Golden Triangle Holidays

Golden Triangle

Northern India is one of the most rewarding areas of the world to visit and the Golden Triangle its jewel in the crown. Incorporating some of the country’s most famous sites, this is a small but irresistible region of bewitching charm and hospitality, colourful traditions, bustling cities and historic buildings – in many ways the essence of India and the perfect introduction for the first-time visitor to the country.

Spanning the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and including the capital Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, Pink City of Jaipur and the renowned tiger reserve of Ranthambore, the Golden Triangle boasts a plethora of UNESCO protected sites and is awash with temples, mosques, bazaars, Mughal tombs, colonial-era buildings, ancient forts and beautiful havelis.

Explore Delhi, part atmospheric 17th century Mughal city, part imposing colonial capital, then travel to Agra home of the immortal Taj, Agra Fort and charming Itimad-ud-Daulah, better known as the ‘Baby Taj’. Forming the third point of this triangle is Jaipur, capital of the regal state of Rajasthan, famed as the ’Pink City’ and noted for its magnificent forts and palaces. A number of places can easily be incorporated into a Golden Triangle holiday – a popular addition is Ranthambore National Park, an acclaimed tiger reserve – and the region also links seamlessly with the ancestral homes and desert cities of Rajasthan.

Holiday Ideas for the Golden Triangle

8 DAYS

The Golden Triangle Tour – An Introduction to India

from £2650 - £3600
per person

Lady in traditional Indian dress, Taj Mahal, India

15 DAYS

Golden Triangle and Beyond

from £3530
per person

12 DAYS

Taj Mahal and Tigers Tour – A Family Adventure in North India

from £3750 - £4650
per person

8 DAYS

Indian Summer in Luxury with Oberoi Hotels

from £2590
per person

Start Planning Your Holiday

When to visit the Golden Triangle

Straddling the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and home to some of northern India’s most vibrant cities and historical sites, the Golden Triangle region can be visited throughout the year. Generally, however, it is considered that the Golden Triangle is best visited between October and March when the weather is settled with a minimal risk of rain and more comfortable temperatures – although it is worth bearing in mind that temperatures do steadily increase as this main travel season progresses. Evenings can be surprisingly cool during the months of December and January and there is also an occasional risk of morning fog as well. Two of India’s most popular festivals – Diwali in October and Holi in March – are a further highlight for travelling during this period. April and May herald a considerable rise in temperatures and, although hot, this pre-monsoon period is one of the best times to head to Ranthambore National Park where parched foliage and scarcity of water result in increased wildlife sightings. The monsoon usually breaks in June and lasts until September. Temperatures and humidity remain high with short, sharp and sporadic showers. A popular time to travel with families, the monsoon months see fewer tourists and competitive prices.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is quintessential India and a region that best encapsulates how people think of, and imagine, the country as a whole. Vibrant, colourful, energetic and eye-opening in equal measure, the Golden Triangle boasts some of India’s principal attractions and is a perfect introduction for the first-time visitor to the subcontinent. Highlights of a Golden Triangle holiday include the Indian capital Delhi, a city with two distinct characters formed of the historic district of Old Delhi with its grand mosques, bustling markets and medieval monuments and New Delhi which was constructed as a colonial capital during the 1930s and remains the centre of political power in the country. Agra is easily reached from Delhi – travel by express train to experience the railway or go by road to include a stop in Sikandra, site of the Emperor Akbar’s tomb. Agra was once one of India’s grandest cities and the historic buildings here are some of finest in Asia with the world-famous Taj Mahal undeniably the city’s jewel. From Agra it is a morning’s drive to the picturesque ‘pink city’ of Jaipur with its bazaars, palaces and forts, however, it is also possible to break this journey with a two-night stay at Ranthambore National Park which, amongst a whole host of animal and bird life, supports a healthy tiger population. For those wishing to extend their time in India further, the cities of Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai can easily be incorporated.