Magnificent history meets the modernized era is what the famous travel circuit of India called The Golden Triangle is all about. Ever wondered why is it called Golden triangle? It is because the three places of the circuit are connected in form of a triangle in the India map. This circuit begins with a National capital of Delhi southwards towards the incredible city of Agra and ends in the west with desert landscapes of Rajasthan where Pink city of Jaipur awaits. Mesmerizing!! isn’t it? It is one of the most popular travel circuits among tourists across the globe and its great accessibility is what acts as icing on the cake. Covering around equal distances from each destination, the circuit covers about 720 km by road. The Golden Triangle is the best way to dive into the fascinating world of Mughal Architecture which is reflected in monuments of being its capital city of Delhi or time-honored cities of Jaipur and Agra. Begin your tour of India with this travel circuit to get a classical introduction into its rich heritage, so what are you waiting? Let’s begin with knowing better about this much-talked tour.
Best time of visit:
The best time to visit the Golden Triangle is the months of October to mid-April where all the three cities are at its best of weather for ideal exploration. Not only the weather is remarkable but also during these months are festival times as well, making it even more charming for your visit.
Mode of Travel:
The best part of the Golden Triangle tour is that it is highly accessible from all parts of the country. Delhi is the nearest airport which is well-connected domestically as well as internationally. One can opt for either private taxi operators or self-driven cars to complete the circuit which is 720 Kms by road. Well-connected super-fast trains such as Shatabdi and Gatimaan Express are there connecting Delhi with Agra and Jaipur. Government buses also ply towards all the three destinations. However, if one wants to stay away from the hustle and bustle of transportation arrangements, one can look out the varied small group as well private tours being conducted.
Must do things:
Now let’s gain some insight into what do these destinations offer its tourists
The Capital City of Delhi:
Usually, the Golden Triangle Tour begins with Capital city of India i.e. Delhi. The city is divided into two parts such as on one side is the old Delhi which has a glimpse of Mughal era while on other side is New Delhi which showcases the cosmopolitan side of the city. While visiting, these are the few enlisted things which are a must for the rightful experience of the city.
- Begin your trip with a visit to the monument of Red Fort which was home to Mughal emperors for years and is situated right in the center of Delhi
- Now it is time for the World Heritage site of Qutab Minar which is the tallest minar in the country
- How can miss checking in the most famous site of Delhi i.e. India Gate which is a war memorial structure
- If looking out to get in touch with your spiritual side, then head to Akshardham or Lotus Temple.
- If your tour coincides with a Thursday, then visit the Nizamuddin Dargah for a melodious Qawwali Night.
- Looking out for some peace and tranquillity in backdrop of heritage, then what better place than the Lodhi Gardens
- If you’re a shopping freak, never miss out the Delhi Haat for some art and craft souvenirs while for street shopping watches out for Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh etc.
- Now if in look out for some nightlife fun, head to Hauz Khas village.
- After a tiresome tripping around, how can you leave behind ways to tickle your taste buds with the Parathe Wali Gali in Chandi Chowk or age-old hotels such as Karim’s near Jama
Heart of Mughal empire-Agra:
After the capital city, now its time to head to the city of love i.e. Agra which has great historical importance as home to one of the wonders of Mughal architecture. Although congested as a city, yet still does not fail in providing enthralling experiences to its visitors. What does this mesmerizing city behold?
- Head to Taj Mahal- The symbol of love, be it sunlight or dusk.
- While coming down to Agra, one can stop by Fatehpur Sikri which is an abandon historical site.
- Now it is time to enter one of the finest Mughal Forts of India i.e. Agra Fort.
- In order to experience the ultimate view and clicks of the magnificent monument of Taj Mahal, one can visit the Mehtab Bagh
- Of course, do not miss out a trip to the Wildlife SOS to meet the giant sloth bears.
- Agra food touring is another without miss out experiences of Agra. The tour begins with trying hands with famous kachori and jalebi, then head to Rambabu Paratha Bhandar for some paratha delicacies and lastly never forget to pick up the very famous Petha-sweet dish of Agra.
Pink city of Jaipur:
Dive into the colorful culture and get lost in the melody of Indian folk in one and only city of Jaipur, Rajasthan which is usually preferred as an ending touch of the famous Golden tour. From majestic monuments and forts to cultural entertainment, this city will truly make you feel royal. Let’s see how?
- In the city begin with visiting the City Palace and Hawa Mahal for some royal architectural experience and eventually spend some evening time near Jal Mahal.
- Then it is time for some fort hopping with Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort.
- While visiting Jaipur from Agra on your Golden tour, drop in the ruins of Abhaneri which is India’s largest and deepest steep well.
- Looking for something thrilling, opt for a hot air balloon ride over forts and palaces of Jaipur
- Spend an evening experiencing Rajasthani culture and delicacies in Chokhi Dhani
- Stroll through the various lanes of the Pink City Market for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and The shops on Amer road specializes in block printing, which is also one of the experiences to be seen without a miss.
Golden Triangle Tour Itinerary- 6 days 5 nights
Day 1:
Arrival at Delhi. After Check-in hotel and head to sightseeing tour by visiting the Red Fort, Qutab Minar, India Gate and end the day by visiting the art and craft market of Dilli Haat.
Day 2:
Spare this day towards exploring the old side of Delhi by heading to Chandi Chowk for some street food delicacies and Jama Masjid. Spend the second half of the day at leisure by exploring the street markets of Delhi and mark the end of the day by heading to lanes of Hauz Khas for fun-filled nightlife fun.
Day 3:
After a hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and head to Agra which is at 200 Kms from Delhi. After reaching, begin your tour by visiting Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Spend the sunset at Mehtab Bagh for mesmerizing views of Taj Mahal. Overnight stay at Agra.
Day 4:
Leave early and travel down to Pink city of Jaipur. After check-in hotel, head for monument exploration of City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jal Mahal. Later part of the day, spend a cultural evening of dance and food at Chokhi Dhani. Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 5:
Use this day for exploration of forts of Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort. Spend the evening at the open-air restaurant in Nahargarh Fort to rewind with mesmerizing views of the City. Spend the later part of the day with some shopping fun at bazaars of Jaipur.
Day 6:
Extend your stay and take a trip to wildlife sanctuary of Ranthambore which is 3 hours drive from Jaipur. Overnight stay at Ranthambore.
Day 7:
After an enthralling tiger safari experience, head back to Jaipur. From Jaipur fly down or take a rail ride back to Delhi.
Tips:
- Beware of touts be it shopping places, guides at tourist sites or photographers at Taj Mahal.
- The temperature in Rajasthan can be tricky, hence make sure to carry hats and sunscreens.
- Keep your traveling dates of your tour with some spare time in order not to make it tiresome.
- Old Delhi can be highly crowded, and one must be aware to navigate through sidewalks and narrow lanes.
What are you still waiting for? Pack your bags and complete your Golden Triangle circuit today!!