India is a vast country with a beautiful and rich heritage. Civilization found its roots in the subcontinent over 3000 years ago – the history of this country is woven from that start in the Indus Valley Civilization. Countless empires have left their mark in the form of stunning monuments and awe-inspiring architecture. An excellent way of glimpsing at the beauty and experiencing it for yourself is through the Golden Triangle Tour. A well-worn route between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which allows you to experience many wonders, including the Taj Mahal – which is widely considered to be one of the 7 wonders of the world.
The Taj Mahal is not the only iconic site you will have the opportunity to visit, however! This collection of cities gives a unique opportunity to witness the diverse landscapes and scenes of the country as you embark on the adventure. On top of that, these three cities are a marvel of history, every corner housing a piece of history spanning centuries. Everything from the Red Fort – colloquially known as the Lal Kila – to the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is open to your perusing.
The travel time from one city to another is generally between 4 to 6 hours. As all of them are major Indian cities, all methods of travel are available to you – cars, buses, trains, and aeroplanes are all viable! Before embarking on this journey, it is good to remember that these places are not just tourist attractions. These places are a part of history and often hold religious importance, so remember to be respectful!
Each city is a true treasure trove. The Golden Triangle Tour is most often started in Delhi! Situated in North-Central India, Delhi has grown so much that it has been split into two cities! Old Delhi (the northern one) is known as the historic centre, while New Delhi (the southern one) is the Capital City. But don’t be fooled! New Delhi is not without its marvellous sites. It is home to the Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Presidential Residence, a humongous mansion with 340 rooms and about 190 acres worth of gardens – it is a place worth seeing. But that is far from the end. Delhi is home to several other monuments as well. The 73-meter-high Qutub Minar (constructed in 1193!) is hard to miss. Humanyun’s Tomb – a UNESCO Heritage Site – is a gorgeous mausoleum built in 1570.
Old Delhi is home to several other pieces of Mughal architecture – including the iconic Red Fort! There is also the Raj Ghat – a memorial in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid is also worth a visit – it is, after all, one of the grandest mosques in Asia!
Delhi is a place to remember what has been and what could be. The history contained within its walls is palatable.
The next destination on our tour is Agra, the home of the wondrous Taj Mahal situated on the banks of the holy river Yamuna! This 17-century mausoleum cuts an impressive figure – made entirely of white marble and uncannily symmetric in its architecture. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Other fascinating places include the grand Agra Fort and the ancient abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri! A treat for wildlife lovers is the safari tour at the Ranthambore National Park! The grounds of this park were formerly royal hunting grounds – these days, this National Park is home to various endangered animals and several other animals native to India. It is even home to the rare Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and the marsh crocodile! The park is also a favoured spot for over 300 migratory birds. A true haven for bird-watchers!
The last stop of the Golden Triangle Tour is the Pink City, also known as Jaipur! The name is taken because the historic city centre contains several buildings made from pink terracotta – the colour traditionally associated with hospitality. One of these buildings is the mind-blowing Hawa Mahal. The Palace of the Winds is a five-story-high sprawling building covered in over 900 small windows! Another unique place which you simply must visit is the City Palace. It is home to the royal family of Jaipur, where the current Maharaja still resides! The public parts of this Palace have an unbelievable display of traditional clothes, carpets, paintings, weapons, and armours used and owned by royal family generations. A true walk down history indeed. Immediately adjacent to the palace grounds is the UNESCO recognized Jantar Mantar. This was an observatory built in the 1700s to study space. Jantar Mantar has the original set of instruments well preserved, and on display for the public, the most significant of which is perhaps the world’s largest sundial!
Outside the city of Jaipur are many more sites to explore and, most importantly, the Amber Fort! This is a sprawling palace with beautiful courtyards and the fabled Hall of Mirrors. The Amber Fort was once home to the Maharaja’s wives and concubines, but, in the present day, it is now a gorgeous monument and an example of the rich history of the city.
The Golden Triangle tour offers a diverse start to exploring the wonders of Indian history and culture. It is worth it! Especially if you are a new visitor to India’s shores.
