Want to Explore the Cultural Heritage of Incredible India? Here’s the Complete, Updated Guide to the Golden Triangle India Tour.
India, as a country is a kaleidoscope of nature, architecture, philosophies, and flavors, all founded on a long and elaborately structured foundation of history and culture. It is exactly these traditional values that leave its visitors with a feeling of a profound sense of belonging to its land. What India has to offer is beyond its inanimate things. It is also its people and their warm hospitality that they extend towards its guests that attract many tourists to the colorful country of India. With a diverse population and rich heritage, a visit to India is guaranteed to overwhelm your senses and offer you a holiday experience unlike any other. One of the better ways to explore some of the country’s bountiful heritage is to go around covering its golden triangle. The Golden Triangle of India is a popular tourist circuit that offers a marvelous opportunity to learn about the country’s culture and traditions with a visit to India’s most popular attractions. Offering tranquil religious places, architectural splendors and lively street life, the golden triangle tour is an expedition that you must experience at least once. To know more about the Golden Triangle tour of India, check out the blog and plan your next vacation to these places for a memorable time.
What is the Golden Triangle of India?
Golden Triangle Tour is one of the popular tourist circuits in India and is made up of the three most popular tourist destinations in northwest India. The cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur come together to form the “Golden Triangle”, since given their location, they tend to form an imaginary triangle on the map. This imaginary triangle has been dubbed ‘golden’ for the abundance of cultural and historical splendors available in each of the three cities. All three of these cities are well-connected by both road and rail and are located at a distance 200-250 km from each other, making it accessible to be grouped together for a tourism circuit. The Golden Triangle Tour of India has to offer some of its most important monuments, markets, and places of historic significance that are sure to satiate the thirst of tourists of all kinds. By choosing this Golden Triangle Tourism Circuit, you will be able to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of this incredible land called India.
Why Should You Choose a Golden Triangle Tour?
There are numerous reasons why the Golden Triangle of India remains one of the most sought-after tourism circuits in the country. Covering the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, the tour explores various aspects of these historic cities of India.
The following will help you understand better about why you should choose the golden triangle for your next vacation and the things you will get to experience during as part of it:
A Celebration of Culture
India is a land of festivals and celebrations, making you experience various kinds of fairs and festivals that celebrate different customs all year long. The country comes together to celebrate some of its major festivals like Holi, Diwali, Teej, Dussehra among many others. Along with these festivals, there are also many local and cultural fairs that are sure to grab your interest, owing to their historical and cultural significance. You can experience these celebrations specifically on your tour in the Golden Triangle Circuit. Witnessing these celebrations is one of the top things you can do on your Golden Triangle Tour. Partaking in which will help you to know the country better.
Ornate Architecture
It is a widely held belief that in order to know about the history of a country, you have to start learning about its architecture first. With abundance in historic architecture, India is one such country in the world which is known for its architectural diversity. With nine out of thirty-four monuments in the Golden Triangle circuit being declared as World Heritage Sites under UNESCO, there are so many places to visit! From historical forts, palaces, and Havelis to temples, mosques, and ancient ruins – the three cities in the circuit are prime destinations to explore the architectural wonders of India.
Serene Spirituality
One of the top reasons many travelers visit India is to find a sense of calm and peace, and to find an environment that will help them enlighten their souls. India, being the birthplaces of several major world religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, among others, has a plethora of options of significant religious and spiritual places for you to explore. A land doused with myths, legends and a witness to some major religious events, the Golden Triangle Circuit includes some amazing temples, mosques, gurudwaras and other religious places where you can find peace while you delve into your spiritual journey.
Diverse Cuisines
If we are talking about the top reasons for choosing the Golden Triangle Tour circuit, the list cannot be concluded without talking about the cuisines. Indian culture is hugely influenced by the food, which also plays an important role in its everyday life as well. If we talk about the cities in Golden Triangle Circuit, you will find a great diversity within the cuisines. Where the food in Delhi and Agra has been dominated by Persian and Mughal influences, in Jaipur you will find the touch of Rajput flavor. With each having something else to offer, there cannot be a better way to explore these cities.
Vibrant Markets
Exploring the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur cannot be truly concluded without venturing out into their traditional markets. Markets are the lifelines of cities and tell you what the city is really about most times. Colorful but crowded markets, loud vendors, and hustling buyers truly portray the perfect picture of Indian markets. With each city offering its own traditional and local handicrafts to remember it by, it is a good idea to visit these markets to carry back souvenirs. An important part of the Golden Triangle trip, experiencing shopping in the local street markets is another way to better explore the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Most Popular Golden Triangle India Tour Packages
Delhi- Preserving the History and Heritage of India!
Home to millions of people, Delhi is the pinnacle of North India’s Golden Triangle Tourism Circuit. Being the capital city of the country, Delhi has plenty of communication as well as transportation options. With such facilities, the city finds itself well-connected with the major cities in the world and the country. Having seen the lives of many rulers and kingdoms, Delhi has developed for itself a long and rich history, whose remnants can still be seen in its everyday culture. Housing numerous tombs, temples, and ruins that date back centuries, Delhi has plenty of monuments to explore. The city, as a whole, is the perfect blend of the old and the new. Where the old part of the city relishes in the customs and traditions of a foregone past, the new part is developing itself quickly to fit to the rising standards. Here you will find historic and technically fascinating museums, restaurants that have been passed down through generations to modern, youthful cafes and eateries, and colorful parts of the city beloved by everyone altogether. The city, at present, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Humayun Tomb, Red Fort Complex, and Qutub Minar and its monuments, and is some of the places that you must explore on your tour of the Golden Triangle.
Popular places to visit on a sightseeing tour to Delhi include the following:
India Gate
Built in honor of brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty, India Gate is among the most popular and most visited monuments in the city. A war memorial, the structure bears on it the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who were martyred during the Afghan War of 1919. The Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate is an important attraction with a flame that keeps burning continuously. Honoring the gallantry of the warriors, you can also spot a rifle crowned with a helmet of the Indian Army, meant for the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-Pak War of December 1971.
Red Fort
This marvelous piece of architecture is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A popular place to visit in Delhi, Red Fort, or the Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Owing its name to the red sandstone it is built with, Red Fort is a city in itself. There are many breathtaking sights to see in this former capital of the Mughals. Popular places to explore in Red Fort include the Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, and Diwan-e-Khas, Hira Mahal among others. Red Fort, today tells a story of a major kingdom that ruled the city of Delhi once, and has many museums within it that display artifacts from a time gone by.
Humayun’s Tomb
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb visualizes the magnificent artwork by the Persian architects that worked under the supervision of Mughal Emperors. It is the first garden tomb built in India and the first one to be made out of red sandstone. Built in the 16th century in honor of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, the tomb was commissioned by his son and the succeeding Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The tomb complex includes Humayun’s tomb, as well as graves and tombs of numerous Mughal Emperors and Empresses. Standing in the center of a square garden, the tomb is a beautiful structure with shallow water channels around, adding to its beauty.
Qutub Minar
One of the intriguing architectures in Delhi, Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret. Made out of red sandstone, the structure stands towering over a height of 72.5 meters. Originally established by Qutbu’d-Din Aibak as a two storeyed structure, Qutub Minar took its current form due to the efforts by his successor, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish. Other monuments within the Qutub Minar complex consist of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, tomb of Iltutmish, Ala’i Minar, and various other minarets and mosques. The iron pillar at the complex is also a popular attraction. Built around the 4th century, the pillar stands without a speckle of rust. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you cannot complete your Delhi sightseeing tour without visiting Qutub Minar.
Lotus Temple
Famed for its architectural beauty, Lotus Temple was built in 1986 as a Baháʼí House of Worship. Shaped to resemble a lotus in its structure, the temple is open to all, across religions and gender. One of the popular sightseeing places in the city, the Lotus Temple is made using white marble. The structure is composed of 27 petals, arranged in ranks of three, forming the nine sides of the temple. Though it is a temple, it has no idols, photographs, or priests, but rather is a center that focuses on oneness of humankind and worship in the form of service to others in the community.
Places Where You Must Eat in Delhi
Delhi has seen the existence of many rulers and kingdoms throughout centuries, influences of which can be observed even in its cuisine. From lip smacking street food to slow cooked Mughlai cuisine, Delhi has plenty of food places for you to explore. Some of the popular places in Delhi known for their food include:
- Nizamuddin
- Khan Market
- Karol Bagh
- Dilli Haat
- Majnu ka Tila
- Jama Masjid
- Connaught Place
- CR Park
- Madras Coffee House
Places Where You Must Shop in Delhi
Markets in Delhi are places that are some of the liveliest parts of the city. Offering a range of street markets, high end malls, and boutiques, the city has markets for all kinds of shoppers. Whether you are looking for designer clothing or exquisite handicrafts, Delhi’s markets are where you want to be. Here are some of the popular places to shop in the capital city:
- Dilli Haat
- Khan Market
- Janpath Market
- Paharganj
- Chandni Chowk
- Connaught Place
- Greater Kailash
- Karol Bagh Market
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Agra- The Land of Historical and Architecture Wonders!
The next stop of the Golden Triangle Tourism Circuit is the historic city of Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A popular destination situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a city where history, architecture and romance come together to create magic. Given its proximity to the cities of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Agra is mostly visited on a day trip by many tourists. Attracting history buffs and architecture lovers from all over the world, the city is home to 2 of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Forming a part of the tourism circuit of the Golden Triangle, Agra is most known for its heritage, culture, and traditions that exist even today despite the passage of time. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra displays glimpses of its past in its evergreen architecture. Though much loved by history fanatics, Agra is also famed among foodies who love to explore the famous street foods of India. Equally known as the Taj Mahal in Agra is the sweetness of Agra’s Petha, made from a mixture of pumpkin, rosewater and saffron, a delicacy that you must try on your visit to the city.
Popular places to visit on a sightseeing tour to Agra include the following:
Taj Mahal
A marvelous monument entirely made of white marble lying along the bank of the River Yamuna, Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the remembrance of his third wife, Mumtaz Begum, this 17th-century architectural wonder attracts seven to eight million travelers each year from all over the world. Housing the tomb of Shah Jahan, completing this massive structure took over 17 years. An elaborate complex covering an area of 42 acres, it includes a massive gateway and a well-maintained garden with water channels and fountains, which stand adding to its beauty.
Agra Fort
Agra is also home to the Agra Fort, a centuries-old fortress constructed out of red sandstone. Before moving their capital to Delhi, the fort once stood as the imperial capital for a line of Mughal emperors. A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort offers some stunning sights. Among the most remarkable structures in Agra Fort is The Jahangir Mahal, with features inspired by Hindu and Central Asian architectural components. Along with this, an especially interesting area is the central court where royal women mostly spent their days. Other notable buildings that you must visit in the fort are the Anguri Bagh, Khas Mahal, Musamman Burj, and Diwan-i-Khas.
Fatehpur Sikri
Another ancient city complex built by the Mughals in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by the famous Mughal Emperor, Akbar to honor Shaikh Salim Chishti. It was the Sheikh who predicted the birth of an heir to the Emperor, after whose birth, the name of the city was decided as Fatehpur Sikri, or “the city of victory”. Fatehpur Sikri is a well-maintained ghost town, made out of red sandstone. Surrounded by a fortified wall, Fatehpur Sikri includes three palaces which are dedicated to Akbar’s three wives. The Jama Masjid is one of the popular attractions of the town along with the Diwan-i-Khas, Mariyam’s Tomb, Panch Mahal and Birbal’s Palace.
Akbar’s Mausoleum
Located in Sikandra, Agra, Akbar’s Mausoleum is an exceptional piece of art from the Mughal Period. It houses the mortal remains of the Emperor Akbar, who ruled India for nearly 50 years. The mausoleum also has the remains of his two daughters along with the graves of Aurangzeb’s daughter and son-in-law. The building has been constructed differently from all the other buildings built in the Mughal period. As per the Islamic rules, the buildings are supposed to face west, in the direction towards Mecca, but instead, Akbar’s tomb faces east, in the direction opposite to Mecca. Akbar’s Mausoleum is a decorated structure featuring manicured Mughal gardens where you can spot deer, monkeys, as well as a few wandering peacocks.
Agra’s Old City
A flavor of India’s old heritage, the old city of Agra is one of its popular tourist attractions. The old buildings with their intricate artworks, congested alleys and noisy streets, everything makes this part of the city lively and colorful. Taking a heritage walk is the best way to explore the old city of Agra and will let you experience the city and its true essence in the most authentic way. A heritage walk will let you understand the history, culture, and traditions as you move through the city discovering various markets, temples, and mosques. Walk through its markets, and experience a glimpse of history with each step that you take in the old city of Agra.
Places Where You Must Eat in Agra
Agra is a popular tourist destination of India, known not only for its historic architecture, but also for its delicious street food, traditional sweets, and of course, indulgent Mughlai cuisine. With an abundance of places to eat in Agra, here are the most popular ones for you to explore:
- Dasaprakash
- Jhankar
- Peshawri
- Lakshmi Vilas
- Sadar Bazar
- Kinari Bazar
- Pinch of Spice
- Jahanpanah
- Shankara Vegis Restaurant
Places Where You Must Shop in Agra
With noisy and chaotic street markets and shops that have been passed down through generations, Agra offers a range of places for you to satiate your inner shopaholic. Here are some of the places in Agra that you can hit up for traditional handicrafts, carpets, beautiful jewelry, and leather accessories.
- Shah Market
- Subhash Emporium
- Raja ki Mandi
- Kinari Bazaar
- Bijli Ghar Market
- Subhash Bazaar
- Shahganj Bazaar
- Sadar Bazar
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Jaipur- The Land Loved by the Royals!
Founded in AD 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City” is the capital of Rajasthan. The city, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, is one of the first planned cities of India and has a number of must visit attractions for you to explore on your tour of the Golden Triangle of India. The majestic pink-hued forts along the skyline of the city, the mighty palaces, wide avenues and spacious gardens are some of the major attractions in Jaipur besides the eye-catching lakes and Havelis, all of which come with the stories of numerous Maharajas and Maharanis. According to history, the entire city of Jaipur was painted pink by Maharaja Ram Singh to showcase the royal hospitality to the Prince of Wales, during his visit to India in 1876. Jaipur, as it stands today, is a proud blend of its historical past and the advancements of being a metropolis. Known for authentic Rajasthani jewelry, clothing, and shoes, the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur also have a timeless appeal, and are at the center of most tourist activity in the city. On your tour of the Golden Triangle, explore the city of Jaipur and experience the regal hospitality of the city for yourself.
Popular places to visit on a sightseeing tour to Jaipur include the following:
Hawa Mahal
Also known as the “Palace of Winds,” Hawa Mahal is one of the best places to visit in India. Built in 1799, the palace was originally meant for the women in royal families. Hawa Mahal has 953 windows on its outside walls that allow wind to pass freely throughout the palace, which also allowed respite from the hot summers of Rajasthan and was often used as the perfect summer palace for the royals. A five-storeyed building, Hawa Mahal flaunts a fine architecture of multiple windows and latticed balconies, standing as the most fascinating structures established by the Rajputs. Visit the place in the early morning hours to see its stunning look when the Mahal stands illuminated by the golden rays of the sun.
City Palace
One of the main tourist attractions of the city, City Palace is yet another marvelous architecture featuring a complex of Mahals and Havelis in northeast Jaipur. The City Palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 and 1732 AD, and possesses a mix of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles that have been built over many different centuries. Places to explore within the city palace include the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, and the Maharani’s Palace, where you can discover the architecture, and history of the palace and the kingdom with multiple displays and museums.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort, also known as the Amber Fort is another one of Jaipur’s fascinating structures, located at a distance of about 11 km from the main city. Sitting atop a hillock, it is a stunning display of an extensive palace complex made of white marble and pale yellow and pink sandstone. Built by Maharaja Man Singh I, the fort is divided into different sections, including gardens, temples, king’s quarters, zenanas and gates that have been heavily worked upon. Having served as the primary residence of Rajput rulers for decades, there are many areas of the fort that you must visit and include the Suraj Pol, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-aam, and underground water tunnels that connect Amer with Jaigarh Fort.
Jaigarh Fort
Forts have a certain allure that draws historians, photographers, and culture enthusiasts from far and wide. One magnificent example of that is the magnificent Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. Like other forts in the Pink City, it was constructed in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is built on top of a hill, locally known as “Cheel ka Teela” or “Hill of the Eagle”. The Jaivana Cannon, the largest cannon on wheels in the world, is one of the main attractions of the fort. Currently, the Jaigarh Fort welcomes visitors from all over the world who wish to explore its impressive beauty and has become a place that you must explore on your Golden Triangle Tour to the city of Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort
Situated in the foothills of the Aravalli mountain ranges, Nahargarh Fort, previously known as Sudarshangarh is another one of Jaipur’s magnificent forts. The fort is another one of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s creations built to defend the city of Jaipur in 1734. As the hills were inhabited by many tigers, it led to the fort being named after them, where Nahargarh means “abode of tigers”. Included in the fort complex is a temple dedicated to the main deity of the royal family and a two-storey building dedicated to Sawai Madho Singh, the Madhavendra Bhavan. There is also an open area, known as Diwan-i-aam, where the king held court to listen to the people’s grievances.
Jal Mahal
A unique destination to explore in Jaipur is the Jal Mahal or the Water Palace, spread in the center of Man Sagar Lake. With the city dotted with stunning architecture, Jal Mahal stands on top of the list with its uniqueness. Made out of red sandstone, standing in the middle of the pink city, Jal Mahal is believed to have been originally built to function as a hunting lodge for the Maharajas. Resembling a floating structure, with the beautiful Aravalli Hills in the background, Jal Mahal is one of the places that you must explore on your visit to the city of Jaipur.
Places Where You Must Eat in Jaipur
In the land of the royals, you can expect to taste only the best of everything. Jaipur’s food is a reflection of its rich heritage and warm hospitality, and has a range of flavors to satiate your taste buds. Here are some places in Jaipur you can visit to explore the best of Jaipuri cuisine.
- Laxmi Misthan Bhandar
- Rawat Misthan Bhandar
- Gulab Ji Chai Wale
- Masala Chowk
- Al Bake
- Pandit’s
- Sethi Bar-Be-Que
- Falahaar
- Bapu Bazar
Places Where You Must Shop in Jaipur
When visiting Jaipur, you cannot leave the city without visiting its colorful, traditional markets. Explore some of the best places to shop in the city for the best of traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and the classic Jaipuri Jutti.
- Chandpole Bazar
- Johri Bazar
- Tripolia Bazar
- Bapu Bazar
- Nehru Bazar
- Aravali Bazar
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Best Time to Visit the Golden Triangle Circuit
The best time to visit the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on a Golden Triangle Tour would be during the months of October to March. It is between these months that the cities see the most pleasant temperatures of the year, making it an ideal time to travel. Between the months of April to June, the cities face extreme heat due to the onset of summer season and would be very excruciating to travel in. Also, to avoid are the months of July to September when the country experiences monsoon and faces extreme humidity.
A Golden Triangle Tour will offer you a chance to experience the best of the three popular tourist cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in a short period of time. On this tour you will get to experience the culture, traditions and history of these cities and what makes them timeless places even today. Comprising some priceless heritage sites and old markets, these cities will be sure to charm you. Take up a Golden Triangle Tourist expedition on your next vacation and explore these historic cities.
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Hope you enjoyed reading the ultimate guide to India’s Golden Triangle Tour. If this travel guide incites your wish for planning a trip to India and know about its cultural heritage in depth, or you want to know more about the places and the itinerary, you can contact us directly. Moreover, you can browse our website for Golden Triangle Tour packages, which can be customised based on your requirements. Comment here which of these three cities you want to explore first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's Golden Triangle Circuit and why is this so famous?
Golden Triangle Circuit includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the three places in India which see a high density of tourist footfalls throughout the year. The circuit is the most popular tourist route in India for exploring the richness of India’s vibrant culture. Precisely, the Golden Triangle Tour is the perfect way to start knowing about the country in depth.
How to plan a perfect Golden Triangle Trip in India?
A perfect Golden Triangle India Itinerary starts from Delhi to Agra and ends in Jaipur. You can conclude the trip in Jaipur or visit another city or state to extend the trip. Plan a minimum of two to three days for the places to explore in each city and have the best experience to know about the cultural heritage of India.
How many minimum days are required to experience the best of India's Golden Triangle Tour?
A minimum of six to ten days are required to experience the best of India's Golden Triangle Tour. However, we always recommend staying in a place for maximum days to know it better and in depth.
What is the Best Time to Do a Golden Triangle Tour in India?
For international travellers, the best time to do a Golden Triangle Tour is between the months of October to March, specifically during the winter. As the places you will visit on your Golden Triangle Tour are located in North India, it will be difficult to roam around the cities during the hot summer. Temperature ranges between 5 and 15 degrees celsius during winter and the weather remains pleasant for traveling comfortably.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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