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India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make up the popular India’s Golden triangle tour circuit. This is the most popular tourist route in India and we have seen mostly the first timers visiting India prefer to choose this route to get a sense of India before going for the deep Indian experience at other places of India.
It gets its name from the triangle that the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form which are located almost in equal distance of around 200-250 Kms from each other in Northern India. These cities of Delhi Agra and Jaipur provide an unforgettable introduction to the country for those who are on a short visit to India and also the accessibility is great since all these three cities a well-connected by road and super-fast trains. Hiring a car is the most popular way of getting around India’s Golden Triangle if you don’t wish to take the Indian trains which also gives you an option to travel at your pace.
For the first timers visiting India, taking an all-inclusive Golden Triangle tour is the best option if you want all of your travel arrangements taken care of. Check out the Golden Triangle tours we offer:
Where to Start
Delhi
Most of the people start out their India travel from the capital city of India- New Delhi. Experiencing Delhi in a few days can be an unforgettable experience. Delhi will give you a very mixed feeling; also what we call as a “culture shock” as it has both of the new and the old Delhi side by side but they actually feel like their worlds apart.
On one hand once you’re out of the airport you’ll see the luxury of the New Delhi, the richness, the plush shopping markets and malls and on the other side when you visit the old Delhi you will see the real India – the noise, the chaos and the charm as you see the city unfolds in front of you during the day. There are many Monuments, Forts to explore and the markets to shop around. Typically you need two to three days to explore fully in all its sense.
Must do things in Delhi are taking a ride to the Old Spice Market in the old Delhi area or the Chandni Chowk area because that is an experience that will make you feel truly alive. Also sites worth watching are the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and in the evening you can stop at India Gate as the night falls. This “Arc-de-Triomphe” of India was built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I.
Agra
Agra is a must see destination in everyone’s bucket list who’s travelling to India because of the Taj Mahal. The most famous building of India and one of the seven wonders of the world, actually no words can do the justice to explain you what it is like to see Taj Mahal at sunrise. The journey to Delhi and Agra takes around 4 hours by the new Expressway and there are many super fast train options available as well.
Agra has much more to offer then just the Taj Mahal. You can visit Agra Fort which is also a World Heritage site and not far from Agra is Fatehpur Sikri- the deserted red sandstone city of Emperor Akbar. Baby Taj and Sheroes cafe are worth stopping too. Employing the brave acid attack victims, this inspiring café in Agra is the ideal place to watch courageous women giving the tough fight to the not-so-generous life and destiny.
You can also join a Cultural Heritage Walk to the old city of Agra or a Food Walking Tour where you can get a chance to explore Agra through your taste buds. There is also a rural Village Walking tour that we offer which takes you to a non-touristy, authentic Indian village to experience the real India beyond the luxuries of your hotel.
Jaipur
Jaipur which is also known as the Pink City offers a very different experience from what you have seen so far in Delhi and Agra. There is plenty to see and do here with many of the old forts and palaces, the royal residences and the multitude of the shopping opportunities that you get in Jaipur. Again the travel time from Agra or Delhi to Jaipur is roughly 4-5 hours and it is also well-connected by trains to both Delhi and Agra.
Not far out of Jaipur on the road to Agra is Abhaneri. The main highlight is the 9th century Chand Baori step well, one of the deepest and largest in the region. The architecture of well is certainly unique with lots of intricate carvings still intact.
How To Do India’s Golden Triangle Tour
The best way is either by car or by train. Since there are no flights usually in between Agra & Delhi, you’ve to take either the train option or cab. The best time of the year to visit Golden Triangle is between September – March when the weather is pleasant. In off-season which is between April-August, you’ll find the hotel prices cheap but it’s either too hot or the rains will spoil your plans.
The minimum time required to do this Golden Triangle India tour is 2 nights and 3 days; however you can extend your stay in each city as per your requirement.
Delhi, Jaipur and Agra are the three cities that will capture your imagination and take you in to the fascinating world the Mughals and the Maharajas. The legacy they have left behind is some of the world’s best architecture from Qutub Minar in Delhi to Amber fort in Jaipur and of course the famed Taj Mahal in Agra.