed spots, is currently closed (as of 2026) until further notice.
Later in the day, head to METHAB BAGH, a peaceful garden located across the river with another stunning view of the Taj Mahal. Entrance is very affordable, around $3, and from my experience payment was cash only, so it’s worth keeping some cash with you.
The following morning, we headed to a more hidden photography spot – quite literally in the middle of nowhere, but the views were absolutely worth it.
Finding this location can be a little tricky, as it is on private property and the area around it is rather dusty and off the beaten path. You’ll usually need to tip the owner for access; we gave around $20 and stayed for about an hour for our photoshoot. It ended up being one of the most memorable photo shoot with views of the Taj, and such a unique experience away from the usual tourist spots.
Jaipur - 2-5 days
And then it was time for the full magic – Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan, and without a doubt a true highlights of our trip. Filled with royal heritage, colourful palaces, bazaars, and warm, glowing tones at every corner, Jaipur is a truly beautiful city to explore and one where you could easily spend a few extra days.
I spent over a week there: four relaxing nights at The Leela Palace Jaipur, which was the perfect place to enjoy a little luxury, followed by four full days discovering the city and its many treasures.
One thing I would highly recommend is arranging a guide for at least part of your stay. Having someone local to take you around, whether for the entire trip or even just for a day, makes it so much easier to visit places that are further away and to truly understand the history and culture of Jaipur. For the other days, getting around by tuk-tuk is a fun and convenient way to explore the city at your own pace.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN JAIPUR
HAWA MAHAL (Palace of Winds)
Famous for its stunning pink sandstone façade with 953 small windows. The best front view of Hawa Mahal is indeed from Tattoo Café, which is located directly opposite the monument.
PATRIKA GATE – colorful and beautifully painted gateway located at Jawahar Circle, one of the most famous location in Jaipur.
CITY PALACE of Jaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces in India, famous for its stunning decorative doors and beautiful rooms, each with unique colors and seasonal themes. During the tour you can find the most beautiful and famous doors of India -Peacock Gate or Pink Doors and the beautiful blue room, Chhavi Niwas, which can be visited only during the Grand Tour (private tour with a guide)
AMBER FORT – A stunning hilltop fort known for its beautiful, grand architecture and panoramic views, best to experience it at the morning as you can meet these cute elephants there – you can see them from around 8:00 am to 11:00 am, which adds truly a special charm to the experience.
PANNA MEENA KA KUND is one of the most picturesque stepwells in India, known for its beautifully symmetrical stairways and. Unfortunately visitors are not allowed to walk down the steps, you can still take photos from the top. In some cases, photoshoot permission may be granted upon request for an additional fee, usually around $50–100 at Amber Fort office.
HANUMAN TEMPLE (MONKEY TEMPLE) is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its peaceful spiritual atmosphere. You can find there plenty of monkeys, It’s really an unique and memorable place to visit while exploring Jaipur.
GAITOR KI CHHATRIYAN is a peaceful royal cenotaph complex (a little hidden gem of Jaipur), with beautifully carved marble monuments dedicated to Jaipur’s kings. I think it is one of the city’s most underrated places to visit!