India Golden Triangle

THE INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE

The India Golden Triangle is a well-travelled route in Northern India, known for its popularity among tourists. Despite mixed reviews due to the heavy tourist presence, I highly recommend it, providing you follow a few of my tips…

 

WHY IS IT CALLED THE INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE?

The India Golden Triangle connects New Delhi (the capital), Agra, and Jaipur (Rajasthan’s capital). The cities form an almost equilateral triangle on the map, and the route is dubbed ‘golden’ because of its rich historical and cultural significance.

Each city is about 4-5 hours from the others. The distances are:

• 196km from New Delhi to Agra
• 232km from Agra to Jaipur
• And 262km from Jaipur to New Delhi.

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO THE INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE?

The India Golden Triangle can be completed in as few as 5 days. Personally, I spent 8 full days travelling, plus an additional 1-2 days for the flight from the UK, which takes about 9 hours.

If you’re short on vacation time, you can fit this trip into a week. Be prepared for a busy schedule! I suggest spending a bit more on accommodations to have a comfortable place to relax at the end of each day as it is tiring, hot & rather dirty in the days.

 

For a one-week itinerary, here’s my recommendation:

• Day 1: Arrive in Delhi in the morning and explore.
• Day 2: Explore Delhi.
• Day 3: Travel from Delhi to Agra in the morning and explore.
• Day 4: Travel from Agra to Jaipur in the afternoon.
• Day 5: Explore Jaipur.
• Day 6: Explore Jaipur and travel home.

 

ITINERARY FOR THE INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE:

START THE TRIP IN DELHI

I flew from London Heathrow to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi using a BA Companion Voucher, making the flight cost only £115. Flights are quite affordable in September, around £400 return on Skyscanner, as it is still monsoon season and approaching peak season.

In Delhi, I stayed at the Maidens Hotel, a grand and welcoming place just outside the city centre, with excellent transport links, next to Civil Lines Metro. The hotel offers a traditional charm & also, modern comforts (including a welcome drink & a welcome at the gate, which is nice), making it a pleasant stay.

 

Arriving in Delhi

Delhi can be overwhelming with its bustling streets, heat, and chaotic traffic. Despite the sensory overload, the city generally feels safe. I recommend using a cross-body bag instead of a backpack, as people often get very close.

You can see the main attractions of Delhi in two days.

 

Day 1 – Explore Old Delhi

• Visit the Red Fort early to avoid crowds.
• Go to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
• Take a Cycle Rickshaw through Chandni Chowk from Lal Quila Metro or also, outside Jama Masjid (200R for 30 mins).
• Stop for lunch at Karim’s, known for its incredible and affordable food.
• If time permits, visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

 

Day 2 – See the historical sites

• Qutub Complex Heritage Site (Spend about 30-60 minutes here)
• Lotus Temple (20 minutes from Qutub)
• ISKCON Krishna Temple (18-minute walk through Astha Kunj Park)
• Humayun’s Tomb (14 minute drive)
• Purana Qila, Delhi’s oldest fort (9 minute drive, spend 1-2 hours here)
• India Gate (9 minute drive)
• Gurudwara Sri Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple in Delhi (9 minute drive)
• Lakshmi Narayan Birla Temple, a Hindu temple (5 minute drive)
• Akshardham Hindu Temple for the water and light show at 7.15pm (21 minute drive)
• For dinner, visit Kwality near Connaught Place, & make sure you try the chicken curry and mutton rogan josh.

 

NEXT, TO AGRA

Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, is a must-see on the India Golden Triangle. The city itself, however, is not overly impressive, and one night is sufficient to see the main attractions.

 

Day 3: Travel to Agra

I took the train from Delhi to Agra, using the ‘Ixigo’ app for train times. It’s important to note that trains in India often run late. I travelled from Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt in a first-class cabin (1A ticket) for 1175 rupees (£11 in 2024).

From Agra Cantt, it’s easy to get a rickshaw or Uber to the area near the Taj Mahal. If you arrive early, visit Moonlight Garden (Mehtab Bagh) for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal.

I stayed at The Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, which offers a view of the Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool and also, is very clean and comfortable. Another good option is The Coral House Homestay, just 700 meters from the Taj Mahal.

 

Day 4 – Explore Agra & travel to Jaipur in the afternoon

Hire a rickshaw driver to take you to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Heading there early means you will avoid crowds and also, see the Taj Mahal in its best light.

Next, visit Agra Fort, just 6 minutes from the Taj Mahal. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the fort and also, spotting the monkeys.

Your rickshaw driver might take you to a local mosaic and also, marble shop. I would usually decline trips to the friends of drivers but our stop was actually so worth a visit as they make everything by hand.

 

YOUR FINAL DESTINATION, JAIPUR

That evening, I booked an ‘Uber Intercity’ from Agra to Jaipur. The journey takes about 5 hours. There is an option to go via the Tomb of Akbar but I skipped this due to the luggage in my Uber.

 

Day 5 – Explore Jaipur city & Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan

Walking around Jaipur is safe and enjoyable. Start at The City Palace, and also, consider booking a tour to access the Blue Room. The tour is quite expensive so I didn’t actually opt to do this but the room does look amazing. You cannot access the Blue Room unless you book a tour.

Next, visit Hawa Mahal, and walk through Johri Bazaar and also, Bapu Bazaar for jewellery and textiles.

Stop by the Albert Hall Museum before heading to Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan temple and Nahargarh Fort (up on the hill) for sunset. Also, there are restaurants up there, which are great for a view! But make sure you don’t head down TOO late as rickshaws get far and few between later into the evening.

 

Day 6 – Explore Jaipur (hill day)

Visit Amber Palace at sunrise.

Also, you can go for a quick pit-stop at Panna Meena Ka Kund for photos of the step well on the way to Jaigarh.

Continue to Jaigarh Fort (another fort on the hill) – If you are tired from the Nahargarh Fort the day before then you can give this a miss as reasonably similar & Nahargarh is considered the more impressive of the two!

Also, on the way back, stop briefly at Jal Mahal water palace to have a look!

In the afternoon, visit Birla Mandir temple and also, Patrika Gate for evening puja and photos.

After completing the India Golden Triangle, you can fly home or extend your trip to Udaipur, which is beautiful and worth a visit. Stay tuned for more blog posts on this journey.