7 Days Golden Triangle, India Itinerary
Embark on a whirlwind 7-day journey through India's Golden Triangle. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi, marvel at the Taj Mahal's beauty in Agra, and immerse yourself in the regal charm of Jaipur. This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable trip.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The best time to visit the Golden Triangle is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and mild, ideal for sightseeing
Activities
28
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Golden Triangle (2d), Agra (1d), Jaipur (4d)
Pace
Moderate
The Golden Triangle offers a captivating glimpse into India's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. This classic route connects Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort, providing a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 4 of 10 must-have experiences
Grand Forts & Palaces
Day 4: Visit Agra Fort
Iconic UNESCO Heritage Sites
Day 2: Visit Humayun's Tomb
Bustling Traditional Markets
Day 1: Explore Chandni Chowk
Immersive Street Food Journeys
e.g., Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk, Delhi), Akbari Gate Street Food (Agra)
Spiritual Sanctuaries & Temples
e.g., Akshardham Temple (Delhi), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Delhi)
Rooftop Dining & Panoramic Views
e.g., Nahargarh Fort Sunset Point (Jaipur), Sky Bar (The Roseate House, Delhi)
Art, Culture & Performance
e.g., National Museum (Delhi), Chokhi Dhani (Jaipur)
Vibrant Nightlife & Lounges
Day 2: Lunch at a local restaurant in Hauz Khas Village
Hidden Gems & Ancient Stepwells
e.g., Agrasen ki Baoli (Delhi), Galtaji Temple (Jaipur)
Tranquil Gardens & Green Spaces
e.g., Lodhi Garden (Delhi), Garden of Five Senses (Delhi)
The Golden Triangle offers a diverse culinary journey, blending Mughal, Rajasthani, and Punjabi influences. Expect rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. Be prepared for bold tastes and a vibrant street food scene.
Must-Try Dishes
Tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based gravy, enriched with butter and spices. A quintessential North Indian dish.
📍 Restaurants specializing in North Indian cuisine; Daryaganj (Delhi)
Slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans simmered overnight with butter, cream, and spices. A rich and comforting vegetarian staple.
📍 North Indian restaurants; Karim's (Delhi)
Spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). A popular and filling street food breakfast or brunch.
📍 Street food stalls; Paharganj (Delhi)
Fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, mutton, or vegetables) and a blend of aromatic spices. Variations exist across the Golden Triangle.
📍 Restaurants specializing in Mughlai cuisine; Old Delhi
Food Neighborhoods
Known for street food, Mughlai cuisine, and traditional sweets
Known for budget-friendly restaurants and diverse cuisines
Known for authentic Rajasthani dishes
Known for famous restaurants serving North Indian food
Vegetarian options are widely available. Inform restaurants about any allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy). For halal options, look for restaurants advertising 'halal food' especially in Muslim-majority areas like Old Delhi. Vegan options are becoming more common, but it's best to inquire about ingredients.
Eating with your right hand is common, especially for bread and rice. Avoid touching food with your left hand. It's polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show that you're satisfied. Tipping is generally around 5-10% if service is not included.
Diwali
DeepavaliFestival of Lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness with oil lamps, fireworks, and sweets.
Note: Book 1+ month ahead for popular cities
Holi
Festival of Colors celebrating spring with colored powder, water fights, and music.
Note: Book 3-4 weeks ahead
Ganesh Chaturthi
Festival honoring elephant-headed god Ganesha with grand processions.
Note: Book 1 month ahead for Mumbai
Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar MelaWorld's largest camel fair with trading, competitions, and cultural events.
Note: Book 2 months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and transfer to hotel at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)$10-20
12:00 PM - Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and transfer to hotel
Take a pre-booked airport taxi or metro to your hotel in Paharganj or Karol Bagh. Check in and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from your hotel in Aerocity to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Expect a 45-60 minute ride depending on traffic.$5 (Entrance fee + Camera fee)
2:00 PM - Visit Jama Masjid
Explore India's largest mosque, a magnificent Mughal-era structure. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
Book on Klook - 🚶Explore Chandni Chowk on foot, as it's adjacent to Jama Masjid.$10 (Food)
3:30 PM - Explore Chandni Chowk
Wander through the vibrant and chaotic Chandni Chowk market. Sample street food like paratha, jalebi, and chaat. Be mindful of your belongings.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Chandni Chowk to Karim's, which is located near Jama Masjid.$15
6:00 PM - Dinner at Karim's
Enjoy a traditional Mughlai dinner at Karim's, a legendary restaurant in Old Delhi known for its kebabs and biryani.
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Aerocity, Delhi
Close to the airport, with modern amenities and easy access to transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Golden Triangle is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and mild, ideal for sightseeing. April to June are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. July to September is the monsoon season, bringing humidity and heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans but also makes the landscape lush. Major festivals like Diwali (Oct/Nov) and Holi (Mar) offer vibrant cultural experiences but also lead to increased crowds and higher prices.
The weather during this period is generally sunny and dry, with comfortable temperatures during the day and cooler nights. It's the most comfortable time to explore the region without the extreme heat or monsoon rains.
October to March is the peak tourist season in the Golden Triangle due to the pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Diwali (Oct/Nov) and Holi (Mar) are major festivals that attract large crowds and may affect prices and availability.
Getting Around
Diverse options from auto-rickshaws to metro systems in major cities
Metro cards available per city
Use Uber/Ola for hassle-free rides. Book trains via IRCTC app well in advance.
Travel
$150-300 (Includes train tickets between cities and local transportation)Accommodation
$200-350 (Budget hotels or guesthouses)Food
$150-250Activities
$200-500 (Entrance fees, guided tours)Eat at local dhabas (roadside eateries) and smaller restaurants for authentic and inexpensive meals, avoiding tourist trap prices.
Utilize local buses or shared auto-rickshaws for short distances, or Ola/Uber for longer rides, instead of private taxis which are generally more expensive.
Consider at least one stay in a heritage hotel (e.g., a converted palace in Jaipur) for an unforgettable, luxurious cultural experience.
Hire a certified private guide for key historical sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, or Jaipur's palaces to gain deeper insights and avoid hawkers.
Always clarify prices before consuming or using a service. If haggling, do so respectfully and be prepared to walk away if the price isn't right.
Carry a mix of cash (small bills are king) and have a digital payment option (like Google Pay or Paytm for those with Indian bank accounts) as many smaller vendors might not accept cards.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Always remove shoes before entering temples or mosques.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Be cautious with street food, choosing busy stalls with high turnover for freshly prepared items.
- Bargaining is common and expected in local markets, for auto-rickshaw fares, and with small vendors. Start by offering 50-70% of the initial quoted price.
- Always carry small denominations of Indian Rupees (INR) for everyday purchases, tips, and avoiding issues with vendors who may not have change for larger notes.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber for transparent pricing and safety when traveling by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Negotiate fares with unmetered drivers beforehand.
- Be aware of common scams such as 'friendly' strangers offering unsolicited tours, fake gem shops, or excessive charges for services. Politely decline and walk away if uncomfortable.
- Learn a few basic Hindi phrases like 'Namaste' (hello/greetings), 'Dhanyawad' (thank you), and 'Kitna hai?' (how much?) to enhance interactions with locals.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton/linen) that covers shoulders and knees for modesty and sun protection.
- 2Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for extensive sightseeing and uneven terrain.
- 3A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against intense sun.
- 4A reusable water bottle with a filter or purification tablets to reduce plastic waste and ensure clean drinking water.
- 5Hand sanitizer and insect repellent (especially during monsoon or evenings).
- 6Basic first-aid kit including any personal medications, anti-diarrheal, and pain relievers.
- 7A light shawl or scarf for women to cover their head when entering religious sites and for warmth on cooler evenings.
- 8Portable power bank for charging electronic devices on the go.
- 9Universal travel adapter for India's Type C, D, and M sockets (though C and D are most common).
Indian Tourist Visa
Apply online for an e-Visa or through your local embassy/consulate at least 1-2 months before travel.
International and Domestic Flights
Book international flights 3-6 months in advance for better rates. Domestic flights (Delhi-Jaipur, Jaipur-Agra, Agra-Delhi) can be booked 1-2 months out.
Accommodation (Hotels/Guesthouses)
Book hotels 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season (Oct-Mar) or around major festivals.
Train Tickets
Indian railway tickets (e.g., Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express) sell out quickly, book via IRCTC or reliable agents 2-3 months ahead for confirmed seats.
Taj Mahal Entry Tickets
While not strictly required far in advance, booking online can save time by skipping queues. Consider booking for sunrise for fewer crowds.
Private Driver/Tour Guide
For convenience, especially if traveling between cities, book a reputable driver or tour guide 1-2 months ahead.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage before your departure.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Airtel stores at airports or in cities
📍 Vodafone Idea (Vi) stores at airports or in cities
📍 Online rental services or at airports
WiFi is generally available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Public WiFi is less common and may not be secure.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card upon arrival at the airport for convenience. Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling. Consider downloading offline maps for areas with unreliable internet connectivity. Register your SIM card with proper identification as required by local regulations.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Three large round pins in triangle
Three large round pins in triangle
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% if no service charge; round up at casual spots
Round up to nearest ₹10–50
₹50–100 per bag for porters; ₹200–500/day for housekeeping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips go a long way.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution with food and water. Research transportation options beforehand.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
100
102 or 108
101
Available in major tourist cities
Call 112 for unified emergency services
Payments
Cash is widely used, especially for street vendors and auto-rickshaws
Accepted at malls, restaurants, and hotels in cities
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is ubiquitous in urban India
UPI QR codes are everywhere. Carry small cash denominations for tips and small vendors.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and mild, ideal for sightseeing. Avoid April to June due to extreme heat and July to September due to the monsoon season.
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