Golden Triangle India Tour

A tour of the Golden Triangle in India involves visiting 3 of the country's major cities: Delhi, the capital city, Agra: the Taj Mahal city and Jaipur: The cultural capital. But for many the touring India's Golden Triangle is so much more than that, and it is just as much about the journey between these cities and what you can discover off the beaten track that make this route so worthy of exploring.

The deep rooted culture, and abundance of natural wonders is what draws so many tourists to travel India's Golden triangle every year. Here we outline a 1 week itinerary complete with everything you need to know before embarking on your India tour, brought to you by a local of India, who has lived in both Jaipur and Delhi. So, here is all the information you would need to plan a perfect holiday. 

7-Day Golden Triangle Itinerary Overview:

2 Days – Getting to Know Delhi :  Humayun’s Fort, Red Fort, Hauz Khas Complex, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar

2 Days – Agra and Vrindavan: Banke Bihari temple, Prem Temple, Taj Mahal, grand Agra Fort, Sadar Bazaar, Fatehpur Sikri fort

3 Days – Exploring Jaipur: Hawa Mahal,  Jal Mahal, Amer Fort,  Jai Garh Palace, Khole Ke Hanumanji, Birla Temple, Moti Dungri Temple,  Janta Mantar, Masala Chowk, Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar

Day 1-2: Getting to know Delhi

Delhi or as we Indians call it, Dilli – the heart of India. Delhiites are modern and yet take great pride in their culture. It is a place of cultural paradoxes, awesome street food, and jaw-dropping architecture.

Although Delhi is in itself a week’s itinerary, still we have covered a few mainstream and offbeat places in two days. Covering off all the top things to do in Delhi in this short time. 

Day 1: Wander in the Humayun Fort, Red Fort, and Hauz Khas Village

Start your first day of your Golden Triangle, India journey at Humayun’s Fort. Did you know that Humayun’s Fort was built about 60 years before the Taj Mahal and displays some architectural similarities? This red sandstone monument is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the fort's perfectly kept green gardens make for a serene start to the day.

After your early morning sightseeing head back to your hotel for breakfast before going onto the Red Fort. A 17th-century fort was constructed by Mughals, and used as the Emperor's main residence when they decided to move their capital from Agra to Delhi. Immensely important in the history of India, this fort has bared witness to many significant historical events. I strongly advise hiring a guide so you can learn about the fascinating history of this fort. 

Lunch suggestion:  Kareem’s in Chandni Chowk near Jama Masjid.

After lunch head towards the Hauz Khas Complex. A picturesque park in the middle of Delhi, a historic house located next to a large lake. Spend some quiet time near relaxing by the reservoir before heading to join the party at the many clubs on the street surrounding the Hauz Khas Complex.

Club & Bar Suggestions:

Day 2: Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar

Start your day by taking a tour of Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House). The tours start roughly from 9 am in the morning. You will need to book your tickets in advance which you can do here.

After your morning tour and a spot of lunch head to the spiritual feels of the Lotus Temple. This is not a Hindu temple but a Bahai Temple. Bahai religion preaches that everybody and everyone is welcome here and can practice his/her religion within the premises. This building is a stunning piece of modern architecture, constructed in 1653 this temple is often referred to as the ‘Taj Mahal of the 20th century, and has won a stream of architectural awards.

Finish off your day with a quick trip to the Qutub Minar, a Victory Tower and UNESCO world heritage site built in the 12th Century.

Dinner Suggestion: Rajendra Dhaba

Day 3-4: Fort-y Agra and Sanct Vrindavan

Day 3: Vrindavan, the lesser-travelled road of the Golden Triangle

Vrindavan is considered the holiest town in India where Lord Krishna a Hindu deity was born. The city itself is crowded and cramped but has a holy aura that can be felt by anybody who visits. Look through the narrow roads and dirt and immerse yourself in a town full of religious culture.

Start your day by paying homage at the Banke Bihari temple. A Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and is where Lord Krishna appeared for Saint Haridas. To reach the temple, make your way through the zig-zagged narrow lanes that all lead to the temple. Simply ask the local vendors (human GPS), for the way. If you are lucky you’ll be able to witness an ISCKON follower’s procession too, with chanting and dancing! Try to go an hour after the opening time of the temple,  as it is much less crowded then.

Although this holy city has an abundance of temples to choose from, there is one you cannot miss, Prem Temple, and be sure to visit it at night. In the evening Prem Temple puts on a light show producing to most mesmerizing sights of changing colors on the temple's surface and numerous portrayals from the life of Lord Krishna. 

Day 4: Fall in love with Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Agra was the capital of the Mughals, the last dynasty to rule India before it became a British colony. Mughals played a huge significance in the development of India and its culture, including building a centralised government and  creating buildings of breathtaking architecture. Responsible for giving this city the Taj Mahal, that has now become the picture of India. 

The Taj Mahal, the main event you’ve been waiting for and probably widely considered the best thing to do in India. The Taj Mahal is a true symbol of love and was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his love Mumtaz. It is a mausoleum where both of them lie peacefully beside each other as an example to the world of everlasting love. Hire a guide so that you can learn about the history of the Taj Mahal. If you can, visit early morning at about 7 am, after that the crowds come flocking.

Next, head back to your hotel, and have breakfast, before making your way to the grand Agra Fort. Agra Fort has been a house to Mughals for four generations and each generation has given it a different form of unique architecture. Including a section completely made of marble and one of red sandstone.

Spend the early evening shopping at Sadar Bazaar, and grabbing dinner. Agra is famous for leather products and its lip-smacking ‘Chaat’ - a local dish, be sure to try it at the Bazaar, where it’s some of the best you’ll taste. Some other great food options are, Tikki at Agra Chaat House and Falooda at Shankar’s. This Bazaar comes alive in the evening, so spend the rest of the day exploring here. 

If you have time before then consider visiting Fatehpur Sikri fort, also built by Mughal emperor Akbar.

Hotel Suggestion: Mansingh Palace

Day 5-7: Experience Jaipur

Jaipur, the land of Royals, the city of brave warriors of the Rajput clan. It is hard to express the essence of a city in a few words with such a rich heritage and culture. The people of the city are still secularly religious and warm. Although the city is now near metro status, you will find a close-knit community in the colonies of Jaipur, no matter however modern and busy the people get. It is called the Pink city because the royals of Jaipur painted the whole city in Pink (Gulaabi). However, the city expanded with urbanization, but the old walled city is still pink, and the city people take pride in its uniqueness.

Day 5: Get closer to the culture, heritage, and history of Jaipur

Start your day at the Hawa Mahal, a place that has now become the identity of the city. The Hawa Mahal is a honeycomb building with 953 windows. These windows are called ‘Jharokhas’ and are intricately carved into the pink sandstone. Constructed in 1799 this building was built as an extension of the Royal City palace, and was constructed to allow royal ladies, who at the times could only observe any procession and street events to watch these without being seen by the public (Purdah System). I highly recommend trying some ‘Lassi’ and ‘Pakoras’ for breakfast at the local stalls in front of the Hawa Mahal.

After your morning at Hawa Mahal head towards Jal Mahal,  a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. You won’t need long here but it’s a great place to get some instagram worthy photos.  Continue on to Amer Fort, a 16th-century palace where the royal family used to live. Be sure to check out the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) inside Amer Fort. 

Note: Tickets for Sheesh Mahal have to be purchased separately.

After a business morning lunch at a local eatery, I'd highly recommend ‘Jagdamba Parathas’ that overlooks the majestic fort. Their Gobhi Paratha and Aloo Paratha are very highly rated.

Spend the afternoon at Jai Garh Palace, another palace that was built for the royal family in 1726 to protect Amer Fort and the palace complex.  Surrounded by picturesque gardens this palace overlooks Amer Fort and the Maota Lake, and is a representation of royal grandeur in those times.. Jai Garh is also home to the worlds largest cannon, that weighs a whopping 50 tonnes. Something great about these ancient palaces, is that they were never subject to an attack meaning they are still in fantastic condition. 

Finally, cap off your day with dinner at Padao Restaurant at Nahargarh, which offers one of the most breathtaking views of Jaipur at night.

Day 6: Seek God’s blessings today

Today is going to be a day of spirituality. Grab your breakfast at the hotel and head towards Khole Ke Hanumanji. This is a temple of the Hindu deity Hanuman and is one of the most revered temples by Jaipurites. From there head towards Birla Temple and Moti Dungri Temple. Birla Temple is a majestic marble monument, and Moti Dungri is an old temple rich with history, and where visitors seek blessings from the divine. 

Lunch suggestion: Virasat hotel

Once you have full bellies, it is time for Janta Mantar, the 18th-century observatory and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building houses a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and features the world's largest stone sundial. Janta Mantar really is a must do on your Golden Triangle tour.  You can hire a guide at the site, who will tell you all about the different instruments and how they work.

To top off your day go to Masala Chowk, an entire market dedicated to Indian savories and give the local delicacies a try.

Day 7: Shop and shop and shop

Today is your final day on this Golden Triangle Tour and it’s time to shop until you drop, and bring back all those souvenirs your family and friends have been badgering you for. Head towards Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar where you’ll find colorful Sanganeri prints, beautiful hand crafted goods and jewelry, as well as Rajasthani footwears called ‘Jootis’ and ‘Moonjaries’. What you’ll find at these stalls is wonderfully unique, and it’s also a great place for bargaining. A rule of thumb is that you can get everything for half the price you are first quoted. 

Lunch Suggestion: Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar 

Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Regenta or Oberoi Trident  

Bonus Trails:

If you have some more time, then explore the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary en route from Agra to Jaipur. Other sanctuaries near Jaipur are Ranthambore and Sariska National Park. Remember it is not just about these 3 cities on your Golden Triangle tour but what else you can explore on route. We have covered off some off the beaten track places, but if you have a couple of weeks to complete your golden triangle, india trip then be sure to spend more time in between.

Please let us know about your thoughts in the comment section below. If any readers have travelled this route before, please do make suggestions of great places they can add to this India trip below.

Happy Traveling!

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