A Self-Guided Tour of India's Golden Triangle

Located in northern India, the Golden Triangle is one of the most iconic tourist trails in India. The triangle-shaped route links the capital city of New Delhi with the cities of Agra and Jaipur to the south, giving travellers a glimpse of India's royal history, unique architectural styles, and diverse cultures.

Many people travel along the Golden Triangle for the sole purpose of seeing the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. But there's a lot more to this journey than this landmark attraction. This is your guide to the best things to do and see on your journey around India's Golden Triangle.

For the sake of this Indian Golden Triangle itinerary, you're going to start in New Delhi, where you can experience the contrasts of this city's modern marvels and historic treasures.

From there, you'll make your way to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, before ending your Golden Triangle itinerary exploring the pink-hued buildings in Jaipur's Old City.

And the best part? Your Golden Triangle trip can be as short as four days or last as long as 10 days. How long you spend in each city is totally up to you. But, as always, the more time you allot to each destination, the more you'll come to appreciate everything the Golden Triangle in India has to offer.

A city of contrasts and chaos, New Delhi is India's sprawling capital city and an essential stop on any Golden Triangle itinerary. Keep an open mind because New Delhi is home to some of the best attractions in India.

You can easily tick off many of New Delhi's top attractions in one day. However, with so much to see, it's well worth spending two or three nights in New Delhi, if possible.

The top attractions to enjoy in Old Dehli include visiting Red Fort (Lal Qila), Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.

Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 and completed in 1648, the Red Fort once served as the primary residence of Mughal emperors. With its Persian and Indian styles, it now stands as a prime example of the Mughal architecture of the time.

Also in Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in all of India. Like the Red Fort, this 17th-century mosque was also built by Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the mosque of the Mughal emperors. Pay a small fee, and you can go to the top of one of the mosques' towering minarets for incredible views over the city.

Another Old Delhi gem, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and most chaotic markets in the city. It's an absolute must for street food lovers - be sure to get a stuffed paratha at the famous Paranthe Wali Gali.

Highlights of Central Dehli include India Gate and Humayun's Tomb.

This 42-metre-tall sandstone archway is one of the most famous landmarks in New Delhi. The war memorial was completed in 1931 in honour of the nearly 75,000 soldiers who lost their lives in WWI.

Take one look and you'll see why the 16th-century tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun served as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Take your time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and admire its grand Indo-Islamic architecture and peaceful gardens.

Top attractions in South Delhi include a visit to the Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar.

With its 27 white marble 'petals' and nine reflecting pools, this modern architectural marvel was designed to look like a lotus flower. It's no wonder why 10,000 people visit this temple each day - the Lotus Temple is absolutely beautiful both inside and out.

Dating back to the 13th century, this 73-metre minaret is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will want to take some time exploring the area's picturesque ruins and gardens.

For a modern hotel in the heart of it all, Novotel New Delhi City Centre is an ideal option. This hotel is just a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the New Delhi Railway Station, making getting in and out of New Delhi a breeze. Plus, when you're not out exploring, you can drink and dine at the rooftop restaurant, splash around in the rooftop infinity pool, keep up with your routine in the fitness centre, and rest up for another day in your luxury room.

Next up on your journey around India's Golden Triangle is Agra.

Considering you will be travelling from New Delhi to Agra (a 210-kilometre journey), a minimum of two nights in Agra is recommended so you don't feel too rushed during your Golden Triangle trip to India.

If it's not already top of your list of things to do in Agra during your Golden Triangle travel, a visit to the Taj Mahal is unmissable. Other important stops on your tour of Agra include Agra Fort (aka Red Fort), Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, and Mehtab Bagh.

No visit to Agra is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal. Like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in New Delhi, Emperor Shah Jahan is also responsible for building the Taj Mahal. He built this elaborate mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.

At the time, an estimated $30 million and 20,000 artisans and labourers were used to complete this feat of engineering. There's so much to admire here, but be sure to keep an eye out for the pietra dura inlay work - featuring images of flowers and semi-precious stones - on the exterior of the mausoleum and the hand-carved marble jali (screens) inside the mausoleum.

Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone complex that housed Mughal emperors before they moved to the Red Fort in Delhi. There's a lot to uncover here.

Some must-see attractions are the white marble Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Jahangir Mahal and Khas Mahal royal palaces, and the public and private Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas halls.

You'll get plenty of views of the Taj Mahal from the fort, too, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Also known as "Baby Taj," the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is an essential stop on any Golden Triangle itinerary. Built between 1622 and 1628, this intricate tomb features pietra dura inlay techniques and semi-precious stones, similar to what you'll see at the Taj Mahal. Itmad-ud-Daulah may be smaller than the Taj Mahal, but the marble mausoleum is spectacular and far less crowded.

For even more views of the Taj Mahal, pay a visit to Mehtab Bagh. This park is right across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal and offers gorgeous photo ops of Agra's most famous landmark, sans all the people.

There's a lot to love about staying at the five-star Grand Mercure Agra, including the views of the Taj Mahal from the modern guest rooms. There's also a poolside rooftop restaurant with live music and even more Taj Mahal views, an on-site Italian restaurant, a fitness centre, and a spa for a little bit of pampering after those long travel days.

As you continue your journey around India's Golden Triangle, there are a few attractions between Agra and Jaipur that are well worth your time. Be suer to pay a visit to Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri ("The City of Victory") is located roughly one hour from Agra. You can either do this as a day trip from Agra or make a pit stop on the way to Jaipur.

Located in what was once the capital of the Mughal empire, this 16th-century fortified city was built by Emperor Akbar and is home to some of the most incredible Golden Triangle attractions, including the enormous Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate), Jama Masjid, and the white marble Tomb of Salim Chishti.

Dating back to 800 AD, Abhaneri is the largest and deepest stepwell in India, featuring 3,500 steps that plunge to depths of 30 metres. This engineering marvel is located just two hours west of Fatehpur Sikri, making it another amazing pit stop on the road from Agra to Jaipur (a 246-kilometre journey).

The third and final stop on your tour of the Golden Triangle in India is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Famously known as the Pink City, the entire city was given a pink makeover for the Prince of Wales during his tour of India in 1876.

Technically, you can see many of the best attractions in Jaipur in one day. But those who stay for three or four days will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of what makes this place so special.

When you arrive in Jaipur's Old City, be sure to visit City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the Old City Bazaars including Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar.

City Palace is the centrepiece of Jaipur's Old City. You could spend hours here admiring the courtyards, gardens, and unique blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Don't miss the famous Blue Room inside Chandra Mahal (the main palace) or the famous Peacock Gate in the Pitam Niwas Chowk courtyard.

Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is right next to City Palace. With its pink-and-white colour scheme and imposing five-storey facade, it'll be hard to miss. You can simply admire this landmark building from the outside, or pay a small fee to sneak views of the Old City's bazaars, just like the royal women did back in the day.

Located in the Old City, Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 18th-century astronomical instruments and observatories, all created by the founder of Jaipur. One of the most famous artefacts is the 27-metre-tall Samrat Yantra, the world's largest sundial.

You'll find the best bazaars in Jaipur inside its walled Old City. Visit Johari Bazaar for kundan and meenakari jewellery, Bapu Bazaar for bandhani (tie-dye) and block-printed fabrics, and Tripolia Bazaar for traditional lac bangles.

No trip to Jaipur is complete without experiencing Amer Fort

Also known as Amber Palace, this 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is located high on a hilltop just 30 minutes from the Old City. This is one of Jaipur's most popular attractions, so it's best to arrive as early as possible (around 8am, when it opens) to beat the crowds.

Spend at least a few hours here to explore the sandstone and marble buildings, see the beautiful courtyards, marvel at the mirrored halls inside Sheesh Mahal, walk along the ramparts, and admire the ornate decorations of the fort's gateways.

To make the most of your time, it's best to choose a hotel near Jaipur's Old City. ibis Jaipur City Centre is a modern, budget friendly hotel that puts you right next to the Civil Lines Metro station and 10 minutes from the Jaipur Junction railway station, making getting around a breeze.

When you're not out and about, take in the city views from the rooftop infinity pool, treat yourself at the spa, and drink and dine at the on-site restaurant.

India's Golden Triangle is located in Northern India. It's a popular tourism route that links India's capital city of New Delhi with the cities of Agra and Jaipur to the south.

There are so many unforgettable experiences awaiting in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur when exploring India’s Golden Triangle. At the very least, you'll want to see Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, and City Palace and Amer Fort in Jaipur.

The must-see historical landmarks along the Golden Triangle route are all of the historic and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Old Delhi and Jaipur Old City, as well as the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Some hidden gems you'll find en route from Agra to Jaipur are the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and the 9th-century Abhaneri, which is the deepest stepwell in India.

The best time of year to tour India's Golden Triangle is widely considered to be from October to March, when the weather is at its most temperate.

You can get between New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur independently in a variety of ways. There are trains (fastest) and buses (most affordable) that link all three cities, making getting from place to place easy. However, if you want to make stops along the way, you will want to hire a taxi or a private driver. This is highly recommended when going from Agra to Jaipur, so you can stop at Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri along the way.