The Golden Triangle Tour circuit covers the three most prominent Tourist Destinations in North India– Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These tours are designed to give you a glimpse of North Indian heritage and culture. This is one of the most popular tourist circuits in India. Each city in this circuit has its own unique charm that cannot be described in words.
Route of Golden Triangle Circuit
The journey starts from Delhi, then head towards Agra, and the final destination is Jaipur. All these cities are located at an equal distance from one another, approximately 200-250 kilometres. There is one common factor between these three cities- the beauty and its cultural heritage.
Delhi-The National Capital of India
Delhi is the capital city of India and represents India in a nutshell. People from different parts of India congregate in Delhi to seek better opportunities in life. The city offers an amazing mix of historical, religious and contemporary structures. The food culture of Delhi is also something that every tourist looks forward to. Delhi is home to some of the beautiful monuments built during the Mughal era. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Other popular monuments in Delhi include Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
Top 4 Places to Visit in New Delhi
1. Red Fort
One of the largest monuments and popular tourist destinations in Old Delhi, Red Fort was constructed as the palace fort of Old Delhi. The monument epitomizes the zenith point of Mughal architecture, which can be clearly seen in this elegant monument.
2. Lotus Temple
Wrought in the shape of a lotus, the Lotus Temple has three layers of 9 petals in each of its construction. This unique temple is constructed by everybody irrespective of their religion. Therefore, it is known as one of the most peaceful places in India.
3. Akshardham Temple
One of the latest tourist attractions in New Delhi, Akshardham Temple is located on the banks of River Yamuna near Noida in East Delhi. This huge temple is considered as one of the wonders of modern India. It is spread over an area of 100 acres of lush landscaped gardens with carved pavilions and water fountains.
4. Jama Masjid
Located in Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. The stones of Jama Masjid have been established by Muhammad Ali Shah, but unfortunately due to his death could not see its construction. On the eve of Eid, the Masjid is embellished like a bride.
Best Market Shopping in New Delhi
Chandani Chowk
Established in 1650, Chandani Chowk is over 300 years old and runs through the centre of the walled city, from the Lahori Darwaza to the Fatehpuri Masjid. In medieval times, the canal called the Faiz Nahar (Canal) ran through the middle of the street lined with beautiful fountains.
Sadar Bazaar
One of the most chaotic places in Old Delhi, Sadar Bazaar has the status of being the largest wholesale market. It is overcrowded but buzzing with activity. Although it is a wholesale market, one can easily find things at retail prices too.
Agra-The former Stronghold of Mughal Empire
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is quite famous for the Taj Mahal, listed as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. The city is quite rich in culture, history and heritage offer other places as well. The impact of Mughal rule is witnessed throughout the city in an array of beautiful monuments standing upright for decades.
Top 3 Tourist Places To Visit In Agra
1. Taj Mahal
Fondly known as a ‘Love Poem written in Marble’, Taj Mahal is one of the signature monuments that represent the undying love of Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When it comes to describing the beauty of Taj Mahal, even books can run short of pages.
2. Agra Fort
One of the most famous places in the world, Agra Fort can also be said the elder sister of Taj Mahal because it was built long back before Taj. It is believed that Mughal Emperor Akbar built Agra Fort in 1565 AD, but it was later accomplished by his grandson ‘Shah Jahan’.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Also known as the ‘City of Victory’, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. The monument was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and is scattered with various edifices exhibiting a Mughal style of architecture. This ghost town is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Shopping Places in Agra
Sadar Bazaar
Due to its proximity to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Sadar Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Agra. It is known for displaying an exclusive range of ethnic clothing, footwear and accessories. People visiting Agra must visit the Sadar Bazaar.
Kinari Bazaar
One of the most popular places in Agra, Kinari Bazaar is quite famous for its bejewelled statues and traditional ornaments. The market is also famous for its fantastic collection of bridal wear. Whether it’s an ornament for a formal gathering and a heavy jewellery piece to wear in a marriage, Kinari Bazaar is the destination for you.
Jaipur-The Pink City
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the last destination of the Golden Triangle Tour in India. It is known for embracing the true sense of the royal land. Right from its scrumptious delicacies and vibrant markets, everything serves as a delight to its visitors.
Top 3 Jaipur Attractions and Places to Visit
1. City Palace
One of the most prominent landmarks in Jaipur, the City Palace is a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style of architecture. The palace covers the 1/7th area of the entire city and was scientifically designed and perfectly blended with the traditional architecture. Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal are a part of this complex.
2. Hawa Mahal
Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal is a spectacular five-storey building that was constructed by Maharana Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and embraces the very essence of the Rajputana architecture. The palace has several small windows that allow easy passage of air throughout the palace.
3. Amber Fort
Located just 11 kilometres away from Jaipur, Amber Fort is amongst the oldest fortress in India. Although the fort has lost its outer charm, it looks extremely exquisite from inside. Some famous buildings inside the fort include Sukh Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Diwan-i-Aam among others.
Other popular tourist attractions in Jaipur include Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Galta Monkey Temple and Government Central Museum.
Shopping in Jaipur
Shopping is an intrinsic part of the Jaipur tour. Here you will find a number of markets glittering with famous art & craft. The interesting Blue Pottery, Block Printed textiles of Sanganer and Bagru, sandalwood carving items, tie & dye fabrics and Mojari. Some popular bazaars in Jaipur include Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar and Krishnapol Bazaar.
Time Needed to do this Trip
In a bid to enjoy the Golden Triangle Tour, you need a minimum of 4 days, and maximum time varies from person to person. Although it completely depends on the traveller that how many days he can steal from his busy schedule. However, there are several tour operators that offer Golden Triangle Tour packages spanning over 8 days and 7 nights.
Video Source: Incredible India. Official Channel of Tourism of India.
Ashish Gupta
Ashish Gupta is a travel writer by profession who earns his bread and butter by writing and uses his skills to market holiday destinations in India. Beware and brace yourself for a 30 minute lecture on travel, if you happen to mention about Kerala and Goa in front of him.
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