7.5 days in India
 

We (me and 17-yr old son) have a very brief 7.5 days in India in March 2017. Our first (and likely only) trip to India. The international flights are booked. I am in the process of booking hotels and domestic flights, and having a hard time deciding between the following three options for itinerary which include nuances with respect Agra. Please advise. Thank you. All three options start in Jaipur.

OPTION 1 (go through Agra for the day) (get the experience of a night train)
Jaipur (2 days) car 5-hr drive to
Agra (0.5 day) night train to
Varanasi (2.5 days) nonstop flight to
Delhi (2.5 days)

OPTION 2 (skip Agra) (seems easiest)
Jaipur (2 days) short 1-stop flight to
Varanasi (3 days) nonstop flight to
Delhi (2.5 days)

OPTION 3 (day trip to Agra from Delhi)
Jaipur (2 days) short 1-stop flight to
Varanasi (2 days) nonstop flight to
Delhi (3.5 days)

For Option 3, one day in Delhi we could early driver or 6 am train to Agra and return Delhi that afternoon. Would get to see Taj Mahal and Agra Fort but without the Option 2 drive Jaipur to Agra and night train Agra to Varanasi.

I think we have decided to skip Agra.

7.5 DAYS
Jaipur (2 days)
Varanasi (2 days)
Delhi (3.5 days)

Smart choice, Clay. No point gong to Agra for .5 of a day!!

If it were my only time in India, I would not stay in Delhi. You will already have been in 3 large, busy cities. I think the Taj Mahal will be very iconic for your son (and for you). How about this:

Jaipur - 3 days
Agra - 1 day
Varanasi - 2 days
Delhi - .5 days

I loved Agra, well actually no I didn't , but I did love seeing the Taj Mahal. We stopped overnight on our way back to Delhi from Varanasi where we took the train. We got up super early in the morning , has a quick couple of hours at the Taj which was great because it wasn't very busy, then got back on the train to Delhi.
But of the places you listed my favourite was Varanasi, Jaipur then Agra and last Delhi, so I also agree with crosscheck.

I for one was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed Delhi. It deserves at least a full day and you must have a driver as everything is spread out. I also would not take away a day in Agra. Perhaps 2 days in Jaipur would work? Varanasi is amazing. Is it possible to add a few days?