Historical Sites in Golden Triangle

The Red Fort is a historical fortification in the old Delhi area. Shah Jahan constructed it in the year 1639 as a result of a capital shift from Agra to Delhi. Used as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty, this imposing piece of architecture derives its name from its impregnable red sandstone walls. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. 

Timings : 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Except on Mondays
Entry Fee : Indian Citizens, citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations: INR 10, Other foreigners: INR 250, No fees for children below the age of 15

Qutub Minar is a minaret or a victory tower located in Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi's Mehrauli area. With the height of 72.5 metres (238 ft), Qutub Minar is the second tallest monument of Delhi. Its construction was started in 1192 by Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, founder of Delhi Sultanate after he defeated the last Hindu Ruler of Delhi. He constructed the basement, after which the construction was taken over by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish who constructed three additional stories. 

Timings : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Qutub Minar remains open for tourists all days except Sunday
Entry Fee : Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 40,
Foreign tourists: INR 600
Children up to 15 years: Free with valid ID

As the name suggests, Humayun's tomb is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Located in the Nizamuddin East area of Delhi, it is the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. This splendid piece of architecture was commissioned for construction by Humayun's chief consort Empress Bega Begum in the year 1569-70 and is one of the very few structures that used red sandstone on such a massive scale at that time. 

Timings : 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Entry Fee : Indians - INR 10, Foreigners - INR 250. Video filming - INR 25, Photography - Free

The All India War Memorial, popularly known as the India Gate, is located along the Rajpath in New Delhi. The imposing structure of India Gate is an awe-inspiring sight and is often compared to the Arch de Triomphe in France, the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This 42-meter tall historical structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate is also famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year. 

Timings : All time
Entry Fee : No entry fee

The 'Masjid-I Jahan-Numa' or Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque hosts thousands of pilgrims each year on the holy occasion of Eid to offer special Namaz in the morning. With a capacity of twenty-five thousand people in the courtyard, Jama Masjid extends for about 1200 square meters in area with three gateways, four towers and two minarets which are forty meters high. 

Timings : All days of the week: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Non-muslim 8:00 AM - 30 minutes before sunset
Minaret 9 AM - 5.30 PM
Entry Fee : Photography INR 200; Tower INR 100.

One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. 

Timings : Opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset
Closed on Friday
Every Friday Taj Mahal is only accessible to practising Muslims to attend the prayers in the afternoon
Entry Fee : Indian Citizens and Visitors from SAARC countries: INR 50
Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: INR 540
Foreign Visitors: INR 1100
(Additional INR 200 for every tourist who wishes to enter the mausoleum)
Entry is free for all children below 15 years

An architectural masterpiece, The Red Fort of Agra or Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. It is located on the right bank of the River Yamuna and is made entirely of red sandstone. The historical fort was once the ersthwhile residence of the Mughals until 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it lies 2.5 kilometres from Taj Mahal.

Timings : Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 40
Foreigners: INR 550
Entry for children (below 15 years): Free
Entry to Agra Fort is allowed only through the Amar Singh Gate

Often referred to as the "Baby Taj Mahal", the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. The tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.

Timings : 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Entry Fee : Indian Adults: INR 30
SAARC/BIMSTEC Adults: INR 30
Foreign Adults: INR 310
Children (below 15 years): Free

Located at a distance of 40km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra district and a famous tourist attraction. A city predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is home to Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments.

Cradled on the top of a hill near Jaipur lies the Amer Fort, one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Only 11 kilometres away from Jaipur, Amer Fort is clad in pink and yellow sandstone and is a part of an extensive complex. 

Timings : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Light Show timings: English: 7:30 PM, Hindi: 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : Indian National: INR 25,
Students: INR 10,
Foreign Nationals: INR 200
Elephant Ride for two at Amer Palace: INR 900

The magnificent City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions located in the old part of the city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. In fact, it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. 

Timings : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee : Adult- Indian: INR 100, Foreigner: INR 400 Child- Indian: INR 50, Foriegner: INR 250

Located near the City Palace in the regal city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Owing to its rich cultural, heritage and scientific value, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has also been featured on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient study boasts of nineteen instruments built out of stone and brass and was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727-33. 

Timings : 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 40, Students : INR 15, Foreigners: INR 200

The massive edifice of Hawa Mahal stands at the intersection of the main road in Jaipur, Badi Chaupad and was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Hawa Mahal derives its name from its unique structure, which is a mesh of small windows that allowed cool wind to enter the palace and hence kept the palace comfortable during the hot summer months. 

Timings : 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Entry Fee : Indian Tourists: INR 50 per head
Foreign Tourists: INR 200 per head

Sitting prettily right in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur, lies the splendid and tranquil Jal Mahal. A masterful creation, it is bordered by the Nahargarh Hills. This low rise symmetrical Palace was once a shooting lodge for the Maharajas and now fascinates many visitors from all over the world. Jal Mahal was constructed in the 1750s and was commissioned by Maharaja Madho Singh. It is indeed one of the most photographed monuments in India. 

Timings : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free