| 4 mins read
It is oft said that India is a country comprising many smaller countries. Inside this massive subcontinent, there are literally endless sights to visit with diversities from Himalayan mountain ranges, sprawling deserts, entire coastlines of beaches, dense jungle regions to extremely overpopulated cities. Connecting the vast region are endless veins of rivers, highways, railways and airstreams that make each and every destination accessible (though not always comfortably). In the northern region of the country is one of these well-connected travel routes, which is quite possibly one of the world’s most famous: India’s Golden Triangle.
A City, A Desert and A World-Wonder
The Golden Triangle includes Delhi, Jaipur and Agra- quite literally forming a small triangle in the northwest corner of the country. If a visitor had to pick one route to travel in India, it would most likely be this one. Why? Because it covers a handful of India’s best attractions. Tourists can experience the outrageously overpopulated & historical aspect, the area’s different terrains and its ever-growing modern landscape.
The Capital
There’s no better place to start than Delhi. Easy to access internationally, the Indian capital keeps travellers (and its billion inhabitants) well connected with the rest of the country. Whether you are looking to visit the sights, taste its famous Mughlai cuisine, learn about the history, culture, religion, or shop ‘til you drop, Delhi can, and will deliver.
Planning on visiting this city that is one of the world’s oldest? You are probably going to need a helping hand. Find a resourceful Delhi tour guide to make your first leg of the journey more than just a jumbled, hectic city mess. Home to the Red Fort and iconic India Gate, amazing museums, temples mosques, bustling marketplaces and hidden green spaces- with the right set of eyes and local knowledge, the city is an unforgettable place to visit.
A wonder in this world
Thanks to the well-connected capital, Agra is a convenient drive from Delhi. A quick bus or train ride carries you down to this world-famous destination, and for a thumping majority of the visitors, it’s for one reason. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal is way more than just a pretty picture. This world icon is both an unparalleled piece of architecture and symmetry, India’s most beautiful monument and a symbol of everlasting love, all packed in one.
To know some of the poignant, beautiful and labour-intensive history behind the Taj Mahal or even see the other amazing sites within Agra (two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous tombs, temples and mosques),look at engaging the services of a knowledgeable Agra tour guide to help give you the best experience possible.
Enter the world of colour and culture
Creating the third and final side of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur is also easy to reach via Agra (or even directly from Delhi). A city of bazaars, colours, royalty and amazing architecture, this is a fantastic finale for all those travelling the Golden Triangle. Tucked into the midst of Rajasthan’s expansive desert landscape, the “Pink City” is easily one of India's most popular destinations. Though a capital city itself, Jaipur feels worlds away from the condensed madness of Delhi.
With extensive history covering scores of forts (the Amber Fort is amazing!), palaces, temples and monuments (the iconic Hawa Mahal is another must visit), Jaipur is another traveller destination best seen with the help of a well informed, professional tour guide. Dont miss out on catching a traditional ghoomar dance performance, sampling an array of indian sweets and buying a colourful piece of bandhej cloth to take back home; a great souvenir of your Indian holiday!
Credits:Hawa Mahal, Jaipurby enjosmithCC BY-SA;Noahby Kashyap KinshukCC BY;India, Red Fortby mckaysavageCC BY;https://flic.kr/p/7v8c2jIndia Gateby Pankaj NautiyalCC BY-ND 2.0;Taj Mahal at dawnby John HaslamCC BY;Agra's Red FortbyLASZLO ILYESCC BY;Pink City Jaipurby neverbutterflyCC BY