The multi-layered magic of India is right here in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – a trio of cities that’ll delight, infuriate, and amaze you, sometimes all at once. But forget the standard cookie-cutter Golden Triangle tours: we’ve got our ways to keep things fresh, so you won't be part of the pack in Rajasthan and beyond. We’ll let you in on our secrets, helping you dodge the crowds at the big hitters and guiding you to quieter paths.
Top Holidays in India's Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle with a Twist
Explore India's highlights: the iconic Taj Mahal, bustling Delhi, serene Udaipur, and tranquil heritage hotels, blending adventure and relaxation.
The Golden Triangle For Families
Tigers & Taj: The Real Highlights
See tigers in Ranthambore, the Taj Mahal at sunset, and relax in Goa's luxury. A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in India.
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£4,500pp
and include*:
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:
- International flights (if required)
- Guides, drivers & their tips
- Accommodation
- Specified meals & snacks
- Your immersive experiences
- Internal & regional transfers
*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:
Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452
A Note on Hygiene & Safety for Holidays in India's Golden Triangle
While the thought of exploring this glorious part of India is tempting, the potential hygiene and safety issues are less so. But don't fret. We’ve been there, done that, and will share all our top tips to help you avoid the dreaded 'Delhi belly' and more. Our trusty team in India will also make sure you feel secure throughout your luxury Golden Triangle trip and are always well looked after.
Best Places to Visit on a Holiday in India's Golden Triangle
As you'll have picked up, India’s Golden Triangle is made up of three cities: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. While we usually love to steer clear of the beaten path, these tourist hotspots are popular for all the right reasons: think rich culture, epic forts and palaces, exquisite arts and crafts, and – of course – the wondrous Taj Mahal.
Delhi is a sprawling mix of old and new: a bustling metrolpolis that surprises with beautiful green spaces amid the chaos.
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, a testament to love and artistry, as well as other Mughal monuments and the serene Chambal Valley lies nearby: a refreshing escape from the crowds.
Then there’s Jaipur, the Pink City, with its rose-hued sandstone buildings, buzzing morning markets, and streets filled with tuk-tuks and colourful saris. It’s a vibrant spot for art lovers and curious travellers alike. Dive into Jaipur’s cultural heritage by meeting local artisans and visiting architectural highlights like the majestic Amber Fort, the intricate City Palace, and the romantic Hawa Mahal, known for its honeycomb facade. Our Jaipur cycling tour allows you to see the city in a whole new light.
Best places to stay in India's Golden Triangle
One of the joys of exploring the Golden Triangle is experiencing some of the world’s finest hotels, where you’ll genuinely feel like royalty. Our ETG India experts know all the best places to stay in India, from the classic grand dames to hidden heritage hotels. Whether you’re after a pinch-me stay in a palace or would prefer a cosy, characterful homestay, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.
The Imperial, Delhi
Explore India's highlights: the iconic Taj Mahal, bustling Delhi, serene Udaipur, and tranquil heritage hotels, blending adventure and relaxation.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Shahpura Bagh, near Jaipur
Chambal Safari Lodge, near Agra
Dera Mandawa, Jaipur
The best times to go to the Golden Triangle, India
Generally, the best time to visit the Golden Triangle is from October to April, when the weather is comfortable. For fewer crowds and better deals, late summer can be a surprisingly good time to visit, as it's the off-season. Christmas is a popular choice with pleasant daytime weather (though evenings can be chilly, so pack layers), and Easter offers fantastic value with good opportunities for wildlife spotting.
However, it’s worth considering that it's wise to avoid Delhi and Agra in November due to heavy smog, and early January can be quite cold and misty in these areas. For wildlife enthusiasts, central India is best avoided from mid-December to mid-January as it can get very chilly and misty, affecting visibility for animal sightings.
For more detailed insights, check out seasonal guide to India.
Go beyond the Golden Triangle...
There’s so much more of this magnificent and beguiling country aching to be explored on a holiday in Rajasthan. For a dose of wildlife, head to Ranthambore National Park, perfectly placed between Agra and Jaipur. It’s one of India’s top spots for tiger sightings, with lush greenery, serene lakes, and dramatic valleys as your backdrop. If birdwatching is more your style, Keoladeo Ghana National Park near Bharatpur offers a peaceful escape west of Agra, brimming with diverse birdlife.
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Let us inspire you
~
Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
Experiences
Immersive ETG holiday experiences let you genuinely connect to the people and places you visit. You’ll learn as much about yourself as you do about them.
element
Sometimes you can know too much. Our holidays are specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, unexpected discoveries.
done right
Our B Corporation certification, commitment to sustainability and 'give back' philosophy mean you can always be sure that every step you take is light. Ethical, mindful, guilt-free travel - travel done right
luxury
A thread of luxury that ties everything together. From beautiful boutique hotels to top-quality transport, to exceptional levels of service - whatever luxury looks like to you… it’s yours
Holiday Inspiration
- By Area
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India
India
- Golden Triangle
- Rajasthan
- Golden Temple & Shimla
- Uttarakhand
- Kolkata, Sikkim & North East
- Goa
- Kerala & The South
- Varanasi, Lucknow & Madhya Pradesh
- Mumbai
- Andaman Islands
- Karnataka
- Hyderabad
- Tamil Nadu
Want to know more? With so much to see and do, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming - so our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India makes it that much easier. This is our experts’ edit of experiences and hotels, plus a detailed breakdown of popular regions and advice for first-time visitors.
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