Current as of: February 22, 2025 - 16:48
India's Golden Triangle Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AIX
- Carbon Footprint: 19.1kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Enjoy a perfect introduction to the best of northern India: bustling Delhi, the Taj Mahal and pink Jaipur
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, but also take in lesser-known marvels, including a stay in a 600-year-old royal residence.
At a Glance
- 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
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
- See the Pink City of Jaipur wake on a dawn walking tour
- Experience village life outside the hustle of the big cities
- Time travel with a stay in the Suroth Mahal, a 600-year-old heritage hotel
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.
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
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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Flights usually depart London in the evening.
Arrive in Delhi, afternoon sightseeing
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)
Morning tour of Old Delhi and drive to Agra
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)
Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort. Drive to Hinduan for an evening cooking demonstration
A very early start is 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)
Local market and village walk. Drive to Jaipur
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: Hotel 7 Apple (or similar)
Explore Jaipur
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.
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 markets and small temples. We can also interact with different artisan communities, while also sampling local food and drink.
Returning to the hotel for breakfast and some time to freshen up, 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.
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)
Drive to Delhi
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)
Departure from Delhi
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.
End Delhi
The tour ends after breakfast. We take a morning transfer to Delhi International Airport for the flight to our onward destination.
Accommodation
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)
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)
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)
The Suroth Mahal takes over a 600-year-old building, offering 20 traditional rooms dressed in local decor and antiques. The dining experience encompasses dishes from Rajasthan, India and beyond.
Jaipur: Hotel 7 Apple (nights 4-5)
The 7 Apple sits directly across from Jal Mahal Lake in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Recently refurbished, it has modern and bright rooms with lake or Nahargarh Hill views.
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 tour leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
Single supplement from CAD 418
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.
Transport
We use private air-conditioned minibus for our journey.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Torch
- Trainers/walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Additional warm base layer, scarf, gloves (for winter departures)
- Water bottle
Clothing for both men and women should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests, tight-fitting trousers, short skirts and shorts are not recommended.
It doesn’t matter what type of bag or case you use on this trip although it is preferable to use a soft holdall (with wheels if necessary) or rucksack/travel sack as they tend to be easier to manage on the overnight trains.
You should also bring a small day bag for your valuable items.
We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Please remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage at times, so don’t overload yourself.
Optional Equipment
- Light waterproof
- Earplugs
- Money belt
- Travel pillow
Face mask: air pollution is high in Delhi during November (but also occasionally at the end of October and beginning of December)
Prohibited items to travel with in India
- The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
- Satellite communications devices, for example (but not exclusively) Garmin inReach or any other brand GPS tracking device, are illegal in India without a license. Please do not bring them with you.
Practical 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, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
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.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available throughout the trip (Visa and MasterCard are best). You can also pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India.
Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they put a block on your card.
Please note, you should not rely on cards all the time, so bring US dollars or pound sterling with you too. Money change facilities are available on arrival at Delhi Airport; though exchange rates may be better in central Delhi. You can also change US dollars and pounds in Jaipur and Agra.
Extra Expenses & 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 as stamps, postcards and 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.
Entrance fee for Jama Masjid (Day 2): 300 rupees (approximately US$4)
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 jam packed itinerary but there are some optional activities available as outlined below.
Delhi:
- Day 6 – Qutab Minar 3hr tour: approximately 2,500-6,500 rupees (US$30-US$78) per person (depending on the group size)
Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73m-high towers of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys and, at the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A Seven metre-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque; it is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. Price includes transportation, local guide, tipping, and monument entrance.
- 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. It can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, sightseeing guides, bus drivers and other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually in the region of 2,000 rupees (approximately US$26) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).
For departures that travel during Holi Festival (25 March 2024 & 14 March 2025) your Leader will look to arrange some activities for you to enjoy and join in with the festivities. There will be a small supplement between 600 – 1600 rupees (approximately US$7-20) per person which is usually deducted from the Kitty. Price depends upon the location and festival inclusions for Holi celebration.
At any time during the trip, your leader will be happy to show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. Please note, for smaller groups the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.
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 (USD$6) per person per day would be appreciated.
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.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.