Golden Triangle in 7 Days: A City-by-City Plan for Australian Travellers

 

Australians heading to India often want the classic route without rushing it. A week is a good fit. Below is a city-by-city look at the 7 days Golden Triangle tour, a private 6 nights and 7 days trip from Delhi, with notes for travellers flying in from Australia.

Before You Go

India is roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours behind eastern Australia, depending on daylight saving, so jet lag is mild. Our summer holidays fall in India's cooler months, though winter mornings can be foggy, which matters for the sunrise Taj visit. The tour starts from $335 per person, listed in dollars on the site, so check the exchange rate. Look at the Indian government's official visa and passport rules well ahead of time.

Jaipur: Two Full Days

Jaipur is the centre of this itinerary. The first day is a drive from Delhi of about five hours, followed by an evening at Chokhi Dhani with Rajasthani food. The next day covers Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan, with craft stops for gem cutting, rug weaving and block printing, and then Jal Mahal.

The third day starts at the flower and vegetable market, then the morning aarti at Govind Dev Ji Temple. City Palace, Jantar Mantar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albert Hall Museum and a walk through the old-city markets follow. Our guides to Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace will help you prepare.

On the Road to Agra

The drive from Jaipur to Agra stops at Chand Baori, a deep stepwell, and then Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital. You spend the night in Agra.

Agra: Sunrise and Sunset

The Taj Mahal visit begins around 6:30 AM. After that come marble inlay and Zardozi workshops, Agra Fort and Baby Taj. The day ends at Mehtab Bagh, a garden across the river from the Taj Mahal, at sunset. Read more on the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Delhi: The Last Two Days

You drive back to Delhi, then visit Chandni Chowk and India Gate and drive past Parliament House and President's House. The evening is at Akshardham. On the final day you see Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple before being dropped off. Our guide to Humayun's Tomb is a good place to start.

What Is Included

A private guide, a private air-conditioned car, pickup and drop-off, and bottled water. Hotel accommodation is included only if you choose that option.

What Is Not Included

Meals, monument entrance fees and tips.

Other Lengths to Compare

Shorter trips are the 3 days tour, the 4 days tour, the 5 days tour and the 6 days tour. To go longer, look at the 8 days tour, the 7 days tour with Jodhpur or the 8 days tour with Udaipur. Everything is listed on the Golden Triangle tour packages page.

Final Word

A week gives Australian travellers an easy first day, two full days in Jaipur, a stepwell and a sunrise at the Taj, and two days in Delhi. Full details are on this Golden Triangle tour for 7 days page from Hii Stories.