India is a vast country with a beautiful and rich heritage. The roots of civilization were found in the subcontinent more than 3000 years ago – the history of this country is woven from the beginning of the Indus Valley Civilization. Countless empires have left their mark in the form of stunning monuments and astonishing architecture. An excellent way to see the beauty and experience it for yourself is the Golden Triangle Tour. An off-the-beaten-path route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which allows you to experience many wonders, including the Taj Mahal – widely regarded as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
However, the Taj Mahal is not the only iconic site you will have the opportunity to visit! This collection of cities offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and scenery of the country as you embark on an adventurous journey. Moreover, these three cities are marvels of history, with a piece of centuries-old history present in every corner. Everything from the Red Fort – colloquially called the Red Fort – to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds is open for your perusal.
The travel time from one city to the other is generally between 4 and 6 hours. Since these are all major Indian cities, all modes of travel are available to you – cars, buses, trains and planes are all viable! Before setting out on this journey, it is a good idea to remember that these places are not just tourist attractions. These places are part of history and often hold religious significance, so remember to be respectful.
Each city is a true treasure. The Golden Triangle tour, India most often begins in Delhi! Located in north-central India, Delhi has grown so much that it is split into two cities! Old Delhi (North Delhi) is known as the historical center, while New Delhi (South Delhi) is the capital city. But don’t be fooled! New Delhi is not without its own amazing sights. It is home to the Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Presidential Residence, a massive building with 340 rooms and around 190 acres of gardens – it is a must-see. But that is far from the end. Delhi is also home to many other monuments. The 73-meter-high Qutub Minar (built in 1193!) is hard to ignore. Humayun’s Tomb – a UNESCO Heritage Site – is a grand mausoleum built in 1570.
Old Delhi is home to many other pieces of Mughal architecture – including the iconic Red Fort! There is also the Raj Ghat – a memorial in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The Jama Masjid is also worth a visit – after all, it is one of Asia’s grandest mosques! Delhi is a place to remember what has been and what could be. The history contained within its walls is intriguing. The next destination on our trip is Agra, home to the amazing Taj Mahal, situated on the banks of the sacred Yamuna River! This 17th-century mausoleum is an imposing figure – made entirely of white marble and has an uncanny symmetry in its architecture.
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Other places of interest include the magnificent Agra Fort and the ancient abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri! For wildlife lovers, a safari trip to Ranthambore National Park is a delight! The grounds of this park used to be a royal hunting ground – nowadays, this national park is home to various endangered animals and many other native animals of India. It is also home to the rare Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear and marsh crocodile! The park is also a favourite spot for more than 300 migratory birds. A true haven for bird-watchers.
The final stop on the Golden Triangle tour is the Pink City, also known as Jaipur! It takes this name because the historic city centre has many buildings made of pink terracotta – a colour traditionally associated with hospitality. One of these buildings is the mesmerizing Hawa Mahal. The Palace of the Winds is a five-story high massive building with over 900 tiny windows! Another unique place you must visit is the City Palace. It is the home of the royal family of Jaipur, where the current Maharaja still resides! The public parts of this palace have an incredible display of traditional clothing, carpets, paintings, weapons and armor used and owned by generations of the royal family. A true walking history indeed. Right next to the palace grounds is the UNESCO recognized Jantar Mantar. It was an observatory built in the 1700s to study space. The original set of instruments at Jantar Mantar is well preserved, and on display for the public, the most important of which is perhaps the world’s largest sundial.
There are many more attractions to explore outside of Jaipur, the most important of which is the Amber Fort! This is a large palace with stunning courtyards and the legendary Hall of Mirrors. The Amber Fort formerly housed the Maharaja's wives and concubines, but it is now a beautiful monument and a reminder of the city's rich history.
The Golden Triangle tour provides a diversified starting point for discovering India's rich history and culture. It's worth it! Especially if you are a new visitor to India’s shores.