How to See the Golden Triangle of India in One Week (Plus Tips to Plan the Perfect Trip)

As an avid traveler, the Golden Triangle route in India, (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) has been on my bucket list for years. So I always thought when I first visited India, this iconic itinerary would be the first thing I would do.

But marrying a man whose family is from South India changed all of that!

Though my first few trips to India have been to visit my husband’s family in Chennai (formerly Madras), I always knew I would figure out a way to make this bucket-list trip happen.

Related: Why You Should plan that bucket list trip now.

And recently, I got an opportunity to make this dream trip come true.

Because of some family stuff, my husband and I are spending much of the year living in Chennai. (You can read about more about our move here.) With Chennai as a ‘home base’, it was a no brainer that we could easily jump on a plane to explore the Golden Triangle route. What wasn’t so easy was planning the trip. Luckily, since we are now ‘locals’ in India, we got lots of great advice from family and friends who have traveled this route numerous times.

Now that we are back from our week-long trip of the Golden Triangle, (which was nothing short of AMAZING!), I want to share all of my travel tips with you.

So, are you ready to plan your trip to India’s iconic Golden Triangle? If so, keep reading!

What to Know Before You Book a One Week Trip to Explore India’s Golden Triangle:

Where is the Golden Triangle:

The main route of the Golden Triangle itinerary in North India includes three cities: Delhi, a Union Territory and the capital of India, Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan.

The Golden Triangle is considered the most iconic travel route in India for good reason. With renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Amer Fort in Jaipur, exploring this route is like visiting the greatest hits of India’s history and culture.

How To Get There:

Most travelers begin and end their trip in Delhi because of the large, international airport there. It is easy to find flights to Delhi from all over the world.

Best Time of Year To visit:

The peak tourist season for the Golden Triangle route is November through February, but the shoulder months of October and March are also popular. I recommend visiting during the shoulder months of October and March because the sites are a little less crowded and airfare and accommodations are a bit cheaper as well. Most people avoid visiting April through September because the heat and humidity are oppressive.

What to Pack:

While the days are warm, the mornings and evenings can be chilly. Because of this, layering is key. I recommend packing a couple of lightweight sweaters and a jacket, (I packed a jean jacket which was perfect) plus a scarf or shawl.

If you are a woman, be mindful of covering up, especially at the temples. Wear skirts and dresses that cover your knees (I recommend packing a couple of maxi dresses) and wear tops that cover your shoulders. Men should also have their legs covered at the temples. If you are wearing shorts, they will give you a veshti, (a cloth wrap) to wear around your legs.

Travel Tip: In full disclosure, I did pack a couple of tank tops but only felt comfortable wearing them at the more Western tourist destinations and at our hotel. When visiting the temples and Mosques, I wore traditional Indian clothing – a salwar kameez – because it is more modest and it’s the clothing I wear when I’m in Chennai with my husband. (In general, south India is more conservative than North India.)

As in all major cities, be mindful of your valuables when sightseeing because there are pickpockets and beggars at many of the popular tourist destinations on this route. I recommend using a fanny pack or a cross shoulder bag.

How to Travel from City to City:

If this is your first time visiting India and you are not comfortable traveling alone via train or bus, there are plenty of group tours you can do. Typically, these tours will take care of almost everything except for booking your flights. If you want to stick with a budget, I recommend using Intrepid Travel. I’ve enjoyed their tours because they are small and well-curated.

Related: Discover India with Intrepid Travel

If you are up for traveling alone or with some friends, I suggest hiring a driver and car. This is what my husband and I did, along with our friend who was visiting from New York.

It’s quite affordable to hire a driver (The cost for the three of us for seven days was $300 total), and this allows you the flexibility to make last-minute changes to your itinerary. We used Ashok’s Taxi Tours, a local company in Delhi but I also recommend TGS Tours and Travels.

Travel Tip: Make sure to confirm the following when you book a car:

• Working seatbelts for all seats (Many cars in India do not have seatbelts which is why you need to ask this question.)
• Working AC
• The size of the car and trunk so your luggage fits as well as you!

We booked a standard car for our trip. In hindsight, we should have paid a little more for an SUV. Considering the amount of driving this trip entails, we would have been more comfortable with the additional legroom.

One Week Itinerary of India’s Golden Triangle: 

Delhi – 2 Days

Delhi is a great jumping-off point for new and returning visitors alike. Even though it’s one of the largest cities in India, it’s manageable because the city is very spread out, much like Los Angeles or Mexico City. The center of the city has a European look and feel to it, which is quite the contrast to the chaos and energy of Old Delhi!

Where To Stay in Delhi:

We stayed at Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi, located in the heart of the city at Connaught Place, and we absolutely loved it. The rooms are well-appointed with luxury amenities and spectacular views of the city.

The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, (which I actually used!), an outdoor pool and a spa. And if you book a Horizon Club Deluxe room, you get exclusive privileges including access to the rooftop Horizon Club, which serves complimentary cocktails and snacks every evening from 5:30p – 7:30p, and a delectable breakfast each morning.

Because we plan on staying at other Shangri-La properties in the future, we joined their Golden Circle loyalty program, which rewards guests with exclusive privileges and benefits every time we stay or dine at the hotel chain’s restaurants. We also booked directly through their website, which gave us the best rates.

Things To Do in Delhi:

• The Qutb Complex – This complex houses the famous Qutab Minar (also spelled Qutb Minar). Construction on the minaret started in 1193 and is a commanding 293.5 feet (72.5 meters) tall. The tower is an incredible sight to see.

• Humayun’s Tomb – Situated in the center of the tranquil Chahar Bagh Gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage structure is a beautiful blend of Persian and Mughal architecture and the first example of the garden-style tomb in India.

• Jama Masjid Mosque – This functioning Mosque situated in Old Delhi is one of my favorite places to visit in Delhi. We went on a Sunday. Weekends get quite crowded but I loved discreetly observing people praying and reuniting with family. The mosque itself has an awe-inspiring presence, inviting reflection no matter which religion you observe.

• Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli markets – After visiting the mosque, head straight across the street into the crowds and chaos of Old Delhi, including the Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli markets. Unlike the manicured lawns and wide boulevards of Connaught Place, Old Delhi will give you a taste of real India. Just be aware that the crowds are intense and you’ll constantly be dodging cars, motorbikes, and animals, like cows! But if you can stomach all of that, you’ll enjoy watching daily life unfold here.

• The Lotus Temple – The Lotus Temple is a house of worship open to all regardless of what religion you practice. It opened in 1986 and is now a must-see on any Delhi itinerary. The temple’s shape is inspired by a half-open floating lotus.
• The Akshardham Temple – A relatively new Hindu temple in Delhi, Akshardham was inaugurated in 2005. Considered the 3^rd largest Hindu temple in the world, the architecture is something to behold. While it was worth visiting the temple itself, don’t bother with the surrounding cultural campus, which mostly offers gimmicky tours and shows. The temple itself is the main highlight here.

Travel Tip: When visiting the Akshardham Temple, you can’t bring cellphones, cameras or large bags onto the premises. You either have to check them at a booth out front or leave them with your driver/in your vehicle. We felt it was safer to leave our things in the car with our driver. However, they did allow me to bring in my small fanny pack and a bottle of water.

• 

Touring Purana Qila, also known as Old Fort, in Delhi.

• Purana Qila – If you’re in the mood to visit another fort, (although trust me, you will see plenty on the Golden Triangle route!), head to Purana Qila, which translates to old fort. Located in a tranquil park dotted with palm trees, these ruins are an oasis from the noise and chaos of the city. This site isn’t nearly as busy as the other tourist destinations on my list unless you count the teenage couples that come to make out!

• Red Fort – The Red Fort gives you a real taste for the historical magnificence of Old Delhi. The fort is a blend of Mughal, Afghan and Hindu styles of Architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see on any Delhi itinerary.

• Hauz Khas Neighborhood – If you want to get a taste of a fun, hip neighborhood in Delhi, head to Haus Khas. Full of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars, we had a wonderful afternoon exploring this area. The neighborhood also abuts the Hauz Khas complex, which includes medieval ruins of a mosque, tomb, and an Islamic seminary, beautifully situated on the banks of Hauz Khas lake. The ruins are now a popular spot for teenage couples looking for discreet hideouts!
• Other Places of Interest: With two days in Delhi, you can’t possibly see everything. A few places we missed that are on my list for our next visit include The India Gate, Lodhi Gardens, The Rajaon Ki Baoli Stepwell, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Jain Temple and the 1911 Bar at the Imperial Hotel.

Where to Eat in Delhi:

• Indian Accent – If you’re in the mood to splurge, I highly recommend Indian Accent in Delhi, with Chef Manish Mehrotra at the helm. Surrounded by reflecting pools with fire-lit torches, the restaurant is mesmerizing, but it’s the food that is the real stand out. Voted number 9 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List in 2016, we couldn’t wait to taste everything. My husband and I tried the 7-course tasting menu. The restaurant offers a vegetarian or a meat option.

• Karim’s Hotel  – One of the best and most authentic places we ate at was Karim’s in Old Delhi. It’s quite a scene here, filled with locals and tourists alike. Make sure to order something from the tandoori grill and just a warning – most of the food packs a punch with Indian spices and heat. Order some raita (yogurt mixed with onions) to help balance out the heat from the spices.

• Mia Bella  – For an al fresco lunch with a splendid view of the Haus Khaz Lake, head to the Italian restaurant Mia Bella Romantic Kitchen and Bar. We feasted on chicken kebabs and salad, washing it all down with a fragrant sangria.

• Social Khas – You must pay a visit to Social Khas. This industrial-style designed, multi-level space is the cool hangout in the neighborhood. By day it’s full of entrepreneurs and creative-types working away on laptops, and at night, it turns into a lively bar and club. We went for a sundowner on the rooftop and loved the cheeky décor and stunning views of the lake.

Travel tip: Order the house specialty, the Aacharoska cocktail which comes in a stoneware jar. It was super refreshing!

• Shang Palace  – Our hotel, The Shangri-La’s – Eros, New Delhi, has two very popular restaurants, Shang Palace and Sorrento. We opted for Shang Palace, which has Yunnan cuisine along with Cantonese and Sichuan. It was the perfect meal after a long day of sightseeing.
• Perch – Our last night in Delhi we just wanted a simple, good meal. A friend who lived in the city for a couple of years recommended the Perch wine bar in Khan Market. It was a bit of a challenge to find it but once we made it up two flights of stairs, we were pleasantly surprised by the open, airy feel. The food is mostly Italian and our hearty pasta dishes did not disappoint! The wine selection was one of the better ones we found in Delhi.

Agra – 2 Days

The second stop on a tour of the Golden Triangle of India is Agra. This is a very small city compared to Delhi and Jaipur. I recommend spending only one night here because there are only two really important sites to see. No. 1, obviously is the Taj Mahal. And the other site worth seeing is the Agra Fort.

So why am I giving Agra two days in this itinerary? Because the two days include your drive from Delhi to Agra on day one, (233 km) and your drive from Agra to Jaipur on day two (approximately 240 km with two stops along the way).

Travel Tip: The routes from Delhi to Agra and Agra to Jaipur are similar in terms of distance, but the drive to Jaipur is much longer. It takes around 4 hours to get from Agra to Jaipur. This is because the route from Agra to Jaipur consists mostly of local roads. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.

Where to Stay in Agra:

We all have miles and status at the Marriott Hotel, so we opted to stay there for the night. The hotel upgraded us to suites with clean and modern facilities. Although we didn’t have time to spend at the pool, it was very tempting! The hotel has no views of the Taj Mahal. If you want that, splurge, and I mean really splurge, on the Oberoi!

We ate at the buffet-style restaurant at the hotel for both dinner and breakfast. That’s not something we normally do but the buffet had endless options, including American and Indian cuisine, and it was convenient. If you’re in Agra for one night and you’re on a budget, I highly recommend this hotel.

Things To Do in Agra:

• Methab Bagh Gardens – If you want to see the Taj Mahal at sunset, this is the place to do it. Why was this so important to us? Because everyone has said the best times to see the Taj Mahal are at sunrise and sunset when the marble mausoleum is bathed in golden hues that slowly change colors. And the Methab Bagh garden, across the Yamuna river from the Taj Mahal, has the best vantage point for seeing the famous structure as the sun goes down.

Let me tell you, watching the Taj Mahal at sunset is worth it! We were all jumping for joy when we got to this garden because, hello?!, seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time, even if it’s across the river? Well, it was INCREDIBLE. So I highly recommend making time in your itinerary to do this.

Pro Travel Tip: Get to the garden about an hour before the sun sets, to get a good spot before the crowds arrive. And if you want an even more unique experience than witnessing the sunset from this garden, I’ve been told you can rent a small rowboat and watch the sunset (or sunrise) from the river with nothing obscuring your view.

• Taj Mahal – Arguably, this is the number one highlight of any Golden Triangle tour of India. This marble mausoleum is the tomb of all tombs. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1632. Located on the south bank of the Yamuna River, the structure highlights a fusion of Islamic, Turkish and Indian architecture.

Honestly, no verbal or written description can do this site justice. The Taj Mahal is something you just have to see with your own eyes.

For your actual visit to the Taj Mahal, I recommend going at sunrise. Yes, this means getting up in the middle of the night, but I promise you, it’s worth seeing this mausoleum bathed in the morning light. I also suggest buying your tickets online in advance, so you can skip the massive ticket queue when you arrive.

We opted for the earliest entry available – 6 am. Even with this entry and our online ticket purchase, there was still a long line for security when we arrived at 5:45 am.

Pro Travel Tip: If you are one of those people who wants to be the first person inside the complex to get those perfect Instagram pictures, I suggest showing up at 5 am or even earlier, so you are the first person in line for the security check.

Pro Travel Tip: They do not allow you to bring large bags or backpacks into the complex but I was able to bring my small fanny-pack. Your entry ticket includes a bottle of water which you pick up at the entrance, so don’t bring your own. They also give you disposable booties that are mandatory to wear when you go inside the tomb.

Related: Check out my Taj Mahal Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you visit this iconic Wonder of the World. 

• Other places of interest: Unfortunately we missed the Agra Fort because we did a bit more sightseeing in Delhi before we hit the road to Agra. However, provided you leave Delhi first thing in the morning, the 3-hour drive will leave you ample time to see the Agra Fort.

If you have more time to spend in Agra, check out the Baby Taj, and the Kinari Bazaar and Gangotri Emporium, both known for their leather goods. I also recommend Sheroes’ Hangout, a cafe staffed by women who are survivors of horrific acid attacks in India. Sheroe’s Hangout raises awareness about this dreadful practice and gives women the confidence to show themselves in public after being blemished.

On the Route from Agra to Jaipur:

• Fatephur Sikri –  Fatephur Sikri, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1571, this ancient city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. We spent a couple of hours wandering around this immense red sandstone complex and marveled at how much was left intact, hundreds of years later.

• Chand Bawri – An hour from Fatephur Sikh, along a dusty lane in a tiny town, is India’s largest ancient stepwell. It’s a brief stop – we spent about 20 minutes there – but totally worth it. You will see other stepwells, but none as large and deep as this one.

Jaipur – 3 Days

The last stop on this tour of the Golden Triangle of India is Jaipur. Give yourself three days here, because there is so much to do and see in this city. And that’s not even talking about the dining and the shopping. (Don’t worry, I have a full list of restaurants and shopping recommendations for you below!)

Jaipur is a relatively large city, with a population of 7 million people. The old city is clearly identifiable because all of the buildings are of a pink salmon hue, hence the nickname ‘Pink City’. Besides spending time here, you’ll want to explore the many forts and temples that dot the hillsides surrounding the urban center. So get ready for a few action-packed days.

Where to Stay in Jaipur:

Full disclosure here, because as glamorous as travel can look, especially on a travel blog, it’s often not perfect. Case in point – our hotel in Jaipur.

My one regret with this trip is where we stayed in Jaipur. It’s my fault since I planned and booked the entire itinerary.  I did not book our hotel soon enough. Thus, we paid a lot of money for a mediocre hotel.

We stayed at the Taj SMS Hotel because it shares grounds with the Taj’s luxury property, the Rambargh Palace, and we wanted to experience the amenities of a palace hotel. My husband and I have had incredible stays at other Taj Hotels including in Ooty. Unfortunately, the SMS is not up to par with other Taj properties. The decor was nice but there was wear and tear everywhere we looked. The small property needs to be updated with a thorough renovation. That said, the hospitality was truly wonderful. They did everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible.

Pro Travel Tip: As soon as you lock in your dates for a Golden Triangle Tour, reserve your hotel rooms – especially in Jaipur – because the more popular palace hotels can sell out months in advance. You can usually book with the option to pay later. So get that reservation locked in because you can always cancel it without penalty if your travel plans change.

These are the hotels I  recommend. If you really want to splurge and pamper yourself, stay the Taj Rambargh Palace. (In fairness, the Rambargh Palace is stunning.). For mid-priced palace hotel options, try the Umaid Bhawan, Samode Haveli, or the Pearl Palace Heritage Guest House. I tried to book these hotels but they were all sold out. If you don’t mind staying about 30 minutes outside of the city, there’s a beautiful Fairmont hotel.

I also highly recommend ITC Rajputana. ITC is a great, reasonably priced hotel chain in India. This property isn’t a converted palace but the hotel has great restaurants and modern amenities.

Things to Do in Jaipur:

• The City Palace – This palace was one of my favorite parts of the entire Golden Triangle Tour. Each room was more beautiful than the next. The entire complex takes a couple of hours to explore and there are lots of great photo ops here. (Honestly, you can’t take a bad picture anywhere along the Golden Triangle Route!)

Pro Travel Tip: Choose the private tour of the palace. While it’s expensive, (about $40 pp for foreigners) you will have access to parts of the palace not seen on the regular tour. This includes the famous blue room that is on everyone’s Instagram feed, (Including mine LOL!), and the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

• Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell – This stepwell isn’t as impressive as the one on route from Agra to Jaipur. However, it’s the one you’ll recognize because everyone takes pictures here.  When we stepped into the well, the guards started yelling at us. We learned that you need a permit, which costs almost $100, to take photos inside the well. Instead of paying the fee, we just moved on.

Pro Travel Tip: Supposedly you can also pay off the guards at the well if you don’t feel like trekking to the Amer Fort ticket office to buy the special permit.  None of us felt comfortable ‘bribing’ the guards to allow us to step into the well for photos. Also, my husband is Indian. He’s hyper-aware of the corruption that exists there and doesn’t want to do anything to perpetuate it, something I can stand behind!

• Amer (Amber) Fort  – Nestled in the Aravalli hills overlooking the Maota Lake, it’s an incredible example of Mughal-Rajputana architecture. We had no idea how immense this fort/palace was until we started exploring. Every time we thought we got to the end, there was another passageway that led to stairs which led to an entirely new courtyard and set of rooms. We were in total awe, and a bit exhausted by the time we finished our tour!

Pro Travel Tip: The Fort offers elephant rides to the top of the Amer Fort from the town below. Please DO NOT partake in this. It is harmful to the elephants and a form of torture. These majestic animals should not be treated this way.

• Jal Mahal – Situated in the middle of a lake, this water palace looks like it’s floating on water. Stop here on your way back to Jaipur from the Amer Fort to take photos. This is the closest you’ll get, as they don’t allow visitors or tours of the palace itself.

• Hawa Mahal – Also known as the Wind Palace, Hawa Mahal is smack dab in the center of the old city. Made of red and pink sandstone, it is one of the most distinctive and recognizable buildings in all of Jaipur. For a great photo op, head across the street to one of the rooftop cafes.

While it’s beauty is undeniable, it’s history is less so. This building is where the royal women watched – through the tiny peepholes in the windows – everyday life. Why did they sit here? Because they were not allowed outside. They were also not permitted to socialize in the royal court unless it was a female-only affair. A bit of a gilded cage, I’m afraid!

• Patrika Gate – Another iconic photo op is at The Patrika Gate. This is a modern addition to Jaipur that fits right in with the historic palaces and forts. It’s almost incongruous that such a beautiful gate is literally in the center of a busy traffic circle. But as I’ve come to learn, this juxtaposition is very common in India! The gate is close to the airport, so stop here on your way out of town.

• Jawahar Kala Kendra Center – On our last day in Jaipur, we spent the morning at this arts complex. It was a good reprieve from the popular tourist sites and the heat. We loved the feel of the open-air coffeehouse. The staff uniforms reminded me of the ones worn at the famous Indian Coffee House in Kolkata. My husband and I also enjoyed walking through the galleries, taking in some modern Middle Eastern and Asian art.
• Other Things of Interest – Two more great forts to see are Nahargarh and Jaigarh. If you are into science than the Jantar Mantar observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. Visit the Govind Dev Ji temple at 8.30 am for the Pooja ceremony. Hang with the monkeys at the Hanuman Ji (Monkey) Temple. For a taste of local street food, Lassiwala, the kefir stand on M. I. Road, is the best you will ever have.

Where to eat in Jaipur:

• Baradari Restaurant – Right inside the City Palace, this spot is the perfect place for lunch after you finish your tour. The outdoor courtyard looks appealing, but on closer look is swarming with flies. If you eat here, I recommend sitting inside for a more pleasant meal.

• Rajput Room – Located at the Rambargh Palace, this beautiful restaurant, with an outdoor veranda, is perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Steam – Also at the Taj Hotel’s Rambargh Palace, this casual Italian restaurant is housed in an old steam train car.

• Bar Palladio – Though you can have dinner here as well, we came for the cocktails and the décor. Renovated by Marie-Anne Oudejans, the designer behind the fashion brand Tocca, the decor has a colorful and whimsical feel.

Pro Travel Tip: Even if you’re just stopping by for a drink, make a reservation to ensure you get a table.

• Samode Haveli – This hotel was our first choice but it was already sold out when we booked our trip. However, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch al fresco on the terrace. The setting was magical. The call to prayer that we heard from a nearby mosque added to the enchantment of this idyllic spot. The menu has both Indian and western options.

• 1135 AD – If you want traditional palace cuisine, head to 1135 AD inside the Amer Fort. The service is slow but we enjoyed the food and ambiance.

Where to shop in Jaipur:

• Gem Palace – for exquisite antique and modern jewelry. Even if you’re not in the market to buy anything, it’s worth going to see the museum-worthy pieces.

• Hot Pink – Located at Hotel Narain Niwas, this boutique would fit in just as well in LA or Miami. The merchandise is on trend and chic.

• Anohki Textiles – This block-print clothing and linens store was by far my favorite. It’s a little hard to find but don’t let that deter you. Do not use Google Maps to find it because you’ll end up on the side of a busy road. The store is now located where the Anohki Café is, on the second floor of an office building. While my husband had a coffee at the café, my friend and I went on a shopping spree!
• Ridhi Sidhi Textiles – This shop is known for an array of colored fabrics spun into stylish clothes.

Holy smokes! I think this is my longest blog post, ever. Sorry for the length but honestly, I had so many good recommendations for you, I didn’t want to leave anything out!

So what do you think about this one-week Golden Triangle of India Itinerary? Are you ready to pack your bags and explore India? Let me know in the comments below!