India's Golden Triangle
A fast, fun, action-filled intro to North India
Trace India’s famous Golden Triangle on this eight-day trip of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Explore the icons and discover local spots in the perfect introduction to the diverse northern region of India. Begin in thriving Delhi and explore the city by rickshaw and metro. Travel to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur to see historic architecture and the 18th-century observatory. Get some respite with a rural heritage stay, then head to Agra to tick the iconic Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) off your list. Before you know it, you’re back in Delhi, ordering chaat like a pro and toasting a chai to an incredible adventure.
4.9
732 reviewsStart: Delhi, India
End: Delhi, India
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Experience the character of Old Delhi on a rickshaw and walking tour, weaving through the narrow alleyways and exploring Delhi’s oldest mosque.
- See the Taj Mahal up close and wonder at the intricate optical illusions that decorate the marble on this masterpiece of Indian architecture.
- Tour the spectacular hillside Amber Fort and wonder at the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where the walls are covered in a mosaic of reflective and coloured glass.
- Take a break from bustling cities in rural Rajasthan, where you can catch your breath and spend the night in the faded opulence of your heritage stay.
- Explore several of India’s must-see sights in just a week – this itinerary is perfect for people short on time, with long travel days kept to a minimum.
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – India’s thriving capital city – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with hours (or days) to spare, consider heading out on your own, maybe to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb. If you’ve got the time, explore some Delhi sights and join in on an Urban Adventure. After the welcome meeting, maybe head out for an optional meal with your group at a local restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR650
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR650
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
To book an Urban Adventure before you meet your trip leader, go to https://www.urbanadventures.com/
Join your local leader on an excursion through Old Delhi. Ride the city’s metro system, then hop in a rickshaw to the busy marketplaces of Chandni Chowk. See the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, before learning about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara. Ask your trip leader for their recommendation on where to go for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
Drive into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’. Take your time to explore this busy city filled with palaces and bazaars selling everything from jewellery and textiles to tea and spices. You might like to stop by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Later, discover one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning, you might want to take an optional early morning hot air balloon experience. Cruising through the air overlooking the countryside is often a highlight of visiting Jaipur. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD290
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 1 hour. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your trip leader at your welcome meeting on Day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
Leave the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur behind and drive to the Lotwara Village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. This town, founded in the 17th century retains its traditional temples and is known as the ‘Peacock Town’ of Rajasthan due to the dense population of peacocks. Take a guided walk around the Old Quarter, learning about rural Indian life off the tourist trail. Be sure to visit the local stalls along the way and sample seasonal local sweets made from Indian ingredients, including petha (pumpkin), jaggery (organic sugar) and gazak (sesame seeds). Tonight, you’ll stay in a restored heritage property where dinner is included.
- Heritage Property (1 night)
- Dinner
- Lotwara - Village Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
On the journey to Agra, stop at the one-time capital of the Mughal empire, Fatehpur Sikri. Its stunning mosque displays both Persian and Hindu designs and is secured by a 54-m-high entrance. Once in Agra, you have the option to visit the marble tomb that was saved for the greatest of the Mughal Emperors – Akbar's Mausoleum. End your day at the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this opulent monument was built in the 1640s as a memorial to Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
In the morning, take a guided tour along the banks of the Yamuna River to the iconic Agra Fort. Originally designed by Emperor Akbar in 1565 to be a military structure, it was converted into a palace during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign and later became his prison. You might like to stop for lunch at Sheroes Hangout – a vegetarian and vegan cafe and social enterprise providing employment and opportunities for victims of acid attacks. In the early afternoon, journey back to Delhi by private bus, arriving back at the hotel with enough time to freshen up and decide where to enjoy one final dinner with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Sheroes Cafe Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time, but if you have more time to explore the south of India. You might like to check out South India Highlights.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Inclusions and activities
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, Shuttle bus, Cycle rickshaw, Auto rickshaw, Metro
Hotel (6 nights), Heritage Property (1 night)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Lotwara - Village Walk
- Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Sheroes Cafe Visit
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR650
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR650
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD290
- Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
This trip generates 45 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Why choose us
We’re adventure travel experts with decades of experience and proud to run trips in over 100 countries.
We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
Leaders don’t just show off a destination, they’re the heart and soul of our trips.
The Intrepid Foundation gives back globally and our B Corp status is proof that we're dedicated to creating a positive impact.
Before you book you should know
- This compact trip packs a lot in. It’s the shortest Indian trip we run in this style, perfect for those with little time and a desire to do the most with it. If you are after a more leisurely trip in North India, enter trip code HHSC on our website.
- India can get extremely hot in the summer. While we aim to do our walking tours early in the morning when it’s cooler, remember to keep water on you and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and anything else that will protect you from the sun.
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit several temples on this trip and to enter them you must have clothes that cover to wrists and below the knee.
- We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from Western standards.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
ACCOMMODATION:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Florence Inn
15-A/6, W.E.A, Ajmal Khan Road, Near Karol Bagh Metro Station, Opp. New Bloom School, +91 9999034477
Karol Bagh
Delhi
110005
INDIA
Phone: +91 35664522
Description
Located in the Karol Bagh market area surrounded by a mix of local stalls, shops and restaurants. It is only a 25 minute ride by auto rickshaw (INR70-80 with bargaining) to get to the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place - approximately INR 100 from Karol Bagh to Connaught Place. The hotel features a restaurant and 24 hour room service, and rooms are equipped with AC, TV, fridge and telephone.
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 15km from Karol Bagh. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
The taxi ride from the airport to our starting point hotel takes approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
A local social enterprise, Sakha Wings, runs an all-women taxi service which provides extra peace of mind and security for solo women travellers. To book at taxi with them, call +927 870 8888 or register on their website http://sakhaconsultingwings.com/hire-a-cab.php
Alternatively Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour numbers:
+91 9911 972 636
+91 9999 916 229
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Alternate joining points
Alternate joining point 1
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
19 Feb 2026 (HHSN260219), 26 Feb 2026 (HHSN260226), 02 Mar 2026 (HHSN260302), 05 Mar 2026 (HHSN260305), 19 Mar 2026 (HHSN260319), 26 Mar 2026 (HHSN260326), 28 Mar 2026 (HHSN260328), 02 Apr 2026 (HHSN260402), 06 Apr 2026 (HHSN260406), 09 Apr 2026 (HHSN260409), 16 Apr 2026 (HHSN260416), 18 Apr 2026 (HHSN260418), 27 Apr 2026 (HHSN260427), 30 Apr 2026 (HHSN260430), 04 May 2026 (HHSN260504), 11 May 2026 (HHSN260511), 25 May 2026 (HHSN260525), 15 Jun 2026 (HHSN260615), 29 Jun 2026 (HHSN260629), 06 Jul 2026 (HHSN260706), 20 Jul 2026 (HHSN260720), 03 Aug 2026 (HHSN260803), 24 Aug 2026 (HHSN260824), 03 Sep 2026 (HHSN260903), 05 Sep 2026 (HHSN260905), 07 Sep 2026 (HHSN260907), 10 Sep 2026 (HHSN260910), 14 Sep 2026 (HHSN260914), 17 Sep 2026 (HHSN260917), 19 Sep 2026 (HHSN260919), 21 Sep 2026 (HHSN260921), 24 Sep 2026 (HHSN260924), 28 Sep 2026 (HHSN260928), 01 Oct 2026 (HHSN261001), 03 Oct 2026 (HHSN261003), 08 Oct 2026 (HHSN261008), 10 Oct 2026 (HHSN261010), 12 Oct 2026 (HHSN261012), 22 Oct 2026 (HHSN261022), 26 Oct 2026 (HHSN261026), 29 Oct 2026 (HHSN261029), 05 Nov 2026 (HHSN261105), 07 Nov 2026 (HHSN261107), 09 Nov 2026 (HHSN261109), 16 Nov 2026 (HHSN261116), 19 Nov 2026 (HHSN261119), 26 Nov 2026 (HHSN261126), 28 Nov 2026 (HHSN261128), 14 Dec 2026 (HHSN261214), 17 Dec 2026 (HHSN261217), 19 Dec 2026 (HHSN261219), 21 Dec 2026 (HHSN261221), 28 Dec 2026 (HHSN261228), 30 Dec 2026 (HHSN261230)
East Park Inn Hotel
885 East Park Road, Near Ajmal Khan Park Karol Bagh
Delhi
110005
INDIA
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 14 km from Karol Bagh Area. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
The taxi ride from the airport to our starting point hotel takes approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 6800 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
Alternatively Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour numbers:
+91 9911 972 636
+91 9999 916 229
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Alternate joining point 2
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
13 Feb 2026 (HHSN260213)
Hotel Surya International
4/33, Saraswati Marg, W.E.A.
Karol Bagh, New Delhi
Delhi
110005
INDIA
Phone: +91 1145871200
Description
Hotel Surya International in New Delhi offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Guests can enjoy a terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. The family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Indian, and barbecue grill cuisines. Meal options include continental, American, and vegetarian. Additional amenities include a lounge, outdoor fireplace, and 24-hour front desk. The hotel is near attractions such as Humayuns Tomb (10.5 km) and Red Fort (7 km). Free on-site private parking is available.
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 15 km from Karol Bagh area. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
The taxi ride from the airport to our starting point hotel takes approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 700 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
A local social enterprise, Sakha Wings, runs an all-women taxi service which provides extra peace of mind and security for solo women travellers. To book at taxi with them, call +927 870 8888 or register on their website http://sakhaconsultingwings.com/hire-a-cab.php
Alternatively Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour numbers:
+91 9911 972 636
+91 9999 916 229
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP or credit card and is USD 290pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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