5-Day Golden Triangle & Ranthambore: An Honest Review

Okay, so you’re looking at doing the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour with a Ranthambore Tiger Safari, huh? It’s almost the classic India trip, but with a twist – adding some wildlife spotting to all the culture and history. The Golden Triangle, covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, really is a whirlwind of palaces, forts, and super historical spots, and after that, you’re off to Ranthambore National Park hoping to catch sight of a tiger. Sounds pretty great, and very exciting!

First Stop: Delhi – A City of Contrasts

Delhi, very often your starting point, well, it’s truly a city of contrasts. It’s almost got both Old and New Delhi, each very, very different. Old Delhi feels really like stepping back in time, you know, narrow streets, crowded markets like Chandni Chowk bursting with activity, the smell of street food just hanging in the air, very delicious food that you must experience to love the India, but just a little chaotic, arguably. Then you have New Delhi, that’s quite different – much wider streets, government buildings that have this sort of colonial look, and overall, very, very planned. I’d say it is important that you get to see both sides, it gives you a real taste for the layers of this really massive city. Don’t miss Humayun’s Tomb (it’s a bit like a trial run for the Taj Mahal), Qutub Minar (that’s like, a super tall minaret), and India Gate (very imposing memorial).

Agra: Home of the Taj Mahal

Agra, that’s next, naturally. And lets face it the Taj Mahal, of course it is! That is the main event. Pictures do not really do it any justice, at all. When you see it in person, especially maybe at sunrise, that’s when it’s basically magical. The light hitting the white marble is pretty incredible, too. You also get to go check out Agra Fort which has a very different view from the river of the Taj, it also has got some nice history to it. That fort can get crowded though, that can be annoying, so try to get there early, I’d say. One quick tip is that if you’re keen to miss the tourist trap shops, and basically everyone trying to sell you something, plan your trip so you dont waste any time at any shop or place that may delay your journey.

Jaipur: The Pink City

Jaipur, that is the Pink City, that comes next. Now, there’s Amber Fort, that sits just outside Jaipur. The elephant ride up is actually something very iconic, even though some folks may not like the idea of that now. It’s quite the experience, you know? Inside the fort, there are amazing mirror work and designs, it’s beautiful. Hawa Mahal is, yet another building that offers great photo opportunities – it’s the Palace of Winds. And the City Palace lets you see some royal artifacts too, if you like the royal aspect of things. Jaipur is pretty busy and touristy, but so it’s just got its own charm to it. Make the time to check the bazaars – lots of colour.

Ranthambore: In Search of Tigers

After a whirlwind of culture and history, Ranthambore almost feels very different – it’s really all about wildlife, naturally. Ranthambore National Park really is one of India’s better-known spots to see tigers. Now, let’s just be very clear, there’s no guarantee that you’re going to see one. Actually, you’re in their home, after all. But that’s okay. Even if you don’t spot a tiger, there are lots of other animals around: deer, monkeys, birds… the landscape, it is stunning as well. That place really becomes popular, especially between October and April. There are almost two options for safaris: jeeps and canters. Jeeps, yes they are smaller, they move around better, but they’re a bit more expensive. Canters are larger, cheaper, and usually crowded. Book in advance, because they very often get fully booked, especially during peak season.

Is this tour right for you?

The “5-Day Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore Tiger Safari” can be something pretty hectic. You’re going to cover lots of ground in a really short amount of time. Basically if you really are someone who gets bored easily or likes to just sit and just relax in one spot, this probably isn’t going to be that trip for you. Yet, if you’re on for basically ticking off several big sites and experiencing a lot of what India has to offer in one quick burst, this tour may just well be your thing. However, just manage your own expectations regarding seeing a tiger, will you?