Routes · Asia

São Paulo to India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

São Paulo → Delhi → Agra → Jaipur

Golden Triangle Best season (general guide): Oct–Mar

India's Golden Triangle links three of its best-known cities on a compact circuit, and it's a natural first trip to the subcontinent from Brazil. The journey from São Paulo usually connects in Europe or the Gulf before landing in Delhi. From there, highways and trains make the remaining legs short. The itinerary spends three nights in Delhi, one night in Agra and three nights in Jaipur.

Delhi is really two cities. Old Delhi, with Chandni Chowk's lanes and the Jama Masjid mosque, sits alongside the broad avenues of New Delhi and the gardens around Humayun's Tomb. After three nights, a fast train or a drive takes you to Agra. One night there means you can see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the light is soft and it's less crowded, and then visit Agra Fort. The road to Jaipur continues west into Rajasthan and passes Fatehpur Sikri, a former Mughal capital. Jaipur's pink old city, the Amber Fort on its ridge and the Jantar Mantar observatory fill the final three days, and the city has its own airport for heading home.

October to March is the comfortable season. December and January can be foggy and surprisingly cold in Delhi, and the heat builds quickly from April. Holi and Diwali are lively times to visit, but they also push up demand. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays.

Hiring a car with a driver is the most common way to do the Agra and Jaipur legs, while the Gatimaan or Shatabdi express trains between Delhi and Agra are a quick alternative. Bazaars in Jaipur sell block-printed textiles and gemstones, and bargaining is expected. Air quality in Delhi can be poor in late autumn and winter.

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