The Golden Triangle (India)

The Golden Triangle in India refers to a tourism itinerary that includes the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur along with detours to the abandoned medieval city of Fatehpur Sikri and the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur.

Understand

This classic journey covers a lot of the grand tales of Indian history, with many major landmarks and sights to behold.

Prepare

Hindi is the most widely and commonly used language here. Though English isn't a problem at all, almost any local can understand English, and getting French, German or even Japanese guides at hotels at this region of India is not a problem.

Here, your staying will accustom you for learning a bit of Hindi words. Say 'Namaste' or 'Namaskaar' to any person as a sign of greeting (equivalent to Hello).

The rates for all the monuments (entry fee, camera fee, guide fee) are different for Indian and foreign tourists. There are government guides at all major tourist spots. But for tourists, there are audio guides (headphones for tourists with automated narration of what you see by using a Walkman/MP3 player or similar gadget).

Get in

The 3 cities of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur all have International airports, but it's better to start from Delhi itself. Please refer individual cities for more details about airports.

Go/Walk/Drive/...

A week's journey for Golden triangle would seem perfect to cover everything. India is a land of temples, you can see temples that range from few yards to acres. While inside the temples, take off your shoes and turn off your cell-phone. Bringing single dollar bills to offer in temples when "pooja" plate is shown to you is appreciable. Learn the local phrases for addressing people to begin a conversation and people will surely come out of their way to help you.

The easiest way to do this trip is to rent a car with a driver in Delhi. Depending on the duration of the trip, a car with a driver will set you back about ₹8,000 ($150) to ₹15,000 ($300). Cars can be easily rented in Delhi (ask at your hotel or inquire online at a travel website like makemytrip.com) either for a flat fee up front or for a per day charge plus a per kilometer charge. You also need to take care of the driver, about $50 for each meal and most tourist hotels will provide dormitory accommodation and food for drivers for a small fee ($100 - $200).

Delhi

Delhi is the natural starting point for the golden triangle. It is a major transport hub in India and is served by many international airlines with nonstop flights from most major European and Asian cities, as well as from New York and Chicago in the United States. It is well connected by air as well as rail with the rest of India. The country's capital, has the best monuments, structures, and places of great interest in India. This consists of the well-planned New Delhi, and the older section (Delhi or Old Delhi). 2 days in Delhi would make Delhi city traversed by tourists at the best.

Delhi is synonymous with Mughlai and Frontier Cuisine. The best of Mughlai cuisine can be enjoyed at Karim, (both in Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin) where the recipes, dating from the times of the Mughals have been the closely guarded secrets of generations of chefs.

Agra

Agra is famous for snacks and sweets like Dalmoth and Petha, for which the most recognized area is Kinari Bazar.

Jaipur

Dal bati churma is a popular delicacy usually served with baatis and dal. A variety of rotis are also available: Bajre ki roti, makki ki roti, jau-channa ki roti, besan ki roti, paratha, puri, methi puri, rumali roti, kachori and samosa.

Kalakand is one of the most popular traditional sweets from Rajasthan. Famous after its originating place ‘Alwar’ this is become commonly known as Alwar´s kalakand (milk cake), which tempts everybody with its rich aroma. Ghewar is another delicious Jaipuri sweet, and also popular elsewhere.

Stay safe

Check out local pubs and funky nightclubs to get a hang of the city's nightlife after a day of sightseeing tour. These places serve a tantalizing array of international liquor and you will surely be returning drunk, take your driver or friends along to drive you back safe. Tipping is a matter of personal choice and not at all a compulsion; tip only when happy with the services.

Do not accept any type of food from strangers while traveling by trains or buses regardless of how well dressed the person offering you the food may be. Always buy water bottles from a reputable store, many drug stores also sell water bottles. In case you are unable to buy a proper water bottle and really need a drink then it may be a better option to go for a soft drink.

When buying Pepsi or Coca Cola, if possible purchase the drinks in a can rather than a bottle. Refilling of old bottles by some small time crooks is common. Purchase food and drinks from proper shops.

When traveling on trains and buses try not use your laptop. It is always prudent to avoid displaying valuable items in public.

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Related: India