Top 5 Reasons to Visit India’s Golden Triangle
India carves a deep, lasting impression on any traveler’s mind. Many return home with a new perspective on people, life and the world. Our incredible India trip is designed to entertain, enlighten and engage travelers on this culinary and cultural adventure.
India is a land of rich ancient history and deep cultural roots. Its lush beauty, exotic architecture and diverse mix of people will overload your senses with its kaleidoscope of tastes, sights and sounds. For those who see the world in shades of black and white, India is a place to experience life in the brilliance of technicolor action.
Where the Journey Begins
The Golden Triangle is the most popular introductory tour in India, encompassing three popular cities in the country’s northwest region: Delhi; Agra; and Jaipur–forming a triangle on a map. Our journey starts in Delhi, moves south to Agra and then west to the desert landscapes of Rajasthan. The triangle has been dubbed “golden” for its extraordinary cultural and historical wealth evident at the Red Fort in Delhi, the Amber Fort in Jaipur and the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. Delectable Destinations takes adventurers to the Golden Triangle and into the fascinating, decadent and passionate world of Mughals and Maharajas. Enjoy our Top 5 Reasons to Visit India’s Golden Triangle.
1. Heritage & Architecture
Home to the world’s oldest civilization, Golden Triangle India is popular for its rich structures and heritage. Exceptionally beautiful and architecturally diverse, India is filled with forts, palaces, mosques, temples, monuments and ancient ruins. Indian structures have evolved under the influence of countless dynasties and European colonial rule. Thirty-two UNESCO World Heritage sites are listed across India, making it a prime destination for history buffs and design enthusiasts.
A stop in Delhi includes a visit to:
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Lodhi Gardens
- Humayun Tomb
- India Gate
A stop in Agra includes a visit to:
- Taj Mahal
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra Fort
- Sikandra
- Itmad-ul-Daulah
A stop in Jaipur includes a visit to:
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Amber Fort
- Jal Mahal
2. Religion and spirituality
India is the birthplace of many religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and various religious philosophies. In India, religion and spirituality are intricately intertwined with everyday life. Most travelers embark on a journey to India in search of calm and a peaceful environment intended for some soul searching. A visit to India’s temples, and engaging in the many different religious texts, provide a deeper insight into the essence of the Indian culture.
The rituals of devout faith followers can be closely observed in Delhi’s Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Lotus Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Jama Majid and Jaipur’s Birla Mandir.
3. Culture
The events and holiday calendar in India is full of cultural and religious festivals and elaborate fairs. The vibrant Holi and Diwali festivals are widely celebrated across India, especially in the Golden Triangle. The Pink City of Jaipur also hosts colorful festivals including the Teej Fair and Gangaur Kite Festival during which the city is filled with red-topped turbans, painted elephants, decorated camels, tattooed ladies and flying kites.
4. Shopping
The best way to discover the irresistible vivacity of the Golden Triangle is to shop in the colorful chaos of an Indian bazaar where vendors and buyers navigate bargaining sales and a flurry of activity in search of specific food items and other consumer products. Travelers can also take a more structured shopping excursion to the Old Delhi Bazaar Walk or other bazaars in Agra and Jaipur.
Some popular places to shop in Delhi include:
- Connaught Place
- Chandni Chowk
- Karol Bagh
- Paharganj
- Sarojini Nagar
- Khan Market
- Lajpat Nagar
- Nehru Place
- South Extension
Some popular places to shop for Rajasthani souvenirs, clothes, and accessories in Jaipur:
- Johari Bazaar
- Bapu Bazaar
- Tripolia Bazaar
5. Cuisine of India
A concoction of exotic spices, fresh flavors and elaborate combinations of tastes and presentations make the cuisine of India a flavorful foodie experience. The food of northern India, influenced by Persian and Mughlai styles of cooking, include such delicacies as butter chicken, chapathi (flatbread), chana (chickpea) masala and chaat (deep fried potato patties).
Delhi boasts a wide selection of local and fine intercontinental cuisine available at hotels, restaurants and eateries like Hauz Khas, Chandni Chowk (a paradise for chaat lovers), and Paranthe Wali Gali (tasty paranthas and sweet treats: jalebi; chaat papdi; golgappas; samosas and chai). Don’t miss out on eating at one of the top restaurants in the world and the only restaurant in India to make this prestigious list – Indian Accent in Delhi. Treat yourself!
Food, culture and traditions of India have been shaped by its long history, unique geography and greatly influenced by different rulers, travelers and neighbors over the years. Food is an important part of the Indian culture and plays a traditional role in everyday life and public festivals.
A large portion of India’s population is vegetarian, but a diverse range of non-vegetarian cooking is ideal for tourist sampling everywhere. There are four categories of Indian cuisine: North, South, East and West Indian. Despite this diversity, some unifying tastes and techniques emerge.
Incredible India! It’s a unique travel destination, growing in popularity, and a life-changing Delectable Destinations adventure that’s sure to inspire the soul, the tastebuds and the mind.
Carol Ketelson is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to planning, co-ordinating and curating customized group tours to hand-picked destinations. As an experienced travel planner, Carol’s customized itineraries, specialized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences create memorable journeys for her small groups of singles, couples, divorced, widowed and solo travelers seeking exceptional trips into the culture and cuisine of destinations around the world. Spring and Fall bookings invite travelers to taste delectable local cuisine, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Spain, Ireland and India.
Delectable Destinations…Delivering your dream trip. For more information & 2017 trips log onto: delectabledestinations.com
