India is colourfully chaotic, beautiful and fascinating, but it can also be slightly daunting to the first-time visitor. With over 1.3 billion people, it is the second-most populous country in the world. When you first leave the familiar confines of the airport and are confronted with the crowded, cacophonous capital of New Delhi, it can definitely feel overwhelming.
However, with a little planning and a well-tailored organised tour, your first trip to India can be a magical and unforgettable experience. There are a number of India vacations available, but for the first-timer, we’ll look at “The Golden Triangle’. This tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in the northwest of the country should give you a taste of India and hopefully, leave you wanting more.
Delhi
Delhi is a large territory and city of India which contains New Delhi, the capital of India and Old Delhi, a tangle of ancient alleyways crammed with all kinds of shops, rickshaws and people.
The Qutub Minar in New Delhi is a 240 feet tall red sandstone minaret which dates back to the 13th-century. The tower is part of the larger Qutb UNESCO World Heritage Site. New Delhi is also home to the impressive 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb in India which inspired the construction of the later Taj Mahal.
The best time to visit Delhi is usually between November and March, especially if you aren’t too keen on the sun, high humidity or water-logged monsoon roads.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, the name of so many Indian restaurants across the high streets of Britain. However, the actual Taj Mahal is unmistakable and truly unmissable. The 17th-century marble mausoleum now attracts over 8 million visitors a year so get there early for the sunrise although even at this time it will be busy. Visiting at sunset is also a good option to see the Taj Mahal in all its glory but try to avoid the middle of the day if you can.
Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is the place to spot some majestic Bengal Tigers. The area used to be the hunting ground for the maharajas but thankfully it is now a wildlife sanctuary. The park is not only a tiger and wildlife reserve but also home to some fascinating historic sites such as Ranthambore Fort and the Jogi Mahal, a former hunting lodge of the royals of Jaipur.
Jaipur
The vibrant city of Jaipur (the pink city) is the capital of the colourful Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is home to forts, historic palaces, temples and museums as well as bustling street markets and local bazaars. At the heart of the city, you’ll find the City Palace, a beautiful palace built by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign in the 18th-century and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family.
Near Jaipur, you’ll find the Amer Fort which is commonly known as the Amber Fort. It is another spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site you’ll find on the tour of India’s Golden Triangle. The pink sandstone clad fort with its impressive ramparts, gates and cobbled paths overlooks Maota Lake, which was the main source of water for the complex.
These are just a few of the magnificent attractions you’ll experience on your tour of the Golden Triangle in India’s northwest. As well as the amazing sights and sounds we’re sure you’ll fall in love with its people, food and incredible scenery. It may initially be a bucket list trip but we won’t be surprised if you end up wanting to return to this remarkable country time and time again.
