Semi-Luxury Golden Triangle and Amritsar Trip from Kolkata

Day 1 · Sun, Feb 14
Amritsar

Arrival and heritage sights in Amritsar

  1. Kolkata–Amritsar flight — Kolkata to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport; morning flight, allow 3–4 hours including check-in, baggage, and hotel transfer.
  2. Jallianwala Bagh — Old Amritsar; afternoon, ~1 hour, a moving memorial beside the Golden Temple.
  3. Partition Museum — Town Hall; late afternoon, ~1.5 hours, an excellent introduction to the region’s modern history.
  4. Golden Temple — Amritsar Heritage Street; sunset and evening, ~2 hours, experience the illuminated shrine and evening prayers.
  5. Kesar Da Dhaba — Old Amritsar; dinner, ~1 hour, for classic Punjabi vegetarian food; approximately ₹500–1,000 per person.

Morning — Kolkata to Amritsar

Take a morning flight from Kolkata to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, allowing 3–4 hours at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for check-in, security, and baggage. The flight is usually around 2½–3 hours; from Amritsar Airport, budget 20–30 minutes by prepaid taxi or app cab to your hotel in the Old City, depending on traffic. Leave luggage at the hotel if the room is not ready, and have a light lunch nearby before sightseeing. February is pleasantly cool, but evenings can feel chilly, so keep a light jacket handy.

Afternoon — Old Amritsar’s difficult history

Begin at Jallianwala Bagh, beside Golden Temple, spending about an hour walking through the memorial gardens and preserved bullet-marked walls. It is open daily, generally from morning until evening, with entry usually free; allow extra time for the quiet central memorial and museum displays. From there, walk or take an e-rickshaw through the old lanes to the Partition Museum at Town Hall—roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Plan 1½ hours here; it is typically open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime hours and closed on Mondays, with tickets generally inexpensive. The galleries are emotionally absorbing, so avoid rushing and leave a little breathing room before the evening visit.

Evening — Golden Temple and dinner

Walk along Amritsar Heritage Street to Golden Temple around sunset, when the white marble complex begins to glow and the evening prayers create a wonderfully calm atmosphere. Dress modestly, cover your head, remove shoes, and wash your feet before entering; photography is restricted in the sanctum, and the barefoot marble can be cold. Allow about two hours, including time to sit beside the Amrit Sarovar and, if you wish, visit the community kitchen. Finish at Kesar Da Dhaba in the old city, a short walk or quick rickshaw ride away, for dal, paneer, stuffed parathas, and lassi—about ₹500–1,000 per person. Expect a wait at peak dinner time; the narrow lanes are easiest on foot, while cars often have to stop several minutes away.

Day 2 · Mon, Feb 15
Amritsar

Amritsar cultural highlights

  1. Wagah–Attari Border Ceremony — Attari; morning to early afternoon, allow ~5 hours including transfers, security, and seating.
  2. Amritsar street-food walk — Hall Bazaar and Old Amritsar; late afternoon, ~1.5 hours, sample kulcha, lassi, and local sweets from established stalls.
  3. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and Panorama — Company Bagh; late afternoon, ~1.5 hours, showcasing Sikh history and royal artifacts.
  4. Gobindgarh Fort — Old Cantt; evening, ~2 hours, combining fort architecture with cultural performances and demonstrations.
  5. The Beer Café Amritsar — Lawrence Road; dinner, ~1.5 hours, a comfortable modern option; approximately ₹1,200–2,000 per person.

Morning — Wagah–Attari Border Ceremony

Leave central Amritsar around 9:00–9:30am for Attari, roughly 30–40 minutes by private car depending on traffic. A hired car is the easiest semi-luxury option; budget about ₹1,500–2,500 for a half-day vehicle, and ask the driver to wait while you attend the ceremony. Allow close to five hours in total for the drive, security checks, seating, and the ceremony itself. Reach the visitor complex well before the afternoon proceedings, carry photo ID, and avoid large bags—security is strict and storage facilities can be limited. The atmosphere becomes increasingly energetic as the Indian and Pakistani border guards perform the lowering-of-the-flags ceremony, so expect crowds and a fair amount of walking in the sun.

Late Afternoon — Street Food and Sikh History

Return to Amritsar for a relaxed food walk through Hall Bazaar and the lanes of Old Amritsar. Try a crisp Amritsari kulcha, a tall glass of lassi, and a small portion of local sweets rather than committing to a full meal; established shops are the safer choice, and ₹300–600 per person is plenty for tastings. From the old city, take a short auto-rickshaw or cab ride to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and Panorama in Company Bagh. The museum usually operates during daytime hours, commonly around 10:00am–5:00pm, with modest entry fees; check locally because weekly closures and timings can change. Set aside about 1½ hours for the royal arms, paintings, and panorama, and enjoy the quieter garden setting after the busy food lanes.

Evening — Gobindgarh Fort and Dinner

Continue by cab to Gobindgarh Fort in Old Cantt, allowing 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Plan roughly two hours here: the restored fort is most enjoyable in the evening, when cultural performances, demonstrations, and illuminated courtyards give it more atmosphere than a quick daytime visit. Tickets and show timings vary, so confirm the evening programme at the entrance; keep some flexibility if a performance starts later than expected. Finish at The Beer Café Amritsar on Lawrence Road, a comfortable modern choice about 15–20 minutes away by cab. Allow ₹1,200–2,000 per person for dinner and drinks, and book or call ahead if travelling on a weekend. Keep the rest of the night easy—today’s border excursion and several transfers make an early return to the hotel worthwhile.

Day 3 · Tue, Feb 16
New Delhi

Arrival and historic Delhi

Getting there from Amritsar
Train: Vande Bharat Express 22488 from Amritsar Junction to New Delhi (about 5h 30m–6h, approximately ₹1,500–2,500). Book reserved seats via IRCTC or 12Go. Depart around 6:00–7:00am to arrive by early afternoon, leaving time for hotel check-in and Humayun’s Tomb.
  1. Amritsar–New Delhi train — Amritsar Junction to New Delhi; early morning departure, approximately 6–7 hours, with advance reserved tickets and a prearranged hotel transfer.
  2. Humayun’s Tomb — Nizamuddin East; late afternoon, ~1.5 hours, a superb Mughal garden-tomb and architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.
  3. Sunder Nursery — Nizamuddin; early evening, ~1.5 hours, for landscaped gardens, restored monuments, and a relaxed walk.
  4. Khan Market — Central Delhi; dinner and browsing, ~1.5 hours, with polished cafés and boutiques; approximately ₹1,000–2,000 per person at a well-reviewed restaurant.

Early Afternoon — Arrival and Check-in

After arriving at New Delhi Railway Station, have your pre-arranged hotel transfer collect you from the authorised pickup area; the station can be hectic, and app taxis are often difficult to locate immediately outside. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes to reach your hotel in central or south Delhi, depending on traffic. Check in, freshen up, and leave around 3:00pm for Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin East. The tomb complex is generally open until sunset, with tickets usually around ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹600 for foreign visitors; keep some time for the quieter garden paths and the handsome Isa Khan’s Tomb within the grounds.

Late Afternoon — Mughal Gardens and Monuments

From Humayun’s Tomb, take a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride to Sunder Nursery, ideally arriving by about 4:45pm. This beautifully restored heritage park is one of Delhi’s best places for an unhurried walk, with landscaped lawns, water channels, cafés, and several lesser-known Mughal-era monuments. It commonly remains open until around 7:00pm, though hours and last entry can change seasonally. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid rushing—the light becomes especially pleasant toward sunset. A taxi is easiest for the onward journey; allow 25–40 minutes to Khan Market, depending on evening traffic.

Evening — Dinner and Browsing at Khan Market

Spend the evening around Khan Market, browsing its independent bookshops, design stores, and small boutiques before dinner. For a polished but relaxed meal, try Perch Wine & Coffee Bar for coffee, wine, and light European plates, or The Big Chill for dependable Italian food and generous desserts; expect approximately ₹1,000–2,000 per person, excluding alcohol. The market is busiest after 6:00pm, so reserve a table if dining at peak time. After dinner, return by taxi to your hotel rather than walking along the main roads, and keep the rest of the evening easy after the early start from Amritsar.

Day 4 · Wed, Feb 17
New Delhi

Delhi heritage and modern landmarks

  1. Qutub Minar — Mehrauli; morning, ~2 hours, Delhi’s most impressive medieval monument complex.
  2. Dilli Haat INA — INA; lunch and shopping, ~2 hours, for regional handicrafts and food stalls; approximately ₹400–800 per person.
  3. India Gate — Kartavya Path; late afternoon, ~1 hour, an easy landmark stop with a broad ceremonial setting.
  4. National Museum, New Delhi — Janpath; early evening, ~2 hours, for major Indian archaeological and artistic collections.
  5. Indian Accent — The Lodhi, Lodhi Road; dinner, ~2 hours, a refined modern Indian meal; approximately ₹4,000–6,000 per person.

Morning — Qutub Minar

Start around 8:00am with a pre-booked car to Qutub Minar in Mehrauli; from central New Delhi, allow 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. The complex generally opens from sunrise to around 8:00pm, and arriving early makes the sandstone courtyard far more enjoyable before the midday heat and school groups. Set aside about two hours for the minaret, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, and surrounding tombs. Entry is usually around ₹35 for Indian visitors and ₹550 for foreign visitors, though confirm current rates online; wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven and there is limited shade.

Midday — Dilli Haat INA

Continue by car toward Dilli Haat INA, roughly 25–35 minutes away in normal traffic. Spend about two hours browsing the craft stalls, where prices are often negotiable but should still reflect the quality of handwoven textiles, carved woodwork, jewellery, and regional décor. The open-air market typically operates from around 10:30am to 10:00pm; admission is modest, usually under ₹100. Have lunch at the food stalls rather than rushing to a restaurant—try a thali or specialties from states such as Nagaland, Rajasthan, Kerala, or Punjab. Allow ₹400–800 per person, and carry some cash for smaller vendors.

Late Afternoon and Evening — India Gate, National Museum, and dinner at Indian Accent

Take a cab from INA to India Gate and Kartavya Path, allowing 20–30 minutes. Arrive around 4:30pm, when the light softens and the wide ceremonial avenue is pleasant for an unhurried walk; plan about an hour, but keep valuables secure in the busy pedestrian areas. From there, continue to the National Museum, New Delhi on Janpath, usually a 10–15-minute drive. Check the day’s final-entry time when booking—hours are commonly around 10:00am–6:00pm, with one weekly closure—and allow two hours for its archaeological galleries, Chola bronzes, Buddhist art, and miniature paintings. Finish with a reserved table at Indian Accent at The Lodhi on Lodhi Road, about 15–20 minutes away by car. This is a polished tasting-menu-style dinner, so budget approximately ₹4,000–6,000 per person before drinks and taxes, and expect the meal to take around two hours.

Day 5 · Thu, Feb 18
Jaipur

Arrival and royal Jaipur

Getting there from New Delhi
Train: Ajmer Shatabdi (12015) from New Delhi Railway Station to Jaipur Junction (about 4h 30m, approximately ₹1,000–1,800). Book via IRCTC or 12Go. Depart around 6:00am; this fits the planned early departure and allows arrival around lunchtime for the afternoon sightseeing.
Flight: IndiGo or Air India from Delhi to Jaipur (about 1h flight, approximately ₹2,500–6,000; allow 3–4h door-to-door). Book via airline websites or Google Flights. Only worthwhile if train seats are unavailable.
  1. New Delhi–Jaipur train — New Delhi to Jaipur Junction; early morning, approximately 4–5 hours, with reserved seats and hotel transfer on arrival.
  2. City Palace — Pink City; afternoon, ~2 hours, Jaipur’s finest blend of royal residences, courtyards, and museums.
  3. Jantar Mantar — Beside City Palace; late afternoon, ~1 hour, an extraordinary collection of historic astronomical instruments.
  4. Hawa Mahal — Badi Chaupar; sunset, ~45 minutes, best viewed from across the street and from its upper galleries.
  5. 1135 AD — Amber Fort; dinner, ~2 hours, an atmospheric fine-dining experience in a historic setting; approximately ₹3,000–5,000 per person.

Late Morning — Arrival and Check-in

After the early New Delhi–Jaipur train, expect to reach Jaipur Junction around late morning or lunchtime. Have your hotel arrange a pickup in advance; the station frontage is busy, and prepaid taxis or app cabs can be awkward with luggage. Allow 20–30 minutes by car to the Pink City, depending on traffic. Leave your bags at the hotel, freshen up, and have a light lunch nearby rather than trying to rush straight into sightseeing.

Afternoon — City Palace and Jantar Mantar

Begin at City Palace, entering through the Tripolia Gate side or the main visitor entrance near Jaleb Chowk. Give yourself about two hours for the painted courtyards, royal textiles, weapons, and the ornate Chandra Mahal buildings; the complex generally opens around 9:30am and standard admission is roughly ₹300–500, with premium museum areas costing more. A short walk across the same historic quarter brings you to Jantar Mantar, where the enormous stone instruments are best understood with a guide or audio tour. Allow an hour, and expect entry to be around ₹50–200 depending on the ticket category. Keep some time to wander the lanes around Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar, but watch for traffic and avoid buying precious stones without independent certification.

Evening — Hawa Mahal and Dinner at 1135 AD

Around sunset, walk or take a short e-rickshaw ride to Hawa Mahal at Badi Chaupar. The most photogenic view is from the cafés and rooftop terraces across Hawa Mahal Road; Wind View Café is convenient for a tea or soft drink, though arrive early for a front-row table. If you want to enter the palace, allow 30–45 minutes for the narrow ramps and upper balconies, with tickets usually around ₹50–200. From there, arrange a car to Amber Fort—about 25–35 minutes in evening traffic—for dinner at 1135 AD, an atmospheric fine-dining restaurant within the fort complex. Reserve ahead, dress smart-casual, and budget approximately ₹3,000–5,000 per person; confirm the restaurant’s current access instructions, as the fort gates may require the driver to use the designated evening route.

Day 6 · Fri, Feb 19
Jaipur

Jaipur forts and palaces

  1. Amber Fort — Amer; morning, ~2.5 hours, Jaipur’s marquee hilltop fort with grand courtyards and palace interiors.
  2. Panna Meena ka Kund — Amer; late morning, ~30 minutes, a photogenic historic stepwell near the fort.
  3. Jaigarh Fort — Amer hills; midday, ~1.5 hours, offering sweeping views and one of the world’s largest wheeled cannons.
  4. Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing — Amber; afternoon, ~1.5 hours, a focused look at Rajasthan’s textile-printing traditions.
  5. The Johri — Pink City; dinner, ~1.5 hours, an elegant contemporary restaurant in a restored heritage property; approximately ₹2,000–3,500 per person.

Morning — Amber Fort and Panna Meena ka Kund

Leave your Jaipur hotel by around 7:30am with a pre-booked car and head to Amber Fort in Amer, allowing 30–45 minutes from the Pink City. The fort usually opens around 8:00am; arriving early gives you cooler weather, clearer views, and a quieter walk through the Suraj Pol, Diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, and palace courtyards. Allow about 2½ hours. Entry is generally around ₹100–200 for Indian visitors and higher for foreign visitors, with separate charges for the sound-and-light show or museum areas. Skip elephant rides, which are not necessary—the approach and interior are best explored on foot. From the fort, it is only a few minutes by car to Panna Meena ka Kund, a striking 16th-century stepwell. Spend roughly 30 minutes here; access can be restricted around the lower steps, so follow local instructions and avoid climbing into closed sections.

Midday and Afternoon — Jaigarh Fort and Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

Continue uphill by car to Jaigarh Fort, allowing about 20 minutes from Panna Meena ka Kund. Set aside 1½ hours for the ramparts, armoury displays, old water-storage system, and the enormous Jaivana Cannon. The fort is exposed, so carry water, sunglasses, and a hat; entrance is usually around ₹150–200, and the internal distances make a car especially useful. Have a relaxed lunch at a nearby Amer restaurant or return toward Kukas rather than trying to fit in another major attraction. In the afternoon, visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, housed in a restored haveli near Amber. It is typically open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:30am–5:00pm, and closed on Mondays; allow 1½ hours for the block-printing galleries and, when operating, a short demonstration. Entry is modest—usually around ₹80–100—and the museum shop is a good place for thoughtfully made printed textiles. From here, return to the Pink City in 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Evening — Dinner at The Johri

After some time to rest at the hotel, take a pre-booked car or auto-rickshaw to The Johri in the Johri Bazaar area for dinner. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored heritage property, so reserve ahead and arrive on time; dinner commonly costs about ₹2,000–3,500 per person before drinks. Allow around 1½ hours, and plan a gentle post-dinner stroll along the lit market streets rather than a full shopping expedition. Jaipur’s old-city lanes become congested at night, so have your driver collect you from the restaurant’s agreed meeting point instead of relying on finding a cab curbside.

Day 7 · Sat, Feb 20
Jaipur

Return journey to Kolkata

  1. Jaipur–Kolkata flight — Jaipur International Airport to Kolkata; morning or early-afternoon departure, allow 3–4 hours including airport transfer, check-in, and baggage; arrange hotel checkout and airport transport in advance.

Morning — Check-out and airport transfer

Have breakfast at the hotel and check out with enough time for a relaxed transfer to Jaipur International Airport. For a morning or early-afternoon flight to Kolkata, leave the Pink City or central Jaipur about 2½–3 hours before departure; the airport is usually 20–40 minutes away by car, though traffic around Tonk Road can slow the journey. Arrange a hotel car the night before, especially with luggage, and keep your flight confirmation and identification readily accessible.

Allow 3–4 hours at the airport for the transfer, check-in, security, and baggage formalities. The terminal has cafés and basic shops, but it is more comfortable to eat before leaving the hotel. A one-way airport transfer generally costs around ₹600–1,200 by app cab, or approximately ₹1,000–1,800 for a pre-booked private sedan; confirm whether tolls and waiting time are included.

Early Afternoon — Flight to Kolkata

Take your booked flight from Jaipur International Airport to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Direct flights commonly take around 2½–3 hours, though schedules and fares vary, so verify the final departure time a few days before travel. If your flight leaves later in the afternoon, keep the morning unhurried rather than adding another sightseeing stop—hotel checkout, airport security, and possible traffic are the practical priorities on the final day.

On arrival in Kolkata, use a pre-arranged hotel transfer or the airport’s authorised taxi service. App-based pickups can require a short walk to the designated collection area, while prepaid taxis are useful if arriving with several bags. For a smooth onward journey, allow at least 45–60 minutes from landing to leaving the terminal, particularly if checked baggage is involved.

This trip starts Sun, 14 Feb 2027 — want the check-ins?
Confirm the date (or change it) and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
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