Great rail journeys: India’s Golden Triangle

With the fourth largest railway network in the world, India’s trains are impressive and by far the best way to get around this vast and varied country. And one of country’s most magnificent train journeys has to be the Golden Triangle, from New Delhi to the deserts of Rajasthan, through jungle and mountains before ending up at the glorious Taj Mahal.

To help you make the most of your trip, here is our guide to the highlights of each stop along the Golden Triangle route, according to global travellers.*

Street markets, New Delhi

The first stop on this train adventure is New Delhi, a city whose neverending chowks and bazaars are full of bargains – especially if you’re prepared to haggle. There’s the 300-year-old Hanuman Mandir bangles market close to the temple of Lord Hanuman, where you’ll find mehndi (henna) artists, stalls selling marigold garlands and incense, and the best selection of bangles in Delhi. Here, vendors known as ‘chudiwalas’ are experts in this auspicious form of Indian jewellery, often engraving names into jewel-encrusted gold bracelets and explaining the significance of glass bangles in warding off evil spirits. Next up, there’s Matka Market for pottery or the Khari Baoli wholesale spice market, where the breeze carries the scent of a thousand spices and natural Ayurvedic medicines. More must-visit markets during your Delhi train journey stop-off include Janpath Market and Paharganj’s Main Bazaar for locally produced souvenirs like handmade cloth and embroidered jutti (traditional north Indian footwear), and the Khan market for branded outlets and world-class tailoring. Stay at the central OYO Rooms Deer Park.

Shopping for art, Jaipur

To be wowed by Indian artisanship, be sure to disembark the train in Jaipur. A historical centre of Indian trade, this city has attracted artists and craftsmen selling their wares for centuries. You can commission a work of art or pick up Mughal antiques as well as contemporary pieces from the many modern showrooms and concept stores. For anything made with precious or semi-precious Indian stones, Jaipur’s gem-testing laboratory offers a speedy and reliable service complete with authenticity certificates. Magpie Villa is an urban retreat with murals decorating the light and airy rooms, while the garden boasts palm trees, cactus plants and fountains in the shade of a wisteria canopy.

Safari, Sawai Madhopur

The city of Sawai Madhopur is just 10km from Ranthambore National Park and thus serves as a gateway to this misty, lake-filled jungle landscape where tigers still roam. The 10th-century Ranthambore Fort lies in the centre of the park, surrounded by historic hunting pavilions, dancing peacocks, ancient temples and mosques. If you’re not lucky enough to see a tiger stalking through the long grass metres from your safari jeep, don’t fret – the park is also home to leopards, sambars, hyenas, sloths, bears and hundreds of bird species. Staying at the Oberoi Vanyavilas Ranthambhore will make this stop on the train journey a truly unforgettable experience, with unbridled grandeur, impeccable service, a stunning garden and swimming pool.

Lakes, Udaipur

Udaipur is often described as the most romantic place in India, emanating calm, mysticism and colour from every corner. By day, women wearing lime green and fuschia saris line the ghats to wash their clothes. Just after sunset, the placid waters of Udaipur’s lakes lend the city a purple glow beneath the royal blue sky. Palaces punctuate the cityscape of whitewashed houses, including the captivatingly beautiful Taj Palace Hotel, seemingly floating in the heart of the lake.

Desert, Jaisalmer

Known as ‘The Golden City’, Jaisalmer sits in the middle of the desert with its mighty yellow, ancient sandstone fort rising up above the cityscape. Going on a camel safari here is a must, with many trips including camping under the stars in the Thar desert. The views from the undulating golden sand dunes of Rajasthan are truly spellbinding, particularly when accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music as the sun sets. If you want to spend the night in Jaisalmer before hopping back on the train, the Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli comes highly recommended, largely thanks to its terrace with a panorama of the city and those spectacular sunsets.

Spicy food, Jodhpur

Jodhpur is celebrated for its food. It’s a place to try spicy Rajasthani delicacies like shahi samosa (a crispy samosa stuffed with potato, chilli, garam masala, coriander, mustard seeds, sugar and lemon) and dal bati churma (flaky dough balls dipped in a soup of mixed lentils). Wash it all down with a makhaniya lassi (yoghurt drink with cardamom and butter) and sample some of the city’s Indian sweets. Suraj Haveli is a great option for spending the night in Jodhpur, being only 1km from the city’s magnificent Mehrangarh fort and well-placed to explore its overflowing food markets.

UNESCO site, Agra

Most people visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal, an experience that no trip to India is complete without. This white marbled mausoleum was built on the banks of the city’s Yamuna river by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as a tomb for his wife and is listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Sunrise and sunset are two of the most mesmerising times to see it; visitors can either pay to enter and wander the grounds or take a rickshaw ride to the other side of the river to gaze upon it from across the water. The bright yellow Coral Court Homestay in Agra has one of the highest-rated locations in the city, as well as a paved roof terrace dotted with plants.

**Destinations featured were chosen as a selection of all the major destinations along the Golden Triange railway route. Then the most popular feature of each city was calculated using internal endorsement data.