Sprawling over a vast 3,287,263 square kilometres and five distinct regions, and boasting almost a fifth of the world’s population, India is one daunting country to tackle as a first time visitor. Just where to start in this diverse, sprawling nation?
Well, India’s Golden Triangle is a classic introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the country. This well-trodden route connects the capital city of Delhi, the pink city of Jaipur, and the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. If you’re to enjoy this famous triumvirate and all of the miles in between, it’s essential that you plan your trip with precision.
You’ll be pleased to hear that with the right planning, this famous round-trip can be enjoyed in around a week. With that in mind, here’s the IDEAL 7-day tour itinerary of India’s Golden Triangle.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you’ll be met with a wall of sound and a miasma of aroma, plus a sense of heat and humidity that’s pretty overwhelming at first.
Take it all in your stride, as Delhi is one of the world’s most exciting, vivacious cities, and it’s best approached with arms and mind wide open.
A taxi into the city centre should take around half an hour, traffic permitting, and cost around 500 INR (around £5). You have one of three options at the airport for catching a taxi:
- Prepaid Taxi Counters: As you exit the arrivals area, look for the prepaid taxi counters. These are operated by the Delhi Traffic Police and offer a safe and reliable option. You can pay for your ride in advance, which helps avoid any haggling over fares.
- App-Based Taxis: Services like Uber and Ola are widely available. You can book a ride through their respective apps. There are designated pick-up points for app-based taxis, usually well-signposted within the airport.
- Official Airport Taxis: Look for the official airport taxi service, which is usually available just outside the terminal. These taxis are metered and regulated, ensuring a fair fare.
Be cautious of touts offering taxi services inside the terminal. Stick to the official options to ensure safety and avoid being overcharged.
Though we can’t choose your hotel for you once you’ve landed in Delhi, ideally it’ll be located in Connaught Place or Karol Bagh for easy access to major attractions. Several major hotel chains stand proud here, including the Metropolitan Hotel, the Radisson Blu and The Park.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its South Indian delicacies. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hiring a guide can enhance your understanding of the historical significance of this magnificent fort. Just a short walk from the Red Fort, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and climb the southern minaret for a panoramic view of Old Delhi.
In the evening, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Don’t miss the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for a taste of traditional Indian parathas. For a unique experience, visit Agrasen ki Baoli, a historical stepwell located in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
End your day with a visit to India Gate and a drive past the President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Remember to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering temples and mosques.
Read: Discovering the charming sites of Hyderabad
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Begin another beautiful day in Delhi with a visit to Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage site, where the intricate carvings and towering structure are a sight to behold. Head to the Lotus Temple, known for its unique flower-like architecture and serene ambiance. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal and a stunning example of Mughal architecture. For lunch, enjoy a traditional North Indian meal at Karim’s, near Jama Masjid, famous for its Mughlai cuisine.
Spend your evening at Hauz Khas Village, a trendy area with a mix of ancient ruins, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Enjoy dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the lake. Use local transport like auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws for short distances, and hire a private car or use trains for longer distances.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra
Take an early morning train (Gatimaan Express) or hire a private car to Agra, a journey that takes around 2-3 hours. The Gatimaan Express is one of the fastest trains in India, offering a comfortable and quick journey. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, hiring a private car allows you to stop at interesting places along the way.
Upon arrival in Agra, head straight to the Taj Mahal and visit early to avoid the crowds and witness the changing hues of the marble as the sun sets. After the Taj Mahal, visit Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the palaces, mosques, and audience halls within the fort.
For a different perspective of the Taj Mahal, visit Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River, offering a serene view of the monument at sunset. Keep your belongings safe and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Bargaining is common in local markets, so start with a lower price and negotiate politely. For a hidden gem, visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often referred to as the “Baby Taj,” which is less crowded and equally beautiful.
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur (via Fatehpur Sikri)
En route to Jaipur, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of Emperor Akbar. This UNESCO World Heritage site (yep, there are so many on the triangle’s route!) is about an hour’s drive from Agra. Explore the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and the tomb of Salim Chishti. Have lunch at a local dhaba (roadside eatery) to experience authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
The journey from Agra to Jaipur by car takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train, such as the Shatabdi Express, which offers a comfortable and scenic journey.
In Jaipur, opt for a heritage hotel to experience the royal hospitality of Rajasthan (we do hope you’ve booked in advance, of course!). Spend your evening at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort offering a glimpse of Rajasthani culture, food, and entertainment. For a hidden gem, visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which showcases the traditional art of block printing.
Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing
Start your day with a visit to Amber Fort. Take a jeep to the top and don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) inside the fort. A hidden gem near Amber Fort is Panna Meena ka Kund, a beautiful example of ancient Indian architecture. Explore the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and visit the museum to see royal artifacts and costumes. Adjacent to the City Palace, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with impressive instruments.
End your day with a visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and climb to the top for a view of the bustling streets of Jaipur. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) in Johari Bazaar for dinner.
Spend your morning shopping for souvenirs. Visit Johari Bazaar for jewelry, Bapu Bazaar for textiles, and Tripolia Bazaar for handicrafts. Remember to bargain politely, as it is a common practice in local markets.
Read: 11 of the best things to do in Alwar
Day 6: Jaipur to Delhi
If time permits, visit the Albert Hall Museum to see a rich collection of artifacts. Drive back to Delhi, a journey that takes around 5-6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight or train. The Shatabdi Express is a good option for a comfortable train journey. Check into your hotel and relax. You can explore the local markets after a rest.
Day 7: Departure from Delhi
If you have time before your flight, visit Akshardham Temple. The intricate carvings and the musical fountain show are worth seeing. Head to the airport for your departure, ensuring you reach the airport a good 2 hours before your flight, as Indira Gandhi International is a particularly hectic place, and things always take much longer than you expect here. For a hidden gem, check out the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into India’s rich craft traditions.
This one was recommended to us as a holiday to India with Pettitts Travel, and whilst it’s possible to tackle the Golden Triangle solo, footloose and fancy free, it’s generally recommended to do this as part of a tour if you’re going to see everything in a stress free fashion. We can’t wait to see your photos from the trip!