A first trip to India is exciting and, for many people, a little daunting, and the Golden Triangle exists to make it easy. It is the most travelled route in the country for good reason: three extraordinary cities close together, covering the Mughal and Rajput highlights, on good roads, with the infrastructure to handle visitors. Here is why it is the right first trip, what to expect without the sugar-coating, and how to do it with the least stress.
The Golden Triangle works for first-timers because it is concentrated and connected. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur sit within a few hours of each other, so you see three of India's greatest cities without long overland journeys or internal flights. Between them they cover the icons most people come for, the Taj Mahal above all, plus grand Mughal forts, Rajput palaces and the colour and street life of an Indian city, in a loop you can comfortably do in four days. It is the gentle, rewarding introduction that leaves you wanting to come back for more.