Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra)

Written by Viator, July 2012

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Tip - Suggested Itineraries, Tip - What to See & Do, UNESCO Heritage Site

Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra)

India has a population of 1.2 billion people divided into more than 2,000 ethnic groups speaking 18 official languages. It is a third of the size of the United States with a landscape varying from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the stark dunes of the Thar Desert. Thus, planning an itinerary in India is a daunting and often overwhelming task. In a country so large and diverse, it’s a good idea to divide and conquer, and three of India’s most visited cities, New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, make up a popular and compact triangular route in the Northwest. In seven to eight days, you can experience busy life in the capital, cross the Taj Mahal off your bucket list and learn about Rajastani culture in the Pink City.

A Golden Triangle trip typically starts and ends in New Delhi, a city known for the labyrinthine alleyways, colorful bazaars and piping hot street foods of the Old City. The large capital with all the trappings of a modern city makes a convenient entry and exit point while allowing you to get acclimated to the weather, time zone and culture.

After two to three days in Delhi, catch the train or bus south to the city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Get an early start to see the behemoth white marble mausoleum shift colors from pink to white as the sun rises, and before the tour buses start pouring in. Further along the river, you’ll visit the Agra Fort, a red sandstone structure built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The room in which he was later imprisoned gave him a clear view of the Taj Mahal, his greatest masterpiece and symbol of his love for his favorite wife.

Heading west toward Jaipur, stop for a day at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned former Mughal capital, built from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Pay a visit to the Nahargarh Fort in the evening and watch as the terra cotta-plastered buildings turn pink with the setting sun. After visiting the forts and palaces within the city’s vicinity, it’s time to head back toward Delhi.

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All Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) Reviews

Reply by Viator, February 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: 4-Day Golden Triangle Trip to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

This was a truely memorable trip with excellent guides at each place and our driver Ajmer was brilliant. While I was nervous that the original hotels got changed, I need not have been concerned. In fact the hotel in Jaipur was more central that the original one noted.
I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone.

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Reply by Viator, October 2012
Doing what: Private Tour: 4-Day Golden Triangle Trip to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

Our guides were top notch - very experienced and professional. Our driver was excellent. This combination made for an extraordinary experience, and we came away with a deeper understanding of Indian history and culture.

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Reply by Viator, October 2012
Doing what: Private Tour: 4-Day Golden Triangle Trip to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

Unforgettable experience. Our driver was great. Our guide in Agra was very knowledgeable as well as our guide in Jaipur where we did most of our shopping (textiles and jewelry) . Be prepared to spend 5+ hours (distance plus traffic) driving 3 of the 4 days between cities. The accommodations provided were average but you don't spent too much time in the room. We would have been lost without our driver and guides. This is the best way to see this amazing area.

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