Discover India’s Golden Triangle – A Journey of Culture, Colour and History
What better introduction is there to India than the best Golden Triangle Tour? This is the route that so many first-time visitors to India experience, and it covers manageable distances within this vast country. This tour connects the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – a fabulous taster journey to witness the vibrancy of incredible India, whilst ticking off quite a few must-sees at the same time!
Start in Delhi – The Capital
Your Indian adventure starts in Delhi, India’s capital, and a wonderful contrast of Old and New Delhi in one city. You will land at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a beautiful, spacious, and efficient airport that welcomes you to India in style.
New Delhi is packed full of European-style buildings from the days of British Rule and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Such buildings include the iconic India Gate, a national memorial and meeting hub for Indians and tourists alike. You can experience the calm of the modern Lotus Temple and take a rickshaw ride down the bustling ancient streets and bazaars of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, alive with the smells and sounds of the thriving lanes. The Red Fort and the Jama Masjid are both UNESCO World Heritage sites and are well worth a visit. Join the infamous Delhi traffic jams in a tuk-tuk and watch the show of everyday life go past!
On to Agra – The Home of the Taj Mahal
Whilst the city of Agra itself has limited charms, it is an absolute non-negotiable to witness the majesty of the Taj Mahal – perhaps the world’s most famous and breathtaking monument to love. Everyone should get to see this jaw-dropping building at least once in their lifetime. A visit to the Taj at sunrise or sunset is truly unforgettable, and your first glimpse of it will be something that will stay with you forever. You can find moments of complete calm and serenity, even amongst the crowds, if you move away from the central photo opportunity spots and find a quiet bench to just spend a few minutes to sit and stare. Ask your tour guide to show you the Princess Diana bench, however, to re-enact her iconic ‘lonely’ photo.
“Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the 16th century, and it later became the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its grand walls and palaces echo stories of power, artistry, and royal intrigue. The whole site is hugely impressive and showcases Mughal architecture with its intricate patterns and majestic buildings, steeped in royal history. Don’t miss Fatehpur Sikri, a beautifully preserved former capital of the Mughal Empire. It is now a ghost city and home to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the whole of India.
Jaipur – The Pink City
Who could fail to be impressed by the beauty and grandeur of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan? You will visit the incredible Amber Fort, located high on a hill overlooking the city and known for its wonderful carvings, mirrored halls, and breathtaking views.
You can’t help but be impressed by the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), glowing in pink and red sandstone. The structure serves as a façade, and royal women once used it to observe street life and festivals without revealing themselves. The lattice work on the many windows is iconic, and you can get the best view of this building from one of the cafes opposite.
The City Palace will be another stop and is still a partially occupied palace. Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory and is fascinating, not least as it looks almost modern!
Take the winding road up to Nahargarh Fort, nestled on the edge of the Aravalli Hills. Go in the evening for a sunset you will never forget, with the whole city of Jaipur twinkling beneath you. There are drinks, food, and live music in this magical spot.
A visit to Jaipur wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Johari Bazaar. This is Jaipur’s oldest and most famous market and is famous for its jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts. It is a vibrant and bustling bazaar, full of life, noise, and the smells and sounds of India. When it all gets too much, head to a stylish bar such as Bar Palladio for a cocktail in the coolest of surroundings!
So give the Golden Triangle Tour a try, especially if it’s your first visit and you want a flavour of this wonderful country in a manageable way.
