The Classic Golden Triangle Route of Northern India

One of the shortest and most popular tourist circuitsGhat, the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. Qutub Minar
including the 'Seven Wonders of the World' fame Tajmay not be the highest pillar here anymore but still
Mahal has been affectionately dubbed as the Goldenhas a rugged charm enhanced by more ancient
Triangle. For those who have a fairly limited amountstructures such as Iron Pillar of Mehrauli that has
of time to spend in North India, the three tips of theweathered a number of centuries without being
Golden Triangle route - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur -rusted.
includes several renowned sights with distinctiveThe next stopover in the Golden Triangle circuit is
flavor and unique historical delights. The GoldenAgra, the city of marble wonder Taj. Pictures do not
Triangle itinerary typically begins and ends in Delhi, thedo justice to the intricate artwork and outstanding
capital of India. Several popular Indian and Rajasthanworkmanship manifested in Taj Mahal. Built by
tours cover the Golden Triangle circuit along withEmperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved
other add-ons based on the theme and duration ofqueen Mumtaz Mahal, the semi-precious stones used
the tour.here include coral, agate, amethyst, sardonyx, lapis
Usually most Golden Triangle tours are a week longlazuli, chalcedony, and turquoise. Agra Fort is the
though longer tours that include other prominentpredecessor of Delhi's Red Fort where you can see
destinations can be much longer. Delhi has one of thethe place where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned
busiest international airports in India and Goldenby his son Aurangzeb in his last days. It is said that
Triangle seekers usually find it a befitting place toShah Jahan used to see Taj Mahal and mourn for his
start their tour. Delhi has been the seat of politicalwife until the day of his death.
turmoil in India since 13th century and it is said to beJaipur, the third tip of the Golden Triangle, is the
the Indraprastha, empire of Pandavas of the famouscapital of Rajasthan and is also known as the Pink
epic Mahabharata. Today, it encompasses sevenCity. The city has extremely wide avenues fit for
cities. Foreigners are enchanted by the architecturalroyal elephant parades and large plazas built around
magnificence of Moghuls on display at the Red Fort,Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. The honeycomb
Jama Masjid, and Humayun's Tomb. The rickshaw ridefacade of Hawa Mahal is a beautiful architectural
in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk seempiece designed especially for royal ladies. Hawa Mahal
outlandish to Westerners who are awed by thewas naturally air-conditioned and royal ladies could see
range of products, including handicrafts, footwear,the parades through its facade without being seen.
and delicacies available here.The magnificent Amber Fort, the royal City Palace
Lutyen's Delhi or New Delhi is well planned with wideand the royal observatory Jantar Mantar are other
roads and splendid European architecture with quite ahighlights of Jaipur. The Golden Triangle tour
few highlights such as the India Gate, the Rashtrapaticonsolidates the best of Northern Indian itineraries for
Bhawan or the President's House, Mughal Gardensyou.
(opened for only a few days in February), and Raj