Current as of: March 29, 2025 - 16:43
Golden Triangle Extension Trip Notes
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XBS
- Carbon Footprint: 50kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and discover northern India’s great cultural trio: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
Complete northern India’s Golden Triangle – the great backpacker route linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Whether you decide to go before or after your main adventure, this extension is the perfect way to experience the best of Rajasthan. Of course, you visit the magnificent Taj Mahal (at sunrise to catch it in the perfect light) and explore the riveting cities of Delhi and Jaipur. But you also take time to see lesser-known highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Chand Baori stepwell, providing a rounded insight into the three great cities of the Golden Triangle.
At a Glance
- 5 days from £649 per person (based on a shared room)
- Travel by car
- Accompanied by local sightseeing guides and a driver
- Single supplement from £165
- Compulsory solo traveller supplement from £335
Highlights
- Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
- See the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the most beautiful time to visit
- Wind through the back lanes of Jaipur on a rickshaw tour
- Visit the ancient Chand Baori stepwell – one of India’s lesser-known treasures
- Explore the Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri with a local guide
- Marvel at the imposing Red Fort of Akbar
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: There is a lot to see in the time, but everything is scheduled so it doesn’t feel too rushed. The heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming; that said, there are places where you can find peace, and this is one of the few places in the world from where you will return with great stories and 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 forewarn when work is taking place. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. If necessary, we reverse the itinerary to first go to Agra and then to Jaipur.
Journeys: There is quite a bit of driving involved. The drive to Jaipur may take between four to five hours. Road journeys can sometimes take longer due to traffic, national or religious holidays, or road damage after the monsoon.
Group
You are accompanied by English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing tours and drivers where needed, but there is no tour leader or group as such. Although some drivers may speak good English (and be keen to impart their local knowledge), they are not qualified guides and are not expected to do so.
Services may be shared with other Exodus clients if they have booked the extension on the same date as you.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Land Only Itinerary
Drive to Jaipur; visit the Abhaneri stepwell en route
Begin the journey to Jaipur after breakfast, a four to five-hour drive. Stop in the village of Abhaneri en route to visit the Chand Baori. One of India’s lesser-known wonders, this 1,000-year-old stepwell is one of the largest in the world, with 3,500 steps plunging 65ft (20m) into the ground.
Then transfer to Jaipur. Built in the late 18th century, this is a planned Moghul city of broad sandstone avenues, which were later painted pink. The evening is free for you to explore and relax.
Accommodation: Traditional Havali (or similar)
Sightseeing in Jaipur
Explore Jaipur in the local style, taking a rickshaw to the flower and vegetable markets and Govind Ji Temple, which sits inside the City Palace complex.
Out of the rickshaw, continue your exploration at the lakeside Amer Fort and 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.
Later, pick up some souvenirs and enjoy sightseeing with a walk in the local bazaars.
Accommodation: Traditional Havali (or similar)
To Agra; visit Fatehpur Sikri en route
Drive (approximately four hours) to Agra after breakfast. An hour before reaching Agra, stop to visit the Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri. This impressive, well‐preserved citadel served as Akbar’s capital from 1571. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience, are all of decorative red sandstone. The magnificence, however, only lasted 14 years; in 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving the city much as we see it today.
Here, we join a local guide for an exploration. Your driver helps to arrange this locally as the guides cannot be booked in advance. Please note, there have been instances where the guide has insisted visitors pay an offering in the shrine. There is no obligation to pay an offering, and it is fine to refrain from doing so.
In the evening, embark on a two-hour heritage walk around Agra. Your exploration visits both city landmarks, such as the Jama Masjid mosque, and the everyday wonders, such as a bridalwear workshop and Rawatpara spice market. It ends with views of the Taj Mahal.
Accommodation: Royal Regent Hotel (Golden Tulip) (or similar)
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal; Red Fort of Akbar; to Delhi
Head out early to reach the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the most beautiful time to visit. The Taj’s shining white marble walls, inlaid with semi‐precious stones, never fail to amaze a first-time visitor.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and then head back out to visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son, Aurangzeb.
Transfer (approximately four to five hours) back to Delhi in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure/Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)
End Delhi
Your Golden Triangle extension ends this morning. If you have an onward flight from Delhi today, a transfer to the airport is included. If you are joining your main trip, the tour leader contacts you with information about this evening’s welcome briefing.
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels
We stay in good quality hotels throughout. The hotels used may differ to those listed due to availability.
Your Delhi hotel is typically the same hotel as your main trip itinerary.
Worth knowing
- A compulsory solo supplement may be applicable. We need a minimum of two people to operate this extension, otherwise a sole traveller supplement is applied (this is in place of a single supplement, not in addition).
- Twin-share rooms are subject to availability. If no twin-share match is available, a compulsory single supplement is required until a twin share is available.
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.
Allow at least 2,600-4,350 Indian rupees (US$30-US$50) 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 350 rupees (approximately US$4).
Transport
Travel between cities and sites in a private vehicle (car or minibus, depending on how many people take part in the extension). You have the same driver for the whole trip.
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 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
Post-tour extension
Start: Delhi hotel
End: Delhi airport
A car collects you from your Delhi hotel in the early morning for the drive to Jaipur.
On the last day, a departure transfer to Delhi airport is included – if you have not booked flights through Exodus, please ensure you have supplied us with your flight details in advance.
Pre-tour extension
Start: Delhi airport
End: Delhi hotel
If you have not booked flights through Exodus, please ensure you have supplied us with your flight details in advance. An arrival transfer from Delhi airport to the hotel is included.
Your extension ends at the Delhi hotel in the evening and your main Exodus tour usually begins the same day.
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
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 backpack as they tend to be easier to manage on the move. However, recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage, as you are expected to carry your own luggage at times.
Additionally, out of respect to tradition, we recommend you pack clothes that cover the shoulders and go on or below the knee. This is particularly important when visiting temples and holy places.
Other important items include:
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Sandals
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Additional warm base layer, scarf (for winter departures)
- Water bottle
- Small backpack (for camera, water bottle etc)
Optional Equipment
- Light waterproof jacket
- Earplugs
- Money belt
Practical Information
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
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may 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.
You will also 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 travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly 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.
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.
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 British pounds 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 (handy cams), allow 665 rupees (approximately US$9) for these. Also allow at least 570 rupees (approximately US$8) per day for personal expenditures, such as soft drinks. There are endless shopping opportunities throughout this tour and we suggest you take money for souvenirs.
During your trip, it is likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and handicraft workshops. Guides often assume visitors want to shop, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your guide at the time.
Optional activities:
Jaipur/Agra
- Local cooking class: 42,000 rupees per person
Delhi
- Half-day city sightseeing: 7,700 rupees for one passenger, 900 rupees for each additional passenger (price includes private transfer, local guide, monument and rickshaw).
Explore the vibrant heart of Delhi with a day of sightseeing, first we visit the Red Fort, a World Heritage site showcasing Mughal grandeur. From here, head to the majestic Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Next, take a thrilling rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where the energy of Old Delhi unfolds before you. Visit the serene Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, offering peace and the chance to experience a free community meal. End your day with a visit to the peaceful Birla Mandir, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Tipping
Tipping is a part of Indian culture and usually expected. How much to tip, if at all, is a personal decision, but below is a guideline.
- Driver: 500 rupees per day
- Sightseeing guides in Agra and Jaipur: 500 rupees each
- Hotel porters: 50 rupees per person
- Restaurants: 10 percent (if a service charge is not included in the bill already)
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
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.