The Golden Triangle: Essential India

A possible, beautiful itinerary for you

1. Arrival in Delhi

   Everyone has tried to leave their mark on Delhi: rulers, emperors and kings. More often than not, it is the city that leaves a mark on its visitors. For centuries, it has been a source of inimaginable treasure and wealth, a source of wisdom and inspiration, and a fitting place to begin your monumental adventure through India’s Golden Triangle. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transfer to a luxury hotel that captures what Delhi does best: delightfully blend the old with the new.

2. Agra and the Taj Mahal

   You travel to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Fort, which is a gateway into the grandeur of a bygone era gives you a first taste of this monumental city. As you walk through the columns, arches and gates, you get a deep sense of wonder. The exquisiteness of every single corner of this complex is overwhelming at times. Agra Fort provides you with the historical context to fully enjoy one of the world’s most renowned monuments: the Taj Mahal. It is a famous sight, but not all the photos in the world could do it justice. The level of detail and the masterful craftsmanship make the Taj unique from any angle. The precious marble plays with the light and reflects a different hue depending on the time of day, white at noon, warm during sunset and pale blue in the twilit hours. The abundant flower and plant motifs speak of the Garden of Eden. That is the essence of the Taj Mahal: made of earthly marble, ethereal light and undying love; it is Paradise within our grasp. Your tour of Taj takes all these subtleties into consideration, and is organised so that you avoid the tourists crowds, explore at leisure, and get a fuller, more varied experience of these precious highlights.

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A Rajasthani Finale

You travel to Jaipur with your private driver and stop en-route at Fatehpur Sikri. Commissioned by a Mughal ruler to be his new capital, it was built with such splendour befitting one of the most powerful empires at the time. However, the city was abandoned after a short period, for political reasons. Today it remains a standing monument of Mughal glory. The Pink City, Jaipur welcomes you into the Rajasthan. You take part in a cooking demonstration in a local home and enjoy the narrow streets and saffron buildings that make Jaipur unique.

Amer and Jaipur

Travel early in the morning to Amer, a small city sitting in the entrance to a gorge. Amer features a fort that has a dramatic layout and the unique blend of Rajput and Mughal elements. Upon return to Jaipur, explore the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. It features nearly a thousand windows and balconies. Such an apparent excess was meant to give the indwellers a more direct experience of the exciting street life while remaining in seclusion. Lucky for you, you need but hop on a bicycle rickshaw and explore Jaipur’s markets and bazaars.

Extend your Trip

After a morning of leisure in Jaipur, you can fly to Delhi for your international flight, having seen the highlights of the Golden Triangle. You can extend your stay for a more personalised experience of India, depending on your interests. You can continue to Jodhpur, an otherworldly desert city that has a passion for blue. If you are on a romantic journey, you can extend your visit to Udaipur, the Venice of the East. Alternatively, you can go on a Tiger Safari in Ranthambore, one of India’s most important parks.