Golden Triangle India: How to Do It On Your Own
The Golden Triangle in India is Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, 3 cities in Northern India. It’s one of the most popular tourist routes in the world, and a fantastic introduction to India if it’s your first time.
Not only is it possible to do the Golden Triangle in a limited time (you could do it in 7 days if you had to), it’s a well worn route with solid tourist infrastructure. This means you don’t have to rely on an organized tour or travel agents to manage it.
It’s also beautiful! The Golden Triangle is one of the most magical areas in India. It feels like there is something spectacular everywhere you look. I did the this route on my first trip to India and was so captivated I returned 5 times in 18 months!
What is the Golden Triangle of India?
The Golden Triangle is the popular route of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in Northern India. As you can see, these cities form an almost perfect triangle when viewed on a map.
It’s immensely popular, not only because of the rich cultural history of the area, but because it’s relatively easy to travel, and you don’t need weeks to do it. In fact, Delhi to Agra is a popular day trip.
It’s not hard to do the Golden Triangle on your own. I’ve done the this route myself and visited Agra and Jaipur separately from Delhi several times. You can easily book your own hotels, train tickets, and take Uber around to the different sites.
Why Is the Golden Triangle Special?
India’s north was the Mughal stronghold of India, and they left their mark all over this region in stunning architecture. We’re talking ancient temples, palaces that will take your breath away and majestic forts.
The whole are is rich in history and culture. There is something so very iconically Indian around every corner. It really is one of the most enchanting parts of the country.
If all you see in India is the Golden Triangle, you’ll have seen some of most beautiful and cultural areas of the country, including several UNESCO world heritage sites. It’s a really good overview of the best of the country.
How to Do the Golden Triangle India
The best route for the Golden Triangle is Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. You could do it the other way around, Delhi-Jaipur-Agra, but there’s really good connections from Delhi to Agra, so it’s the more popular route.
The best way to travel between these cities is train. There’s great rail connectivity between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and excellent (fast) trains. Besides, Indian train travel is an iconic experience you should try at least once.
You can also take a bus, Uber or hire a car with driver. The bus is the cheapest option, then train (though if you travel in second class it can be just as cheap as the bus), then Uber or a private car with driver. The most expensive option is to arrange a car and driver through your hotel.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Keep this mind when planning your itinerary.
👍 Insider Tip: I suggest you hire a car for the Agra to Jaipur section. That way you can stop at two more incredible sites, Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori (both UNESCO).
How to Take the Train
At the moment you can book tickets 60 days in advance on Indian trains. Popular routes (like the Golden Triangle), especially on the fast trains, sell out quickly. It’s a good idea to organize your train tickets early.
You can book tickets directly through the official Indian Railway website. You’ll have to register first for a small fee, but after that you’ll have full access to every train in India with no service fees.
An easier option is to book through 12Go Asia. They don’t show every train, but they do have all the popular routes, and this website is easier to use. Tickets are a bit more expensive here.
India has different types of trains and classes of tickets. The best trains for these routes are Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express.
The most comfortable carriages are AC1, EA, EC, and CC. These will have western style toilets, be climate controlled, and more spacious and calmer than some of the other classes. You can expect to be served food and tea in these carriages.
You can read more about how to buy Indian train tickets here.
⚠️ Delhi has 4 passenger rail stations. Make sure you check which train station you’re departing from!
A friendly warning: there are a lot of scammers at the train stations. Do not listen to anyone who tells you (even if they look official), that your train is cancelled, delayed, difficult to find, or that your ticket is not valid, etc. Almost every time I take a train, especially from Delhi, someone tries to scam me. Just be wary.
How to Take the Bus
If you choose to go by bus, you can use the MakeMyTrip website. I regularly use it to book domestic flights, and it’s the easiest way to book a bus ticket.
The bus will be slower and not as comfortable as the train, so I don’t recommend it, but you can if you want to. I used to always take the overnight bus from Chamba in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh to Delhi because there was no train on this route.
Using Uber or a Private Car & Driver
Uber is a fantastic (and cheap) way to get around the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but you can also book inter-city rides.
A quick scan of Uber today is advertising Agra to Jaipur for $60 USD (and it’s about a 4 – 5 hour drive), and Delhi to Agra for $30 USD. Of course if you make extra stops it will be more – but it’s still a great deal!
Private cars and drivers can also be booked through MakeMyTrip, Viator and GetYourGuide. I’ve used MakeMyTrip for rides between Delhi and Rishikesh without any issue.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Each City?
Well, that’s kind of up to you, but at a minimum I recommend 3 days in Delhi (including arrival day), then 2 days in Agra, and 3 days for Jaipur.
Delhi is the capital and there are hundreds of things to see and do. You can easily spend a week or more exploring and barely scratch the surface. If you want some ideas, check out these itineraries for Delhi.
Agra has a few worthwhile sites, but it’s not the most atmospheric place. Most visitors don’t stick around after seeing the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. In fact, many people see the Taj Mahal as a day trip from Delhi.
Jaipur on the other hand is a different story. It is a charming city, full of lovely architecture and gorgeous palaces. Plus there’s great shopping. You could easily spend 3 or 4 days there.
👉 Insider tip: I highly recommend stopping at Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori (both UNESCO) on your way to Jaipur after Agra.
Buy Tickets in Advance on the Official Government Site
You can save time and money by buying your tickets online for any monument overseen by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), which is many of them!
Buy tickets for these monuments on the Archeological Survey of India website:
Delhi: Red Fort & Humayun’s Tomb
Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Etimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh & Fatehpur Sikri
Jaipur: Chand Baori at Abhaneri
Tickets are INR 50 cheaper on the government website, and you’ll avoid the ticket lines. Not many foreigners take advantage of this website, probably because they don’t know about it. I use it all the time and have never had an issue.
Golden Triangle Itinerary & What to See
I’ve done this route and visited all these places independently (and I live in Delhi). Here’s how I recommend you see India’s Golden Triangle:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
I’m not going to lie – Delhi is bonkers and a lot of people find it overwhelming. The airport is calm and organized, but once you step outside it’s madness. Just keep in mind that Delhi is one of the most historic cities in the world and well worth seeing, but you have to give it chance.
There’s several ways to get into Delhi from the airport, but one of the best is Uber. Grab a local SIM at arrivals so you use this app in India. It will save you a lot of hassle and money.
Day 2: the Sites of New Delhi
Today see the highlights of New Delhi while you get acclimatized.
Delhi has hundreds of sites (my entire blog is devoted to Delhi – there’s that much to see and do), but these are the highlights, and what I would consider easier things to manage on your first full day in the city.
India Gate
Delhi’s monument to fallen soldiers is at the centre of the New Delhi and a great first stop for Delhi newbies. It’s located in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, the part designed by the British. India’s parliament buildings are at the opposite end of the road.
Despite the tomb of the unknown soldier being here, it’s a pretty festive spot with hawkers, street food stands and lots of people just enjoying the iconic monument. There’s no fee for India Gate.
Lodhi Garden
Do not miss a chance to visit Lodhi Garden. It’s Delhi’s favourite park with hundreds of species of flora and fauna. But the most captivating thing about the gardens are the monuments which were built between 1414 and 1526. There are several well preserved mausoleums, an ancient mosque, madrassa and arched bridge.
The park has lots of walking paths that meander through manicured gardens, past buildings that are hundreds of years old. I love that nothing is sectioned off, you can go into and walk through all of these ancient monuments. It’s easy to get to, very close to India Gate and Khan Market. Lodhi Garden is free.
Khan Market
Khan Market is an upscale market near Lodhi Garden. It’s a favourite of Delhi’s middle class and a popular hang out/get together spot. There are terrific shops (mostly Indian brands – but good ones), some of the best cafes in Delhi, and coffee shops.
It’s a nice, easy market to navigate and shouldn’t be too overwhelming for your first day in Delhi. This would be a really good spot to grab a meal.
Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO)
Another must see site, this was the first garden style tomb built in India. In fact, it was one of the tombs that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
It was built in 1571 for one of India’s most famous Mughal emperors, Humayun. It was his wife who had the grand tomb built after he unexpectedly died after tripping and falling down a flight of stairs.
Besides the grand tomb of Humayun, there are a couple of smaller, but lovely tombs and gardens. This is a UNESCO site, one of the most popular in Delhi, so try to go early in the day before it gets busy and hot.
This is one of the sites you can buy tickets in advance on the ASI website.
Day 3: the Sites of Old Delhi
Now that you are hopefully a little acclimated to Delhi, it’s time explore Old Delhi.
This is a day you won’t forget anytime soon! Old Delhi is extremely important from a historical perspective – this is the original city and it was built by Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) in the 1600s. At that time Old Delhi was Delhi. Little existed beyond the city walls.
Incredibly, this part of Delhi is essentially the same as it was in the 1600s. Many of the same buildings are still standing, and you’ll walk through the same streets and lanes – it’s just more dirty and congested now.
Red Fort (UNESCSO)
This is Delhi’s most famous site, so try to get here in the morning before it gets too busy. I recommend buying tickets on the ASI website, but if you don’t make sure you get into the ‘foreigner’ ticket line up – it’s usually a lot shorter.
Like this whole area, it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) in 1639 and remained the main residence of the empire until the British ousted the last ruler in 1857.
During and after the Rebellion of 1857 the British built some pretty ugly garrisons and destroyed a lot of the original buildings, but it’s still magnificent. During Mughal times the Red Fort was a world unto itself, housing hundreds of royals, their entourage and staff.
Jama Masjid
Within walking distance of the Red Fort is the largest mosque in Delhi, the Jama Masjid. The words Jama Masjid mean ‘Friday Mosque’, and there are several in the city, but you want the one in Old Delhi. Just like the Red Fort, it was built by Shah Jahan in the 1600s, and served as the mosque for the royal family.
This is a working mosque, meaning they still worship here, so you’ll have to remove your shoes, ladies must cover their heads and there’s a pretty strict dress code. Don’t worry – you can borrow cover ups if you’re not dressed modestly enough.
For fantastic views of the old city climb one of the minarets, but ladies be careful if it’s really busy because I’ve heard of instances of groping. The mosque is free to enter, but there’s a fee for taking in a camera.
Chandni Chowk
A trip to Old Delhi is not complete until you have walked up Chandni Chowk, the most famous street in Delhi. The street is incredibly historic, originally built at the same time as the Red Fort in the 1600s. Although much has changed, much is still the same.
Chandni Chowk is the name of the street and also the market lining the street. If you veer off into the lanes from Chandni Chowk you’ll find other niche markets, like the silver market and the wedding market. These markets are hundreds of years old.
Many of the buildings that line Chandni Chowk are also hundreds of years old, such as Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Digambar Jain Lal Mandir and the historic havelis (mansions).
Khari Baoli
Khari Baoli is Old Delhi’s famous spice market. It’s easy to get to if you’re on Chandni Chowk – it’s basically at the far end of the street (opposite end as the Red Fort), a little to the right, beside Fatehpuri Masjid.
Every tour of Old Delhi stops here, and prices are inflated for tourists. Try to bargain and get off the main road into the side lanes. The deeper into the market you go, the better the prices.
There are numerous stands selling dry fruit, nuts, spices and tea. Even if you don’t buy anything, you have to check it out!
How to Get Around Delhi
The best ways to get around Delhi are Uber, the Delhi metro or auto rickshaw. It’s actually really easy to get around Delhi, considering how big it is.
Depending on where you’re staying, you can probably see the sites of New Delhi by auto rickshaw and on foot.
To get to Old Delhi the metro is the best option. Once there you can go around on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
Where to Stay in Delhi
The best areas to stay are South Delhi or Central Delhi (below Connaught Place). These are the greenest, more affluent parts of the city where the government buildings are, and most expats reside. This is also where most of the hotels and attractions are.
Below are properties I highly recommend, and the ones I suggest to family and friends. They are all excellent with great service, comfortable rooms and well located.
Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury)
I absolutely love this hotel. It’s Delhi’s best heritage hotel, and has a fantastic location for exploring the city. You can walk to many sites from here.
The Imperial is simply a beautiful, elegant hotel but it doesn’t feel stuffy at all. It offers exceptional service, one of the most famous restaurants in Delhi, a well equipped gym, Moroccan inspired spa, and the most beautiful swimming pool in a Delhi hotel. I have visited the Imperial several times, it’s my favourite hotel in Delhi!
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range)
This is another wonderful heritage property. It’s a small boutique hotel, located in one of Delhi’s greenest and most affluent areas next to Lodhi Garden.
Rooms are simple, but elegant with terraces that open to the garden. There’s an outdoor pool and breakfast is included. It’s a fantastic location for exploring. You’ll be able to walk to Lodhi Garden and Khan Market from here.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
Prakash Kutir B&B (budget)
This is South Delhi’s best family-run bed and breakfast, and I stayed here several times before moving to Delhi. It’s located in an upscale residential neighbourhood, within walking distance of the metro, a market, and many shops and restaurants. It’s a really good base to explore Delhi from.
The Gupta family are welcoming and you’ll feel like you’re staying in a lovely family home (which you essentially are). A home cooked breakfast is included, and it’s immaculately clean.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir B&B
Day 4: Travel to Agra
Get up early today and make your way to Agra, the old capital of India (before it was shifted back to Delhi). Depending on what time you get in and settled at your hotel, you may be able to see the Taj Mahal at night.
The Taj Mahal changes colour during the day because of the white marble, so try to see it at night and at sunrise – these are the two most magical times.
Day 5: the Sights of Agra
While Agra is not what I consider a very atmospheric or lovely city, there are some sites in addition to the Taj Mahal that are worth seeing.
Agra is also famous for inlay marble, and it’s for sale everywhere. I bought a gorgeous set of coasters there. Make sure you bargain because prices are inflated for foreigners.
Taj Mahal (UNESCO)
India’s most breathtaking monument is worth the trip to Agra. Not only is the Taj Mahal widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Taj Mahal is not a palace as commonly thought, but a mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648. Emperor Shah Jahan built it for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tombs of both are side by side in the mausoleum.
Try to go as early in the day as possible to see the Taj Mahal. Sunrise is beautiful – the Taj is bathed in a pink hue, but sometimes in winter the mornings are foggy and visibility can be poor. Avoid the afternoon. I once went in the afternoon and the mausoleum was so crowded, it was like moving in a sardine can.
It’s a pretty large site. There’s extensive gardens, a museum, a mosque and a couple of other historic buildings of interest. You can easily spend 2 or 3 hours there.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. You can buy your tickets in advance on the ASI website.
Night Viewing of the Taj Mahal
Every month during the full moon (except during Ramadan), the Taj Mahal is open for night viewing. If you have a chance to see the Taj Mahal on one of these 5 nights, do it! It’s magical!
Night viewing tickets must be purchased in advance through the Taj Mahal website. Book asap because admission is limited.
Agra Fort (UNESCO)
After the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is the most important historical site in Agra. It was the main residence of the Mughal rulers until 1638 when the capital moved to Delhi.
Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal and Delhi’s Red Fort) lived the last 8 years of his life imprisoned there. When Shah Jahan became ill, his son Aurangzeb confined him to Agra Fort and took control of the empire. It’s said Shah Jahan spent hours staring at the Taj Mahal every day. He died there in 1666.
You can buy your tickets online on the ASI website.
Etimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb
This beautiful mausoleum is often referred to as the Baby Taj. It’s the first tomb in India to be built completely of white marble and is meant to resemble a jewel box. In fact, it was one of the tombs that inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal.
Etimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 for the father of Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir.
This is another site you can buy your tickets for on the ASI website.
Mehtab Bagh
This park is on the Yamuna River, directly across from the Taj Mahal and it has spectacular views. If you want to see the Taj at night, this is where you can do it from.
Mehtab Bagh was built in the 1500s. Shah Jahan called it a moonlit pleasure garden and would come here to view the Taj Mahal. Before he was thrown into Agra Fort prison by his son, he intended to build a black marble replica of the Taj Mahal here for himself, so that his tomb would always face that of his beloved.
You can get your tickets in advance on the ASI website.
How to Get Around Agra
Agra is a lot smaller than Delhi, you can easily get around using Uber or auto rickshaws. It’s best to agree on the price before you get into an auto rickshaw, otherwise you may get severely overcharged (as opposed to the usual tourist over charging).
There is a metro system, but it’s still under construction and only a small part is operational at the moment.
Where to Stay in Agra
Agra is the top tourist destination in India and has plenty of accommodation choices. Hotels are more expensive and it will cost to be closer to the Taj Mahal, but for a once in a lifetime trip it might be worth it.
These are my top picks in terms of value for money, proximity to the Taj Mahal and customer service.
The Oberoi Amarvilas (luxury)
This is the most luxurious hotel in Agra. Every guest room has a view of the Taj Mahal, and it’s only 600 metres away from the famous site. If you want to see the Taj Mahal in all its splendour, changing colours from morning to night, this is where to stay.
I have not stayed at this Oberoi, but I have stayed at other Oberoi properties and they are always amazing. I love Oberoi because the hotels exude Indian luxury and beauty with impeccable service.
There’s complimentary golf cart transfers to the Taj Mahal for hotel guests.
🚩Check prices and availability at the Oberoi Amarvilas
Ekaa Villa (mid price)
Ekaa Villa is one of Agra’s loveliest boutique hotels. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and super clean. It’s just 4 km to the Taj Mahal, so you can get there in a few minutes by auto rickshaw.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Ekaa Villa
Coral Court Homestay (budget)
This homestay has an excellent location for exploring the sites of Agra. It’s only 700 metres from the Taj Mahal and has views of the Taj from the rooftop. Rooms are large, comfortable and very clean. A homemade breakfast is included.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Coral Court Homestay
Day 6: Agra to Jaipur
You can easily take a train from Agra to Jaipur, but I recommend you hire a car (like an inter city Uber I mentioned above). That way you can stop at 2 other very worthwhile sites on your way to Jaipur, India’s fabled pink city.
Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO)
On your way to Jaipur stop at the famous walled city of Fatehpur Sikri. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it was built in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar. He intended to make it his capital but had to abandon the city in 1586 due to lack of water.
Within the fortified city are a massive mosque, several monumental gateways, a palace complex (with separate palaces for each of Akbar’s 3 favourite wives), and the tomb of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti.
It’s a fascinating site, but pretty large. Try to go in the morning before it gets hot. My last visit there was in the afternoon and it was not the right time to go! I was also getting over a case of Delhi belly, which didn’t help.
Tickets can be bought in advance on the ASI website.
Chand Baori (UNESCO)
Do not miss a chance to see Chand Baori on your way to Jaipur. It’s in Abhaneri, a village in Rajasthan, about 80 km from Jaipur.
This is one of the largest stepwells in the world, built in the 8th century. It’s 13 levels with 3500 steps in a stunning upside down pyramid geometric pattern. It was built to capture the monsoon rains with steps so that villagers could access the water as levels rose or fell. One side of the baori was part of a palace, and royals lived in the cooler rooms during the hot summer months.
You’re not supposed to go into the stepwell without a permit, but for a ‘donation’ the guards will let you. You may recognize the geometric steps from the prison scenes in the Dark Knight Rises, they were filmed here.
This is one of the sites you can buy tickets for on the ASI website.
Day 7: the Sites of Jaipur
Jaipur is the magical pink city of India. The capital of the princely state of Rajasthan was founded in 1727 and is most well known for its pink hued buildings and traditional handicrafts.
It’s a charming city, even recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It’s the most enchanting of the cities that make up the Golden Triangle in India.
The City Palace
The City Palace in Jaipur is the most captivating landmark in the city. If your time is limited, this should be at the top of your list. It’s simply beautiful and an important part of the history and culture of Rajasthan.
The palace is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family, but parts of the complex are open to visitors.
Although it’s expensive (by local standards – 4000 INR for foreigners), I recommend taking the Royal Splendour Tour. This will give you access to breathtaking galleries that are otherwise closed to the public, such as the Chhavi Niwas, the famous blue room.
The palace complex is quite large so give yourself 2-3 hours. Don’t miss the stunningly painted 4 gates (actually doorways) in the courtyard Pritam Niwas Chowk. Each gate represents a season and is devoted to a different Hindu god.
Hawa Mahal
One of the most famous buildings in Jaipur is the distinctive Hawa Mahal. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a royal summer residence for his family. The eastern facade is a series of latticed windows which allowed the ladies of the palace to look out without being observed.
You can take a tour of the palace, but if you’re short on time just ahead across the street for the famous views. The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge is directly across the street and has an upstairs terrace with fantastic views of the Hawa Mahal.
Jantar Mantar (UNESCO)
Jantar Mantar is a group of 16 architectural astronomical instruments built in 1734. It was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who built five of these across India. There is a famous Jantar Mantar in Delhi also, but the one in Jaipur is the largest in the country.
The name Jantar Mantar literally means ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. They were designed so the observer could make astronomical calculations with the naked eye.
Amer Fort (UNESCO)
Located just outside of Jaipur (you can take an Uber to get there), is the incredible Amer Fort (also called Amber Fort). This is actually one of a series of forts built by the Rajputs in the surrounding hills, all grouped together as a UNESCO heritage site. But Amber Fort was also the royal residence and is the most magnificent of the these hill forts.
Raja Man Singh I began construction in 1592 on the remains of an 11th-century fort. Successive rulers added to Amer Fort before moving the capital to Jaipur in 1727. Enclosed in the fort is the royal palace which is a fusion of Rajput and Islamic styles.
It’s a bit of a hike up to the fort entrance, but I urge you to not ride the elephants. The elephants are not well treated, and I witnessed several with cuts from being repeatedly hit by the mahouts.
The fort and palace are expansive. Once you’re in you can explore freely. There’s so many hallways, stairwells, hidden rooms, alcoves, gardens and courtyards – you could explore for hours.
Raj Mandir
If you have time and any energy left in the evening, go see a Bollywood film at the most famous cinema in India, the Raj Mandir.
The opulent theatre is kind of art nouveau meets India style. It really doesn’t matter what movie is playing – just go for the experience of seeing a movie there.
I saw my first Bollywood film here, and even though I didn’t understand a word, I could still follow the story line. But the best was the audience reaction to the film – they were very enthusiastic and erupted into whoops of approval when the action hero, Ajay Devgn, took off his shirt.
How to Get Around Jaipur
Apart from Amer Fort and the other hill forts, most of the main sites are very central. If you’re staying near the centre you can easily take an auto rickshaw, or an Uber to get around. The Jaipur metro is also very good (new and efficient), though not extensive.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
Immerse yourself in the history of Rajasthan by staying in a historic haveli (mansion) . The havelis in Jaipur are famous, and many have been converted into guest houses and hotels.
It’s best to stay close to the historic center where most of the attractions are.
❗Important: The Jaipur Literature Festival is held in Jaipur every February. If you’re planning to visit Jaipur at this time book your hotel and transit far in advance. For more information visit the Jaipur Literature Festival website.
Samode Haveli (luxury)
This luxurious haveli was built over 225 years ago for an aristocratic family who still reside there. There’s a stunning pool in the traditional courtyard, a gym, spa and dining room. You will feel and be treated like royalty here.
Samode Haveli is located within the pink walls of the old city. You’ll be able to walk to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Samode Haveli
Alsisar Haveli (luxury-mid)
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Alsisar Haveli. This gorgeous, traditional property is not far from Jaipur’s historic centre and most famous sites.
The haveli has a lovely pool, restaurant and spa. It’s one of Jaipur’s best heritage havelis.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Alsisar Haveli
Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast (budget)
This is a very popular bed and breakfast run by a local family. It’s within walking distance of the main sites of Jaipur (about 20 minutes), and a fantastic budget option.
Rooms have very comfortable beds and private bathrooms. A delicious breakfast is included.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast
FAQs
These are the most asked questions about visiting India’s Golden Triangle:
Is the Golden Triangle worth visiting India?
Yes, the Golden Triangle is worth visiting India for. It’s a very historic and culturally important route showcasing the most famous sites of India. You’ll see India’s capital city, Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the famous forts and palaces of Rajasthan in Jaipur.
How many days do you need in India Golden Triangle?
You need a minimum of 7 days to see India’s Golden Triangle, but a more comfortable pace would be 10-14 days. This area is extremely historic and charming – you can easily spend longer in this part of India.
What is the best month to visit the Golden Triangle in India?
October, November, February and March are the best months to visit the Golden Triangle in India.
Northern India is subject to extreme cold in winter and heat in summer, and the capital city of Delhi is plagued by high pollution levels in December and January.
The Wrap-up on Golden Triangle India: How to Do it On Your Own
A visit to the Golden Triangle India is an unforgettable experience. You’ll witness the bustling capital of Delhi, the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra and majestic forts and palaces in Jaipur.
Because this is such a loved and well trodden route, tourist infrastructure is well established, and there’s no need to book an expensive tour or go through travel agents. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime!
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- The Perfect One Day in Delhi: An Insider’s Guide
- Delhi to Jaipur: the Best Travel Options by an Expert 2025
- Delhi to Agra Distance and Best Travel Options 2025
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing