The Golden Triangle – India: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur Trip

Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur Trip. The first and foremost tour one can think of while planning a visit to India. Delhi is the capital city of India, Agra is the land of the highly renowned Taj Mahal, and finally, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, each connected within 250 km, The Golden Triangle has become a major tourist destination. With all three cities well connected through the rail system and the beautiful six-lane Yamuna Expressway, travel between these cities is so easy and fast, that people can spend some quality time at the tourist sites without spending a lot of time on the road.  The tour can be completed in as little as three days extending to two weeks depending upon the priorities. Here is our 4-day itinerary because yeah four four-day trips are fast and furious (and yes rhyme is a chime). Heading to details…

Day 1:

On one beautiful morning, after landing at India’s most beautiful airport – Indira Gandhi International, we were picked up by our tour chauffeur/guide- Madan who is friendly already. Just because tours in India through agencies are easy and well-recommended to save time and money in a way. After quick greetings and refreshments, we were on our way to The Taj Mahal. The place we had been dreaming of visiting forever, or after Aishwarya Rai took an iconic photo of her. Aish has had a tremendous influence on my childhood dreams I think. 

The journey was amazing with green fields, big roads, less traffic unlike other places in India, and some dreaming. Soon we arrived in Agra with no sight of the Taj (so the driver explained Agra is just not the Taj?) and we were placed in a comfortable hotel and it was time to get ready for some gorgeous views of the Taj Mahal. We had our lunch in a Dhabha nearby, some paranthas and Mughal famous(so-called) green spicy sabzi.

Taj Mahal, it is…

As soon as we proceeded to experience one of the seven wonders of the world, we were hooked up with a local guide to explain the history of the place. Better than the Slumdog Millionaire guide. We entered through East Gate and the wall itself was so amazing and high that we could barely see Finial at the top of the ivory-white architecture wonder.

We couldn’t resist anymore and entered through the gate. We were shocked to see thousands of people even on a regular weekday. But then yes above all, the tall white structure standing at a distance radiating with the sun is a moment that our hearts will be filled with love, our mouths will be aww-stuck and our eyes feast with happiness.

We applauded and admired the beautiful structure for a few more hours until dusk appreciating its beauty at every angle. It is one of the greatest architecture of the modern world and the effort of more than 10,000 humans left for the love of their King is beyond imagination. Workmanship those days is unquestionably impressive.

As most of all know, it is the tomb of King Shah Jahan’s dearest wife – Mumtaz Mahal.

The structure is built with white marble embedded with rich precious stones completed with a large dome that displays great Persian and Muslim artwork. The exterior and interior decorations with gemstones, white panels, flowers, and fruit art all along, with four minarets, gold finials, and thousands of others add to the list of the reasons this gigantic structure is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is by all odds one extraordinary construction to experience ancient Indian history.

We later proceeded to tour the benefited shop where fine marble inlay work by the ancestors of Taj construction workers(told so) is still being done. As expected pricey but a place to buy souvenirs if bargained and the products look promising and reliable(so are till today).

Later dinner at the hotel and lights off.

Day 2:

Agra Fort

This Fort is the home of the Mughal Dynasty and another amazing land to experience Indian history and the King’s lifestyle in earlier times.

This fort witnessed many wars and was rebuilt parts of it many times to match the interests of the Kings. One can spend 2-3 hours at this site discovering the greatness of ancient history.

There is still a lot more to explore in Agra but Jaipur awaits us. Goodbye, Agra.. for now…

Fatehpur Sikri

On our way to Jaipur, we stopped at this beautiful city which was once the capital city of Mughal Emperor – Akbar The Great. It is now one of the best illustrations of Mughal architecture as it is a planned well-built city with a huge surrounding wall.

Jama Masjid

It is one of the finest mosques ever built in India with white marble inlay touched with red sandstone finished with a beautiful dome and it is the perfect epitome of geometric patterns.

Tomb of Salim Chisti

Salim Chisti is a highly regarded saint by Emperor Akbar and his tomb is built in the courtyard of Jama Masjid in a grand style with white marble and mosaic. It is a great structure to explore and understand the art of the Mughal Empire.

Panch Mahal and Hiran Minar are a few others to admire in this gorgeous city but for us, it’s time to hit Jaipur, the pink city of India. We had our lunch in yet another vegetarian restaurant in Jaipur with Dal Bati churma, the authentic dish of Rajasthani cuisine.

Jantar Mantar

We headed straight to Jantar Mantar, the home of the world’s largest stone sundial and we could feel the heat of Thar desert here. Jantar Mantar is an exceptional land of great innovations and instruments built using astronomy and ancient Hindu beliefs. This place has various instruments for measuring time, tracking stars, predicting eclipses all observations made by the naked eye.

Hawa Mahal

One of the very interesting constructions of ancient India depicts the life of a woman and the greatness of ancient Indian technology in a nutshell. This palace is merely built for Royal Women to enjoy the streets of Jaipur while unseen from outside and at the same time providing them cool breeze even in scorching summer.

Jal Mahal

Yet another architectural beauty from ancient India. This palace is built as a summer getaway for King Pratap Singh with a huge makeover in lake Man Sagar itself. Well, Indian Kings are rich, or let’s put it this way, they sure know how to lead a luxurious life, no exceptions.

Later we visited a local Krishna Temple in which the idol faces the balcony of Kings’ Palace to let the King and Queen directly pray daily. We were just on time for harathi and so the chants and prayers created a holy environment. Of course loud chants.

We wanna end our day in a good relaxed style and the Chouki Dhani theme resort just did that. You have your own space to enjoy Rajasthani’s favorite dishes while the open hub is accommodated with traditional dancers and musicians who perform live to entertain with various stunts and dances while you pick a buffet. Pleasant experience!

Lastly, it’s Hotel Umaid Bhawan to rest after one hell of a day. Madan did an amazing job taking us to the right places at the right times in our tight schedule. This hotel now is too good to just sleep. Pools, beautiful and colorful interior, grand King-size bed, staff like personal maids, crystal chandeliers, true palace experience but before we realize it, it’s already Good morning! Heavy delicious breakfast and we are on the road already.

Day 3:

Amer Fort

Amer Fort is one must-see heritage site around Jaipur. It is an exceptional palace and fort sitting on a high hill, protected with a wall all around. Situated right above Maotha Lake, it is considered one of the most romantic palaces in India.

Constructed with red sandstone and white marble, this huge palace has four courtyards – One for a public audience, the other for private, another for King’s meetings, and the last one for Royal Women specifically. The layout of the palace amuses us in every aspect of it. It is so flawless that King can travel from one courtyard to another in minutes through passages without seeing anyone. The rooms are so big and well decorated with astonishing paintings and artwork sustained to date.

Especially, the third courtyard – Sheesh Mahal is brilliant with hunting murals,  mirror mosaics, and exquisite colored glasses. These are extremely beautiful and at some time, every part of it with a purpose either to illuminate the courtyard from the little reachable sunlight or keep the place cool by artificial winds. Just Amazing!

From early morning to late afternoon, we had an amazing experience here exploring the Fort and the lifestyle of Kings. We had lunch later on a highway Dhabha famous for truck drivers to enjoy the delicacy of Egg Bhurji with parathas.

Delhi. Get ready for greater fun?

We know we were in Greater Delhi when we heard honks from all sides of the vehicle and one can only imagine the traffic of New Delhi. Madan was very patient to drop us at the hotel carefully all the way through, my brother complained he was dozing off now and then.

Our hotel near Karol Bagh is a pretty decent, quiet area, and impressive service.  Later that evening we explored Karol Bagh – a place to buy all gifts and materials to neighbors and relatives. At least my mother was happy. Golden rule: BARGAIN.

Day 4:

Good morning Delhi! We are all excited to explore Delhi, the capital city of India with so much history behind it.

Red Fort:

We made our first stop at the historical site, the home of the Mughal dynasty – Red Fort. The fort we have been watching on every Independence Day where the Prime Minister hoists the flag.

Then we proceeded to Raj Ghat via Chandni Chowk, the busiest market of Old Delhi. It is fun to drive around this at the busiest time of the day when a lot of local people rush to shop while the shops are still being set on to the road.

Raj Ghat

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. Being Feb 1,  after Memorial Day, the place is still well decorated and clean, and children never stop to pay respects to the great father of the nation.

Akshardham

It’s time to indulge in spirituality and the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex can never go wrong. It is the modern world’s majestic mandir. The carvings of deities, musicians, dancers, flora, and fauna all around the temple are simply amazing and it just brings back the ancient art in this new era. The dome, exhibits, gardens, and the water-light show are must-watch. Note: No photography.

India Gate

It is a Triumphal arch and memorial to thousands of soldiers whose names are inscribed on this gigantic structure. The terrific atmosphere will stir a proud smile on every face. Salute to Martyrs.

We took a quick peek around the Indian Parliament and the place where we usually see noise all the time on television is quiet that morning.

Later we headed to the Indira Gandhi memorial, the residence of the late prime minister where she was assassinated. All the belongings of Indira Gandhi are well preserved and the tour around the house depicts the life of the lady distinctly.

After a quick lunch, we explored Qutb Minar 

A UNESCO World Heritage site built by Delhi Sultans dating back to the 11th century cannot be missed. The tall tower built of red sandstone has 6 storeys in a spiral staircase. Numerous inscriptions all around the tower explain the history of the construction.

We made our last stop at Lakshmi Narayan Temple also known as Birla Mandir of Delhi to satisfy the inner peace of my mother. It was one of the first Hindu temples built in Delhi and is among the major attractions in the capital city.

One can spend weeks in Delhi learning the history and culture of India. It has people with various religions and possibly from every state in India. Local food is a must-try and streets are populated with thousands all the time. Our first visit to this great city is memorable and we can only wish to be on vacation forever. See you in Delhi some other time!

Phir milenge chalte chalte!

{These tour details are from 2014 Spring and operated by Vuelo Travels, Bangalore}
Have fun in the Golden Triangle!

Check our other trips, hope you like them:

Trip to Singapore with my parents

Or a Trip to Amsterdam with friends

Solo trip to Cancun, Mexico:

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