The Golden Triangle in India: an Itinerary and Guide

Gatore ki Chhatriyan (Royal Gaitor Tombs) in Jaipur - Lost With Jen

The Golden Triangle consists of three major cities: Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. Why is it called the Golden Triangle? Because the route actually forms a triangular shape when you connect the cities on a map! It’s by far one of the most popular travel routes for tourists in India. This is everything you need to know to help plan your trip. All of the highlights in each city as well as places to eat and where to stay. Plus, a sample 7-day travel itinerary!

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The Golden Triangle Highlights

Agra Highlights

  • Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort
  • Sheroes Hangout
  • Tomb of I-timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
  • Akbar’s Tomb
  • Mehtab Bagh

Delhi Highlights

  • Humayun’s Tomb
  • The Red Fort
  • Raj Ghat
  • Jantar Mantar
  • Swaminarayan Akshardham
  • India Gate
  • Agrasen Ki Baoli
  • Safdarjung’s Tomb

Jaipur Highlights

  • Amber Fort at sunset
  • City Palace
  • Hawa Mahal
  • Patrika Gate
  • Monkey Temple
  • Panna Meena Ka Kund
  • Jantar Mantar
  • Albert Hall Museum
  • Gatore Ki Chhatriyan

The Golden Triangle Stop #1: Agra

I would recommend one to two days in Agra. We stayed an extra night just so we could visit the Taj Mahal twice (mostly just to make sure we could get some good photos) but honestly, we would have been fine with just the one day here. Agra is mostly popular for the Taj Mahal as it’s definitely the main attraction here (if not in all of India). However, there are so many other things to do and see in Agra that make it well worth the trip!

Things to Do:

1. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India - The Golden Triangle - Lost With Jen

The most exciting part of any trip to India (for most). The main reason I would suggest coming at sunrise is to avoid the crowds. The Taj Mahal is an extremely popular attraction and gets very crowded almost instantly. If you come first thing in the morning you’ll get to enjoy the Taj with less people which is always a plus!

Don’t forget to check out this other post: A Sunrise Visit to the Taj Mahal.

2. Agra Fort.

View of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh - Lost With Jen
That’s a very cloudy Taj in the background!

Agra Fort is beautiful and on a clear day has an amazing view of the Taj Mahal from afar. You could easily spend two hours exploring this fort and enjoying the views. Just watch out for all of the monkeys, they will steal from you if you let them get too close!

3. Akbar’s Tomb

Akbar’s Tomb is located on the outskirts of Agra. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens which take up a total of 119 acres. You’ll often see antelope, monkeys, and even peacocks roaming the gardens throughout the day. I would suggest taking at least two hours to explore not only the tomb but the gardens as well.

4. Sheroes Hangout

Sheroes Hangout in Agra, India - Lost With Jen

Don’t forget to check out this other post: Sheroes Hangout: the One Place You Have to Visit in Agra.

If you only eat at one restaurant in Agra, make it this one. All of the proceeds go to helping victims of acid attacks in India. It’s a vegetarian menu and the meals have no prices, just “pay as you feel” donations. All donations go towards the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors in India. It’s a really great cause and I encourage you to check out their website for more information.

5. Tomb of I-timād-ud-Daulah

Tomb of I-timad Ud Daulah in Agra, India - Lost With Jen

Also known as the Baby Taj! It may not be as large or as grand as the Taj but it’s definitely just as beautiful. And, it’s much less crowded with tourists which is always a plus! The Tomb of I-timād-ud-Daulah is located right on the banks of the Yamuna River and is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon in Agra!

Where to Eat in Agra:

  • Sheroes Hangout
  • Maya Hotel & Restaurant
  • The Salt Cafe Kitchen & Bar
  • Saniya Palace Rooftop Restaurant
  • Chapter 1 Cafe

Where to Stay in Agra:

Howard Plaza, The Fern

We chose to stay at Howard Plaza the Fern for our time in Agra. Our room was very nice, the staff was so friendly, the daily breakfast was amazing, and the location was great. All for a very reasonable price.

For more info or to book a room, click here.


The Golden Triangle Stop #2: Delhi

I would recommend two days in Delhi. It was actually more than enough time for us to see and do all of the things that we wanted. If I’m being completely honest, Delhi was our least favorite part of The Golden Triangle. Scams seemed to be much more common here (basically everyone we came into contact with was trying to scam us in some way), theft was a big issue, and we had a few men harassing us the first night. We almost gave up on India because of it. I really hope it’s not like this for others, I just want everyone to be aware! Even with all of the troubles we had, there were still so many great places in Delhi that we were so glad to see.

Things to Do:

1. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi, India - The Golden Triangle - Lost With Jen

One of the most perfectly symmetrical buildings in New Delhi, the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. It’s actually the first garden tomb to ever be built in India! The entire complex at Humayun’s Tomb is quite large and took us a few hours to explore. It was the perfect spot to spend an afternoon in Delhi.

2. Red Fort

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the Red Fort due to political demonstrations that were happening there during our visit. However, it is one of the most popular attractions in Delhi. Red Fort, known for it’s red sandstone walls, has some amazing architecture and beautifully designed gardens. The fort takes up a total of 254 acres so you could definitely spend an entire afternoon here.

3. Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial).

The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

This was one of the highlights of our time in Delhi. I think everyone knows who Gandhi is, and it was incredible to see not only his memorial but all of his most famous quotes displayed around the gardens. It was a cold, foggy morning when we came but there were still many people here enjoying a morning walk around the gardens. Gandhi’s memorial was designed to represent the simplicity of his life and has an eternal flame burning at one end.

4. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar - The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

The Jantar Mantar is actually a large observatory built to help predict the time and movement of things like the sun, moon, and all of the other planets. However, nowadays, it’s mostly just used as a cool hangout spot for locals.

We came to Jantar Mantar just before sunset and there were very few other people there. We practically had the place to ourselves! One of the guards working there actually walked the grounds with us explaining how each of the instruments worked.

Jantar Mantar - The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

5. Swaminarayan Akshardham

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring cameras or phones (or much of anything, really) into this temple so I have no photos to show from our time here. However, my husband and I both agree that this was by far the coolest spot in all of Delhi. We even think it’s more impressive than the Taj Mahal! Obviously the Taj is the Taj, but every single inch of this temple was so detailed and beautiful. If you only see one thing in Delhi, make it this!

For more information on visiting this temple and all that it has to offer (and for photos!), click here.

6. India Gate

The India Gate (officially called the ‘Delhi Memorial’) is basically the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ of India. The archway is meant to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died during World War I. The memorial stands 42 meters high and holds the names of over 13,500 Indian and British soldiers. The India Gate is surrounded by a park filled with street food vendors, entertainers, and many families spending time with their children.

7. Agrasen ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli Stepwell in New Delhi, India - Lost With Jen

Agrasen ki Baoli is not like many of the other stepwells in India. It was not filled with a pool of water at the bottom like most Indian stepwells (at least not when we were there). Many people were just sitting on the steps enjoying lunch or spending time with friends. It’s a great spot to go and enjoy some shade for a while in the afternoon. Just watch out, it’s known to be pretty haunted!

8. Safdarjung’s Tomb

Safdarjung's Tomb in New Delhi, India - Lost With Jen

We were the first ones to arrive at Safdarjung’s Tomb so we had the whole place to ourselves. It was a very foggy morning but we still had beautiful views down the walkway lined with palm trees and a beautiful fountain.

Where to Eat in Delhi:

  • Cafe Brownie
  • Kitchen With a Cause
  • AnnaMaya Restaurant at Andaz Delhi
  • Uncultured Cafe and Bar
  • Street Food

Where to Stay In Delhi:

The Grand Godwin Hotel

We stayed at the Grand Godwin Hotel for our time in Delhi. The room was very nice and surprisingly quiet considering it’s located on a very busy street. The Grand Godwin provides airport transfers, free WiFi, and free luggage storage. It’s also located very close to the New Delhi Railway Station which is great if you will be arriving or departing from there!

For more info or to book a room, click here.


The Golden Triangle Stop #3: Jaipur

I would recommend two to three days in Jaipur. The Pink City was by far our favorite part of the Golden Triangle. People were so nice here, scams didn’t seem to be nearly as common as in Delhi (for us at least!), and it seemed to have some of the most colorful and most beautiful attractions of all.

Things to Do:

1. Amber Fort

Of all the forts in India that we’ve visited, Amber Fort was by far our favorite. The atmosphere was incredible from the moment we stepped into the main courtyard. There were musicians, dancers, elephants, and all kinds of food vendors! It was a long walk through a maze of gardens, courtyards and hidden hallways to get up to the wall but the view from above was so worth it. This was definitely my favorite spot in Jaipur!

Amber Fort in Jaipur - The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

2. City Palace

The City Palace is probably the most expensive attraction in Jaipur. We chose to just get tickets for the grounds and one of the museums for 300 Indian Rupees. If you want to see every room of the palace as well, it will cost you 2,500 Indian Rupees (35 US Dollars) or more!

City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India - Lost With Jen

3. Hawa Mahal

If you ever wonder why they call Jaipur the ‘Pink City’ just have a look at Hawa Mahal and you’ll understand! We had lunch right across the street from the palace at the Tattoo Cafe. Lunch was great and we definitely had the best views of the palace! You can also tour the inside of the palace but we chose not to as we heard from many people that it’s actually quite underwhelming.

4. Patrika Gate

The Patrika Gate in Jaipur, India - Lost With Jen

Is it the most colorful attraction in Jaipur? Possibly! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful (and instagrammable). You don’t have to come first thing in the morning to get photos without other people in them, either. We came just before noon and while there were others there, they didn’t mind stepping out of the way for us to get our photos. The designs on the interior walls are so detailed and intricate, it was truly amazing. This is one you definitely have to see for yourself!

5. Galtaji Temple (The Monkey Temple)

Galtaji Temple in Jaipur - Lost With Jen

Galtaji Temple is located on the outskirts of Jaipur and has two other temples nearby as well. If you want to see a bunch of monkeys in the wild, this is definitely the place to go. The temple is known for the many different monkeys (among other animals) that live in the area. It’s a long walk up and down a steep hill to get to the temple but I think it’s worth it. Just make sure you keep an eye on the monkeys, they can be pretty mischievous and will steal from you if they get the chance!

6. Panna Meena Ka Kund

Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell in Jaipur, India - Lost With Jen

Panna Meena Ka Kund is a popular stepwell in Jaipur. You are no longer allowed to actually walk down the steps (guards will stop you) but admission is free and it is great to admire from above! The size and perfect symmetry of all the steps is absolutely mesmerizing. Panna Meena Ka Kund is such a unique spot to see! I would suggest coming here before or after Amber Fort as it’s only a short drive away.

7. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur - The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

Similar to the one in New Delhi, the Jaipur Jantar Mantar is an observatory full of astrological instruments used to tell time as well as the movement of planets. This one is much larger than the one in New Delhi and was much busier as well. It also includes all of the zodiac signs! The Jantar Mantar is located right across the street from City Palace so I would suggest doing both in one stop.

8. Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum (also known as the Government Central Museum) is a popular photo spot in Jaipur. While the building itself may be the main display, it’s well worth taking a look inside at the many art and history exhibits. The museum features jewelry, pottery, and sculpture galleries among many others.

9. Gatore ki Chhatriyan

Gatore ki Chhatriyan - The Golden Triangle in India: A Travel Itinerary and Guide - Lost With Jen

Of all the places we visited on the Golden Triangle, this was probably the only place that was actually quiet and had no other tourists around in the middle of the day. It was a nice spot for a break! The grounds were beautiful, the tombs were stunning, and you even have a nice view of Nahargarh Fort from here.

Where to Eat in Jaipur:

  • Peacock Rooftop Restaurant
  • Steam at Rambagh Palace
  • The Tattoo Cafe
  • Cafe Palladio
  • The Alsisar Haveli Restaurant

Where to Stay in Jaipur:

The Alsisar Haveli

We loved our stay at the Alsisar Haveli. This hotel is located right off of a busy street in Jaipur but it’s tucked away in it’s own little corner so you never even hear all of the city noises. The grounds here are stunning, the food at the hotel restaurant was delicious, and our room was so nice. We could have spent an entire day just relaxing here and it would have been perfect!

For more info or to book a room, click here.

The Golden Triangle 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Travel Day

  • Flight to Delhi
  • Train to Agra
  • Hotel Check-In

Day 2: Agra

  • Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Agra Fort
  • Lunch at Sheroes Hangout
  • Tomb of I-timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
  • Akbar’s Tomb
  • Sunset at Mehtab Bagh

Day 3: Delhi

  • Train to Delhi (and hotel check-in)
  • Red Fort
  • Jantar Mantar
  • India Gate
  • Jama Masjid

Day 4: Delhi

  • Agrasen ki Baoli
  • Raj Ghat
  • Lotus Temple
  • Qutub Minar
  • Swaminarayan Akshardham
  • Humayun’s Tomb
  • Train to Jaipur (and hotel check-in)

Day 5: Jaipur

  • Patrika Gate
  • City Palace
  • Jantar Mantar
  • Lunch at Tattoo Cafe
  • Hawa Mahal
  • Amber Fort at sunset
  • Dinner at Peacock Rooftop Restaurant

Day 6: Jaipur

  • Monkey Temple
  • Gatore ki Chhatriyan
  • Cafe Palladio
  • Nahargarh Fort
  • Choki Dhani Sonipat (dinner and a show)

Day 7: Jaipur

  • Panna Meena Ka Kund
  • Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
  • Albert Hall Museum
  • Dinner at Steam (Rambagh Palace)
  • Hotel check-out
  • Train back to Delhi
  • Flight home

This is pretty much the exact itinerary that we followed for our trip through the Golden Triangle. We had a lot of busy days and early mornings but we still had quite a bit of down time as well. Some places will take hours to explore and some will just be to snap a quick photo and head on to the next spot.

The Golden Triangle Travel Tips

  1. You can do the Golden Triangle route as a group tour if you would prefer. This may not be the cheapest option but it may be preferable for solo travelers to help with safety concerns.
  2. Always be aware of scams when traveling in India, especially in New Delhi. We found Delhi to be the worst city when it came to scams. Theft was also a pretty big issue there.
  3. Have a pre-arranged transfer for when you arrive at the airport. Nothing is worse than being jet-lagged, dealing with the million taxi drivers surrounding you, and wondering if you’re even getting a fair price.
  4. Be prepared for large crowds at all of the attractions. While there were a couple that we had all to ourselves, most were packed not only with tourists but locals as well.
  5. Check out my other India posts for more info on each of the places listed above! The posts are linked below and can give you more insight into what it’s like traveling Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur.

Is traveling the Golden Triangle on your bucket list? Share in a comment below!

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12 Comments

  1. April 25, 2020 / 11:36 am

    Love this itinerary! And also love the fact that you actually managed to get original photos!!!

    • Jenni
      Author
      April 26, 2020 / 3:57 pm

      Aww thank you so much! Means a lot 💕

  2. March 14, 2020 / 11:34 am

    What a beautiful country! India has a rich culture and history, and I think that’s super evident in the country’s architecture.Your photos are gorgeous! I’m impressed! I’d love to visit sometime. Thanks!

    • Jenni
      Author
      March 14, 2020 / 12:21 pm

      It definitely is! Thank you so much 😁 I hope you make it there someday!

  3. March 7, 2020 / 3:01 pm

    This guide is super helpful! Thanks for sharing

    • Jenni
      Author
      March 12, 2020 / 1:38 am

      Thank you! So glad you like it 😁

  4. March 7, 2020 / 9:11 am

    I can’t believe I never made it to any of the stepwells in India! This is a fantastic itinerary and I love your photographs 🙂

    • Jenni
      Author
      March 12, 2020 / 1:38 am

      I love the stepwells in India 😁 thank you so much!

  5. January 14, 2020 / 7:42 pm

    This is amazing !! The photos are beautiful.

    • Jenni
      Author
      March 7, 2020 / 7:26 am

      Thank you so much! 😁

    • Jenni
      Author
      January 13, 2020 / 5:05 pm

      Thank you! So glad you like it 😁 hope you’re able to visit someday ♥️

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