India’s Golden Triangle, which comprises the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is renowned as one of the best travel routes for a cultural tour in the country. This vibrant, unique, and cultural tour lets tourists experience the pulchritudinous beauty of one of the most compelling architectural constructions of the country. These marvels trace their origin to medieval history. But, the real question arises when you plan a trip to these cities. Being a complete stranger you don’t have any idea of where to start and where to end. And thus, we have come up to solve your problem through this blog. From every historical monument in Delhi and Mughal’s marvels in Agra to forts, palaces, and markets of Jaipur, we have included everything from tip to toe in this blog. So, get ready to take a plunge into the spirit of liveliness in Delhi, romanticism in Agra, and royalty in Jaipur as you go through this Golden Triangle blog. So, without any much delay, let’s get started!
DELHI
En girdled by the mighty Yamuna River, Delhi is probably most talked-about travel destination in India and the Golden Triangle as well. Rich in history and blended with modernization, Delhi, formerly known as Indraprastha, was once the ruling kingdom of Tuglaks, Mughals, Lodis, Khiljis, British and more famous dynasties, the gleaming city of Delhi has changed itself as one of the prominent and most-celebrated destinations in India. Evidence of the rich past of this beautiful city can still be seen in the famous attractions of Delhi. Whether it is Lodi Gardens, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, or Jama Masjid, Delhi boasts some of the finest creations from ancient time. With that, let’s talk about some of the best places which you surely want to visit while on a Golden Triangle tour. But before that, just keep in mind you devote few days to Delhi to savour the imposing beauty of this city.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid or Masjid-i Jahan-Numa is a most popular tourist hotspot in Old Delhi, India. Showcasing an elegant architectural design that boasting a fine art of Mughal era, Jama Masjid Built is built of red sandstone and white marble and traces its history from 17th-century. This beautiful mosque is located to the west of Red Fort. In total, this mosque has 4 towers, 3 gates, and 2 minarets with 40 in height. For a fact, the courtyard of Jama Masjid can accommodate up to 25000 worshippers which is the another reason that makes it an eminent tourist place in the city. Just to let you know, there is another mosque that boasts the similar architectural design and is located in Lahore, Pakistan.
India Gate
In 1921, India Gate was designed and structured by Edwin Lutyens. However, the foundation stone of this epic masterpiece was laid by The Duke of Connaught, who was the Royal Highness of Lutyens. The India Gate was built to commemorate the British and Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and hundreds of soldiers who lost their lives in Indo-Pak war (1971) and the Afghan war of 1919. With a height of 42 m, India Gate is comfortably placed in an arched structure in the downtown of the city. It is also said that India Gate boasts its structural design to the counterpart in Paris. The monument is built with light brown Bharatpur stones. The highlight of this beguiling attraction is the memorial- Amar Jawan Jyoti that was introduced after the 1971 war between India and Pakistan to commemorate the deceased soldiers. In their respect, a flame burns throughout the day to pay homage to those brave lost live
Red Fort
A renowned historical attraction in New Delhi, Red Fort is situated in the chaos of Old Delhi. The fort was once the dwelling abode of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty. Constructed by the great ruler Shah Jahan in the year 1939, the masterpiece of Red Fort boasts a magnificent architectural design, and hence, gets its name from its imposing red sandstone walls. Today, this monument is serving as the one of the must visit tourist places in Delhi. Moreover, the whole complex of this prodigious fort represents the architectural brilliance and creativity of Mughal architecture. And with so much historical importance centred around it, the Red Fort has become one of the most popular monuments not just in Delhi but in India as well. In 2007, this fort also became a part of UNESCO world heritage site.
Old Delhi
Well, this one is not a particular tourist landmark but a whole marketplace. Old Delhi includes the famous markets of Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, Meena Bazar, Nai Sarak, Sitaram Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Chor Bazar, and Ballimaran. At this place you’ll get to see the real chaos of the Delhi. Narrow lanes, clustered shops, bustling streets, and gleaming ambiance make Old Delhi one of the must-visit attractions in Delhi.
Qutub Minar
Next in the list of places to visit in Delhi is Qutub Minar. Being a world famed structure which comfortably standing at a height of 240 m, Qutub Minar boasts itself not just as a pride of the city but the whole nation. Located at Mehrauli, the wonderful masterpiece include five storeys with a staircase which spirals all the way to the top. It was the year 1192 when Qutub Minar was built by Qutub ud-din Aibak after taking over this region. Another informative thing goes like that, the first three storeys include red sandstone by Iltutmish whereas the other two storeys included sandstone and marble by the great ruler Firoz Shah Tughlaq. However, the beautiful architectural design of Qutub Minar is what people love the most in it.
AGRA
Who doesn’t know about the city of Agra? Maybe it’s the famous Taj Mahal which took the city into the spotlight, for all the good reasons. Proudly houses one of the Seven Wonders of The World – Taj Mahal, Agra is indeed a not-to-miss tourist attraction when you’re in India. Besides, it is also an important travel destination in the very famous Golden Triangle of India. The city gives a sneak peek into the opulent architectural history of the renowned Mughal constructions which include Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from the Taj Mahal, the city also boasts a few other historical attractions. If you’re a historical buff and looking for a cultural tour, then Agra would be the best place to start with. And if you’re on a Golden Triangle tours then there is no need to tell you about the importance of this beaut place as you already know. So, let’s get started with the attractions of the city which you can explore.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal will also remain on top whenever it’s about the city of Agra. Renowned as India’s most recognized historical monument, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Also, the prominent part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Taj Mahal traces its history from 1630 and was actually built as a tomb that contains the remains of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s wife – Mumtaz, and thus, is also known as Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan built in the remembrance of his wife and to show his love for her. Just for the fact, the monument took almost 22 years to get completed and is made up of white marbles. Another fact says that around 20,000 workers were employed for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, Agra Fort is one of the most important attractions in the city. Rebuilt by the emperor Akbar, Agra Fort is made up of red sandstone and boasts a perfect ancient architectural civilization. The whole rebuilding process took almost eight years to complete. Although most of the buildings inside the fort have been destroyed, some fairy-tail palaces, mosques, towers, courtyards, and audience halls still remain the star attractions of the fort.
Mehtab Bagh
An epitome of beauty, Mehtab Bagh, also known as the “Moonlight Garden”, is one of the must-visit places in Agra. Sprawls over 25 acres of land, this Mughal garden complex is placed directly opposite the monument. Just to surprise you, this beautiful garden was actually a splendid construction by Emperor Babur who built it prior to the Taj Mahal. The entry cost is 15 INR for all the Indian citizen and it is 200 INR for foreign nationals.
So, this was all from this blog. If you liked it then give it a like and also share it with your friends. However, if you want to stay away from the mental strain of planning a vacation then you can choose Unique India Tours to plan an indelible vacation for you. We have a range of Golden Triangle tours that are also combined with various other destinations to give you a unique experience as our suggests.
JAIPUR
Renowned as the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur – The Pink City is one of the top tourist attraction of the state and also a prominent part of Golden Triangle Tours. The city gets its name Pink City because of the distinct color of its buildings that mostly reflect pink. The colour ‘pink’ is Gerua (or ochre) in which the city was coloured during the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905-06. The city of Jaipur is well-known for its stunning monuments, palaces, forts and vibrant markets. Whether it is the beautiful handloom garments and gorgeous gardens, the city is famous for all the good reasons. And when you are exploring this beaut city, It is actually difficult to not to fall in love with The Pink City. Coming back onto Golden Triangle, Jaipur with its fellow neighbouring cities Delhi and Agra make completes a tour to this incredible tourist route in North India. And it not attracts domestic travelers but also international tourists as well. Let’s now look at some of the top tourist attractions in Jaipur is often an important stopover for foreign tourists.
Amber Fort
This is the only fort where Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani was shot and that movie suddenly put Jaipur’s Amber fort into the limelight. Esteemed for its gleaming mirror work, the fort and its history come alive with the evening light and sound show. One can take an elephant ride to uphill to reach fort entrance. This magnificently built fort is one such attraction which you can’t miss whether you’re travelling the city alone or with Golden Triangle.
Jal Mahal
Located in the middle of Lake Man Sagar, Jal Mahal is undoubtedly one of the best and the must place to see in Jaipur. This 5-storey construction has 4 storeys beneath the water surface that gives a unique underwater experience. The architecture design of Jal Mahal is a perfect mix of Mughal and Rajput design. The azure water of the lake and the picturesque surrounding of Aravalli hills make Jal Mahal absolutely stunning, especially at night. However, if you are looking for a romantic getaway in Jaipur then also Jal Mahal is the best place to go for.
City Palace
Another popular travel destination in Jaipur, the City Palace is the talk of the town in Jaipur city. The palace is famous for its serene amalgamation of rich Mughlai and Rajasthani architecture design. The splendidly constructed peacock gates are one of the highlights of this enticing attraction along with fascinating gardens, a museum, vast courtyards, an art gallery and a fascinating display of royal costumes and old weapons.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, also known as the palace of wind, is one of sought-after tourist attraction in Jaipur. Built in the year 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is the palace from where you can relish the spectacular view of the city. In total, the palace consists 953 windows which were built for the women of the royal families so that they could actually enjoy festivities in the city or across the streets as they were not allowed to step outside.
Jaigarh Fort
Another place of tourist interest in Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort is esteemed to house the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Also, the fort displays the magnificent architecture of the medieval period that has been kept intact till now. The watchtower at Jaigarh Fort proffers a gleaming view of the entire region.
Nahargarh Fort
Located on the hills of Aravali, Nahargarh is a talked-about tourist destination in Jaipur because of the surreal sunset views which tourists get to see from here that overlooks the entire city. A number of tourists also come here for picnicking because of the sublime surrounding and the cafe which is located inside that serves snacks and drinks. So, if you’re in Jaipur for any reason don’t dare to miss out this beguiling place. Also, at night the place gets beautifully lit up.
Rambagh Palace
Once the abode of Maharajas, Rambagh Palace now serves as one of the finest hotels in the world. With its royal touch and great hospitality, the palace has gained such status within a short period of time. First, built for the nurse of Raja Ram Singh as a garden house and later transformed into a hunting lodge and further into the main residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Rambagh Palace has now come under Taj Group and is serving as a 5-star property in Jaipur.
Johari Bazar
Apart from forts and monuments, Jaipur is also very much famous for its markets. And amongst those famousshopping markets in Jaipur, one is Johari Bazaar. Sells a great assortment of costume jewellery, traditional clothes and costumes, precious gemstones, bangles, textiles and a lot more.
Chokhi Dhani
Many of you must have heard the name Chokhi Dhani at least once in your life, right? Well, this is an ethnic village resort. The converted 5-star resort is constructed to showcase the culture of traditional Rajasthani village. Authentic Rajasthani food, folk music, puppet shows, and traditional dance performances are some of the major highlights of this tourist place in Jaipur. However, if you do not wish to stay here, you can still enjoy the cultural programs and can also taste their authentic fares.