Golden Triangle Tour:  Quintessential Introduction to India

Aug 19, 2020

By Debasree Chakraborty

The incredible India is not just one country but a country of million experiences. The land of ancient history, colorful heritage and even more vibrant culture is a traveller’s treasure box. Such is the vastness and diversity of the land that is pretty much impossible to explore and experience it all at one India tour. If India’s best could be put in a nutshell, then it is the brief and carefully-planned Golden Triangle Tour.

In north India, the three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, 200-250 kms apart, become the three points of the Golden Triangle. These cities are home to great empires, fascinating chapters of history, colorful heritage, magnificent architecture including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling bazaars, enriching experiences and more. This is an ultimate experience of India, especially if you have never visited before, this is the ideal start.

The Glorious History & Heritage

Golden Triangle tour’s itinerary comprises of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and each of these cities are a treasure of glorious history & heritage.

The ‘City of Cities’ Delhi - To start with Delhi, the capital city of India is not one city but a city of eight cities. The oldest city of Delhi, Indraprastha dates back to 3000 years back mentioned in the epic Mahabharata while the name Old Delhi is given to the city of Mughals when they made Delhi their capital and the newest Delhi is planned during the British Raj by the architect Lutyens. Each of these settlements is a testimony of glorious history and heritage.

Of note in Delhi is the impressive architecture and craftsmanship that mark each of the different eras and harmoniously coexist with the city matching pace with the modern times. The UNESCO World heritage sites in Delhi- Red Fort, Qutub Minar Complex and Humayun’s Tomb are must visit. Other impressive attractions are- Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raj Ghat, Lodhi Garden, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc.

‘Gem of the Mughal Era’ Agra - Moving on to Agra, the city of Taj; it is a city of Mughal splendor. The former capital of the Mughal Empire, the city is well-known for the beautiful Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red-sandstone Agra Fort is another testament of the regal history. Other popular specimens of heritage are Itmad-ul-daulah ‘Baby Taj’, and Akbar’s Tomb. The marvelous Fatehpur Sikri is also a must-visit heritage site, on the outskirts of Agra. Once a glorious Mughal city, the city was abandoned and left in ruin.

‘Pride of the Rajputana’ Jaipur – Last stop of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur is a glorious city of Rajputana. Nicknamed as Pink City, the capital city of Rajasthan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Walled city of Jaipur dates back to the 17th century, where the entire city was built after proper planning and following of Vastu Shastra. Magnificent forts, royal palaces, incredible architecture are specimens of the royal heritage. Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar are inscribed among UNESCO World Heritage sites, while other masterpieces of architecture are Hawa Mahal-the Palace of Winds, the City Palace, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum and more.

Rich culture

Culture is the legacy of the people and the Golden Triangle tour presents the culture of the Rajputs, Mughals and the multi-cultural Delhi. Festivals highlight the colorful culture and if you would like a brief introduction to the festivities the tour circuit offers the ideal opportunity.

Mouthwatering Tastes

Be it Delhi, Agra or Jaipur, each of these cities offers an opportunity to savor mouthwatering tastes. Delhi is well-known both for street food as well as luxury dining. Old Delhi is famous for its mouthwatering parathas, kachoris and other snacks while the top-notch hotels offer a fine dining experience. Agra specialized in Mughali cuisines and especially the sweet ‘petha’. Jaipur presents the ultimate Rajasthani cuisine with a delicious dishes including the ‘dal-bhati-churma’ and ‘laal maas’.

Royal Hospitality

Golden Triangle tours is crafted in a way that it captures the best of India and for that is also capture the experience of the royal hospitality of India. Luxury is a way of life for the guests. Luxury properties, heritage hotels transformed from royal palaces and the international resorts serve guests with a memorable stay. While the lodgings are heavenly, the services are personalized for the guests to feel right at home and enjoy Indian rituals and customs.

Extending your trip

Track tigers in Ranthambhore or spot birds in Bharatpur

The Ranthambhore National Park was once a hunting ground for the maharajas and now protects a growing tiger population. Easy to get to by road, the park is known for incredible tiger sightings as well as other wildlife, including blackbucks and rare leopards. Embark on game drives in the mornings and evenings to increase your chances of seeing a tiger or a group of them.

Bharatpur is the home to Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many colorful species of birds including migratory birds that seek refuge in the winters.

A Royal Rajasthan Tour

The Golden Triangle slots in to a longer tour of Rajasthan that can include the ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur or the ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur or the ‘Golden City’ Jaisalmer. Each of these royal cities further enhance the thrill of exploring India.

Bask in the holy bliss of Varanasi

The ancient city of Varanasi is the perfect getaway with the holy River Ganga, sacred river Ghats, Ganga Aarti, temples and more.

Off to the beaches

Goa and Kerala offer a refreshing beach experience. Beaches, backwaters, Ayurveda massages, seafood, watersports and leisure time, this puts a very invigorating end to your India tour.

Best time to visit India’s Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle Tour is best suited between the months from October to April. The winter season in India is a pleasant time to go sightseeing, relish the Indian spicy food and have some incredible experiences.