One of the most popular tourist routes in India connects the capital city of Delhi to Agra–the home of the Taj Mahal–and the Pink City of Jaipur. As the cities are located relatively near each other and form a distinct triangle shape on a map, this route has been dubbed the “Golden Triangle.” 

Full of fascinating history and sublime architecture, the Golden Triangle is abundant with sightseeing opportunities for visitors. However, this is also what makes these such crowded destinations and a breeding ground for tourist traps and scams.

If you can get past the deceitful tuk tuk drivers and aggressive street peddlers, the Golden Triangle hosts some of India’s most brilliant sights and monuments. The photos in this gallery portray some of the most popular sites along the route, though still merely a fraction of all there is to see while traveling India’s Golden Triangle. 

Disclaimer: only Agra and Jaipur are featured in this gallery as I only spent a couple days in Delhi and did not have the time to visit the monuments there. Popular sites in Delhi include the Red Fort, India Gate, and Akshardham, among others.

Featured: The Taj Mahal viewed just before sunrise from the main entrance gate.

Image 1: The Taj Mahal at sunset from the opposite side of the Yamuna River.

Image 2: The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds,” in Jaipur. 

Image 3: The Chandra Mahal in Jaipur’s City Palace. 

Image 4: The Mubarak Mahal, also located within Jaipur’s City Palace complex.

Image 5: It is easy to see why Jaipur is called “The Pink City.”

Image 6: The view from Nahargarh Fort, overlooking the city of Jaipur.