Golden Triangle of India

The Delhi–Agra–Jaipur triangle: the Taj Mahal, Mughal forts and Rajasthan's Pink City, all in one trip.

India's Golden Triangle is a classic tourist route made up of three cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. They lie 200–260 km apart and form a triangle on the map, making this the most common itinerary for first-time visitors to India. Delhi has Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and the Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi. In Agra, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, as well as the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri nearby, are peaks of Mughal architecture. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the "Pink City", with the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. A common extension is Ranthambore National Park, south of Jaipur, to see Bengal tigers, or continuing west to Udaipur and Jodhpur for a longer Rajasthan trip. The basic itinerary takes 5–7 days, with 2 more days if you add Ranthambore. Expressways link the three cities, and a hired car is the easiest option; from Delhi to Agra you can take a fast train such as the Gatimaan Express in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and sunrise is the least crowded time. Beware of touts, fake guides and food hygiene, and women should dress conservatively.

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