Experience India’s Golden Triangle Tour

India is a mystical country filled with a vast history which you can delve into with its remnants of maharajas, kingdoms and ancient cities, myriad of experiences and its distinct cultures.

A fantastic way to get a flavour of India and its diversity is by exploring  “The Golden Triangle,” where you will visit the three corners of Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. This is the perfect introduction to the wonders of north India, especially if it is your first time visiting India.

Delhi

Starting with Old Delhi you will visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, which is the largest mosque in India. This impressive mosque is built from red sandstone and white marble and has two forty metre high minarets and 899 carved floor placements for worshippers.

From Jama Masjid, you will experience a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi until you get to Khari Baoli, which is the largest spice market in Asia. Here you will find a tantalising and aromatic selection of herbs and spices ranging from dried chillies, turmeric to garam masala, filling large sacks.

The kitchen at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is an enriching experience to witness their Langar, which is a free kitchen, run by volunteers, that feeds thousands of people regardless of their caste or background. When everyone dines in the Langar hall they are considered to be equal.

In New Delhi you will visit the towering India Gate which is a war memorial monument that commemorates the 90,000 Indian soldiers that lost their lives in World War I. Each of the 90,000 names is intricately engraved on the walls of the gate and an eternal flame is kept constantly lit in their honour.

 Agra

The next stop on the Golden Triangle tour will be Agra, a culturally vibrant city and home to the majestic Taj Mahal and The Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, a World Heritage Site,  is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died after childbirth 1631. He was heartbroken and began construction of the Taj Mahal the following year. It was completed in 1653.

After completion, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort. When he died in 1666, he was buried at The Taj Mahal alongside Mumtaz.

Agra Fort

The Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India and was originally built as a military structure. It served as Emperor Shah Jahan’s prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658.

 Jaipur

The next corner of the Golden Triangle is the capital of the Rajasthan state, Jaipur, the famed Pink City.

Whilst in Jaipur you will visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular example of Rajput architecture. There are amazing views of the city and Lake Maota and it has a plethora of stairways, courtyards, gateways, gardens and balconies in its premises, all adorned with intricate colourful designs for you to marvel at.

Birla Temple

We recommend the evening Arti ceremony at the Birla Mandir, a beautiful famous temple built of marble and visited by thousands of devotees every day.

Hawa Mahal

The intricate and fascinating facade of the Palace of the Winds is probably Jaipur’s most recognised building, originally built in 1799 for the women of the royal household to discreetly watch the streets below. It has five floors that contain rows of small windows and screens. It inherited its name as wind used to flow through the openings.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar means “calculation instrument” and is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars is still in use.

City Palace

The City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture that houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. The royal family reside there, in the graceful Chandra Mahal.

 Shopping

Shopping is superb in Jaipur, whether you are looking for gold and silver jewellery, gemstones pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts, carpets and much more.

We recommend Bapu Bazaar as is not just a great place to shop, but also makes for a good walk. The pink rustic buildings on both sides of the road give you the true essence of Jaipur.

A cooking demonstration at Ikaki Niwas

A cooking demonstration at Ikaki Niwas, a fabulous homestay in Jaipur is highly recommended, where you can learn how to make a traditional Rajasthani meal. This is followed by a sumptuous dinner and a chance to mingle with the friendly family that run the homestay.

Extensions to the Golden Triangle Tour

Udaipur

Udaipur is considered to be “The Venice of the East” and is an incredibly romantic city.

You will be able to walk through the old city, visit the City Palace, Pratap Memorial, Sahelion Ki Bagh and drive past Fateh Sagar Lake. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

If you would like to add the Udaipur Extension, please note that the Golden Triangle tour will start at Delhi, continue to Agra and finish at Jaipur.

Ranthambore

Once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 and since 1980 it has been a national park. It is famous for its tigers and you have the opportunity to see them during morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore national park using a shared jeep.

If you would like to add the Ranthambore Extension, please note that it will take place between Jaipur and Agra.

Varanasi

Varanasi is a spiritual city located on the banks of the holy River Ganges. It is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to its banks to perform traditional Hindu rituals.

Varanasi is just over an hour’s flight from Delhi or Jaipur, and can be added as an extension to the Golden Triangle tour.

You can find out more about our ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary which covers the three cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra here: Golden Triangle Itinerary

For more details on our Itineraries or to discuss a bespoke Itinerary call Simply India Holidays by Somak on 0208 423 3000 or email in***@so***.uk and we will be delighted to help you plan your  trip to Incredible India.