I have to admit that my wanderlust is never satisfied. Although I can be glued to my computer all day, my mind is always wandering off to the places on my bucket list. I don't miss an opportunity to get my body to places that my mind has been. I'm always ready to go on the road, even if it is for long weekends or holidays. Last month I took a break from deadlines and office meetings to travel for a few days. My goal was to visit a few of my growing destinations, so I decided to take a tour that is always in high demand among tourists from all over the country, the golden triangle tour 5 days. It covers Delhi-Agra and Jaipur.
After some research and planning, I decided to take a 5-day tour around the Golden Triangle circuit. The Golden Triangle route is unique in that it allows you to see everything. This is not an exaggeration. It allows you to travel through three states and gives you a glimpse at some of the most important heritage sites in the country, including Qutub Minar Red Fort and Amber Fort. This tour is enhanced by the vibrant cultural environment and colorful crowd.
Golden Triangle Tour Itinerary, 5 Days
As I mentioned, I was only interested in places that spoke volumes about our country’s history and heritage. So, I created an itinerary. Here is a detailed account of my trip, day by day.
DAY 1 of the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour
I started in Delhi, the capital of India. After I checked into one of the affordable hotels in Delhi and explored the city's cultural heritage, I set out on my first day. The following attractions were on my itinerary for Day 1:
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar fascinated me from the moment I was first introduced to it in school books. The five-story tower, which stands at 73 meters high, is the highest brick minaret in the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a magnificent monument in Indo-Islamic design and dates back to the 11 _-century. This historic tower contains the Iron Pillar as well as several other monuments and tombs.
● Timings from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
● Entry Fee:
Indian citizens - Rs30 per head
Children up to 15 years old are eligible for a free copy
Humayun’s Tomb
The tomb is an architectural marvel and another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital. It houses the mortal remains of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor. This garden-tomb is also known as Maqbara e Humayun and was the first to be constructed in India. This magnificent structure, which is inspired by Persian architecture, will amaze anyone who visits it.
● Timing 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
● Entry fees:
Indian Citizens - Rs 30
Children up to 15 years old are eligible for free entry
Video Filming - Rs 25
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple was designed to look like a lotus flower, true to its name. It is a Bahai house of worship, which welcomes all religions. The white marble temple was set against a lush green backdrop and is a sight to behold. Lotus Temple was built in 1986 at a staggering US$ 10,000,000. It is a stunning sight to behold!
● Timings:
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (in summers).
9:00 am to 5:30pm (in winters).
Closed Mondays
● Entry Fee Free
India Gate
The India Gate was my last stop of the day. This memorial commemorates the 70000 British Indian Army soldiers who died in the First World War. Amar Jawan Jyoti is another memorial that can be found under the archway, which measures 42 meters high. It was built in honor of those soldiers who died in the Liberation of Bangladesh War of 1971. The eternal flame burns here day and night.
● Timings: 24x7
● Entry Fee: No entry fee
There are plenty of restaurants and shops around Rajpath. I enjoyed a cup of coffee and spicy biriyani from Andhra Bhavan. I also purchased a few souvenirs on the streets. After a long day of sightseeing, I decided to retire for the night in my hotel room.
My second day was a great start to my tour. I checked out my hotel and headed towards Old Delhi to see some of the city's architectural gems and the famous Chandni Chowk area.
DAY 2 of the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour
Jama Masjid
It was worth the time I spent at the Jama Maqid in the morning. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, with a large courtyard that can hold more than 25000 people. Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor at a cost $1 million.
● Timings 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
● Entry Fee No entry
Red Fort
Next on my list was the iconic
Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is approximately one kilometer away from Jama Masjid. This historic fort was home to the Mughal Emperors of India for approximately 200 years. The 17 th-century fort covers 254 acres and houses many beautiful structures, including Mumtaz Mahal (Rang Mahal), Hira Mahals, Khas Mahals, Khas Mahals, Moti Masjid, and Hira Mahal.
● Timings from 09:30 to 04:30pm; closed Mondays
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs 35 Per Person
Raj Ghat
Next, I went to Raj Ghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. The memorial is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and is marked by a platform made of black marble that stands in the middle of a park. It is where Gandhiji was buried in 1948.
● Timings 6:30 am to 6:45 pm every day
● Entry Fee - Free
Chandni Chowk Market
I finally began to explore the Chandni Chowk Market area, which is the oldest, busiest and most lively part of Old Delhi. It can be a great experience to shop in this bustling wholesale market. It can be a great experience to shop in this busy wholesale market area.
● Timings 9:00 am to 8:00pm; closed Sundays
● Entry Fee: No Charge
After a late lunch at Paranthe Wali Gai, I continued my journey towards Agra via Yamuna Expressway. I arrived in Agra after a four-hour drive. I checked into the hotel I had booked for an overnight stay.
DAY 3 of the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour
As I walked out of my hotel room on the third morning, I felt beyond words. Here I was, about fulfilling a long-held dream to see the magnificent Taj Mahal in all its splendor! The day's sightseeing plan was
Taj Mahal
The rare jewel in India's architectural history, Taj Mahal has left me stunned. Shah Jahan built the ethereally beautiful monument in white marble as a tribute to Mumtaz Mahal (a Persian princess). The most famous example of Mughal craftsmanship, Taj Mahal is a universally beloved magnum opus. It's a tribute to love and forever lasting friendship. Book delhi to agra tour package by car.
● Timings from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 mins before sunset; Closed Fridays
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs. 40 per Person
Children up to 15 years old are eligible for free entry
● Book Hotels - Budget Hotels in Agra
Agra Fort
The fort was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16 th century and served as the main residence for the Mughal Emperors until 1638. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and boasts impressive structures such as the Diwan-i-Khas (Moti Masjid), Shish Mahal, Musamman Burj, Moti Masjid and Moti Masjid.
● Location: Rakabganj
● Timings from 06:00 to 06:00 PM; Closed Fridays
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs 20 Per Person
Foreign Nationals - Rs 300 per person
Children up to 15 years old are eligible for free entry
Fatehpur Sikri
It felt like I was being transported back in time when I stepped into Fatehpur Sikri. To put it mildly, the abandoned capital of Akbar’s Empire is an architectural treasure in its own right. It is a treasure trove of architectural gems, including Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid (yes there's another), the tombs of Sufi Saint Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and Birbal's House.
● Location - Agra
● Timings from 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM; Closed Fridays
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs. 40 per Person
Foreign nationals (SAARC, BIMSTEC and other countries) - Rs 40 per head
Foreign nationals (Others), Rs 550 per head
Children up to 15 years old are eligible for free entry
I felt a strong desire to return to these places as I drove from Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. I drove for about four hours to get away from the land of Mughal glory and into the vicinity of Rajputana architectural splendor, Jaipur, India's Pink City.
DAY 4 of the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour
After a restful night in one of Jaipur 's lovely hotels, I was ready to take in the sights and sounds of the Pink City. My Day 4 itinerary was a mix of interesting and mundane. Here's a quick overview of my itinerary for Day 4 in Jaipur.
City Palace
City Palace is a magnificent monument that represents the fusion of Rajput architectural style and Mughal architecture. The palace has many impressive structures, including Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, Maharani Palace, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, Govind Dev Ji Temple, as well as Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal. All of these structures reflect the grandeur and beauty of this palace.
● Location Jaleb Chowk
● Timing: from 09:30 to 05:00
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs 35 Per Person
Foreign Nationals - Rs 150 per person
Children - Rs 25 per person
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory, was built in 1734 by Sawai Jai Singh II. It is home to the largest stone-made sundial in the world. The observatory houses nineteen architectural astronomical instruments that date back to the 18 th centuries.
● Location: Kanwar Nagar
● Timing: from 09:30 to 04:30pm; every day
● Entry Fee: Rs 10. Per person
Hawa Mahal
The unique structure made of red and pink sandstone is Hawa Mahal. Its name is due to its cooling effect inside the chambers, which is caused by the breeze blowing in through the many small windows. The five-story pyramidal-shaped pyramidal building is five stories high and looks like a honeycomb hive. It dates back to 1799 and was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is one of Jaipur's most popular structures. The Hawa Mahal, which dates back to 1799, offers beautiful views of Jaipur's City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
● Location: Badi Choupad
● Timing: from 09:30 to 04:30
● Entry Fee Rs 5 Per Person
My day ended with a typical Rajasthani meal at a local restaurant. I returned to my hotel room to end my day.
DAY 5 of the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour
It was my last day on the Golden Triangle tour, and I had to return to Delhi to complete the Triangle. I couldn't leave Jaipur without seeing the Hawa Mahal, one of Jaipur's most iconic landmarks.
Amber Fort
The magnificent Amber Fort, which is perched on a hill, remains a testament to Rajput grandeur. It is composed of a magnificent palace complex. There are six main sections to the palace. Each section has its own courtyard and entrance gate. There are many vendors selling puppets and other Rajasthani artifacts inside the fort. I bought a pair of colorful puppets to decorate my bedroom wall as I write this.
● Location Devisinghpura
● Timings 09:30 - 04:30 p.m. Every day
● Entry Fee:
Indian Citizens - Rs 10 Per Person
Foreign Nationals - Rs 50 per person
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, one of Jaipur’s most majestic structures, overlooks the city. This fortress was strategically placed to defend the city from intruders. It also served as the hunting home of the former rulers. This is the best place to see the entire city.
● Location : Krishna Nagar
● Timings 09:30 - 04:30 p.m. Every day
● Entry Fee Rs 5 Per Person
After my visit to Jaipur, I made my way towards Delhi for the final leg of my incredible heritage journey. Before I returned home, I did some shopping at Connaught Place in Delhi, which is one of the most popular shopping areas in the capital.
Now that you're familiar with the Golden Triangle circuit, are you ready to go? Do not wait! Get started planning your trip immediately. We only regret the trips that we missed!
