India, with its glorious past and remarkable geography, touches the soul of every traveller in one way or the other. India is a treasure trove of fascinating culture, landscapes, wildlife, art and architecture preserved from historical times that soak tourists from all over the world in its splendour and charm. The Golden Triangle tourism is quite popular among tourists because it offers a taste of what the rich and vibrant culture of India is all about. So, what is the Golden Triangle in India?
The Golden Triangle is also known as the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, and these cities do actually form a triangle on the map. Whether it is the magnificence of the Mughal architecture from the Taj Mahal in Agra to the Amber Fort in Jaipur or the Rajput grandeur of Jaipur, the Golden Triangle itinerary is sure to lure and capture the traveller with some of the awe-inspiring places in the country. The ultimate great thing to add to your Golden Triangle tour package in India is a Tiger Safari or a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. Here’s a Golden Triangle India travel guide to help you plan your visit.
The Best Time to Visit the Golden Triangle
The best time to plan a Golden Triangle of India tour would be from October to April when the temperature is around 22 to 32 degrees. Travelling around these places after April during May and June can be extremely challenging due to the scorching heat with temperatures reaching around 45 degrees. As freezing spells can hit places in Delhi and around during December and January, the trip can be planned anytime from the mid of February to March as well.
The festivals during March, October and November are a delight to watch, but be aware that the tourist places can become busier during these months. If you are looking for the Golden Triangle tour package in Ranthambore, India with tiger safari, it is good to go during the dry seasons, but before April when it becomes unbearably hot.
Picking the Right Guide and Driver
Booking your Golden Triangle tour package in India with Tiger Safari India will ensure that you have the right guide and companion with you at all times who can help you experience the best highlights of the trip. The tourist attractions can be crowded and you might come across people asking for money or selling something. The tour guide can help you avoid them. Moreover, they will ensure that you don’t miss out on the essential stories and details of the places that you are visiting.
Food and Accommodation During the Tour
The Golden Triangle is a heaven for foodies. One can try out a variety of delicacies with each region presenting its own specialities.
As most hotels in India have their websites, you can actually check out their ratings and services before you book your stay. It is advisable to choose at least a 3-4-star hotel and not compromise on quality for a cheaper price. However, if you are really concerned about hygiene, it’s better to go for five-star hotels.
Things to Ensure During the Trip
While travelling, it is essential to travel responsibly so that you get the best of your travel, stay safe and make a positive impact on the people and culture of the place. Here are a few things that you should be aware of before planning a trip to the Golden Triangle:
- Before your travel, ensure that you have taken out travel insurance and all the necessary vaccinations
- Carrying sunscreens and sunglasses are important in any climatic condition
- Even though the tap water is treated or sterilised, carry your own water bottles. You can ask your tour operator to arrange large water containers so that you can refill your bottles
- It is better to avoid petting stray animals as they might have rabies
- Avoid buying fruits without a peel. It is safe to have coconut water
- It is recommended to avoid isolated areas or travelling alone by public transport, especially after dark.
Must-Visit Locations
Here are some of the locations you shouldn’t be missing out on your Golden Triangle itinerary in India:
Delhi
- Humayun’s Tomb: Built in 1579, the resting place of Emperor Humayun is popular for being the first garden-tomb in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well.
- Old Delhi: Explore the delicious street food capital and immerse yourself in the palatable flavours of India. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent the dreaded Delhi belly.
- India Gate: Take a walk around the major 42 metres high India Gate built in commemoration of the thousands of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple: A visit to this place can be an incredibly humbling and soothing experience. You will find that most Sikh temples offer free meals to people irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, religion or social status.
Agra
- The Taj Mahal: Built between 1631 and 1648, the beauty of the Taj Mahal can’t be expressed in words. The universally admired masterpiece is also the seventh wonder of the world.
- Agra Fort: The Agra Fort, built in red sandstone and white marble, used to be the residence of emperors until 1638.
- Emperor Akbar’s Mausoleum: This architectural masterpiece was built by Akbar’s son, Jahangir across 119 acres in Sikandra.
Jaipur
- Amber Fort and the Amber Palace: The captivating embodiment of Rajasthani architecture, the Amber Fort and the Amber Palace used to be the residence of Rajputs and Maharajas.
- Nahargarh Fort: The Nahargarh Fort is located on the edge of Aravalli Hills overlooking the pink city.
- Hawa Mahal: The five-storey extraordinary structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh so that women from the royal background can see the city life and processions around the place.
- Galta Ji: It is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site and is also called the Monkey Temple.
The Golden Triangle is the most popular and sought-after tourism route in India. It offers you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. A certain amount of anxiety is quite normal, but with Tiger Safari India, you can rest assured that your trip is well arranged and you have a memorable experience of your journey!
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.