Experience The Magic Of Golden Triangle Circuit In India

Reading Time: 8 minutes

The Golden Triangle Circuit is bestowed with the best of what India has to offer. It has historical and culturally significant monuments that stand as a perfect example of India’s rich legacy. Also on display is the vibrant and colourful culture of the country. To completely relish the grandeur of India, a Golden Triangle Circuit is a definite must-do.

1. Historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Red Fort

Delhi is crowned with two UNESCO sites; the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. These two architectural marvels are truly the gems of Mughal architecture.

• The light and sound show at these monuments is very interesting and entertaining. It gives an overview of the history of the monument and the Mughal rule.
• Take a guided tour to know more about the rich history of the monuments.

Timings: Qutub Minar can be visited from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Humayun Tomb: 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

2. Lotus Temple, Delhi

Built in the shape of a lotus, this serene spot inspires you to sit back, meditate and contemplate.

• Take a guided tour to know more about this unique temple. One of the best things about this place is that irrespective of your religion, you can visit the site.
• Sit back, relax and meditate your stress away.

Timings: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. Make sure you adhere to the rules.

Entry fee: free

3. Akshardham Temple, Delhi

The Akshardham temple is a modern architectural marvel. This magnificent monument is dedicated to the Jain Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Akshardham is a magical gem in the Golden triangle circuit.

• The marble monument has delicate and intricate carvings which are a beautiful sight. The temple looks stunning when lit at night.
• There are different exhibitions and a musical fountain show to engage the visitors.

Timings: The temple is closed on Mondays, you can visit on other days between 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.

Entry Fee: Free admission to the temple, but you will have to pay if you want to view the exhibitions and various shows.

4. Jama Masjid, Delhi

The Jama Masjid, in Old Delhi, is one of the oldest mosques in the city. The magnificent monument is made of beautifully carved red stone. A trip to this architectural marvel is a must on your Golden Triangle holiday.

• Catch the evening prayers at the mosque to experience divinity.
• Scour the markets in Old Delhi for great bargains. Try the delicious local food at the stalls nearby.

Timings:  7.00 am – 12.00 pm and 1.30 pm – 6.30 pm, but you will not be allowed inside when the prayers are on.

Entry Fee: No entry fee, but in case you want to click some photographs, you will have to pay Rs 200/- and there is a separate fee if you want to climb the minarets.

5. Parliament House, Delhi

A trip to the Parliament is necessary if you are in Delhi. A monument of wonderful architectural creativity, the Parliament House is a circular colonnaded building. It houses the ministerial offices, committee rooms and a huge library.

• The colonial style structure has 144 columns and the front side is adorned with a beautiful garden.
• While you require special permission to visit the Parliament house, you can still see the historical building.

6. Taj Mahal, Agra

Your Golden Triangle tour is incomplete without a visit to this magical monument. Whenever it comes to describing the elegance of Taj Mahal, even a book can run short of pages. This phenomenal monument is one of the most dazzling charms in the Golden triangle circuit.

• An epitome of true love made by Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife.
• Catch a glimpse of the Taj in the night. It is a phenomenal sight.
• Take a boat ride on the River Yamuna and catch the sight of this pretty monument from there.

Timings: The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset. Closed on Fridays.

Entry Fee: For domestic visitors- Rs 40/-

Also Read: 10 Holiday Destinations In India For Families

7. Agra Fort, Agra- Must Visit On Your Golden Triangle Circuit Trip

With the backdrop of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is another World Heritage Site in the heritage city of Agra. The magnificent monument is another gem from the Mughal rule.

• Take a guided tour to know more about the rich history of this mega monument.
• Enjoy the exciting sound and light show which informs the visitors about the Mughal history and the monument.

Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee: Rs 20/- for domestic visitors.

8. Fatehpur Sikri

The 16th-century city, also known as the ‘City of Victory’, was built by Emperor Akbar. This UNESCO’s World Heritage Site showcases the intricate work and excellent architectural skills of the Mughal rulers. You should plan to discover this amazing place on your Golden triangle circuit.

• Shop at the Fatehpur local bazaar for some excellent handicrafts and collectables.
• Observe the intricate carved ‘Jali’ work of the Mughal period.
• While summers are hot and dry, best time visit this places is during monsoon and winters when the temperature is pleasant during the day and cold during the nights.

9. Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar, Agra

On any holiday, you should pick up souvenirs. Sadar and Kinnari Bazaars are one of the busiest and oldest marketplaces in Agra. These busy markets are in close proximity to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and the best place to buy some trinkets during your Golden triangle tour.

• Shop for beautiful handicrafts and durable leather items in Sadar Bazaar.
• You get stunning bridal wear and great jewellery at Kinnari Bazaar.
• Don’t forget to use your bargaining skills.

Timings: Kinnari Bazaar is open on all days except Sundays. And Sardar Bazaar opens up by 11.30 am and shops here close down by sunset.

10. Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Mausoleum, Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah and Chini Ka Rauza, Agra

Often overshadowed by the famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, these lesser-known monuments on the Golden Triangle circuit are equally beautiful and historically rich.

• Each of these architectural marvels has withstood the test of time and been around since the days of the Mughals.
• Walk through the pretty Mehtab Bagh garden and catch a beautiful sunset.

Timings: Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah also known as Baby Taj and can be visited between 6.00 am to 5.30 pm.

• Akbar’s Mausoleum is open from sunrise to sunset and you will need to pay Rs 20/- as entrance fee.
• Mehtab Bagh is open from 6 am to 7 pm; Chini Ka Rauza is also open from sunrise to sunset, every day.

11. City Palace, Jaipur

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the City Palace is known for its unique architecture, which is a mix of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. This stunning palace is the highlight of the Golden Triangle tour.
Beautiful and renowned palaces Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal are situated in this complex.
Explore the history of the Rajput era at the museum situated in the palace premises.

Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Entry fee: Rs 190/- for domestic citizens.

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Rajasthan For A Surreal Experience

12. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Must Visit On Your Golden Triangle Circuit Trip

Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal displays the true essence of the Rajputana architecture. The design of the palace is like a beehive, with lots of small windows or ‘Jharokhas’, to allow easy passage of air throughout the Mahal.
Shop at the markets near Hawa Mahal for great apparels, clothes, handicrafts and handlooms.
Being an excellent architectural marvel, the Hawa Mahal forms a mesmerising sight for photography lovers

Timings: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm

Entry fee: Rs 50/-

13. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

An epitome of Rajputana architecture, Nahargarh Fort literally means the ‘abode of tigers’. The beautiful is truly a beautiful gem in Jaipur’s cap. The majestic fort is unmissable on the Golden Triangle circuit.
The fort offers stunning views of the Jaipur city.
Don’t miss a beautiful sunset from the precincts of the fort.

Timings: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm

Entry fee: Rs 50/-

14. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Situated in the middle of a lake, Amber or Amer Fort is among one of the oldest fortresses of India. This charming architectural marvel displays the grand Rajputana architecture.
Houses iconic structures like Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam within the fort.
Situated in the middle of a lake, the sight of the fort standing tall between the shimmering water makes for a very pretty sight.

Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Entry fee: Rs 100/-

15. Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur

Johri Bazaar is a famous gemstones market located in the heart of Jaipur city. Bapu Bazaar nearby is renowned for clothes and handlooms. These old markets are truly shopper’s paradise on the Golden Triangle Tour.
Be it a blue or white sapphire, ruby or emerald every precious and even semi-precious stone is available at the Johari Bazaar. It is a one-stop destination for the dazzling gem lovers.
Bapu Bazaar is famous for clothes and handlooms. The wholesale market is popular for dresses and other items like bags, cosmetics and handlooms.

Timings: Johari Bazaar is open from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm

• Bapu Bazaar from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.