India's Golden Triangle
Experience Overview
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.
Profile
— 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
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
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 Description
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.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
We use private air-conditioned minibus for transfers.
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.
Weather Information
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.
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.
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
Trip Details
Product Code: 4116
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: journey.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AIX
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts included — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
City hotels and a one-time royal palaceWe 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,325 ($189 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
LUCINDA DEACON - Traveled, February 2024
Full on tour of main sights in the north Its an excellent introduction to the wonderful sights, smells and colours of India. Most Inspirational Moment I enjoyed our stay in the village, staying in a heritage hotel and it felt like the real India. I loved the food . Thoughts on Group Leader Vivek is an excellent tour leader going out of his way to make sure we all enjoyed our trip. Advice for Potential Travellers This is a full on tour with quite a bit of driving, but there is so much to see from the minibus. Suggestions I would have preferred not to do the organised trips to the marble factory, jewellery shop and carpet shop. I would have preferred to visit more local markets.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Lydia C - Traveled, November 2023
India's Golden Triangle “Booking process was good with right amount of communication before we travelled. Tour leader was very good and friendly. Good way to see the golden triangle in a short space of time. “ Most Inspirational Moment Taj Mahal Thoughts on Group Leader Naveen helped make this a memorable trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Abigail D - Traveled, December 2023
India's Golden Triangle Fabulous organisation and communication and a wonderful guide. Most Inspirational Moment The palace at South. Thoughts on Group Leader Naveen was excellent and went above and beyond
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Leica B - Traveled, October 2023
India's Golden Triangle Our guide in India was fabulous. Good option of tours and price. Most Inspirational Moment The Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at dawn. Thoughts on Group Leader He was wonderful. He managed to make being superbly well-organised look effortless and was completely unruffled by any situation. The whole group got on well with him (and each other). It was a memorable and very happy experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Leica B - Traveled, November 2023
India's Golden Triangle Florence Inn could have been cleaner. Floor in the very very small double room was dirty under foot. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting a local school, Agra fort, restaurants our guide Vivek took us to. Thoughts on Group Leader Very patient and calm nature much appreciated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Jacqueline N - Traveled, November 2023
India's Golden Triangle Well organised trip, great itinerary. As a single female traveller, I felt safe and any concerns were addressed immediately. Amazon travel rep. Would definitely recommend to friends. I have already got another trip booked for November and thinking of booking another early next year. Most Inspirational Moment Culture Taj Mahal Group experience Thoughts on Group Leader Could not have been any better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Julian P - Traveled, October 2023
India's Golden Triangle We had a wonderful time, packing in an enormous amount in such a short visit. It was clear the organisers had anticipated every step so it went very smoothly. Most Inspirational Moment The Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at dawn. Thoughts on Group Leader He was wonderful. He managed to make being superbly well-organised look effortless and was completely unruffled by any situation. The whole group got on well with him (and each other). It was a memorable and very happy experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Jacqueline N - Traveled, November 2023
India's Golden Triangle Well organised trip with an excellent, knowledgeable tour guide. Our driver kept us safe on the chaotic roads. Most Inspirational Moment "Culture Taj Mahal Group experience " Thoughts on Group Leader Could not have been any better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Grant B - Traveled, October 2023
India's Golden Triangle Everything great apart from the last nights accommodation which was a bit of a let down. Jaipur section was also just a little rushed, but understand the travel distance etc. Most Inspirational Moment Taj Mahal, the food choices were excellent Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent guide and a really nice guy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Susan W - Traveled, October 2023
India's Golden Triangle Loved the very full itinerary. Felt safe within the group and so was able to see sights that I would never have dreamt of visiting solo. Most Inspirational Moment Taj Mahal and Amer Fort. Rickshaw ride and visit to the village. Thoughts on Group Leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Andrea L - Traveled, November 2023
India's Golden Triangle Every aspect was brilliant from the information ahead of the trip, the local guides and the programme of events. I felt as thought I had 3 weeks of interesting experiences packed into 1. Excellent. Most Inspirational Moment I loved meeting the villagers in Suroth riding on the back of the camel cart and the Maharaja's palace with the wresting and guide by the son. Also the Taj Mahal. However, every expedition was excellent and smoothly arranged. Thoughts on Group Leader Naveen was an excellent leader. Everything was smooth. He was easy to understand and always had time to answer questions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
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