Ultimate Guide To Backpacking The Golden Triangle
Most people, when they think of backpacking in India, immediately think of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle consists of three iconic cities: New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
This is one of the most popular travel circuits in India because it’s packed with history, culture, stunning architecture, and some of the country’s most iconic food.
It’s perfect if you want a good taste of India’s landmarks and culture without committing to a super long trip.
Golden Triangle Backpacking Basics: Timeframes, Highlights, and Travel Tips
You can explore the Golden Triangle relatively quickly, and it’s quite manageable for backpackers if you do a little research beforehand.
In this article, I’m going to give you a full breakdown of how to backpack the Golden Triangle—where to stay, what to do, and even some options if you want to continue exploring India beyond these three cities.
Keep in mind, when I explored the Golden Triangle, I actually spent much longer than “necessary” in each city. I wasn’t on a strict schedule, and I enjoy slowing down my travel a bit.
But my recommendations here will focus on how long you really need to see the highlights if you’re trying to do this in a shorter timeframe.
Golden Triangle Itinerary: The Perfect 7–12 Day Trip
So, let’s talk about how much time you need in each city. Overall, I’d suggest planning at least a week for the Golden Triangle, but ideally, 10 to 12 days is perfect.
That way, you can move at a slower pace, soak in the culture, and let the journey unfold a bit more naturally.
How Many Days to Spend in Delhi: Chaos, Culture, and Food
In Delhi, I’d recommend about 2 to 3 days, maybe a bit more if you’re just landing and want some time to chill—maybe stay at a nice hotel near the airport or head straight into Old Delhi.
This gives you enough time to explore all the historical sites Delhi has to offer and maybe even indulge in a food tour. You can wander through Old Delhi, check out the Red Fort, and explore the spice markets.
There are also so many beautiful temples to visit. Delhi is a great place to get an immediate feel for India’s chaotic yet beautiful culture.
Agra in a Day: Taj Mahal and the Must-See Sights
Next is Agra. Realistically, one to two days here is enough. The main attraction is, of course, the Taj Mahal, but you can also check out the Agra Fort and a few other sights.
The city itself doesn’t have much else to offer, and there are plenty of people constantly trying to sell tours or souvenirs since most visitors come just for the Taj Mahal.
That said, it’s still a nice city to visit briefly—you just don’t need to linger here too long. Personally, I didn’t feel entirely comfortable walking around on my own, so I wouldn’t recommend spending more time than necessary.