India is a country of enormous contrasts where poverty sits beside wealth, great beauty intermingles with filth, and structure and chaos compete for supremacy. It will dazzle all your senses and cause you heart-ache at the same time. It can be challenging and remarkably charming, overwhelming and stunningly beautiful. The eager friendliness of the people is endearing, and the food is unforgettable but there is likely to be unexpected glitches no matter how much you plan.
India has become a hugely popular tourist destination in recent years but few tourists actually experience all of India in one trip. Many first-time visitors are content to see India’s famous Golden Triangle tourist route of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This hosts many of India’s great sightseeing gems, and provides a good range of landscapes and cultures. The circuit is about 1000 km by road and it is traditionally done in 6-8 days, starting from and returning to Delhi.
In fact, this route has become so popular that variations are now appearing. For those with a few extra days, it is possible to include visits to Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur as well and I strongly recommend this. My choice is to fly from Delhi to Udaipur then return to Delhi by road.
Delhi, India’s capital is dotted with mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city but there are also some modern temples and other buildings and a few remains of older civilizations. The contrast between rambling Old Delhi and well planned New Delhi is immense, and you need to spend time exploring both.
Udaipur, in Rajasthan, is sometimes called the most romantic city in India because of its famed lakes and palaces. The huge City Palace complex, the architecturally splendid Bagore Ki Haveli, and Lake Pichola with its beautiful Lake Palace Hotel are just some of the highlights. This is probably my favourite spot in the Golden Triangle.
Jodhpur is famous for its blue buildings and for the unusual pants worn by a polo team when visiting England in 1897. The impregnable Mehrangarh Fort, which rises above the city, is one of the largest forts in India. The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last great palaces to be built in the country. The royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of it but most has been converted into a luxury hotel. Nearby Mandore was the capital of the Marwar region before Jodhpur was founded.
Pushkar is a sleepy little holy town that attracts a lot of backpackers and hippie types and is one of the most visited pilgrimage places in India. Surrounding by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples and is centred on the lake which has mythological importance. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan’s most famous festival, is held here late October or early November depending on the moon.
India’s desert capital of Jaipur, known as the Pink City because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city, lures visitors with its stunning ancient palaces and forts. Nearby Amber Fort is set on a hill top overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed and is now a much-enjoyed attraction where you can ride elephants. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop for gemstones, silver jewellery, bangles, clothes, blue pottery, and textiles.
There are many worthwhile places to visit in Agra and around, apart from India’s most famous monument — the Tāj Mahal. The many interesting remnants of the Mughal era will surprise you and the crazy, congested bazaars of the Old City will fascinate you. Don’t miss a visit to majestic Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh known as the Moonlight Garden, and the tomb of Itimād-ud-Daula or ‘Little Tāj’.
To fully enjoy the Golden Triangle you must know a little about the history and culture of this area so do a little reading before you leave home. The Bronze Age began around 3300 BC with the early Indus Valley Civilisation. This was followed by the Iron Age Vedic Civilisation and a succession of other influences through to the British. That’s 5000 years of history to consider!
Throughout the area there is great accommodation. Indian up-market hotels are less expensive than many countries so staying in some can add glamour to your trip. Indian food is interesting and you should try some of the local delicacies. Other things to consider include taking a cooking course, relaxing with yoga, doing a camel safari, or visiting a wildlife reserve.
While I dislike the poverty, the filth, and the obscenely rich minority who flaunt their wealth, I am prepared to tolerate them in return for the numerous amazing sights and wonderful experiences that I find fascinating throughout this whole area. I hope this is your experience as well.
www.LenRutledge.com
Len Rutledge is the author of Experience India’s Golden Triangle available from amazon.com as an ebook or paperback.
