Curator’s statement
India is a delightful sensory overload blasting your sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste buds, and even your heart with memories that will last a lifetime. From the colorful culture, to the flavorful cuisine, to the centuries old historical forts and palaces, the vibrant art, and its royal heritage, India has so many places to experience. I’ve narrowed it down to include some of its well-known highlights located within the Golden Triangle. Hitting all the exotic travel vibes, India is more accessible than it appears and should be on everyone’s wish list.
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Where to stay in India
The Golden Triangle of India is a popular tourist destination located in the northern region of India within the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It consists of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which form a triangle when connected on a map.
Agra Fort
Delhi
Delhi is a sprawling city of old and new, and most likely where the international airport travelers will begin and end their journey. Agra is the location of some famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a beautiful blend of India’s rich history and the modern aspects of the first planned city in northern India. Experiencing the Golden Triangle of India will leave visitors longing to return to its beautiful country.
Delhi has served as the capital and political center of India for centuries. Serving as the main gateway for international travel into India, the New Delhi International Airport (DEL) is one of the busiest airports in Asia and the world. Start the adventure in Delhi with a guided walking tour of the Lodhi Art District. Discovering the graffiti-type wall murals on the sides of buildings in this residential neighborhood helps to understand the issues this community cares about. A visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1560s, provides a glimpse of Mughal architecture that inspired the Taj Mahal.
Next, embark on a Great Indian Wedding tour. Known for their extravagant weddings, experience a little behind-the-scenes Indian wedding planning with a Bollywood dance lesson, a visit to an embroidery shop, wedding outfit shopping on Fashion Street, and have your tea leaves read like a wedding couple with a local astrologist.
Sunset is the perfect time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Qutub Minar. Erected over 800 years ago, this is a monument of victory and is the world’s tallest brick minaret at almost 73 meters tall—at this time of day will provide plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. Spend a couple of nights in Delhi to soften the jet lag, indulge in the cuisine like the exquisite dishes and atmosphere of Spice Route at The Imperial Hotel (a must), and have time for a little shopping, or a spa appointment!
Qutub Minar
Agra
Next stop, Agra: the crown of Mughal architecture. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra has flourished as an influential center of art with Ottoman Empire-like inspirations over many centuries. Stay at none other than The Oberoi Amarvilas, with each room overlooking a lush, green oasis and the Taj Mahal. A minimum two-night stay here is encouraged to make the most of this beautiful property and all its offerings.
The Agra Fort, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a delightful visit at sunset. Once a residence of Mughal emperors, the site exemplifies the craftsmanship of the architecture of the time with its exquisite details. Spend the evening listening to live music on the terrace followed by dinner and music at the property’s specialty Indian restaurant, Esphahan.
Agra Fort
Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise, just a short golf cart ride and walk from the hotel. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this marble mausoleum, which took over 22 years to complete and is considered a symbol of love, appears to glow as the sun rises. If time allows, visit the nearby deserted city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, or continue the journey on to Barwara and Ranthambore National Park.
Six Senses Fort Barwara is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to visit Ranthambore National Park in search of a Bengal tiger, explore a local village, go for a hike up to a 700-year-old sacred temple, or simply savor the tranquility and seclusion of the resort’s fabulous property. This luxury retreat is a renovated 14th-century fort once owned by the Royal Family. This property, only 30 minutes from the wildlife sanctuary of Ranthambore National Park, has so much to offer that a 3–4 night stay could be justified.
A beautiful Bengal Tiger in Rathambore National Park.
Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, the slower pace and tranquil setting of Six Senses Barwara is a welcome retreat after navigating the bustling cities of India. Indulge in the wellness-themed spa, fitness center, rooftop sunrise yoga, farm-to-table inspired restaurants, meditation temple, Alchemy Bar, wine tasting in an underground cave, Puja and Tika Ceremony in its ancient temples, a hands-on sustainability initiative session at their Earth Lab, or lounge by the pool before or after a tiger safari nearby.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Exploring the nearby Barwara village on foot and climbing 700 steps to the centuries old hilltop Chauth Mata Temple is also worthwhile, especially with a guide providing insight into the history and culture of the area. Finally, don’t miss embarking on an early morning and/or afternoon jeep safari in search of the Royal Bengal tiger, and other wildlife, in nearby Ranthambore National Park. The Bengal tigers are on the endangered list, but the population is on the rise due to local conservation efforts.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Jaipur
The next leg on the Golden Triangle route is Jaipur, India’s first planned city also known as the ‘pink city’. Jaipur is a beautiful blend of history and tradition mixed with the modern present. Start exploring with a ride on a Pink City Rickshaw, rolling past camels at work in the streets.
A visit to the City Palace, a royal residence built in the 18th century, gives a taste of the arts and culture and maybe even a prayer service beneath the beautiful mosaics. Drop by the Hawa Mahal palace and its beautiful facade with 953 small windows. Don’t miss the many jewelry shops, possibly including a stop at a factory where they create beautiful heirlooms, artisanal bazaars, or boutiques.
Try a hand at block printing on fabric while watching the masters at work on a specialty fabric tour. Indulge one’s senses at a flower market, learning how blossoms play a special role in ceremonies and traditions, are used in food, and how some find their place in fabrics as natural dyes.
Flower market tour.
The 16th century Amer Fort, a walled fortress, just outside of Jaipur is worth the stop, walking the halls and stairwells of the ancient royal residence, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Need one last wildlife experience while in India? On the long drive back to Delhi, visit Dera Amer Wilderness Camp and walk with the adopted elephants in their natural habitat. Jaipur has so much to experience, don’t be rushed.
Additional notes
Since most international flights depart in the middle of the night, staying a few hours or a night at a hotel by the airport is common and welcomed. One great find is The Roseate. This luxury retreat near the Delhi Airport is strikingly modern and surrounded by a forest of green. One would never know it was just off the highway. The design of this luxury retreat is inspired by the five elements of Hindu philosophy: air, water, fire, earth, and sky. Leave time to explore the wellness-centered spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and the water features surrounding the walkways. Three dining options will satisfy any needs. Also a popular event space, the hotel was hosting an art exhibition during my visit which was a welcomed bonus.
The Golden Triangle is a fabulous way to experience the highlights of India’s more famous landmarks. The three locations each have their own personality and provide a beautiful taste of the culture of the country. A DMC, like Travel Scope India, makes this journey and experience seamless and comfortable. Leaving the navigation and details to them while learning about the country along the way is the ideal way to experience India. With this perfect sampling, visitors will long to come back for more.
A warm welcome at the Oberoi Amarvilas.
Need to know
Without any real or enforceable traffic laws, a driver, and preferably a guide is a must. Take the worry out of the chaotic scene on the road, with cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and a multitude of animals crossing the roads in all directions, by hiring a local driver who knows the ins and outs of navigating this part of the trip. Experiencing the Golden Triangle by road is the preferred route as domestic flights are often canceled for any number of reasons.
India, and its Golden Triangle, is not a place most tourists will be up for navigating on their own with its chaotic chorus of daily life. Partnering with a DMC, like Travel Scope India, takes the worry out of navigating the details, not only of taking to the roads, but also helping to put the ideal itinerary together and making the most of one’s time in the country. I’d recommend the same guide and driver taking guests around the Golden Triangle to make the journey seamless, while also leaving plenty of time during the drives in between destinations to learn about the history and culture of the country, and the ability to engage in wonderful conversations with their charming staff.
With so much to do and see around the Golden Triangle of India, don’t rush the itinerary too much. The properties are so grand and gorgeous with plenty of amenities, take time to savor these in between tours and sightseeing. The respite from the chaotic life of the vibrant city will be appreciated.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our India page.