I arrived with low expectations, but adored every second I spent exploring these three wonderful cities, and the treasures found along the way.
The Perfect Introduction to India’s Cultural Heart
Are you ready to experience the authentic essence of India through its most iconic circuit? The Golden Triangle tour takes you through the vibrant chaos of Delhi, the romantic grandeur of Taj Mahal in Agra, and the royal splendor of Jaipur—all in one perfectly crafted journey. I’ve personally traveled this route multiple times, and I can tell you with absolute certainty:this is the ideal first-time India experience you’ve been searching for.
Choose Your Perfect Golden Triangle Adventure
3-Day Express Golden Triangle Tour
From $299 per person
Perfect if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss India’s iconic landmarks. This whirlwind tour covers the essentials of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
I’ll be honest with you, though. While the 3-day option exists, I don’t recommend rushing through these magnificent cities. You’ll spend more time in transit than actually experiencing the magic of each place. And trust me, there’sso much magicto experience.
5-Day Classic Golden Triangle Tour
From $499 per person
Our most popular option! Gives you just enough time to soak in the highlights of each city without feeling rushed.
I spent a week exploring the Golden Triangle on my first visit to India, and it was the perfect duration. You’ll have enough time to see the major attractions while still having breathing room to wander and discover unexpected gems along the way.
7-Day Immersive Golden Triangle Experience
From $699 per person
My personal recommendation! The extra days allow you to truly absorb each destination’s unique atmosphere and explore beyond just the famous landmarks.
When I returned to India for a second Golden Triangle adventure, I opted for the 7-day tour. Those extra days madeall the difference—I discovered hidden stepwells in Delhi, watched the changing colors of the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset, and had time to explore Jaipur’s vibrant markets without feeling rushed.
10-Day Golden Triangle & Beyond
From $999 per person
Extend your journey to include Ranthambore National Park for tiger safaris or the romantic lake city of Udaipur.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with the Golden Triangle
I arrived in Delhi with serious reservations. The Golden Triangle receives mixed reviews online, and I was concerned I’d be disappointed by my week there. To my great surprise, I absolutely loved the time I spent there, and here’s why you will too:
If it’s your first time visiting India, following a well-planned Golden Triangle tour makes the experience far less overwhelming and much more rewarding.
The Most Incredible Monuments
The Taj Mahal receives all the glory and attention—and rightly so—but there’s so much more to see; structures that are almost as mind-blowing.
Make Agra Fort your first stop and prepare to be impressed by the sprawling complex. I was surprised I managed to spend well over an hour roaming around, and I found it far more impressive than Delhi’s Red Fort.
And then it’s time for the main event. If you’re visiting Agra in winter, as I was, I recommend an afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal to avoid the fog that rolls in every morning at sunrise at this time of year. Usually, that would be enough to have me running for the mountains, but, well,can you imagine travelling to India and not seeing the Taj Mahal?
If you expect it to be overrated, you’ll only be impressed. The Taj Mahal absolutely lives up to the hype, and seeing it in person is an experience that simply cannot be replicated through photographs.
Cultural Immersion Like Nowhere Else
You’ll be exposed to plenty of confusion: Arriving in Delhi for the first time is an experience in itself. The smells that hit you as you step off the plane, the chaos of wandering the streets of Old Delhi, the crumbling buildings, the relentless sound of horns, the breathtaking temples and monuments, the incredible smells of dishes you’ve never heard of before, the colours, the crowds, the cultural immersion.
Old Delhi is likely what you’re picturing in your mind when you imagine the chaos of India. The streets are crammed with rickshaws and motorbikes and cows and goats and street food and so many people and so much noise. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world because I can’t get enough of its mayhem.
A Taste of Three Distinct Regions
Sure, you’re only seeing three cities, but doing so will give you a taste for three different regions. Jaipur will introduce you to the desert state of Rajasthan, Agra is in Uttar Pradesh, the state that’s known for its religious landmarks and pilgrimages, and chaotic Delhi is chaotic Delhi: there’s nowhere else in the world quite like it.
What’s Included in Our Golden Triangle Packages
All of our Golden Triangle tour packages include:
- Comfortable Transportation:Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver throughout your journey
- Quality Accommodation:Handpicked hotels in prime locations (choose from budget, comfort, or luxury options)
- Expert Guides:Knowledgeable local guides who bring the history and culture to life
- Skip-the-Line Entry:No waiting in long queues at popular attractions
- Daily Breakfast:Start each day with a delicious meal at your hotel
- Airport Transfers:Seamless pickup and drop-off service
- 24/7 Support:Local assistance available throughout your trip
Transport Options to Suit Your Style
I recommend taking the train from New Delhi to Agra, then hiring a driver to take you from Agra to Jaipur. Taking the train from New Delhi to Agra is incredibly easy if you book in advance with 12Go Asia.
I recommend hiring a driver over taking a train between Agra and Jaipur, because there are so many interesting sites to see between the two cities.
For those who prefer maximum comfort and flexibility, our private car option gives you the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want. This is particularly valuable between Agra and Jaipur, where attractions like Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri Stepwell make for fascinating breaks in the journey.
And for getting around within cities?Use Uber or Ola to get around:Uber and Ola (the Indian version of Uber) have been game-changers for travel in India. They’re significantly cheaper than hiring a driver for the day, and you don’t have to worry about haggling over prices or being taken to commission-generating shops.
When to Experience the Golden Triangle
There isn’t a truly terrible time to visit this part of the world. All four seasons come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
I decided to touch down in Delhi at the start of December, as I wanted to travel in this part of the world during winter. The temperatures areperfectat this time of year. I encountered no rain and plenty of blue skies, with the middle of day reaching around 23°C/73°F and temperatures at night dropping to around 15°C/60°F. That’s the main advantage to visiting at this time—the manageable temperatures make dealing with the noise and chaos easier, and you’ll rarely feel hot and sweaty as you make your way around attractions.
There is one main disadvantage to travelling at this time of year, though: the smog. Delhi is regularly listed as one of the most polluted cities in the world, and winter brings about some of the worst air quality of the year.
So what about other times of year?
October to March has some of the best temperatures and the best weather. As long as you don’t mind having to deal with the smog, I’d recommend visiting then.
April, May, and June are the hottest months of the year and I’d avoid visiting then—temperatures can get as high as 45°C(113°F) during the day, which sounds like the worst possible way to see this part of the world. On the other hand, you’ll encounter the fewest number of tourists, which is always going to be a bonus in this often overcrowded region.
If I had to pick the perfect month to visit, I’d go with February. The temperatures will be lovely and warm, but there won’t be as much pollution and there’ll be slightly fewer tourists than in January and December.
Travel Tips for Your Golden Triangle Adventure
Get yourself an eSIM
I cannot even begin to tell you the the nightmare I had over trying to activate an Indian SIM card on my first visit to the country.
Fortunately, those traumatising days are firmly in the past now that eSIMs exist and work well in India. I tried half a dozen different companies on my last visit to the country and found that AloSIM offered the best coverage and speeds across the country.
Steer clear of the street dogs
I had a rabies scare while I was in India, and ever since, I’ve vowed to spread the word about how it can be contracted.
The street dogs in India are adorable, and I know I spent a lot of time playing with them, but I was being stupid and it’s just not worth the risk. India has the highest prevalence of rabies in the world, with an estimated 30,000 deaths each year.
Stay Healthy Throughout Your Trip
Delhi Belly: my biggest fear. I was absolutelyconvincedI would get food poisoning in India, because doesn’t it happen to everyone?
And yet, it didn’t. Despite eating pretty much anywhere that was serving up delicious-looking food, neither I nor my boyfriend suffered from food poisoning. I believe three things helped keep us safe:
Travelan:Travelan is a colostrum-based supplement that has shown promising results in studies. In one case, Travelan had over 90% protection against E. Coli, which is the most common cause of traveller’s diarrhea.
Pudin Hara:This is something I discovered while travelling in India, and it made such a difference to my digestion that I now take it on all of my trips!
Street food tours:Instead of taking a multi-day tour, I recommend opting for day tours while you’re on the ground—like the street food tour I did with UrbanAdventures in New Delhi. It was the perfect tour for my first day in the country as it introduced me to the country’s street food and gave me the confidence to start ordering random snacks from vendors as I continued moving through India.
Customize Your Golden Triangle Experience
Sunrise Taj Mahal Specialist Tour
Add-on from $49 per person
Witness the magical changing colors of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises, with far fewer crowds than during regular hours. Includes professional photography guidance to capture the perfect shot.
Heritage Walk Experiences
Add-on from $29 per person
Discover the hidden corners of Old Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur with specialized walking tours led by local historians. These intimate experiences reveal the stories behind the monuments and introduce you to authentic local life.
Luxury Dining Experiences
Add-on from $79 per person
Elevate your cultural journey with carefully selected dining experiences, from dinner at a Rajasthani haveli to cooking classes with local families.
Ready to Experience the Magic of India’s Golden Triangle?
I was so apprehensive about travel in India (I booked and cancelled half a dozen trips before this one, as I kept panicking and getting cold feet!), but it’s now my favourite country in the world.
Give yourself enough time to see everything, and you’ll likely have a wonderful trip! Just make sure you don’t leave India immediately afterwards, because there’s so much more to see.
I strenuously recommend seeing more in India than just the Golden Triangle.
Book Your Golden Triangle Adventure Now
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“The Taj Mahal absolutely exceeded my expectations. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, and the entire Golden Triangle experience was seamless from start to finish.”— Sarah T., traveled April 2024
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