India’s Golden Triangle is perhaps the most well-known India travel package that money can buy, and certainly the route to follow if you’re booking your first India holiday. The three points on the famous triangle are the Indian capital of Delhi, the Pink City of Jaipur and Agra, home to the legendary Taj Mahal. There are a number of iconic sites to be found on a Golden Triangle tour, from the lofty Amber Fort to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. In this article we’ll introduce you to 6 of the most famous sites to visit on a Golden Triangle India tour package with us.
There’s really only one place to start. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most famous building in the world. Millions of visitors’ flock to the site every year and it is the crowning jewel of any India holiday. The Taj was constructed in the 17th century on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his devoted wife who sadly died during childbirth. The entire building is a symbol of one man’s love for his wife and it is little surprise that many couples choose to honeymoon to India to see the Taj. Made from solid white marble, the Taj Mahal dazzles in the sun and if you manage to avoid the large crowds by arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon, then you can take some spectacular photographs to remember your trip by. Simply a must-see that needs no explaining - especially when you are planning for a north India tour with us.
Amber Fort is a spectacular fortress, built over seven levels overlooking Maota Lake, a few kilometres north of Jaipur. The fort is built on a steep ridge, explaining the different levels, each of which has its own impressive courtyard. The original fort dates back to the 16th century and rickshaws can be hired to take visitors up to the impressive entrance. Inside the fort are hundreds of ornately decorated rooms with views out over the lake and the surrounding scenery. The majority of Golden Triangle tour packages will take in the lofty heights of Amber Fort.
Another imposing fortress, this time in the Indian capital, Delhi. Harking back in time to the Mughal Empire, Red Fort stands as a reminder of the region’s proud history. When Emperor Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi in the 1630s, he commissioned the construction of the great fortress to house himself and his subsequent rulers for the next 200 years. Red Fort wasn’t originally red, it was painted by the British after the original limestone began to chip off during colonial times – in fact, it is still the site of a speech by the democratic Indian ruler every year on Independence Day. Visitors to Red Fort can enjoy a stroll along some of the 2km of walls and ramparts and can explore different aspects of the colossal 250-acre site.
Another ancient Indian capital, UNESCO-listed Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water. Much of the city remains in good condition today, including the fortress wall, palace and mosque, whilst there is an interesting shrine to Emperor Akbar’s favourite elephant, which used to execute prisoners who displeased the ruler! Fatehpur Sikri is easily reached by Agra, though you may wish to hire a guide as the site is huge and there is little information on display. Thankfully, this is an area which we can definitely assist you in, the next time you plan a north India tour with us.
Something of a hidden gem, Keoladeo Ghana National Park can be found near the small village of Bharatpur, around halfway between Agra and Jaipur. It may not be on every Golden Triangle tour itinerary, but if you have time, then half a day spent here is well worth the effort. The reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 370 species including both migratory and domestic species. Some of the rarer species to be found here include the osprey and the critically endangered Siberian crane. Knowledgeable local guides can show you around on foot or by rickshaw, a relaxing change to the general hustle and bustle of the Golden Triangle.
The final spot on our list is the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in Delhi. The site is the most visited memorial in the whole of India, testament to the heroic work of the famous freedom fighter. The site of Gandhi’s cremation is marked by a black marble platform and an immortal flame burns in his memory. Visiting Raj Ghat is an extremely peaceful experience and not one to miss for any visitor to the Indian capital. The Golden Triangle is the beating heart of India and the first place to start when venturing to the country for the first time. There are many more highlights to discover in India, such as Amritsar to the north and Kerala to the south, but the Taj Mahal and the famous Pink City are certainly the places to start.
It’s Time You Picked Vibrant India Tours for Your Next Getaway
With all the wonder that can be found with each of the destinations we’ve covered, we’re sure you must already be picturing what your next holiday would be like. If you are in process of piecing your next India holiday itinerary together, remember that Vibrant India Tours is in the business of creating simply unforgettable India vacation experiences.
