Embark on a journey through time and culture as you explore India’s famed Golden Triangle in just seven unforgettable days. This iconic circuit, connecting the bustling capital of Delhi, the pink-hued Jaipur, and the romantic city of Agra, offers a concentrated dose of India’s rich history, architectural marvels, and vibrant traditions. From the moment you step into the chaotic streets of Delhi to your final glimpse of Agra’s Taj Mahal, every day unfolds like a new chapter in an epic tale. This week-long adventure through the heart of North India promises a sensory feast that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Our 7 days of wonder: exploring India’s Golden Triangle YouTube video, you can check it out here.
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Our Golden Triangle Tour
We travelled with a tour group to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We chose the premium hotel package for all three destinations. Our small group of 8 travellers enjoyed superb service from our guide and driver throughout India. The 7 day India trip was just the right length of time. We could not have wished for a better Indian cultural experience.
Would we choose a tour next time or the services of a private guide and driver?
Choosing the services of a private guide and driver in India offers a personalized and stress-free travel experience. With a local expert by your side, you’ll gain deeper insights into the rich culture, history, and hidden gems that might be missed on standard tours. A private driver ensures comfort and flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace and tailor your India travel itinerary to your interests. Plus, navigating India’s busy streets and diverse regions becomes hassle-free, leaving you more time to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Northern India.
In Kerala and Egypt, we chose the services of a private guide and driver and we are so glad we did. Next time we visit India we will use the services of a private guide and driver. Hopefully our guide Shakti will be available for us.
Shakti Singh Padampura from Rajasthan was our guide. He epitomised professionalism, blending expert knowledge with genuine care for our experience. His unwavering attention to safety gave us peace of mind throughout the journey, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the Golden Triangle Indian adventure. From sharing fascinating local insights to anticipating our needs, his expertise and thoughtfulness elevated our trip from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s rare to find a guide who balances efficiency with warmth so effortlessly, making our exploration both enriching and enjoyable
To contact Shakti for tour guiding services in India, you can message him on his Instagram page. Let Shakti know where you received his details from. He is in high demand so you will need to engage his services well in advance.
India’s Golden Triangle Itinerary – Delhi Jaipur Agra
Day One – Delhi
New Delhi City Tour including the Lotus Temple, Rashitrapati Bhawan – official residence of the President of India, Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
Day Two – Delhi and travel to Jaipur
Old Delhi Tour, visit the largest mosque in India Jama Masjid, rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk Bazaar, Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, India Gate, visit the Sikh Temple of Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib
Day Three – Jaipur
Amber Fort, Jaipur City Tour including Jaipur City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Palace of the Winds and local artisan activities.
Day Four – Jaipur – Culinary Delight Cooking Tour, Jaipur Bazaar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, sunset at Nahargarah Fort and dinner and Rasthanji dance performance
Day Five – Travel to Agra and a visit to Agra Fort
Day Six – Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and our return to Delhi
Day Seven – Lodhi Art District & Gardens Walking Tour and our departure from Delhi
Day One – Delhi Afternoon City Tour
After a long overnight flight from Sydney via Colombo to Delhi with Sri Lankan Airlines we arrived in Delhi just before sunrise. We transferred to our hotel the Crowne Plaza Delhi in Rohini New Delhi. It is a perfect place to start our 7 days in India. We can highly recommend staying here. The rooms are large, comfortable and clean. The breakfast buffet in the Mosaic Restaurant had a large selection of Western and Indian cuisines available. There is a swimming pool, spa, gym and a business centre.
There is the Spice Art Restaurant on the first floor but we chose the buffet for dinner at Mosaic again and were not disappointed with the quality, the service and the selection of dishes available. Connexions Bar and Lounge was perfect for pre-dinner drinks and a nightcap.
Check out the Crowne Plaza Rohini here
We use Skyscanner to book all our flights throughout the world.
The Afternoon City Tour of New Delhi
#1 – The Lotus Temple of New Delhi was completed in 1986 and is a Bahai place of worship. It is known for its modern architecture and is set amongst beautifully manicured gardens with 9 gates and 9 pools. The 27 petals are made of white concrete and the exterior petal panels are clad in white Greek marble.
People of all religions are welcome to come and meditate or pray. It is an Instagrammers delight!
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays – 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. Closed Mondays
Prayer Services: 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm with 10 – 15 minutes durations
Visit #2 was a drive past the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan which is the official residence of the President of India. It was constructed during the rule of British India and was the Viceroy’s House. The building was constructed in a mix of Mughal and Western-style architecture.
#3 A visit to the Hindu Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). The Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Prosperity Laxmi and Narayan, the preserver. The Temple was funded and built by a rich Industrialist family named Birla in 1933 taking 7 years to complete in 1939. In 1939 it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi whose wish was that all people no matter was caste they were to enjoy the temple without discrimination. It is a popular tourist attraction.
Good to know: Photos are not allowed to be taken in the Temple. All shoes are to be removed before entering.
Address: Mandir Marg, Near Gole Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India.
Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm daily. Closed between 1.30 and 2.30 pm.
You can book a private full-day or half-day Old & New Delhi tour here.
Day 2 – Old Delhi Sightseeing Tour and the Journey to Jaipur
We were heading to the largest mosque in India – Jama Masjid. As it was a Sunday morning we were fortunate to drive past the extremely busy Old Delhi Sunday market Chor Bazaar which is open from 5 am to 5 pm. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, gym equipment, cameras, stationery and antiques you have come to the right place. Also, next door on Sunday is the book market Daryaganj where you will certainly grab a bargain or two.
#1 visit to Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan the Mughal Emperor built the Mosque between 1644 and 1656, it was to be his last architectural project. Shah Jahan is the same Emperor who constructed the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Two impressive minarets stand at 40m high along with 4 towers and 3 gates and the courtyard can hold up to 25,o00 devotees.
Good to know: All visitors must wear full robes that are available at the entrance gate. Shoes are not to be worn during the visit.
#2 Rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the 3 centuries-old bazaar located beside Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan constructed the bazaar which sells everything from food, clothes, shoes, books, electronics, leather goods and consumer goods.
Good to know: A popular place for pickpockets so be on your guard when visiting.
#3 Raj Ghat – On the banks of the Yamuna River is the park where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. The memorial is a black marble structure in the beautifully manicured gardens where people visit from all over the world. If you attend on a Friday a prayer is held at 5.30 pm.
Opening hours: 6.30 am to 6 pm
Entrance is free
#4 India Gate
The impressive India Gate stands at 42m high and is a memorial to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in WW1 and the names of 13, 516 Indian and British soldiers who were killed during the Afgan War of 1919 in the North West Frontier.
#5 Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib – the famous house of worship for the Sikhs in Delhi. We arrived at lunchtime where we were able to visit the halls where everyone who visits can enjoy a meal. We were also fortunate to be able to take a tour of the kitchens where they prepare up to 30,000 meals a day and up to 50,000 meals on a Sunday. Any denomination can attend. 1.8% of India’s population is Sikh.
Good to know: you are not allowed to take photos inside the Temple complex. Shoes are to be removed, men will need to wear bandanas provided and women need to wear head scarfs.
#6 Lunch at the Cedar Club House
Address: 48, Tolstoy Lane, Delhi-110001
The Cedar Clubhouse was the perfect introduction to modern Indian and global cuisine in Delhi on our first full day of the tour. Our small group enjoyed a variety of Indian and Western dishes. The decor oozed sophistication and the brightly coloured bar offered a variety of cocktails, spirits and wines to suit every taste. We can highly recommend a visit here and would love to return in the future.
If you only have half a day check out this Old Delhi 4-hour tour
#7 Travel To Jaipur
The journey to Jaipur from Delhi is 281 km approximately 6 hours. Whilst some of the group dozed others loved the scenery along the way. Cows asleep in the middle of the roads where vehicles swerved to avoid hitting them, monkeys eating watermelons, interesting villages and road-side markets kept us glued to our windows for the entire journey.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Our guide Shakti is from Rajasthan and as we travelled to Jaipur we learnt so much about him and his family life as well as the history of the State.
- Rajasthan is the place of Kings and Kingdoms
- Rajasthani men wear moustaches as part of their culture and as a symbol of power, 75% of the men also wear earrings mainly precious stones
- It is the largest state in India and is rich in minerals eg sandstone, gold, silver, limestone, marble and copper
- Three colour-coded cities – Jaipur is the pink city, Jodhpur the blue city, Udaipur is the white city
- Thar – the world’s 9th largest sub-tropical desert where 65% of the population live
- Men in Rajasthan wear turbans. Not only are they part of their traditional headdress, the turbans are 9 m in length and can be used for blankets on cold nights, pillows, and when soaked with water they keep their heads cool and keep the sunrays off their heads, a symbol of respect and tradition and as a rope to draw water from the well.
- Rajasthan is a very hot state
- Camels are part of the family. Camel hair is used for carpets.
- Rajasthan is famous for its textiles and jewellery.
Accommodation: 3 nights at the KK Royal Hotel & Convention Centre – Amer Road Amer, Rajasthan. The hotel is located a short distance from Amber Fort. There are two buildings of accommodation in lovely grounds. We were allocated rooms in the Annexe building and would have preferred being housed in the Main Building where the restaurant, bar and pool were located. The Annex building is where we had breakfast. The breakfast was disappointing with limited breakfast items available.
Day 3 Amber Fort, Jah Mahal Man Sagar Lake, Jaipur City Tour, Jantar Mantar Observatory
A full-day Jaipur sightseeing experience is the best of Jaipur.
#1 Amber Fort – Our day started early with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort overlooking Maotar Lake. Amber Fort is made up of two gates – the Sun and the Moon, courtyards, palaces, temples, halls, the Maharajah’s apartment, the women’s apartments, and beautiful gardens all set over 4 sq km. It is also known as Amer Fort. Built in the late 16th century Amber Fort gives the visitor a glimpse into a bygone era of Indian royalty. Its impressive Mughal and Rajput architecture and its high commanding position on the Aravalli Range will take your breath away. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#2 Jaipur City Tour
On our way from Amber Fort to Jaipur we stopped for a photo opportunity of Jah Mahal on Man Sagar Lake. The 5-storey palace is constructed from red sandstone and on viewing it you can only see the top storey, the four other storeys are below the water line. It was built in the Rajput and Mughal architectural style in the 18th century.
Good to know: Visitors are not allowed. You can take photos from the roadway on the way from Amber Fort to Jaipur. In the late afternoon, a good vantage point for taking photos is from Nahargarh Fort.
The city tour included a visit to local artisans where we learnt about block painting, rug making, and the opportunity to purchase exquisite Indian rugs as well as a sari tying demonstration.
Lunch: Heritage Cuisine is located at Plot no 2 East Govind Nagar Dussehra Kothi, Amer Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India. It serves a range of Rajasthani and popular Indian dishes. It is a popular restaurant for tourists and locals.
#3 Jaipur City Palace
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II the Jaipur City Palace was built in the Rajput and Mughal architectural style. The Palace complex comprises courtyards, several buildings, galleries, and restaurants and is home to the Museum Trust. The Royal family still occupy the Palace.
Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan
#4 Jantar Mantar
Across the road from Jaipur’s City Palace is Jantar Mantar. “Jantar Mantar” means “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Jantar Mantar is one of the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. It houses one of the largest astronomical instruments – the sundial known as ‘samrat yantra’.
#5 Palace of the Winds
We couldn’t wait to view the magnificent Palace of the Winds, “Hawa Mahal”. This stunning Palace constructed from red and pink sandstone is one of India’s iconic landmarks. It is much more impressive close-up than the photos you see of it. You view the stunning structure from the road side. It was completed in 1799 as an extension to Jaipur’s City Palace. The 953 windows were used by the Royal ladies to watch the processions and activities below without being seen. The Palace of the Winds is one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.
If you only have one day available in Jaipur check this full-day tour out.
Day 4 – Jaipur – Culinary Delight Cooking Tour, Jaipur Bazaar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, sunset at Nahargarah Fort and dinner and Rasthanji dance performance
A visit to India is not complete until you take a cooking class. Our group had so much fun learning about Indian spices and how to use which spices for popular Indian cuisine dishes. After cooking up a storm we sat down to enjoy the dishes that had been prepared previously by the Chef comparing them with the dishes that we had created. We were close in taste and texture but the professionals won!
Our delicious dishes were Dal Tadka, Matter Paneer, Jerra Aloo (potato) and Chicken Masala.
Check out this cooking class with storytelling in Jaipur
We spent a couple of hours enjoying Bapu Bazaar looking for souvenirs, clothing, saris, materials and delicious local cuisines before heading to Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple was completed in 1988 and constructed out of white marble. The stunning Hindu Temple was built by the Birla Foundation. The Hindu temple is devoted to the Goddess Laxmi and God Vishnu.
There is no entry fee to visit the Temple.
Opening hours are: 6 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 9pm
Address: Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302004, India
Nahargarah Fort
A great time to visit Nahargarah Fort is in the afternoon before 5.30 pm. Nahargarah means the abode of tigers. The location is impressive, sitting on the ridge of the Aravalli Hills. The views across to the city of Jaipur and Jah Mahal on Man Sagar Lake are breathtaking.
The Fort was constructed in 1734 and extended in 1868. It includes Madhavendra Bhawan, the summer residence of the Royal Family. Nahargarah, Amer, and Jaigarh Forts created a strong defence ring for the city of Jaipur although the city fortunately never came under attack.
It’s famous for its stunning Indo-European architecture, intricate palace apartments (Madhavendra Bhawan), and its role as a popular filming location for Bollywood movies.
Good to know: there is no public transport up to the Fort, you will need to hire a taxi.
Opening times: 10 am to 5.30 pm
We enjoyed dinner and a colourful and exciting Rajasthani Cultural Dance experience at the Heritage Cuisine Restaurant.
Address: Plot no 2 East Govind Nagar Dussehra Kothi, Amer Rd, Jaipur, India, Rajasthan
You may also enjoy this shopping and walking tour with street food tasting in Jaipur.
Day Five – Travel to Agra and a visit to Agra Fort
The journey from Jaipur to Agra is 237 km and can take up to 6 hours.
After an early start, we arrived in Agra around lunchtime. Our group enjoyed lunch at the New Riao Restaurant next door to our accommodation at the Hotel Clarks Shiraz, located at 54 Taj Road, Agra.
The Hotel Clarks Shiraz was the perfect location to visit Agra. The rooms were comfortable, there is a pool and gym. The buffet breakfast was good.
For more information and bookings at Hotel Clarks Shiraz click here
We spent the afternoon exploring Agra Fort. The 16th-century red sandstone fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Emperor Akbar and enhanced by Shah Jahan, his grandson, the fort served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors until 1638. The magnificent fort spreads over 94 acres and it is a walled city.
The highlight was seeing the Taj Mahal in the distance from Agra Fort. The fort’s history is fascinating, and I will leave it to the reader to enjoy firsthand when they visit.
In the evening we visited the Kalakriti Cultural Centre where we enjoyed a dance and music performance retelling the Taj Mahal’s incredible story which set us up for our sunrise visit the next morning. Multi-lingual headsets are provided.
Combine a private tour to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal
Day Six – Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and our return to Delhi
Exploring the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. We arrived very early around 5.30 am in August and started to queue. The Taj Mahal is one of India’s iconic landmarks.
Do you need a guide for visiting the Taj Mahal? Definitely! Our guide Shakti not only shared his extensive knowledge on the Taj but he also arranged for one of the local photographers to be with the group to take photos. He knew the right spots, and angles and cleverly used water to capture some great reflection shots. Whilst most of the group tried to rush to take the iconic photo where Princess Diana sat, Shakti held us back so that we would not miss other photo opportunities before the tourist rush began. To say that our group was excited is an understatement. This is an awe-inspiring visit and a highlight of our tour.
Tips on Exploring the Taj Mahal: There is a security check on entering, large backpacks and bags are not allowed. Our guide advised us only to bring our camera and wallet. No food or drink is allowed in. We were given a complimentary bottle of water at the entrance as well as shoe covers. You are not allowed to take photographs within the tomb chamber.
The magnificent Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River. Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, commissioned the Taj Mahal to be constructed for the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. Mumtaz Mahal passed away on June 17th 1631 giving birth to her 14th child. The Taj also houses his tomb as well. The white marble building complex and adjacent buildings were finally completed in 1648. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Return to Delhi
The distance between Agra and Delhi is approximately 195 km and can take up to 5 hours.
We arrived late afternoon and spent our last night in Delhi at the Hotel ITC Welcom Plot No 3 Sector 10 District Centre Dwarka Delhi. The hotel is located about 30 minutes away from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The rooms were large and comfortable and all that was needed for our last night in Delhi. There is a pool and a fitness centre. We dined a la carte at the main restaurant area in the evening and had a great buffet breakfast the next morning.
Day Seven – Lodhi Art District & Gardens Walking Tour and our departure from Delhi
Our last day in India before flying to Sri Lanka for another week. As lovers of street art we were excited to be able to visit the Lodhi Art District and enjoy a walking tour before heading to the airport.
Lodhi Gardens is New Delhi’s 90-acre park is home to the tombs of Mohammed Shah, Sikander Lodi and unknown tombs in Shisha Gumbad. The impressive big dome situated in the centre of the gardens is known as ‘Bara Gumbad’, supposedly to be the gateway to the Mosque. The tomb of Mohammed Shah has been constructed in the Hindu and Islamic architectural style. Don’t forget to look up at the ceilings in the Jama Masjid and enjoy the Islamic carvings on the columns. Jama Masjid is located beside Bara gumbad.
There is a feeling of peace and tranquillity as you wander through the Gardens. If you have time it is worth a visit. There are walking and jogging tracks and a popular place for group picnics. The gardens date back to the 15th century. It is a true oasis away from the frenetic Delhi.
Lodhi Art District is about a 15-minute walk from the Lodhi Gardens. It is India’s first art district. There are over 50 murals painted on the British housing estate, the last built by the British. Allow at least 30 – 45 minutes to explore the streets and the colourful murals.
Enjoy this tour of the Lodhi Gardens and Art District
Interesting Facts About India
- India is made up of 28 states and 8 union territories
- India has 22 official languages
- In 2024 Delhi’s population is estimated to be 33 million
- In 2022 the population of India was 1.4 billion
- The Republic of India has three known names – India, Bharat and Hindustran
- 20 – 30 years New Delhi was a jungle
- The city of Delhi dates back to 6BC.
Travel Tips For India
- Drink bottled water
- Bring your own medicines
- Wear sunscreen and take bottled water when you are out sightseeing
- Only consume cooked foods and eat fruits where you can remove the skin
- Remove footwear when visiting temples. Ladies may have to wear a headscarf.
- The electrical current is 220/250 volts
- Certain temples may prohibit photography
- India Currency is the Rupee in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000.
- 10% tip is customary. Some hotels do include service charges on their accounts.
Conclusion
As our seven-day journey through the Golden Triangle draws to a close, we’re left with kaleidoscopic memories of an India that both enchants and enlightens. From Delhi’s bustling streets and historical havens to Agra’s testament of eternal love in the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces and royal grandeur, each city has woven its own unique thread into the tapestry of our adventure. The Golden Triangle isn’t just a tourist route – it’s a journey through time, tradition, and tales that span centuries. Whether haggling in colourful bazaars, marvelling at architectural wonders, or savouring the rich flavours of local cuisine, this remarkable circuit offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart and soul of North India. While a week may seem brief, the memories of these three magnificent cities will linger long after the journey ends, calling you back to explore more of incredible India.
India Travel Guide
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 16 km from New Delhi’s city centre.
We use Skyscanner to book all our flights throughout the world. For latest fares click here.
You can book a private airport transfer here to your accommodation.
When is the best time to visit India’s Golden Triangle?
The best time to visit and enjoy your Golden Triangle tour is between October and November and February and April.
Good to know: December and January can be cold in Delhi.
Hotel Accommodation in India
India offers a rich tapestry of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and budget. From opulent palace hotels converted from maharajas’ residences, where you can live like royalty, to elegant heritage havelis that blend traditional charm with modern comfort. International luxury chains like Oberoi, Taj, and Leela provide world-class service with distinct Indian hospitality, while boutique hotels offer intimate, culturally immersive experiences.
Mid-range hotels balance comfort with affordability, often featuring amenities like rooftop restaurants and pools. Many properties showcase local architecture and décor, from Rajasthani mirrors and textiles to Keralan wooden furnishings, creating an authentic sense of place.
Book your Indian accommodation here
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
E-Sim
Throughout Northern India, we used e-simatic which gave us great coverage at an excellent price and we were able to hotspot to our laptops for emails and banking. Once you have downloaded the app and purchased your package on arrival at the airport you are instantly connected to your provider.
Visas for India
Check here if you require an Indian visa.
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