Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur: The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is India’s most iconic travel circuit, offering a breathtaking journey through the nation’s royal history and architectural splendor. In Delhi, you can explore the stark contrast between the bustling ancient lanes of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk and the grand, colonial avenues of New Delhi, featuring landmarks like India Gate and the towering Qutub Minar. The journey continues to Agra, where you can witness the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore the massive red sandstone walls of the Agra Fort. Nearby, the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri stands as a perfectly preserved masterpiece of 16th-century design. Finally, the "Pink City" of Jaipur welcomes you with the majestic Amber Fort perched on a hilltop and the intricate, honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal. You can round out your experience by visiting the City Palace and the ancient astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar, making this circuit a complete immersion into the heart of India’s heritage.

Golden triangle destinations

Delhi

Jaipur

Delhi, the historic and political capital of India, offers a remarkable mix of ancient monuments and modern civic landmarks. You can explore the grand Red Fort and the towering Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Mughal and Sultanate eras. For a spiritual experience, the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple and the sprawling Akshardham Temple offer serene atmospheres and stunning contemporary craftsmanship. A visit to the solemn India Gate and the nearby Rashtrapati Bhavan provides a glimpse into the city’s colonial heritage and its role as the seat of the Indian government. Finally, the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi invite you to experience sensory delight with its famous street food and vibrant traditional markets.

Jaipur

Jaipur, the vibrant "Pink City," is famous for its magnificent hilltop forts and ornate royal palaces that reflect the grandeur of the Rajput era. You can start your exploration at the Amber Fort, a stunning sandstone and marble complex known for its artistic Hindu-style elements and the shimmering Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). In the heart of the city, the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, features a unique five-story honeycomb facade with 953 small windows designed for royal women to observe street life. History and science enthusiasts shouldn't miss the City Palace, which still serves as a royal residence, and the adjacent Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory housing the world's largest stone sundial. Finally, you can catch a breathtaking sunset over the city from the heights of Nahargarh Fort or enjoy a peaceful view of the Jal Mahal, a beautiful palace appearing to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Agra

Agra is home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal, a breathtaking white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan that stands as a universal symbol of love and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just a short distance away, the imposing Agra Fort offers a glimpse into royal Mughal life through its sprawling red sandstone palaces, intricate audience halls, and the octagonal tower where Shah Jahan spent his final years gazing at the Taj. For a quieter experience, the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, often called the "Baby Taj," showcases exquisite marble inlay work that served as a precursor to the Taj Mahal's design. Visitors can also enjoy a sunset view of the monument from across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh, or take a short trip to the hauntingly beautiful ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, which remains one of the best-preserved examples of Mughal architecture.