India and The Golden Triangle

There are many places to visit in India.  One of the most popular destinations is the Golden Triangle.  The Golden Triangle is the route between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in northern India.  Its name comes from the equilateral triangle made by these three cities, and the extraordinary religious and historical sights found there.

If you are planning your first trip to India, this is the place to start.  Below are highlights for a trip to each city:

Delhi.  Delhi is the capital of India, and many start their trip here.  There are two parts of the city – Old Delhi and New Delhi – which sit side by side in stark contrast.  Explore Old Delhi to get a sense of the history, including the Red Fort, which dates back to the 17th century, Jama Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India, and Chaadni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India.  Or visit the Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual center, built in 2005, dedicated to showcasing Indian culture.

Agra.  Next stop is Agra, home to the Taj Mahal (visit before noon if possible to avoid the massive crowds).  Other sites to see include Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, which is the first mausoleum in India made entirely of marble, or Fatehpur Sikri, which is a city built in the 16th century as a celebration of Emperor Akbar being blessed with a son.  It was abandoned almost immediately, has been a ghost town ever since, and was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jaipur.  Jaipur’s most recognizable attraction is the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), overlooking the main street.  If you are up for an adventure, visit the Monkey Temple, an old Hindu temple where one of the sacred pools is home to thousands of friendly monkeys (who love to be fed).  Take advantage of Jaipur’s markets and shops, where you will find a variety of locally made items.

Ranthambore National Park.  No trip to the Golden Triangle is complete without a side trip to the Ranthambore National Park and its Tiger Reserve.  Here you can see tigers and other native animals up close and personal.

Ready to plan your trip to the Golden Triangle of India?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at 805-236-4437.