Discover the many highlights of India with a Golden Triangle Holiday. Book your India package with Citrus Holidays and enjoy exclusive offers on tours.
The Golden Triangle is one of the most popular tourist routes in India
and takes you through the three northern cities of Delhi, Agra and
Jaipur. These ancient and iconic cities, which form a triangle when
linked by land on the Indian map, are all very different and therefore
offer visitors a diverse and fascinating taste of India. While Delhi
lures with attractions of Mughal and the British era, Agra showcases the
glory of Mughals, and Jaipur stands as a symbol for the grandeur of
Rajputana. Highlights are aplenty and include soaking up the atmosphere
at the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset, watching the pink colours of Jaipur
at dawn and immersing yourself in the hum of daily Delhi life.
The best time to visit India’s Golden Triangle from October to
Mid-April, when temperatures are usually a comfortable 22-30°C. October
and November bring festival time, with Diwali (the festival of lights)
offer up exciting celebrations around the capital. Visiting during the
festival of Holi in March is also a great experience, as you can partake
in the famous colour-throwing ceremony. During the summer months of May
and June temperatures can rise to 45°C, so travel during these months
is often best avoided. Whereas during July through until September you
can benefit from low-season prices and less tourists, however, the
monsoon does have the potential to disrupt your travel.
Delhi
As part of your Golden Triangle holiday,
you’ll get to explore India’s sprawling capital; a city alive with
sights and sounds. Wonderfully chaotic but steeped in history, the
contrasting atmosphere between Old Delhi and British-built New Delhi
offers up plenty of photo opportunities. Tucked away within the bustle
of the capital, you’ll find tombs, temples and ruins that are centuries
old, and the city has plenty of hidden surprises to keep tourists
entertained.
Delhi is also renowned for it’s
many culinary delights, with everything from cheap street food snacks to
Michelin-Star experiences. As the cuisine is so diverse many visitors
opt to embark on a food tour in Delhi, which can give tourists a
fascinating insight into local eateries off the beaten path. There are
also local cooking classes available, for those wishing to perfect their
culinary skills and learn some delicious Indian recipes.
For
shoppers, Delhi is a treasure trove with everything ranging from street
markets to designer high-end malls. The colourful bazaars make a great
place to pick up souvenirs and to experience shopping like a local.
In
contrast to the city’s ancient history, Delhi also has a growing
nightlife scene, with fashionable bars, chic cafes and modern clubs.
Top Attractions in Delhi
Qutub Minar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mehrauli area of
Delhi is one of the city’s top attractions and boasts the title of the
tallest brick minaret in the world. Standing at 73-metres tall, this
majestic building built by the Sultans of Delhi contains five floors and
379 steps. Constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak of the Ghurid
dynasty, but not finished in his lifetime, the minaret has impressively
survived the ravages of time and offers up a magnificent example of
Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. The construction of Qutub Minar took
28 years to complete and as well as its impressive architectural shape,
the walls feature intricate carvings and inscriptions of the Quran.
The
Qutub Minar is part of a larger complex, where you’ll find some of the
finest displays of historical monuments in the capital. Spread over an
expanse of 100 acres, you’ll discover over 40 renovated ancient
monuments, including the tombs of Sultan Iltutmish, Ala-ud-din Khilji
and Imam Zamin. There’s also a mosque displaying a beautiful blend of
Indo-Islamic architecture at the foot of the minaret which showcases the
strong influence the Mughal Empire had on Indian culture.
How to Reach Qutub Minar
Many India Golden Triangle Tours offer tours of Qutub Minar, or it is easily accessible by public transport:
By
Metro: The nearest station is helpfully called Qutub Minar metro
station (on the yellow line), and is located under 10-minutes-walk
away.
By Bus: The following bus routes pass near Qutub Minar: 413, 523, 534A, 539
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk (which translates as Moonlight
Square) is one of the oldest and largest markets in the capital, and is
located close to Old Delhi Railway Station. Chaotic and colourful, the
lively market sells a whole array of items, ranging from authentic
Indian spices to electronics, perfume, clothing; plus, a delicious
selection of street food.
Dating all the way
back to the 17thcentury and built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, the
historic market has retained its charm throughout the years. Divided
into several narrow streets, the market has hundreds of shops selling a
wide range of items at affordable prices. The market is a great place to
practise you haggling skills and items can often be significantly
reduced from the original price with a little effort. For tourists
visiting Delhi as part of a Golden Triangle tour, Delhi will often be
your last stop before the flight home, which makes Chandni Chowk a great
option for picking up souvenirs for loved one.
If
you build up an appetite after all that shopping, then Chandni Chowk is
renowned for its fantastic street food. Tandoori chicken, marinated
goat, rice dishes, paratha flatbreads, Lassis and traditional curries
are all on the menu.
How to Reach Chandni Chowk
A visit to Chandni Chowk may be included in your Golden Triangle tour, but if not it’s easy to reach:
Metro: The market is situated close to the helpfully named Chandni Chowk metro station (on the yellow line).
Bus:The following bus routes pass Chandni Chowk: 138, 442, ML-96, ML-11, 567, 861A, 753 and 159
Red Fort Delhi
Located a short walk from Chandni Chowk, this
UNESCO World Heritage Site is open every day aside from Monday. This
historic and picturesque structure gets its name from the red coloured
sandstone that the Mughals used to construct it during the 17th century.
In more recent times, the fort has become famous for being the location
where the Prime Minister delivers his annual speech. Every year, on the
Independence Day of India (15th August), the Prime Minister hoists the
Indian national flag above the main gate of the fort (Lahore Gate) and
delivers a speech that is broadcast nationally.
The
Red Fort is not only about the beauty of the fortified wall, the
interior consists of 254 acres of land, spanning 2.4 kilometres and
offering further attractions including palaces, halls and museums. There
is also a famous Red Fort Light and Sound Show, that takes place in the
evening at different times throughout the year. As well as avoiding
some of the heat, this popular one-hour music and light show gives an
interesting insight into the fort’s history. It’s also a chance to
marvel at the colourful lights that illuminate the fort in radiant
colours against the night sky.
How to Reach the Red Fort
A tour of the Red Fort is often included in Golden Triangle Tour, or details of how to reach it are below:
Note: The Red Fort is closed every Monday.
Metro:The
closest metro station is Chandni Chowk (on the yellow line) – from
here, exit from gate 5 in the station. It’s about a 20-minute walk, or
alternatively you can hail a rickshaw or taxi to transport you to the
fort.
Bus:The following bus routes pass by the Red Fort: 273 and 104
Lodhi Garden
Spread over 90 acres, this beautiful green
space in Delhi offers a great place to unwind, feeling a world away from
the bustle of the city. This lovely park was originally named after the
Lady of Willingdon, the wife of the Marquess of Willingdon, who was the
Viceroy of India from 1931 to 1936. Inaugurated in 1936, Lodhi Garden
is a lush escape, with shaded gardens boasting over 100 species of
trees, and 50 species of birds and butterflies.The park attracts both
locals and tourists, and has been the setting for many an Indian movie.
During the spring the green gardens burst to live with colour showcasing
an array of different flowers, including pansies, roses and sunflowers.
As
well as it’s lush surrounds, the park is also home to a selection of
historic 15th-century Mughal monuments. In the centre of the gardens
sits Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a beautiful structure that dates back to
1494 and contains a mosque. Then, opposite Bara Gumbad you’ll find
Shisha Gumbud (Mirror Dome)which houses the tombs of an unknown family
and is thought to have been constructed between 1489 and 1517. You’ll
also find the grand structure of Mohammed Shah’s tomb (1450) and the
fortress-like tomb of Sikandar Lodi (1518). On the eastern side of
Sikandar Lodi’s tomb, Athpula, an eight-piered stone bridge, is also
well worth a visit.
How to Reach Lodhi Garden
A visit to Lodhi Garden is often part of a Golden Triangle Tour, or details of how to reach it are below:
Metro:The closest metro station is Jor Bagh Metro Station (on the yellow line), about a 15-minute walk away from the garden.
Bus:The following bus routes pass close to Lodhi Garden: 522, 522A, 522SPL, 588, 615 and 970
Agra
Located just over 200 kilometres south of
Delhi, the city of Agra is world-renowned for being the site of the Taj
Mahal. Every year this UNESCO World Heritage and Wonder of the
Worldattractsmillions of tourists from all around the world, keen to
witness the structure with their own eyes. The city often gets
overshadowed by the fact it holds the Taj Mahal, however, there are also
other things to do in Agra. Aside from visiting the Taj Mahal, if you
have a few days to spend in the city then Metab Bagh(known as Moonlight
Garden) is well worth a visit and is part of a series of parks built by
Emperor Babur. The park offers fantastic views of the Taj Mahal.
There
are also a fantastic range of restaurants in Agra, from cheap local
hangouts to more upmarket tourist spots. Many of the high-end and
tourist hotels in Agra also boast their own restaurant which can match
the quality of some of the city’s independent restaurants.
Top Attractions in Agra
Taj Mahal
World-famous, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white,
marble mausoleum that sits in the south of the city of Agra. With its
romantic history and worldwide status, it’s a staple on many tourist’s
bucket lists. The building was commissioned in 1632 by a heartbroken
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, a
Persian Princess who died giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj
Mahal now also holds the tomb of Shah Jahan, who is rumoured to have
never fully recovered from his grief.
Often
considered the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal has
been well preserved and its interior boasts exquisite marble inlay work.
A must-see feature of any Golden Triangle Route, a visit offers a
once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of one of the world’s most famous pieces of
architecture.
How to Reach the Taj Mahal
Transportation to the Taj Mahal is often
included as part of a Golden Triangle Tour, and can often work out to be
the most cost effective. For other methods of travel see below:
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday to anybody not attending prayers at the mosque.
By Train:
The quickest route by train is the Shatabdi Express, which takes two
hours, leaving Delhi at 6am. Alternatively, there is the original Taj
Express, which takes three hours to reach Agra (times vary).
By Taxi:A
more expensive option is to take a taxi from Delhi to Agra. The roads
between the cities are good so this is a viable option, but expect to
pay upwards of £70 (ten times the cost of the train).
Jaipur
Dubbed the ‘Pink City’ due to its beautiful
terracotta buildings, Rajasthan’s colourful capital is home to a wide
selection of incredible architecture. This long-established tourist
destination, which forms an important part of any Golden Triangle tour,
is packed full of historic sites. At the heart of the city, you’ll find
the old walled quarter, which is home to colourful market stalls and
beautiful buildings. Whereas towards the south of the city, you’ll find
leafier less-populated suburbs. The outskirts of the city are also well
worth exploring and are dotted with intriguing temples.
Top Attractions in Jaipur
Amber Fort & Palace
This majestic structure is Jaipur’s star
attractions, and is located in a small town, 11 kilometres from the
centre of Jaipur. The palace was constructed in the 16th century by Raja
Man Singh, but also underwent extensive renovations by Sawai Jai Singh
in the 18th century.Built in yellow and pink sandstone with white
marble, this extensive palace structure is divided into four sections,
each of which has its own courtyard. Inside, the various sections boast
impressive decor, ranging from mirrored mosaics to intricate carvings,
Hindu scriptures and beautifully painted ceilings. Built on a slope,
the fort also offers visitors incredible far-reaching views across the
surrounding hills and valleys of the Aravalli range.
Like
the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and Palace also showcases an evening
Light and Sounds show. Well-organised, the show tells you the story of
the Rajputs and the grand lifestyle of the royal family. The rocky walls
of the Amber Fort also make a great backdrop for the colourful lights,
which look nothing short of beautiful in the darkness.
How to Reach the Amber Fort & Palace
The Amber Fort & Palace is a popular attraction in Jaipur and often included in a Golden Triangle tour.
By Taxi:About a 12-minute drive from the centre of Jaipur, a taxi ride should cost you around £3 and is the fastest way to get there.
By Bus: Buses run from Ajmeri Gate in Jaipur, cost around £1 and take around 30 minutes.
Hawa Mahal
The famous Hawa Mahal Palace(Palace of Wind) is
an iconic structure made of red and pink sandstone that dates back to
1799, when it was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its
unusual architecture and detailed design is a stunning example of
unusual Rajput architecture and local artistry. Often noted as being
Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the colourful building has
honeycombed hives that span an impressive five floors.
Inside
you’ll find a small museum and some impressive relics. As you climb the
narrow corridors and enter into the open, you’ll find wide spaces with
stained glass windows and hues of pinks and yellows. The top floor of
the building offers incredible views of the nearby City Palace and
Jantar Mantar Market.
How to Reach Hawa Mahal
Located quite centrally in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal
is usually easy to reach from most tourist hotels in the city, and
either a short taxi or rickshaw ride away. It sits beside other
less-known attractions such as the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Market
and therefore makes a good location for a day of sightseeing. If you
book a golden triangle tour then one or all of these attractions may be
included in your package.
From Jaipur Railway
Station: Hawa Mahal is around a 12-minute drive from the station
(depending on traffic). Bus routes are as follows: 1, 1A, 2, 3 and 9A.
From Amber Fort & Palace: A taxi ride from Amber Fort & Palace will take around 30 minutes.
Golden Triangle Tours with Additional Options
Most Golden Triangle tours offer additional
extras to the usual Delhi, Agra and Jaipur route, which are a fantastic
idea if you wish to explore further or extend your trip. See some of the
various options below:
Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
Many holidaymakers opt to twin a Golden Triangle tour with a tiger safariin
the famous Ranthambore National Park in North India. It offers tourists
the unique opportunity to see endangered tigers in the wild.
Golden Triangle and Goa
Goa is famed for its sandy beaches and
laid-back holiday vibe, which makes a nice contrast after time spent
exploring India’s historical sights. It’s also a great way to unwind
after a busy time sightseeing through the Golden Triangle.
Golden Triangle and Nepal
Some holidaymakers decide to opt for a twin-centre holiday,
incorporating the beautiful country of Nepal, usually at the beginning
of their trip. It offers a fantastic chance to see the vibrant capital
Kathmandu, visit the famous elephants of Chitwan National Park and enjoy
the mountainous beauty of Pokhara.
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