Plan an Unforgettable Trek Through India’s Golden Triangle

Ready to get started? Use this sample itinerary for a few travel ideas.

Delhi

Begin your trip in this cultural center for an inside look at the area’s rich history. If you want to get a feel for the local lifestyle before trekking toward the historical sites, grab a quick kathi lunch at Khan Chacha, and then browse the Khan Market for local music, home goods and accessories. Finish your first day with a cocktail at Cheri, or get into the local speakeasy scene at Cocktails & Dreams.

Wake up early the next day to get a head start on exploring Delhi’s icons. Browse through India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhaven, and then make your way to Old Delhi to brave the 17th-century streets of Shahjahanabad. Still have some energy left? Browse the Khari Baoli spice market, and pay a visit to the Shah Jehan-designed Red Fort.

Agra

Of course, no Golden Triangle trek would be complete without a trip to Agra. You’ll want to spend most of your time exploring the magnificent Taj Mahal, but save a few hours — or an entire day — for adjacent sights like the Mehtab Bagh gardens, the Kailash and Rajeshwar temples and the bustling U.P. Handicraft & Handloom Center.

Hungry for an authentic taste of Agra? Unwind at the Kamat Hotel’s rooftop restaurant or settle in for a cocktail at the Terrace Grill. Don’t forget to bring your credit card; you might just get some benefits for cardmembers that let you earn points on these experiences.

Jaipur

If you’re short on time and can’t spend weeks exploring Ranthambhore, Udaipur and Jodhpur, the best place to end your Golden Triangle circuit is in the thriving city of Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, this historic destination is famous for its forts, temples and sandstone buildings. Spend the first few hours getting acclimated to the area by exploring the Bapu and Johari bazaars, and then pop into Rawat Misthan Bhandar for a taste of the iconic pyaz ki kachori onion dish. Have a little extra time? Stop here, and head back to the hotel to relax before your last full day of sightseeing.

Once you’re ready to take in the sights, start just north of town at the Amber Fort to get a look at this fortress-palace and some unforgettable views of the surrounding gorge. Then, come back to the city center to wander through the intricately decorated Hawa Mahal and the 17th-century Jai Singh Observatory. Finally, bid farewell to the Golden Triangle with a self-guided tour of the majestic City Palace, and then drive back to Delhi for one last overnight stay. The trip may be over, but the memories will last forever.

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