India's Golden Triangle

Name: India's Golden Triangle
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (16 reviews)

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7 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 645

5.0/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIX

Carbon Footprint :

19.1kg CO2e per person per day

Enjoy a perfect introduction to the best of northern India

Discover the Golden Triangle – a classic route linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – on a pulsating tour that takes in world-famous landmarks, energetic cities and a culinary scene to rival any. This trip is an ideal introduction if you’re a first-time visitor or tight on time yet keen to immerse yourself in the best of northern India. You will, of course, visit the major landmarks, including a sunrise trip to the Taj Mahal, and the bustle of the must-see cities, but that’s well-balanced with time in the countryside, where you’ll see rural life steeped in traditional, simple living.

Highlights

Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
See the unforgettable Taj Mahal at sunrise, the most beautiful time to visit
Wind through the narrow streets of Old Delhi by rickshaw
Marvel at the Pink City of Jaipur
Experience village life outside the hustle of the big cities
Time travel with a stay in the Suroth Mahal, an 800-year-old heritage hotel

Key Information

Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels)
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private bus
Special festival departures for Holi and Diwali

Countries visited: India

What's Included

All breakfasts included
All accommodation
All transport
Entrances fees to monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary)
Jeep tour to local village
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

AIX - India’s Golden Triangle

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Delhi Delhi

The adventure begins in Delhi. The group flight will arrive into Delhi this morning and transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements, Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport. Please ensure you have provided your flight details to our customer operations team no later than 2 weeks prior to arrival.

In the afternoon (approximately 2pm), we embark on a city tour, beginning with New Delhi, where we visit the Unesco-listed Humayun’s Tomb: the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam.

We then drive past fine colonial buildings in New Delhi, 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. We return to the hotel for a free evening.

Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)

After breakfast, we see more of Delhi, starting outside the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) to learn more about the history of the building; if interested, you can enter the mosque (fees may be applicable).

From Jama Masjid, you will be guided through the narrow streets of the old Delhi markets by cycle rickshaw, finishing at Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India.

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

A very early start will be rewarded with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Moghul emperor Shah Jahan built the beautiful white-marble building in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor. A short drive onwards, 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 make our way to Suroth Mahal (approximately three to four hours’ drive), an impressive 600-year-old fort in the city of Hindaun. Tonight’s stay is in a former royal residence of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we take a 45 minute round trip by a camel cart ride to the local century old Hindu temple. This evening, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan during a captivating cooking demonstration at Suroth Mahal. A wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about Rajasthani cuisine as our skilled chef prepares local dishes while discussing the recipes and techniques involved.

Accommodation: Suroth Mahal, Heritage Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head out from our hotel on a gentle one hour walk to a 300-year-old village to meet the villagers and learn about their daily life. On the way we visit the local market (haat) and see the community going about their daily tasks, such as creating handicrafts or working in their fields. In the afternoon, after freshening up at your hotel, check out and drive to Jaipur (approximately four to five hours). The evening is free.

Accommodation: LilyPool – The Heritage Jal Mahal

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day exploring Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. 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.

Later, we visit the City Palace, once a Maharaja residence and now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is 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: LilyPool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Delhi this morning. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like more time to explore this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about booking post-tour accommodation.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.

However, you should 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.

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.

Please note, 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: Holi and Diwali

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.

Holi celebrations typically involve people throwing coloured powders and water at each other and smearing powder on each other’s faces. This tends to be done in local communities and families, so it is not always possible to be involved (though you may see the colourful results of this boisterous festival on the streets). During Holi, local monuments and markets will close, so departures in 2023 and 2024 over Holi will have a slight adjustment to the itinerary. In Jaipur, sightseeing will be limited, so where necessary we will included a cultural day to see local musicians and dancers perform; there may also be an opportunity to join in: playing with colours, dancing, and enjoying food and drinks. You can also purchase locally the traditional white kurta outfit to look the part and avoid getting your own clothes covered in the coloured powders.

During Diwali, the festival of lights to mark the start of the Hindu New Year, people may light up their houses and shops and sometimes celebrate on the streets with fireworks. Lasting up to five days, it is difficult for us to predict what will be going on in the areas we visit. Where something is happening, we will endeavour to see how we can witness the festivities.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

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. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers 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.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi

Vaccinations and Health

India

You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

You may also want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included in this trip.

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.

You should 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.

Weather

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.

TRIP

AIX - India’s Golden Triangle

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

City and heritage hotels

We stay in four cities on our Golden Triangle adventure: Delhi, Agra, Hindaun and Jaipur. See the accommodations typically used below.

Delhi: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (nights 1 and 6)

India’s Golden Triangle

This three-star property is in a commercial and residential area of Karol Bagh, conveniently located just five minutes from the metro station.

Agra: The Taj Vilas (night 2)

India’s Golden Triangle

Close to the Taj Mahal, this modern accommodation is ideally placed for our adventures in Agra. The 68 rooms and suites have an electronic panel to conserve energy, plus there’s a restaurant serving European and Indian dishes.

Hindaun: Suroth Mahal, Heritage Hotel (night 3)

India’s Golden Triangle

The Suroth Mahal takes over an 800-year-old building, offering 20 traditional rooms dressed in local decor and antiques. The dining experience encompasses dishes from Rajasthan, India and beyond.

Jaipur: LilyPool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (nights 4-5)

India’s Golden Triangle

Expect traditional hospitality and stylings at the LilyPool, which overlooks the Jal Mahal Palace and Man Sagar Lake. There are antiques and intricate decor throughout, plus an outdoor pool should you feel like a dip.

Worth knowing

Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
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 leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
For 2025 departures, the Jaipur accommodation (days 4 & 5) will be 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal

TRIP

AIX - India’s Golden Triangle

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Sarah Hibbert

Reviewed August 2024

A great week in India

Just got back from India, and a few things really stood out: seeing the Taj Mahal up close was just incredible. I also ate so much delicious Indian food—each meal was a highlight on its own. And our local leader, Ajay, was fantastic; his sense of humor and all the interesting cultural insights he shared added so much to the experience.

LUCINDA DEACON

Jacqueline N

Reviewed 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

Julian P

Reviewed November 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

Grant B

Reviewed November 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

Read All Reviews

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

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India's Golden Triangle

5.0/5 from

7 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 645

India's Golden Triangle

Enjoy a perfect introduction to the best of northern India

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Delhi Delhi

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

India

Passport

Visa

India

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

City and heritage hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Sarah Puttnam

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

A great week in India

Full on tour of main sights in the north

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

India's Golden Triangle

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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