Golden Triangle
tour types

pros and cons

 

You have
several touring options

Private car and driver

Group

Do it yourself

Luxury train

Private car and driver

This is the best overall Golden Triangle tour type because you see and experience more. And it won't empty your wallet because travel (including hotels and transportation) is relatively inexpensive in India.

 Everything (including hotels and local guides) is pre-arranged for you.  You can customize your tour, tailoring it to your budget, interests, and pace.  Your personal English-speaking driver helps you see India from an Indian's perspective.  You have private guides in each city.  You won't be hounded by touts and beggars like tour bus passengers because you are not on a bus.

While there are some good Golden Triangle tour companies, there are some bad ones, too.

Advice:  Select a tour company with a good reputation. India By Car And Driver is a fine example because many travelers praise it. Read my tips:

for car-driver selection tips

Group

Everything is prearranged for you - hotels, transportation, local sightseeing guides, and more.  If you want company, you'll have many tour mates.

There's no customizing - you do what the group does.  You do a lot of waiting.  One or more of your tour mates could be loud and obnoxious.

Advice: The smaller the number of fellow passengers, the better your experience. So select small-group tours.

Do it yourself

It provides the least expensive touring option.  It gives adventure travelers the most control and flexibility.

You are more likely to encounter trip problems than you would with any of the other three options.  And you won't have the within-India support that good tour companies provide in case of unexpected travel problems.  You will need to invest substantial time researching and booking transportation, hotels, and other essential elements of your Golden Triangle trip.  You waste time securing, for instance, tickets, seat assignments, and train info at railroad stations. 

Advice:  Think twice if you plan to rent a car. Perhaps you are unaware of India's infamous road traffic conditions. They can be nerve racking and accident prone for even a skilled foreign driver.

Luxury train

You will be on the world-famous Palace on Wheels or Royal Rajasthan private luxury trains.  The tours appeal to those who relish luxury travel in the company of like-minded fellow travelers  You avoid time-consuming daytime travel because you travel between cities at night when you are sleeping aboard.

The published rate is approximately $8,000 to $16,000 per couple for a seven-day train tour.  These rates include group (not private) tours.  You sleep in a small cabin over clacking wheels.  You dine many nights in the same small-kitchened dining car instead of enjoying quality local restaurants.

 

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Best time to go
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How to select a good car-driver company
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World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials