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India’s Golden Triangle

  • India

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ – lie at the heart of many Indian cultural tours and form the backbone of most first-time visits to India. These three destinations pack in most of India’s most bucket list experiences and all of its unique cultural essence.

Delhi, the capital, presents two distinct faces: Raj-era New Delhi boasts neat tree-lined boulevards and most of the best hotels, while Old Delhi distils a frantic, earthier atmosphere and is dotted with medieval monuments.

Agra is synonymous with the iconic Taj Mahal while Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, an exotic desert state hosting massive forts and exquisite palaces. A few hours from Jaipur is the Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to see wild tigers.

There are good transport links between the three destinations, but for a real treat, take the luxury Mahajaras Express train which shuttles you between the main stops in blissful comfort, as you stare out at India’s uniquely exotic and evocative scenery.

Orientation

The capital, Delhi, lies in the north of the country. Despite differing characters, New Delhi and Old Delhi have merged into one great city, with Connaught Place (now officially renamed Rajiv Chowk) at its heart.

Agra – home of the Taj Mahal – stands 170km south with the Yamuna River linking both cities.

To the west stretches the huge desert state of Rajasthan whose capital, Jaipur, and nearby Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, remain easily accessible.

Tours, tickets & transfers

15

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • New Delhi

Our 3-Day Golden Triangle Tour offers an enriching journey through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, showcasing India's most iconic sites. Start with a pick-up from Delhi NCR, visiting landmarks like Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, and the vibrant markets of Chandni Chowk. In Agra, witness the stunning sunrise at the Taj Mahal and explore Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. On the third day, immerse yourself in Jaipur's royal heritage with visits to Amer Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, and Hawa Mahal. This tour combines expert guidance, private transport, and customizable options for a seamless and unforgettable experience through India's Golden Triangle.

Price $159

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [682 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
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  • New Delhi

Explore India's Golden Triangle on this four-day private tour traveling by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. In Delhi, visit Qutb Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, and Parliament House. Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, visit Agra’s Red Fort and Baby Taj. In Jaipur, visit Panna Meena Ka Kund (Step well), Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Palace of Winds, Maharaja's City Palace, and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Three nights of five-star accommodations, breakfasts, transportation, and guided tours are included. You’ll sample local dishes for lunch and dinner on your own, and cover your own monument entrance fees.

Price ₹15,960

Min age 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [608 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

Get the chance to explore the India's top heritage and most visited monuments in 3-Days Golden Triangle Tour. You will visit India's most famous tourist circuit covering three beautiful cities - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi you will explore both Old and New Delhi city, just like 2 sides of a coin different from each other. Then in Agra you will visit Iconic monument - The Taj Mahal. Then in Jaipur, you will the classic heritage sites of Rajputs. You will get to explore palaces, forts and temples in Jaipur.

Price $160

Min age 5

Rating 4.92 / 5 [457 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

4 Days Golden Triangle Tour Gives You Chance To Explore Beauty of Three Cities : Delhi (Capital of India), Agra (City of Taj Mahal) And Jaipur (Pink City). In this Private Tour, You Will Know Lot of Facts About These Cities Through Your Personal Tour Guide in Each City. Enjoy This Tour in Your Private Air Condition Car. Below are Some Key Highlights of this Package. • Cities To Be Visit : Delhi, Agra And Jaipur • Private Air Condition Transport. • Monument Entrance Tickets, To Skip Lines.(If Option Chosen) • Professional Tour Guide • Breakfast in Hotel (If Option Chosen) • Flexibility of Tour

Price $146

Min age 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [304 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

Explore India’s Golden Triangle, including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, on this private 3-day tour from New Delhi. Visit the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar, The Bahai Temple that is also known as the Lotus Temple, and the India Gate. Drive by the Parliament House, the President's Palace, and the Secretariat buildings. Experience the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra. In Jaipur, discover the Amber Fort, Water Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Travel comfortably in a private climate-controlled vehicle with a guide.

Price ₹13,000

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [264 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Travel advice

When to go

The main tourist season runs from October to March, though September and April are also fine – clear skies with warm to hot days.

May and June bring extreme heat and are worth avoiding while the July and August monsoon cools things slightly but brings more humidity.

Peak season is Christmas and New Year as well as the Indian festival of Diwali in late autumn. Mid-December to early February can deliver surprisingly cool nights and Delhi is prone to fog.

Getting there and away

Although technically you could start in any of the three cities, Delhi is the main international gateway, and the departure point for most tours including the Maharajas Express. It’s easiest to start there.

See our separate guides to Delhi, Jaipur and Agra for destination-specific travel advice.

Getting around

Delhi’s new metro has revolutionised public transport there, though buses, autorickshaws and taxis remain popular in Delhi, and are essential in Agra and Jaipur. Unless using pre-paid booths at the railway station you’ll need to be firm about getting a metered fare for taxis and autorickshaws.

A private car with a driver – usually arranged through a travel agency – is the most relaxed, convenient and flexible way of touring the Golden Triangle. Trains are another characterful means of transport, with fairly reliable services to/from Agra and Jaipur.

Health & Safety

India generally remains an extremely safe and crime-free country for tourists. At worst lone female travellers may receive unwanted and unwarranted attention from younger men. Road accidents are common though rarely involve tourist vehicles.

Always drink bottled water or soft drinks (and drink plenty in the heat) and, except in good restaurants, treat salads, ice cubes and ice cream with caution. Follow medical advice on vaccinations and malarial prophylactics.