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

Day 1:

On one beautiful morning, after landing in 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 thru 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 to visit 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 Taj (so driver explains Agra is just not Taj?) and we were placed in a comfortable hotel and it’s time to get ready for some gorgeous views of 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 Slumdog Millionaire guide really. We entered thru East Gate and the wall itself is so amazing and high that we could barely see Finial at the top of the ivory white architecture wonder.

Taj Mahal - Finial
Finial above the east gate

We couldn’t resist anymore and entered thru 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 eyes feast with happiness.

the mighty Taj Mahal
The Great Taj Mahal

We have applauded and admired the beautiful structure for few more hours until dusk appreciating its beauty at every angle. It is definitely one of the greatest architecture of the modern world and the effort 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, four minarets, gold finial, and thousand others add to the list of the reasons this gigantic structure being the UNESCO world heritage site. It is by all odds one extraordinary construction to experience ancient Indian history.

Taj Mahal art work
A glimpse of artwork on walls

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

Later dinner at hotel and lights off.

Day 2:

Agra Fort

Agra Fort Entrance
Agra Fort Entrance

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.

Walls of Agra Fort
Wall of Agra Fort

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.

Jama Masjid
Inside Jama Masjid

Tomb of Salim Chisti

Salim Chisti is one 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.

Jama Masjid Courtyard
Jama Masjid courtyard

Panch Mahal, Hiran Minar are 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.

Welcome to Jaipur
Welcome to the land of desert says camel on the road

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.

Jantar Mantar
One of many huge structural instruments

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.

Hawa Mahal
Facade from outside

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 definitely rich, or let’s put it this way, they sure know to lead a luxury life, no exceptions.

Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal – a grandeur amid lake Man Sagar

Later we visited a local Krishna Temple in which the idol faces the balcony of Kings Palace to let 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 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!

Jaipur Dance
Dance performances by locals in Chouki Dhani

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’s already Good morning! Heavy delicious breakfast and we are on road already.

Day 3:

Amer Fort

Amer Fort - Jaipur
The wall along the hill and the security posts in 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 of India.

Maotha Lake in Amer Fort
Maotha lake and famous elephant ride up the hill

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 other in minutes thru passages without been 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 and keeps 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 hear 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.

Red Fort
Red Fort

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.

Raj Ghat
Eternal flame in Raj Ghat

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.

Akshardham
Akshardham from outside walls

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.

India Gate
People posing in front of India Gate

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

Indian Parliament
Indian Parliament

Later we headed to 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.

Indira Gandhi Memorial
The last steps of Indira Gandhi are here

After quick lunch, we explored Qutb Minar 

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

Qutb Minar
Qutb Minar

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 Delhi some other time!

Phir milenge chalte chalte!

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

Check our other trips, hope you like them:

Trip to Singapore with my parents:

Or Trip to Amsterdam with friends:

Solo trip to Cancun, Mexico:

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About Author

“Be a Roman when in Rome” is the first travel quote I heard. Soon I realize every place is unique. Wondering how it is? Well that's why the stories here are for. Enjoy reading them!

With so many lovely places on this earth, different cultures and variety of food, exploring one at a time while leading a crazy IT professional life. In short, call me Explorer, be it places, food or IT. See you around!

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