A Guide to the Golden Triangle

In a country so immense and diverse, starting with the Golden Triangle is a popular and sensible choice, especially for first timers to India. Travellers can fly internationally into Delhi, then easily make their way between the three cities, which roughly make up an equilateral triangle when plotted on a map.

Most importantly, the Golden Triangle is home to some of India’s most stunning and important historical monuments, including a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors will see the contrasts of old and new, from ancient temples, forts, and colonial heritage sites, to the bustling streets and markets of India’s modern cities that are still deeply steeped in culture and tradition.

The weather in Northern India varies tremendously throughout the year, going from lows of around 7 degrees centigrade in winter, to highs exceeding 40 degrees between April and June. The monsoon from June to October brings the temperature to a slightly more bearable high of 35 degrees.

With a lot of outdoor exploration and walking to be done in the Golden Triangle, the best time to go is generally from October to March, when the weather has a greater chance of being sunny, clear, and dry.

Travelling between the cities is easily done, especially when booking with us. Newmarket Holiday tours include all transportation – from the moment visitors step outside of the airport, to when they fly back home, relaxed and content after their Indian adventure.

Tours around the Golden Triangle include all the main sites described below, with additional optional excursions available, replete with a local guide who will explain the history and significance of each place.

Tours around the Golden Triangle are paired with other notable Indian destinations, such as Ranthambore National Park, a well-known tiger reserve, and Shimla hill-station in the Himalayas.

India is a food haven for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Northern Indian food differs from Southern Indian food by featuring more bread and creamier curries, such as palak paneer and murg makhani (butter chicken). While travelling around the Golden Triangle, visitors can sample the delights of North Indian food by ordering thalis and trying local street snacks such as chole bhature, a common street food made from spicy chickpeas.

While enjoying Indian cuisine, the last thing travellers want is to be struck down by the dreaded Delhi belly. But this can be avoided with simple precautions, including using water purification tablets, or drinking water from (properly sealed) water bottles. Avoiding uncooked vegetables or fruit that may have been rinsed in unfiltered water is also recommended.

Italy’s Great Lakes is a hugely popular holiday destination for over 60s travellers, because of the scenery, high-quality dining, and elegant accommodation. Because of the often luxurious nature of escapes in this region, retirees are some of the most common holidaymakers here - with people saving for years to make this dream destination a reality.