Current as of: May 31, 2025 - 09:31
India's Golden Triangle Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AIX
- Carbon Footprint: 19.1kg CO2e
Trip Overview
On northern India’s great cultural circuit, the standout landmarks are just the beginning of our adventure…
Dive deep into northern India’s great cultural route: the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – on an adventure where the headline acts are just part of the story. The rest is unlocked thanks to the in-depth knowledge of your local tour leader. It’s meeting the vendors at spice-laden market stalls, waving to friendly local people, learning to cook (and eat) traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and staying in a 600-year-old royal residence. Of course, the highlight for many is visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise, but the lesser-known wonders may linger just as long in the memory.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by air-conditioned private bus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Special festival departures for Holi and Diwali
- Combine with Highlights of Kerala
Highlights
- Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
- Witness the Taj Mahal in the soft light of sunrise – a time when the crowds are thinner
- Explore the narrow streets of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw adventure
- Watch the pink city of Jaipur come to life on a dawn walking tour
- Experience the lesser-seen village life outside the hustle of the big cities
- Time travel with a stay in the Suroth Mahal, a 600-year-old heritage hotel
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: This trip covers the highlights of northern India in a short time, which means the itinerary is generally fast paced. There is a lot to see, but everything is scheduled so it doesn’t feel too rushed. Prepare for some long days and early starts. The times stated in the Trip Notes are driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Journeys can sometimes take longer due to local traffic or road damage.
Visiting India: India can be challenging – the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, there are peaceful spots, and you will undoubtedly return with memories to last a lifetime.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI’s schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work will be taking place.
Festivals: Some departures coincide with Holi and Diwali. These can be local celebrations within communities and families and are not necessarily marked to the same extent throughout the country. We will seek opportunities to see the festivities; however, we cannot guarantee what will be happening in the local area during the trip.
Group
Our Indian team of tour leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Land Only Itinerary
Begin in Delhi • Explore the narrow streets of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw ride
Begin your adventure in pulsating Delhi. It’s a city split in two, with historic Old Delhi in the north and the nation’s capital, New Delhi, in the south.
At approximately 2pm, join your leader for a tour of Old Delhi, starting outside Jama Masjid, a colossal mosque capable of holding up to 25,000 worshippers; if you’re interested, you can enter (fees may be applicable).
After, we’re taken through the narrow streets of the Old Delhi markets by cycle rickshaw, finishing at Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India, where we can meet the vendors and walk through the fragrant rows of spices, nuts, herbs and grains.
We return to the hotel for a free evening.
Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)
Explore the colonial architecture and grand memorials of New Delhi • To Agra
Join our tour leader to explore New Delhi this morning. It starts at Humayun’s Tomb, a rather understated name for what is really a precursor to the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum on a palatial scale.
We then drive past fine colonial buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, a 320-acre (130ha) estate built by British architect Edwin Lutyens in 1931, which comprises the official residence of the President of India, Parliament House and India Gate – a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War.
This afternoon, we head to Agra (approximately four to five hours’ drive). Upon arrival, check into the hotel with the evening free to relax.
Accommodation: The Taj Vilas (or similar)
Sunrise trip to the Taj Mahal followed by Agra Fort • To our palace-hotel in Hindaun
It’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for! Wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the white-marble exterior is illuminated by the soft early light, the crowds are smaller and the birds chatter among themselves. After admiring it from the outside and enjoying a deep dive into this New World Wonder from our tour leader, we head inside, with a chance to explore the beautiful inner chambers and mausoleum.
After we’ve fully soaked in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, we visit the imposing Agra Fort (also known as the Red Fort). It was built by the third Mughal emperor, Akbar, whose mighty red sandstone walls enclose the white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards, and gardens of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately three to four hours) to Suroth Mahal, a 600-year-old fort in the city of Hindaun. This former royal residence was once home to the Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal, though tonight you’ll be the guest of honour!
After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we have a 45-minute round trip by camel cart to a century-old Hindu temple. Back at the hotel, enjoy a short cooking demonstration, in which you’re shown how to make pakora – a skill certain to impress your friends back home.
Accommodation: Suroth Mahal, Heritage Hotel (or similar)
Meet local people on a gentle village walk • To Jaipur via Chand Baori stepwell
Start the day with a gentle one-hour walk to a 300-year-old village, where we meet the residents and learn about their daily life. En route, we also visit a local market (haat) and see the community going about their daily tasks, such as creating handicrafts or working in their fields.
In the afternoon, transfer (approximately four to five hours) to Jaipur. Breaking up this journey, we stop at Chand Baori, one of the largest and deepest stepwells in India. With its intricate criss-cross staircase pattern, you’ll feel like you’re part of an Escher artwork.
The evening is free but if you still have some energy, why not join your tour leader for an evening cooking class at a local family home? This optional activity is a great way to interact with the local people, learn some great cooking tips and gorge on sumptuous food.
Accommodation: Hotel 7 Apple (or similar)
Rise with Jaipur on a dawn walk • Explore the magnificent landmarks of the pink city
Enjoy a full day exploring Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India.
Rise early, heading out for a dawn walking tour as the pink city begins to wake. Visiting different chowkris (blocks) within the walled city, we can see the local people start their day and watch the rituals that take place in early morning flower and vegetable markets.
Visiting a small temple, we witness a morning aarti, a moving Hindu ceremony accompanied by singing, ringing bells and incense. We can also interact with different artisan communities, while also sampling local food and drink.
Returning to the hotel for breakfast and time to refresh, we head out again mid-morning. First, we visit the hilltop Amer Fort, which was built by Kachwaha dynasty ruler Man Singh and acted as the seat of the dynasty before the capital was shifted to Jaipur. A highlight is the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), which is adorned with more than a million pieces of hand-cut mirror and glass, intricately arranged to reflect light throughout the space.
Later, we visit one of the most intriguing sites in India, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Observatory), an assembly of immense marble-and-brass astronomical instruments in a pleasant garden.
We also see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a five-storey landmark built of pink sandstone, which allowed the women of the royal household to observe street festivities without being noticed.
Finally, we can end the day exploring the local market within the walled city – admiring the local dhurries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear.
Accommodation: Hotel 7 Apple (or similar)
To Delhi
Return to Delhi after breakfast, aiming to arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. Typically, the group gathers for a final meal this evening, a chance to relax and recount the whirlwind week and memories created with new-found friends.
Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)
Adventure ends in Delhi
The adventure ends in Delhi today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
You can combine this trip with our Highlights of Kerala adventure, allowing you to see a completely different side to India.
Accommodation
City hotels and a one-time royal palace
We aim to secure Indian-owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
For most of this trip, we use modern city hotels. A highlight for many, however, will be the Suroth Mahal, a 600-year-old palace once home to the Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal.
It’s your chance to feel like a Rajasthani royal for the night – the friendly staff will certainly treat you like a VIP, putting on short cooking demonstrations and local dance or wrestling performances, just to make your experience extra special.
You stay in one of 20 air-conditioned rooms, each of which is uniquely decorated, though true to the local style with hand-painted ceilings and walls detailed with colourful Rajasthani motifs.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we pair solo passengers together in a room. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Worth knowing
- It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your tour leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
Single supplement from 264 €
Food & Drink
India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries, including the familiar tandoori, biriyani and rogan josh. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.
Allow at least 1,400-2,400 Indian rupees (US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants, most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 285 rupees (approximately US$4).
Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Transport
We use private air-conditioned minibus for transfers.
Weather & Seasonality
During October/November and from February to April, the days are normally warm or hot and nights cool or mild. Humidity is very low and little or no rain falls.
It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings in December, January and into February and warm clothes are essential. During this time, nightly temperatures in Delhi can be very cold and only a little above freezing. Come prepared for both cold and hot temperatures during the winter period.
In July, August and September, expect hot (or very hot) days and warm nights. Rain is also possible at any time from the end of June until September and can be very heavy. However, it moderates the temperatures.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh, 17A/32, Gurudwara Road, Near Pusa Road, Metro Pillar No: 98-99, Opposite Jessaram Hospital, WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110005
Phone: +91 11 4641 3759
Recommended arrival time: We recommend you arrive today on or before 1pm (local time) ready for the afternoon tour departing from your hotel. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening with your leader.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for everyone to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the free transfers will be provided to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city or independently booked accommodation may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small backpack for camera, water bottle etc
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Torch (flashlight)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Additional warm base layer, scarf, gloves (for winter departures)
- Water bottle
Clothing for both men and women should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests, tight-fitting trousers, short skirts and shorts are not recommended.
We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Please remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage at times, so don’t overload yourself.
Optional Equipment
- Light waterproof
- Earplugs
- Money belt
- Travel pillow
Face mask: air pollution is high in Delhi during November (but also occasionally at the end of October and beginning of December)
Prohibited items to travel with in India
- The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
- Satellite communications devices, for example (but not exclusively) Garmin inReach or any other brand GPS tracking device, are illegal in India without a license. Please do not bring them with you.
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
India
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You may also want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available throughout the trip (Visa and MasterCard are best). You can also pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India.
Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they put a block on your card.
Please note, you should not rely on cards all the time, so bring US dollars or pound sterling with you too. Money change facilities are available on arrival at Delhi Airport; though exchange rates may be better in central Delhi. You can also change US dollars and pounds in Jaipur and Agra.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Many sites now charge a small fee for video cameras and you should allow another 665 rupees (approximately US$9) for these, no charge for taking photos only. Also allow at least 570 rupees (approximately US$8) per day for personal expenditures, such soft drinks. There are endless shopping opportunities throughout this tour and we suggest you take money for souvenirs; even the most shop-shy travellers often succumb to the tempting selection of handicrafts available.
During your trip, it is likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and handicraft workshops. Guides will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your guide and Exodus leader at the time. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets but it might not be for everyone and you’re welcome to enjoy some free instead of shopping.
Optional excursions
This is a busy itinerary but there are some optional activities available as outlined below.
Delhi:
- Day 2: Entrance fee for Jama Masjid: 300 rupees (approximately US$4)
- Day 6: Qutab Minar three-hour tour: approximately 2,500-6,500 rupees (US$30-US$78) per person (depending on the group size)
- Morning Old Delhi city walk with Salaam Baalak Trust: approximately 3,500-5,500 rupees (US$42-US$53) per person (depending on the group size)
Led by ex-street kids of Delhi, this insightful walk starts from Jama Masjid and takes you through the narrow alleys in the heart of the old city. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Entrance to Jama Masjid monument is not included. Tour is subject to availability at time of request. Please note, this city tour is only available for pre-arrival or post-departure extensions to the trip as time does not permit within the main itinerary.
Tipping
Tipping is a part of Indian culture and usually expected.
Tipping kitty: To make things easy, your tour leader offers to look after a tipping kitty, which is used to tip hotel staff, sightseeing guides, bus drivers and other support staff. Your tour leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually around 2,000 rupees (approximately US$26) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the tour leader may have to collect more.
For Holi departures, your tour leader will look to arrange some festival-related activities. There will be a supplement between 600-1,600 rupees (approximately US$7-US$20) per person, which is usually deducted from the kitty. The price depends upon the location and festival inclusions for Holi celebration.
At any time during the trip, your tour leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tour leader: Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation a tip of around 475 rupees (US$6) per person, per day would be appreciated.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.