{"id":41278,"date":"2023-03-05T12:40:44","date_gmt":"2023-03-05T11:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sommertage.com\/?p=41278"},"modified":"2023-11-24T16:53:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T15:53:39","slug":"india-golden-triangle-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sommertage.com\/en\/india-golden-triangle-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"India’s Golden Triangle: Ultimate Travel Guide & Best Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From crazy Delhi to the world wonder of the Taj Mahal and on to Jaipur: A trip around the Golden Triangle is fascinating, confronting and one adventure<\/strong> that you won\u2019t forget any time soon. Some of the country\u2019s most beautiful and most significant sights are located in the Golden Triangle in northern India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning a trip to India\u2019s Golden Triangle? In this travel guide we reveal our top tips<\/strong> for you: What is the most ideal travel route through the Golden Triangle? When is the best time to travel? How safe is a trip to India? How do I get from A to B? The answer to all these questions can be found in our personal travel guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\"Fatehpur<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fatehpur<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. The Golden Triangle in India: Overview & Important Travel Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What to expect in the Golden Triangle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Golden Triangle is the most famous tourist region<\/strong> in northern India and stretches itself across the two states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Some of the most well-known attractions in India are located in the Golden Triangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, you travel to three locations<\/strong>: first to Delhi, the capital of India. Then of course to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven world wonders. And last but not least, to the so-called Pink City, Jaipur, which is the state capital of Rajasthan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best Travel Time for the Golden Triangle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The optimal time to travel to the Golden Triangle is February and March<\/strong>. From April onwards the thermometer can get up to over 40 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, it can sometimes be quite cool in December and January. Monsoon season prevails in the summer months of July and August. The climate is suitable for travelling again in October and December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When deciding what time to travel you should always keep in mind the Indian holidays<\/strong>. For example, we were in India for Holi<\/strong>, which was of course very exciting on the one hand, but can be a little more restricting on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Guide: Our Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you can find many tips on the internet, however we still whole-heartedly recommend you also use a printed travel guide. Our choice<\/strong> was the Lonely Planet Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra<\/a> and we didn\u2019t regret it one bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with all the Lonely Planet travel guides, this one is also very clear and well laid out<\/strong>. In addition, it isn\u2019t as thick and heavy as the complete guide to India. Highly recommend!<\/p>\n\n\n

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You can purchase the travel guide here:<\/strong> Lonely Planet Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Getting to India: Tips for your Visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Citizens of most countries require a visa to travel to India. Most of them can conveniently apply for an electronic e-tourist visa<\/strong>, at the latest four days before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need a photo for your application and, oddly enough, in a square format. In addition, you need to scan the first page of your passport (i.e. the one with the information and photo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The e-tourist visa is valid for a month<\/strong>. (A little side information: you can also apply for the e-tourist visa for one year. However, the maximum length of stay is only 90 days, so even if you have the 1-year visa you need to leave the country again.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price<\/strong> of the e-tourist visa varies depending on the time of travel: it costs 10 dollars between April and June, and 25 dollars between July and March. We definitely recommend applying for the visa on the official website, because many agents charge an additional fee on top.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Official website:<\/strong> India e-Tourist Visa Application<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Taj<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Agra<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Transport in the Golden Triangle: How to get from A to B<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Transport Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most comfortable (and also most expensive) form of travel is of course to have a private driver<\/strong>. You can stop when you want and be very flexible. In addition, a private driver is also a great option in terms of safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train is a fantastic option to get from A to B in India. Personally, we were very impressed with the morning train ride<\/strong> to Agra. We really enjoyed watching the landscape pass by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third option: you can of course also use public buses<\/strong> to travel through India. But truth be told, that was a little too adventurous for our first trip to India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Booking Transport Tickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We ourselves decided on a combination of having a private driver and travelling by train<\/strong> and found it was perfect. Unfortunately, it isn\u2019t so easy to book train tickets for India from Europe, because you often need an Indian telephone number to book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we have a tip for you: with 12go.asia<\/a> you can book without a problem. You can even book private drivers or bus tickets on there if you like.<\/p>\n\n\n

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You can book your transport here:<\/strong> Transport in India via 12go.asia<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Individual or organised?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important questions that you need to ask before your trip to India’s Golden Triangle is: do you want to make your own way around<\/strong> or would you like some help with organising your trip<\/strong>? Of course, both have their pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We didn\u2019t want to go in completely alone on our first trip to India, so we decided to travel to India with erlebe, a German tour operator. Erlebe<\/a> supported us in organising our transport and with booking train tickets, private transport and accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That way we could make our way around by ourselves, but still enjoy a little comfort. When we arrived in Delhi, we received all of the documents from an employee of a partner agency. That is of course practical, because we didn\u2019t need to worry ourselves with all of that while there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting around in the Cities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For transport within the cities<\/strong>, we mostly made our way around on a motorised rickshaw<\/strong>. We usually paid around 50 Indian rupees, depending on the length of the trip. Sometimes we also used cycle rickshaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Delhi we travelled around using the subway<\/strong>. In principle, that is very simple and cheap: the tickets were purchased at the counter before entering, the price per trip was around 10 rupees. Although, you usually still needed to walk another long stretch to reach your final destination. Taxis<\/strong> are a suitable solution for longer distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Zugfahren<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Agra<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Itinerary around the Golden Triangle in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A trip around the Golden Triangle takes you to the three highlights in northern India<\/strong>. In principle, the route is always the same \u2013 you just need to decide in which direction you would like to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delhi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people start their Golden Triangle trip in Delhi, because the largest airport in India is located here. Even though Delhi can be very overcrowded, we were able to acclimatise really well there. We recommend you stay around three nights in Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed travel guide:<\/strong> Delhi Travel Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taj Mahal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From Delhi we continued by train to Agra. As unspectacular as Agra is, all paths lead to this city because India\u2019s sanctuary, the Taj Mahal, is located here. Two nights is enough time, three is even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed travel guide:<\/strong> Sunrise at the Taj Mahal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaipur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The third and last stop on the Golden Triangle trip is Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Jaipur is just a five-hour drive away from Agra. You should be sure to make a stop off at Fatehpur Sikri and allow around two to three hours there. We stayed two nights in Jaipur itself. That was enough time, but if you like a more relaxing visit, you should stay three nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed travel guide: <\/strong>Jaipur Travel Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Jaipur<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Taj<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fatipur<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fatipur<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Staying the Night: Accommodation in the Golden Triangle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the thing with the hotels in India: many of them are very cheap, but they definitely don\u2019t meet the European standard. Unfortunately, many hotels in India leave a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to cleanliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of style, many hotels in India are very grand and kitschy<\/strong>. Many hotels are also heritage hotels<\/strong>, which indicates that you can expect an authentic, often magnificent hotel. These hotels are mainly situated in a historic family house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like a certain standard of hotel in northern India, then you need to allow around 50 to 70 euros per night (for a double room). Breakfast is usually included in the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Hotel Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Delhi<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Bungalow 99<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A great, modern, boutique hotel! Pretty design, very comfortable rooms \u2013 highly recommended!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agra<\/h4>\n\n\n
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The Coral Court Homestay<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Family run, very clean homestay with a rooftop terrace and great breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaipur<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Pearl Palace Heritage \u2013 The Boutique Guesthouse<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Really kitschy, but therefore something special. The rooms look like a fairy-tale \u2013 a typical heritage hotel experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Travel Costs in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Money: Currency and Paying in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The currency in India is Indian rupees<\/strong>. There are many ATMs, but in our experience, they often don\u2019t work. We also had some cash (euros) with us, which we definitely did not regret. Changing euros into Indian rupees is not a problem in many hotels. However, the rate is often not the best. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the larger restaurants and hotels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Costs in the Golden Triangle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What does \u2026 cost in India?<\/p>\n\n\n\n