India takes pride in housing several exciting tourist destinations and one of them is the Golden Triangle. This isn’t just one location, but instead, it’s a travel circuit that connects three cities in Northern India – the capital of the country, Delhi, the pink city, Jaipur, and the city of love, Agra. When dotted down on the map, these cities form a triangular shape, and the immense diversity in all these places put together earned it the name of ‘Golden Triangle’.
Several tour operators organize this trip and take you through the popular attractions of all three destinations. If you’re visiting India for the first time or are beginning your journey as a solo traveler, the Golden Triangle is the best option to start with. To know more about these destinations and how you can have a content journey, read along!
How To Tour The Golden Triangle
While there are several tours and travels that will take you through this expedition, you can also consider a road trip by yourself for an added adventurous feel.
For an ideal journey through the Golden Triangle, start in Delhi. You can explore the capital city at your own pace and once you’re ready to travel, take a road trip to Agra, covering around 230 km in 4-5 hours. Once you’ve explored the city, head to the last leg of the circuit, Jaipur, about 240 km away, which will also take you approximately 5 hours by car. Your return journey to Delhi is approximately 280 km which can be covered in about 6-7 hours.
This route covers about 750 km in total, which can be comfortably toured in 5-6 days, making it perfect for a road adventure!
Delhi
As a popular Bollywood song beautifully puts it, “Yeh Dilli hai mere yaar, bas ishq, mohabbat, pyaar” – Delhi is a city that thrives on love, vibrancy, and culture. With its rich tapestry of museums, lush parks, ancient monuments, and a thriving arts scene, this city offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Serving as the starting point of this iconic journey, the capital city promises a dynamic introduction to the heart of India. Let’s delve into the magic of Delhi!
Where To Go?
1. Connaught Place (CP)
Built during the British era, this bustling commercial and cultural hub is renowned for its grand colonial architecture and iconic circular layout. Located in the heart of the city, Connaught Place serves as a vibrant epicenter of activity. From trendy cafes and shopping lanes to quaint bookstores and live performances in the open air, CP is always alive with energy, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Time:
- Shopping: 10:00 am to 9:30 pm; Closed on Sundays
- Entertainment: 11:00 am to 1:00 am
2. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib:
Delhi is also about the divine vibe. And one place where you can experience this holy energy is at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. This location doesn’t just house the shrine but there is a whole complex inside which you can explore the pool, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, and a library.
Time:
- The complex is open 24 hours
- Community meals: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
3. India Gate:
India Gate is one of India’s most precious monuments. Also known as the All India War Memorial, this is a tall structure that pays homage to 82,000 soldiers martyred during different wars. Surrounded by lush lawns, the area is popular for evening strolls and picnics, especially during winter. The structure is lit up at night, creating a beautiful view.
Time: Open 24 hours
What To Eat?
Let’s discover some of the best dishes in Delhi, a city that’s widely known for its mouth-watering food.
- Changezi Chicken
- Momos
- Aloo ka paratha
- Chaat
- Rajma chawal
Where To Stay?
While touring the Golden Triangle, you’re going to be in Delhi for at least 2 nights. And we have picked the best places for you to stay so you can get a good night’s sleep:
1. Hotel Western Blu
Price: Starting approximately from INR 2,856 per night
Address: A7, Shubham Enclave, Reserve Bank Enclave, Paschim Vihar
2. Hotel Ritz
Price: Starting approximately from INR 2,806 per night
Address: 8567, Arakashan Road, Behind Shiela Cinema, Arya Nagar, Paharganj
3. Hotel Shelton
Price: Starting approximately from INR 2,231 per night
Address: Main Bazar Road, Near Six Tooti Chowk, Bazar Sangatrashan, Bharat Nagar, Paharganj
Agra
Pack your bags—it’s time to head to the next stop on your Golden Triangle journey: Agra. Just a five-hour drive from Delhi, this charming city in Uttar Pradesh is nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with the vibrancy of local life, making it a favorite destination for travelers.
As you arrive, prepare to immerse yourself in Agra’s culture and savor the experience of living like a true Uttar Pradeshi for a day or two.
Where To Go?
1. Taj Mahal:
Of course, the first major attraction in Agra is the Taj Mahal. This is one of the 7 wonders of the world and for good reason. This symbol of love is constructed entirely of white marble that glows through and through. Built by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife – Mumtaz, it houses both of their tombs.
Time:
- 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Closed on Fridays
Entry Fee:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 1100 for foreigners
2. Agra Fort or Agra ka Lal Qila:
Another memorable architectural structure that you absolutely must visit is the Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar, this structure is located only 2.5 km away from the Taj Mahal. Inside this Qila, there are several smaller places to visit like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal.
Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee:
- 50 per person for Indians
- 650 per person for foreigners
- 40 per person for Indians on Fridays
- 600 per person for foreigners on Fridays
3. Fatehpur Sikri
This UNESCO World Heritage site near Agra is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Akbar, it served as the capital of his Empire for a brief period and is famed for its grand palaces, courtyards, and the iconic Buland Darwaza.
Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee:
- 50 per person for Indians
- 610 per person for foreigners
What To Eat?
Food is an integral part of exploring and you should definitely try the local dishes of every city you visit. To help you with that, here’s a list of all the tastiest delicacies in the city:
- Petha
- Chole Bhature
- Bedai
- Dahi Bhalle
- Chowmein
Where To Stay?
Being an important tourism hotspot in India, Agra has some of the best hotels to offer you premium comfort and amenities. Find exactly that in the following hotels:
1. Crystal Sarovar Premiere
Price: Starting from INR 2,691 per night
Address: Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Fatehabad Road, Near KFC, Tajganj
2. ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort And Spa
Price: Starting from INR 9,900 per night
Address: Tajganj Ground Floor Fatehabad Road
3. Zig Zag Homestay
Price: Starting from INR 2,700 per night
Address: 32/75-A-11-B, Rajpur Chungi, Shaheed Nagar, Tajganj
Jaipur
Fondly known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur stands as the grand finale to India’s Golden Triangle tour. With its regal history, majestic architecture, and vibrant culture, the city effortlessly transports you to an era of royalty and grandeur.
With enough said, it’s time to explore!
Where To Go?
1. Amber Fort
Perched on a hilltop, Amber Fort is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its intricate mirror work, scenic courtyards, and views of Maota Lake make it an unmissable landmark. A highlight of Jaipur, this fort is especially captivating at sunrise and sunset because of the golden glow that casts over its sandstone walls.
Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Light Show:
- English: 7:30 pm
- Hindi: 8:00 pm
Elephant Ride: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- 25 per person for Indians
- 550 per person for foreigners
- 200 per person for Light Show in English
- 100 per person for Light Show in Hindi
- 1100 per couple for Elephant Ride
2. Hawa Mahal
The iconic “Palace of Winds” with its unique honeycomb structure is a hallmark of Jaipur. It’s known for its distinctive pink shade and intricate latticework. Built with 953 windows or jharokhas, the Hawa Mahal catches breezes that keep it cool even during Jaipur’s hot summers.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- INR 50 per person for Indians
- INR 200 per person for foreigners
3. Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with giant instruments that can still accurately tell the time and predict celestial events. Not only that, it also houses the largest sundial in the world! Each of the instruments here has a unique purpose, reflecting the advanced understanding of astronomy since ancient times.
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee:
- INR 50 per person for Indians
- INR 200 per person for foreigners
What To Eat?
The rich history and culture of Jaipur are even reflected in the cuisine here, offering you a culinary experience worth remembering. Do try the following delicacies that are authentic to the city:
- Dal Baati Churma
- Laal Maas
- Kachori
- Ghevar
Where To Stay?
To ensure you’re well-rested in between all your exploration, make sure to prebook your accommodations. You can choose from the below mentioned options:
1. Pearl Palace Hotel
Price: Starting from INR 1,650 per night
Address: 51, Hathroi Fort, Hari Kishan Somani Marg, Ajmer Road
2. Dera Rawatsar
Price: Starting from INR 2,300 per night
Address: D-194/C, Vijay Path, Behind Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, Kanti Nagar, Bani Park
3. Hari Mahal Palace
Price: Starting from INR 3,218 per night
Address: Tirthraj, Jacob Road, Civil Lines
Summing Up
From Delhi’s India Gate to Agra’s majestic Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s vibrant palaces, the Golden Triangle captures India’s diverse heritage and architectural marvels. Going on this expedition will not only give you a much needed break but will also take you on a ride through the timeless history and unique flavours of these places. Embark on this journey soon to seize a golden opportunity to learn about the rich cultures of our country.
FAQs
What Is The Triangle Route In India?
The Triangle Route in India is a tourism circuit between 3 cities namely Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. It’s called so because of the triangular shape that’s formed by connecting these three destinations.
Is India’s Golden Triangle Worth Visiting?
Yes, India’s Golden Triangle is worth visiting because the locations that constitute the circuit are very popular tourist destinations with lots of forts, tombs, palaces, and markets to explore.
How Many Days Do You Need In Indian Golden Triangle?
The ideal duration for exploring the Indian Golden Triangle depends on your schedule and interests. Typically, a 4 to 7-day trip is recommended to fully experience the highlights of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Which Is The Longest Road In India?
The longest road in India is the NH44 which connects Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
