Let’s face it: India is a big country. If you’re planning a trip there, you may have no idea where to even start, but that’s why we’re here to help. The Golden Triangle is one of our favourite parts of the country. This is where you can see some of the coolest sights, including, you’ve guessed it, the legendary Taj Mahal. It’s a great way to dip your toes into India for the first time and get a taste of this magical country. Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bag and hit the trail.
The Golden Triangle is located in the north of India. Its three points are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, each with its own unique charms and special attractions. When you plan a trip here, you’ll be able to see the majesty of Agra with its incredible landmarks and monuments, the windswept desert landscapes around Jaipur, and the incredible chaos of Delhi — one of the world’s most distinctive cities.
We reckon you’ll need at least a week to get a feel for the Golden Triangle. The good news is that the distances between the cities aren’t huge. It only takes about two hours by car to get between them, meaning you won’t need to spend hours and hours in transit. With a two-week holiday, you’ll be able to experience the very best of this fabulous corner of India.
Planning a trip to the Golden Triangle
The best-connected part of the Golden Triangle is New Delhi, so most travellers use that as their start and end point. The enormous airport has flights all around the world, making it a great base to begin your Indian adventure.
Once you’re in the Golden Triangle in India, there are two ways to get between the cities. Indian trains are quite an adventure, but don’t worry — the line between New Delhi and Agra has the fastest, most modern train in the country, the Gatimaan Express. This luxurious option is a far cry from what you may have seen in pictures online! You can also hire a private driver, which is a good call if you’d like to stop between cities —and there are plenty of things in the Golden Triangle worth stopping for.
The best time to visit the Golden Triangle
It’s best to avoid the Golden Triangle between April and June. These are the hottest months of the year, and heat in India is no laughing matter. With temperatures hitting 45°C, you’ll want to spend your days locked in your hotel with the aircon on full blast rather than sightseeing! Similarly, you might want to steer clear of the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Admittedly, there are fewer tourists during this time, but torrential rain and flooding can really put a damper on your holiday plans.
Instead, we recommend visiting between October and March. The temperatures are lower, and the skies are generally clear. The one thing to watch out for is the smog, particularly when you’re in Delhi. Some savvy locals wear face masks to deal with the pollution at this time of year, and you might want to join them.
Things to do in Delhi
Delhi, a sprawling metropolis with over 11 million people, is most visitors’ first glimpse of the Golden Triangle in India. This might just be the most chaotic city on the planet. Don’t even think about renting a car to get around!
Old Delhi
The city is divided into different areas. Old Delhi is a maze of narrow, winding lanes and alleys that is almost impossible to navigate. Use a tuk-tuk to get around as you marvel at this remarkable area, where every pavement is packed with mysterious street food stalls and where motorbikes share the roads with wandering cows and goats. Don’t miss Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and the very welcome peace of the Gandhi memorial.
Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India
New Delhi
New Delhi is more modern, with broad, leafy avenues and skyscrapers. Stay in a neighbourhood like Janakpuri to enjoy the best of both worlds and slowly acclimatise yourself for your adventures in India.
Even though New Delhi is a thriving modern city, it still has some intriguing old monuments. We love Humayun’s Tomb, an enormous sandstone complex dating back to 1570, and the Qutub Minar, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The towering Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Another interesting place for sightseeing is India Gate, a memorial to the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Don’t expect this war memorial to be sombre. In fact, it’s one of the busiest parts of this extremely busy city, packed with street vendors, hawkers and locals looking for a good picnic spot.
When you’ve had enough of Delhi, it’s time to hire a driver or hop on a train and head to Agra, your next destination as you explore the Golden Triangle in India.
Things to do in Agra
Compared to the chaotic, muddled streets of Delhi, Agra comes as a relief. This is still a big city, with more than 2 million people calling it home. However, after a few days in Delhi, it feels more like a small town! Agra is famous for its historical sights, so give yourself enough time to check them out.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is Agra’s main attraction, a legendary mausoleum that is considered a wonder of the world. This glorious white marble building, a tribute to the love felt by the fifth Mughal emperor for his late wife, is the most famous monument in India.
Many visitors say that the Tajmahal Agra is at its best at sunrise when the reflecting pool in front of it glows with all the colours of the dawn. Set your alarm clock — this is one early morning start you won’t regret!
The magnificent Taj Mahal
Agra Fort
Yes, the Taj Mahal isn’t the only game in town! You’ll need to give yourself at least three hours to explore Agra Fort, an incredible Mughal monument built in the 16th century.
Most of the fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who was also responsible for the Taj Mahal. He actually had plans for a third incredible monument — his own mausoleum — but he was betrayed by his son, who seized power and imprisoned Shah Jahan within the fort. To be honest, we can’t feel too sorry for him because this is one stylish jail. What other prison on the planet gives you views of the Taj Mahal?
Things to do in Jaipur
While Agra may be home to the most famous monument of the Golden Triangle India, Jaipur is the city with the most things to see. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rajasthan desert, this settlement has dozens of things to explore. It’s also breathtakingly beautiful, called the Jaipur Pink City, named after the unique colour of its buildings. Give yourself plenty of time. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort has to be one of the major highlights of the city. This is a hill fort that offers incredibly beautiful views of the surrounding area. It’s pretty crowded, so we recommend getting there early and enjoying the morning sun from the ramparts.
A bustling crowd gathers to explore the beautiful Amber Fort
While you’re exploring the fort, don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal Jaipur, which we reckon is one of the best attractions in the area. The name translates as mirror palace, but don’t worry — this isn’t a tribute to the selfie. Instead, the walls are set with thousands of tiny pieces of mirrors, creating floral and botanic mosaics. It’s particularly beautiful when the sun is shining.
For a cool alternative to the Amber Fort, which tends to have far smaller crowds, visit the Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur. We love it for its exceptional views of the city. Don’t leave it too late in the day, though. This fort is surrounded by dense forests, and there are some dangerous animals lurking nearby!
Galtaji in Jaipur
This ancient Hindu pilgrimage site is also known as the Monkey Temple in Jaipur. Traditionally, Hindus come here to wash themselves in the sacred waters of the temple complex. However, plenty of visitors come to Galtaji Jaipur for non-religious reasons, just to enjoy a day out in these beautiful temples.
Watch out for the huge numbers of rhesus macaques that live here, making it one of the most popular attractions in the Golden Triangle in India. The monkeys here are considered sacred, and many people feed them. Just take care not to make eye contact — they’ll see it as a threat and may attack!
Jaipur Palaces
There are two impressive palaces inside the city. The first is the City Palace, an 18th-century building that was once home to Maharajas. You can stroll through its elaborately decorated rooms, admiring the incredible luxury. Today, much of the building has been turned into a museum, housing textiles, weapons, armour and more.
We also love the Jalmahal Jaipur, also known as the Water Palace. It sits on the shores of a lake, and the reflections in the water make it the perfect backdrop for your holiday pics.
The serene Jal Mahal, or Water Palace
Bapu Bazar
Finally, no trip to India would be complete without doing a spot of haggling at the market! The best market in Jaipur is the Bapu Bazar, where you can buy all kinds of handicrafts, clothes, leather goods, trinkets, knick-knacks and more. All in all, it’s a bewildering place where nobody leaves empty-handed, making it the ideal spot to pick up a couple of souvenirs after your time exploring Golden Triangle India.
Remember, in Indian markets, you should not be afraid to haggle. Merchants expect it, and they’ll be delighted to negotiate with you.
Other places to visit in the Golden Triangle
These three cities may be the main destinations, but there are still a few more cool places we haven’t mentioned. Consider adding these to your itinerary:
Ranthambore National Park
Once a royal hunting ground, today, this nature reserve is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in the wild. You’ll need to cross your fingers, as sightings are never guaranteed, but a safari here is a truly special experience. Even if you don’t manage to spot any tigers, check out the 270 species of birds, including majestic eagles.
A majestic Bengal tiger resting in the lush wilderness of Ranthambore National Park
Sariska National Park
This is another good spot for big cats, as it has a growing population of Bengal tigers and wild leopards. It’s not as famous as Ranthambore, so you may well find a little more peace as you enjoy a safari here.
Mathura
This is a great choice for anyone with an interest in Hinduism. The city is known as the birthplace of Krishna, and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the most beautiful in India. Be sure to cover your knees and shoulders, or they won’t let you in!
It’s time to discover India’s Golden Triangle for yourself! Our 11-day trip shows you some of the highlights of this amazing region and is a great choice for first-time visitors to the country. Are you up for the challenge?
