India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ region consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The three most visited cities in the country’s northwest, with distances of between 125 miles (201km) and 155 miles (249km) separating them, are rich in culture, history and beauty. By Indian standards (it’s a big country), these incredible locations are relatively close together, which means a trip covering all of them can be a great option for first-time visitors looking to cross some things off their bucket list.
Here, Features Editor Jack Clayton reveals 21 ways to make an adventure in India’s Golden Triangle unforgettable for all the right reasons…
When it comes to taxis and transfers in the Golden Triangle, Women With Wheels will help you out. One of many excellent community tourism projects supported by Planeterra, the initiative has trained over 1,190 drivers to date. In doing so, it’s challenged outdated social norms and promoted economic independence for marginalised women by providing them with a steady line of work. Masters of navigating India’s chaotic traffic, they’ll pick you up from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport when you arrive and drop you off at Jaipur International Airport come journey’s end.
Built in 1903, the luxurious Maidens is a window into a bygone era and one of Delhi's oldest and grandest hotels. This legendary 5-star establishment, famed for its elegance and hospitality, is the ultimate place to stay if you're after some next-level comfort in a historic setting. Once you've finished unwinding in the lavish rooms and recovering from your flight by the lovely outdoor swimming pool, head out to explore some of the famous Delhi attractions, such as Jama Masjid and the Red Fort, situated nearby.
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When questioned about overtourism at the GX India World Community Tourism Summit in 2024, Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler told the audience: “Go two streets over” to find the hidden gems. There’s plenty of chance to do this in a place as vast as the Golden Triangle, with its labyrinthine cities, but naturally some travellers might be wary of doing so without a guide. The Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO supporting street children, runs authentic city walks that not only serve up a different perspective on Delhi but also make a positive impact on the lives of its young people.
You’ll come across so many restaurants and street food outlets in Delhi that it might be difficult working out where to start (especially if you’re anxious over the dreaded stomach condition known as ‘Delhi Belly’). Those looking to explore the city and experience the best of the vibrant culinary scene of Old Delhi should consider booking spots on a Salaam Baalak Trust City Food Walk. Fancy something a little bit more, well, fancy? Head to the grand setting of Kwality, an iconic 80-year-old restaurant on Parliament Street where you can get stuck into the delicious flavours of North Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting.
With the Taj Mahal known to attract eight million visitors every year, travellers can often face stiff competition when it comes to the iconic landmark’s prime photography spots (like the Princess Diana bench). To capture the world’s most famous mausoleum at its most beautiful, and in a way that won’t involve you getting tangled up with a bunch of other elbows, set your alarm clock and be at the front of the queue when the gates open 30 minutes before sunrise.
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Considering it’s quite possibly the most famous building on the planet, you might be wondering why you’ve never seen pictures of the Taj Mahal’s interior. The reason is simple: no photographs are allowed inside the mausoleum. Built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to Mumtaz Mahal, his dead wife and mother of 14 children, be sure to seize the day and see the stunning structure up close and from new angles. Admire its architecture, study its near-perfect symmetry (Shah Jahan’s cenotaph is positioned just west of the central axis, throwing off the equilibrium) and watch its marble reflect different colours depending on what time of day it is.
Supported by Planeterra and G Adventures, Sheroes Hangout is the world’s first café run by acid attack survivors. When in Agra, make sure you stop off at this inspiring establishment to enjoy a hot drink (cold drinks are also available) and a bit of food. This wonderful community tourism spot challenges stigmas, helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds with their recovery and aids them in their pursuit of justice. You can’t help but be inspired by the resilience and strength of the women who work here. Pop in, hear their story and support their cause. It’s certainly a better use of your time than a visit to Starbucks.
After the hustle and bustle of Delhi, followed by the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, what better way to unwind than with a spot of nature and luxury? Just 34 miles (55km) south of Agra, you’ll find the historic city of Dholpur and the famous Chambal River. It’s here where you’ll also come across the idyllic Narsingh Bagh Resort, a little slice of paradise to relax in while surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch out for crocodiles on a river boat safari (keep those hands in), go bird-spotting on a bicycle and sleep in charming stone cottages. G Adventures has this one in its Geluxe Collection as an ‘OMG Stay’.
Built in memory of the architect and city planner Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who died in 1751, Vidyadhar Bagh is a pristine garden nestled in the heart of Jaipur. It opened in 1988 and has been charming visitors ever since. Surrounded by high hills, this tranquil hideaway – despite its proximity to the city – feels a world away from the noise of the urban sprawl. Even hearts made of Rajasthani sandstone can't help but be enamoured with this spot's dreamy blend of fountains, flowerbeds and pavilions. Looking for some tranquility? Look no further.
One of the first things people notice when they’re travelling in India are the random cows wandering in the middle of the roads (the stray cattle like to do this because the fast-moving traffic keeps flies and insects away). Spend a bit of time in the Golden Triangle though and you’ll notice it’s not just Daisy and her friends who have the run of the place. In Jaipur and nearby Amer, grey langurs and rhesus macaques are everywhere (the latter are more aggressive and should be approached with caution). Watch these mischievous monkeys hop into open windows and steal whatever they can get their hands on.
No, these aren’t the famous illusion stairs of artist MC Escher made real. This is Panna Meena ka Kund, a beautiful 16th century stepwell that sits in the shadow of the famous and breathtaking Amber Fort (also known as the Amer Fort) on the outskirts of Jaipur. Built so that locals could come and collect water, which was used at nearby temples, this spot also serves as a resting place for travellers hiding from the daytime heat. It’s 200 feet (61m) deep, with a maze of stairs going all the way to the bottom. Even when the water levels are high, this landmark is a feast for the eyes. Entry is free too. Another famous stepwell in Rajasthan is Chand Baori, found in the village of Abhaneri.
They say you need three things when driving in India: good brakes, a good horn and good luck. From the moment you’re picked up at the airport to the moment you’re dropped off, you’ll be stunned by the Golden Triangle’s often extremely chaotic traffic and be grateful you didn’t decide to hire a car and drive yourself about. It’s both fascinating and terrifying here to see bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorbikes, tuk-tuks, cars, coaches, bus, trucks and lorries locked in an endless dance on the roads; weaving amongst themselves (and around cows), backed by a cacophony of beeping horns. These jeeps (pictured) can take you up to the Amber Fort, Indiana Jones style.
While exploring the streets of Jaipur and Amer, you’ll likely come across elephants with tourists riding on their backs. This can be an especially surreal spectacle when you see a big group of them strolling down the roads, seemingly unfussed as they meander amongst motor vehicles. Don’t be tempted to go for a ride though. PETA India has raised concerns over cruelty, revealing that the elephants are chained up and forced to stand on grim concrete floors when not in use. Baby elephants can be separated from their mothers and beaten into subservience, with much of the worst abuse usually hidden from paying visitors.
Rajasthan is home to some incredible temples. One of the region’s most memorable is the Jagat Shiromani, which visitors can find in Amber (also known as Amer) on the outskirts of Jaipur. Constructed over nine years, between 1599 and 1608, this impressive architectural feat is dedicated to the Hindu gods Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna and Meera Bai (with an idol honouring each of them inside). Built by Queen Kanakwati in memory of her son Jagat Singh, who died at the age of 34, the temple’s entire exterior is adorned with a vast array of chiselled statues. There’s elephants, horses and scenes from mythological texts. Try counting them all.
From the beautiful to the surreal, India’s Golden Triangle loves to frequently serve up photo-worthy moments out of nowhere. Whether it’s the sight of someone sweeping away debris in front of the eye-catching colours of the Amber Palace’s walls, while wearing a striking dupatta scarf, or you realising there’s a sheep in a tuk-tuk staring at you through a taxi window, this is a part of the world where it’s good to look up and see what’s happening. Around every corner, there’s a new scene that will imprint itself on your mind forever.
Sitting on the outskirts of Jaipur, the vast Amber Palace complex is an essential part of the Golden Triangle experience. Laid out on four levels, with each level boasting a pretty courtyard of its own, this huge UNESCO World Heritage Site needs to be seen to be believed. Built in 1592 from the riches of war, today it pulls back the curtain on the lavish lifestyles of the maharajas. One of the highlights here is the ornate Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate). The breathtaking blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles is regally decorated with marble, mosaics, mirrors and frescoes. Look up and see the Hindu god Ganesh, painted above the door as a symbol of good luck.
Home to a heavenly garden in the sky (Charbagh Garden) and the enormous Jaivana Cannon, which at the time of its manufacture in 1720 was the world's largest cannon on wheels, Jaigarh Fort watches over the Amber Palace, with its spectacular array of walls, Maota Lake and the city of Jaipur in epic fashion. Perched on a hill called Cheel ka Teela, meaning 'Hill of Eagles', this imposing structure was built 1,640 feet (500m) above sea level in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort and its expansive palace complex. Get to it when you're in the Golden Triangle.
Built in 1799 and known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal is arguably Jaipur’s most distinct and beautiful architectural gem. Unusually, it’s the back of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is its most iconic and photographed façade (pictured). Rising five storeys above the street, the staggering pink and red sandstone exterior confronts visitors with a vast array of ornate balconies and small windows called Jharokhas. Constructed on the orders of Maharaja Sawai Pratap, the lace-like walls here allowed the court harem of the day to watch street life and royal processions away from prying eyes.
No country on Earth is as passionate about cricket as India, a sport that started life on the green fields of England before being exported around the world during the days of the British Empire. It is now the planet’s second most popular sport, behind football, largely because of the fanaticism felt towards it by over one billion Indians, who see the bat and ball game as something close to a religion. The Indian Premier League, the world’s second most expensive sports league in terms of media rights, is played in front of raucous crowds between March and May every year. The Golden Triangle is home to two IPL sides, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. Catch them in action if you can.
Exploring India’s Golden Triangle can be a chaotic, confusing and deeply daunting experience. Go it alone and, at best, you might end up wasting some time making sense of things. At worst, you might get taken advantage of by some of the opportunistic criminals known to target tourists in certain areas. To minimise mishaps, meet cool people and get the most out of time spent in the country, many travellers choose to book themselves in with a tour group. G Adventures works with community tourism projects, offers jam-packed itineraries and is currently promoting something called 'Solo-ish Adventures' for individuals looking to join up with other intrepid souls.
The Golden Triangle is a noisy and full-on feast for the senses. If you try and run from it or shut yourself off from it, you’ll only end up missing out on some of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences it’s able to serve up. Our final tip in this gallery then is to say “yes” to life and embrace what this epic corner of India can offer.
Jack Clayton visited India in September 2024 and was a guest of G Adventures.