The
Golden Triangle Tour is a famous circuit in India that typically includes
Delhi,
Agra, and
Jaipur. Adding
Pushkar to your itinerary is a great idea, as it offers a spiritual and cultural experience distinct from the typical Golden Triangle sights. You have seven days for this journey, which is a manageable timeframe to explore these cities, provided you plan carefully to avoid long travel times.
Suggested Itinerary with Pushkar:
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
- Arrival: Arrive in Delhi and rest. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, you can visit a few major sights like:
- India Gate
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun's Tomb
- Red Fort
- Lotus Temple or Akshardham Temple
- Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi to Agra (3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Leave Delhi in the morning for Agra, the city of the iconic Taj Mahal.
- Visit Taj Mahal (best in the morning to avoid crowds).
- Explore Agra Fort.
- If time permits, visit Mehtab Bagh for a stunning view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
- Overnight in Agra.
Day 3: Agra to Jaipur (4-5 hours drive via Fatehpur Sikri)
- Morning: Depart from Agra to Jaipur, with an optional stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 1.5 hours from Agra).
- Fatehpur Sikri: The former Mughal capital with beautiful palaces and mosques.
- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Jaipur.
- Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) or take a stroll around the city.
- Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur (Exploring the Pink City)
- Morning: Visit the magnificent Amber Fort (you can take an elephant ride or jeep ride up to the fort).
- Afternoon: Explore City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal.
- If you have time, visit Jaipur's bazaars (Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar) for shopping.
- Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur to Pushkar (2.5-3 hours drive)
- Morning: After breakfast, leave for Pushkar, a holy town known for the Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple.
- Afternoon/Evening: Explore Pushkar, visit the Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Stroll through the markets in Pushkar, which are vibrant and full of life.
- Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 6: Pushkar to Delhi (6-7 hours drive)
- Morning: After breakfast, head back to Delhi.
- Since it's a long drive (around 6-7 hours), you can either make brief stops or head directly to Delhi.
- If time permits, visit Sariska Tiger Reserve en route (optional).
- Evening: Arrive back in Delhi.
- Overnight in Delhi (or catch your return flight/train, depending on your timing).
Day 7: Departure from Delhi
- If you have some free time, you can visit Lodhi Gardens or Connaught Place for last-minute shopping or exploration before your departure.
Travel by Car with Driver:
Hiring a car with a driver is a popular option for this trip, as it gives you flexibility and comfort.
Taxi rental costs can vary, but here’s a general estimate based on your itinerary:
Cost Estimates for a Private Car with Driver:
- Small car (sedan): ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per day
- SUV (Toyota Innova): ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per day
- Luxury car (e.g., Mercedes, Audi): ₹10,000 – ₹15,000+ per day
Considering your 7-day itinerary, the total cost for a
mid-range sedan/SUV will likely range between
₹30,000 – ₹50,000 depending on the vehicle and driver’s services. You should confirm whether the price includes fuel, tolls, and the driver’s accommodation and meals, as these costs can add up.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Driver's allowance: Drivers typically need accommodation and meals, so expect to pay an extra ₹300 – ₹500 per day for this.
- Fuel and Toll Charges: Make sure to clarify if fuel costs are included in the package or if you will need to pay extra. Generally, for the entire trip, fuel costs could range from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 depending on the vehicle and road conditions.
- Accommodation for Driver: If the driver stays overnight in certain cities, their accommodation (typically ₹500 – ₹1,000 per night) will need to be covered.
- Entrance Fees: Some attractions have an entry fee (e.g., Amber Fort, Taj Mahal, etc.), which should be kept in mind for your budgeting.
Booking Tips:
- Book in advance: To avoid being overcharged or getting an unreliable vehicle, it’s best to book the car through a reputable travel agency or a verified taxi provider.
- Check reviews: Use platforms like Savaari, Zoomcar, or MakeMyTrip to find a good service and check reviews from other travelers.
Final Thoughts:
- Your 7-day trip is well-balanced, starting with the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and then adding the spiritual experience of Pushkar.
- Hiring a car with a driver is a comfortable and efficient way to travel around, and while it does come with a cost, the flexibility and comfort are worth it.
- Make sure to factor in breaks and some relaxation time, as driving in Rajasthan can sometimes take longer due to road conditions and traffic.
Enjoy your Golden Triangle and Pushkar adventure! Let me know if you'd like more detailed information on any part of the trip.
