India’s Golden Triangle

The main tourist season runs from October to March, though September and April are also fine – clear skies with warm to hot days.

May and June bring extreme heat and are worth avoiding while the July and August monsoon cools things slightly but brings more humidity.

Peak season is Christmas and New Year as well as the Indian festival of Diwali in late autumn. Mid-December to early February can deliver surprisingly cool nights and Delhi is prone to fog.

Although technically you could start in any of the three cities, Delhi is the main international gateway, and the departure point for most tours including the Maharajas Express. It’s easiest to start there.

See our separate guides to Delhi, Jaipur and Agra for destination-specific travel advice.

Delhi’s new metro has revolutionised public transport there, though buses, autorickshaws and taxis remain popular in Delhi, and are essential in Agra and Jaipur. Unless using pre-paid booths at the railway station you’ll need to be firm about getting a metered fare for taxis and autorickshaws.

A private car with a driver – usually arranged through a travel agency – is the most relaxed, convenient and flexible way of touring the Golden Triangle. Trains are another characterful means of transport, with fairly reliable services to/from Agra and Jaipur.

India generally remains an extremely safe and crime-free country for tourists. At worst lone female travellers may receive unwanted and unwarranted attention from younger men. Road accidents are common though rarely involve tourist vehicles.

Always drink bottled water or soft drinks (and drink plenty in the heat) and, except in good restaurants, treat salads, ice cubes and ice cream with caution. Follow medical advice on vaccinations and malarial prophylactics.