Ans: Assuming you are familiar with the Golden Triangle tour circuit comprising Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which offers a rich experience of India's cultural diversity, tradition, and history in a short time due to their proximity. If you are wondering about planning your Golden Triangle tour, there isn't a definitive right or wrong way to create your itinerary.
If you're unsure about how to plan your Golden Triangle tour package and where to start, it depends on the amount of time you have available. Since most travelers arrive in Delhi, it makes sense to begin your tour there.
Delhi has been a center of power since ancient times. From the age of the Mahabharata when it served as the capital of the Pandavas (Indraprastha), to the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan who built Quila Rai Pithora and ruled over vast territories, followed by the Mamluks who established their capital in the current Mehrauli area. The Mughals then took over and built the Red Fort as their capital. Finally, the East India Company arrived and established the current capital with landmarks like Connaught Place, India Gate, and Parliament. Delhi's historical significance and cultural heritage offer numerous possibilities for exploration during your Golden Triangle tour. The duration of your itinerary will determine the places to visit and things to do in Delhi.
However, we recommend visiting landmarks such as the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Jama Masjid in Old Delhi for a cultural immersion, and India Gate to witness Delhi's colonial past. Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, is another place worth visiting. Shopping is also an option if you're interested.
After Delhi, you can proceed to either Jaipur or Agra. Due to its proximity and excellent connectivity, Agra is recommended after the bustling schedule of Delhi. Apart from the iconic Taj Mahal, there are other attractions in Agra like Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, a few Mughal gardens, and opportunities for shopping mementos, jewelry, and textiles. Spending a night in Agra allows you to relax before heading to Jaipur, which is equally diverse, if not more, than Delhi. We'll cover additional places to visit near Agra and en route to Jaipur later.
Jaipur is one of North India's culturally vibrant cities. Again, there's no ideal duration, but two days should provide ample time to explore the city's attractions and engage in cultural interactions.
To summarize, if you're planning a Golden Triangle tour, we recommend opting for a minimum of a 5-day itinerary to make the most of your vacation. If you're traveling from abroad, longer duration itineraries that include additional destinations like Bharatpur, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Udaipur, and Ranthambore are recommended for a more comprehensive experience of India.
