Planning a trip and Itinerary throughout the country India massive country can be difficult. What’s worth the visit? What’s safe? Can I navigate on my own?
As an a women and traveling with my grandmother safety, simplicity, and of course, looking cute were our top priorities when it came to India.We picked to visit the Golden Triangle.The Golden Triangle of India is a popular tourist circuit that connects three major cities in northern India: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.The name “Golden Triangle” comes from the triangular shape formed by these three cities on the map.
Here is my full Itinerary that offers a well-rounded experience, with a solid mix of historical and cultural highlights that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of northern India.
– Day One –
Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is one of the biggest airports in India and in the center of the country itself. You’ll want to go through customs, get your bags and then head to your hotel/hostel of choice.
Customs took about an hour to get through here.
I suggest resting for the remainder of the day and taking the time to adjust to the time zone and if you’re up for it, take a small outing to dinner.
– Day Two –
Spend the morning exploring a mix of old and new Delhi, and visit Old Delhi to see Jama Masjid. Then go experience local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on a Rickshaw. Make sure to stock up on teas, spices, and more as this is easily one of the best Bazaars in the Golden Triangle.
Pay a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and stroll through the gardens surrounding the monument. This doesn’t take very long but was fun to explore.
Pass by Red Fort before driving to New Delhi for Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in the world made up of bricks. Check out the surrounding ruins, gardens, and one of the oldest mosques in all of India the The Quwwat-ul-Islam.
Continue to Humayun Tomb, which is significant as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations and even inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Drive along the city landmark of India Gate, and the President’s House, I found that getting out to see these two spots was very difficult especially when it came it parking, traffic, etc. But a drive-by is definitely worthy.
– Day Three –
Travel to Jaipur; for this, we hired a private driver because of the length of the drive and for safety reasons.
As two women we tried to make as many pre-planned arrangements as possible especially when it came to longer-distance travel.
– Day Four –
Start by heading to the hillside entrance of Amer Fort; here you will have to decide if you will walk, ride an elephant (yes I’m being fr) or a jeep if you want to pre book that. We went with a jeep just because it’s a VERY long hike up but you can do it and locals do it. It also made me feel like Indiana Jones.
Perched atop the Aravalli hills, the Amer Fort offers panoramic views of Jaipur and houses a series of stunning palaces, courtyards, and intricate architecture.
Inside visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) Its walls and ceilings are adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors and intricate glasswork, reflecting and scattering light, Then head to the Maharaja City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory
At first, I was uninterested in the observatory BUT then I learned that Jantar Mantar is home to the Samrat Yantra, also known as the Sundial, which is the largest sundial in the world. It is also home to 12 astrology-predicting sundials.
The City palace itself is also a must-see as it is a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architecture. The palace holds cultural significance in history and tradition. Today, the City Palace remains a vibrant center, not only preserving Rajasthan’s heritage but also showcasing it to the world.
There are two different kinds of tickets that can be purchased that allow you to see different parts of the palace! We went with the most basic ticket but I definitely regret not seeing the rest of the floors and palace.
Then drive past/ or walk past the Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds, which is a popular photo stop and probably the first thing that comes up on Google when you search Jaipur. This is right along a busy street on the far side of the city palace and isn’t the easiest to see but there are a few cafes with roof top decks where you can get a better view.
– Day Five –
Travel over to Agra (approx. 5 hours) with your driver/bus/taxi stopping at the Abhaneri Step Well. There is also a large collection of artifacts on display to look at as well as other ruins across the street. Depending on the time you visit they do have a cash only entrance fee. Beware of the scammer tour guides that are crawling all over this site, they are very pushy and this is one of the few places I felt unsafe.
Next stop at Fatehpur Sikri the former royal city and capital of the Emperor of Akbar. This palace is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture at the height of their rule. Fatehpur Sikri was easily one of the most fascinating palaces and I highly suggest booking a guide for this monument.
– Day Six –
Wake up early for a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which is the best time to visit this Wonder of the World. Spend a few hours exploring, and taking in the entirety of the Taj In. And then head back to your hotel for breakfast and to freshen up
Later in the Afternoon visit Agra Fort and the Itmad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj). Itmad-ud-daulah is both a tomb and a mughal mausoleum dedicated to a a former Mughal official’s wife. Her father was an exiled Persian leader, he built the structure in both a Mughal and Persian style with inlayed gems, paintings and unique stonework.
End this day with the Taj Mahal sunset view at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden). This was hands down the best view of the Taj Mahal that we saw during our entire trip definitely do NOT skip it even if you are exhausted.
- note the Taj Mahal is an active mosque and is closed on Fridays so be wary when picking dates.
– Day Seven –
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. From Agra to Delhi, it’s about a 3.5-4 hours drive. Again we arranged a private car to take us on this longer trip for safety reasons!
– Day Eight –
Pack up and fly home 🙁
I’ll see you
