What Is India's Golden Triangle?

The Golden Triangle refers to India's three popular tourist spots: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The Golden Triangle of India refers to the Indian cities of New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The three cities in northwest India are the most visited in the country. A network of roads and rail connects them. They are known as the golden triangle because they form an almost equilateral triangle on the map and host a large number of tourist attractions. The distance between the three cities is between 125-155 miles. Most tour operators in the country offer packages that include the three cities starting from the capital New Delhi, southwards to Agra, and then westwards to Jaipur.

3. Delhi

The city of Delhi includes New Delhi and Old Delhi. The former was inaugurated as the capital of India in 1931 by the British and remained the capital after independence. New Delhi is the seat of the government. Visitors to the city are treated to a city with two worlds, New Delhi to the west is a modern city with architecturally modern infrastructure unlike Old Delhi, which is more conservative and features ancient building and holds most of the city’s history. The city is a shopping and delicacy paradise. Tourists are treated to some of India’s best products while enjoying the best food delicacies. Tourist attractions in the city include the Red Fort that was built in 1648 and hosted the government until 1857. The stunning red structure has a wall that extends for about 1.25 miles. The tallest minaret in the country, the Qutub Minar, is also a major tourist attraction. The tower rises to about 230 feet. It is covered in carving depicting the history of Qutub. Others include the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, The Lotus Temple, India Gate, Jama Masjid, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory among many more.

2. Agra

Both Indians and foreigners love the city of Agra. It is home to the Taj Mahal; one of the seven wonders of the world. Every year thousands of visitors throng the city to admire the ancient building, culture, and enjoy the cuisine. Although the Taj Mahal is the renowned feature in the city, there are many more attractions. The city has a rich history that elaborates a lot of Indian culture during from the Mahabharata to the Mughal Dynasty. The Agra Fort represents one of the most fortified forts of the Mughal dynasty. It was built as a military fort in 1565 before it was turned into a palace. The Mehtab Bagh complex sits across the Taj Mahal. The garden acts as a prerequisite to the mausoleum where tourists take pictures with the Taj Mahal in the background. The Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah was the first tomb to be constructed from white marble instead of the typical red sandstone. Its design resembles the Taj Mahal, a feature that has earned it the title of the “baby Taj”.

1. Jaipur

Jaipur is inarguably the treasure trove of the Rajasthan state. The city reflects the rich architecture, history, and culture of the state. The fact that the city is a blend of modern and old fusion makes it more interesting. The presence of heritage hotels and boutiques, malls, and high-end shopping facilities make it a suitable destination for a luxury vacation. The ancient architecture in the city dates back to the Rajput era. Each temple, palace, and the fort are skillfully crafted and painted with colors that delight visitors. The forts and palaces are the city’s main attractions; they include Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, and Nahargarh Fort. A trip to the city will not be complete without buying camel leather goods, handcrafted items, carpets, and dresses.