Golden Triangle Tour India:
So you finally decided to take the plunge because that stereotypical Instagram post with the Taj Mahal is missing from your handle?
Confused about where to begin?
Rest assured, for we have all the details below.
What to do for your first trip to India?
Prepare! If all your past travels have been to developed nations where traffic moves in perfect unison and everyday life is more or less predictable, India might come as a significant cultural shock.
Read a little about the people, traditions, or perhaps watch some travel vlogs to have your next decision backed by informed opinion.
Where do I go for my first trip to India?
India is the world’s 7th largest country and is second to none in terms of geographic, cultural, and bio-diversity. Hundreds of languages and dialects, many ethnicities, cuisines offer something for everyone.
Also known as the Golden Triangle Tour, the iconic circuit of Delhi (the national capital), Agra (the home of the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur (stunning forts and palaces) is a clear choice for first-timers to India. Sure, you might want to check out the white sandy beaches of Kerala and the Taj Mahal might appear an overhyped, clichéd destination that almost every single traveller has either visited or plans to visit. But it is so for a reason!
Why the Golden Triangle?
The claim is backed by the following solid reasons:
• Accessibility
The national capital is well connected internationally through the IGI Airport and has a good network of roads both within the National Capital Region and nearby cities.
• Accommodation
All three cities have a plethora of accommodation options – from budget-friendly three-star hotels to top-of-the-line luxury ones.
• Sightseeing
From marvels of Mughal architecture in Delhi, colossal forts and an age-old observatory in Jaipur to the Taj Mahal in Agra; each city has plenty to offer
How Should I go about it?
If you have 5-7 days to spare, the usual itinerary would consist of you landing in Delhi, staying a day or two to check out the city – besides landmarks like the Lotus Temple, Delhi is famous for its food. Visit the narrow lanes of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) to munch on some finger-licking chicken and mutton. Although you might get the coveted Butter Chicken at your local Indian restaurant back home, the authentic taste here would pleasantly surprise you – the secret lies in freshly ground spices and most restaurants here have their own secret recipes.
The next stop should be Agra wherein lies the Taj Mahal – just make sure you do not visit it on a Friday (the place is closed for tourists to allow prayers). The Agra Fort is also worth visiting while you are here. A day should ideally be enough to cover both of these before hitting Jaipur.
Jaipur has a rich history of Rajputana warriors who left their mark in the form of stunning forts and palaces. Amber Fort is one such gem that should not be missed. You can ride an elephant to the ruins and there are several places to serve the local cuisine amidst folk dancers.
What should I pay attention to?
While the first time in India, it is generally advisable to be careful about some of the classic scams such as the ones highlighted by Karl here.
Some quick tips besides these you might want to take note of:
• While in crowded places, avoid wearing valuables and placing your wallet in the back pocket
• Touts love foreigners! – They will offer you everything from cheap hotels to rare food supplements – be very cautious
• Shop owners might try and rip you off – everything could be priced thrice the amount it should be, just for you. Shamelessly bargaining and taking an Indian friend along helps a lot
• Showing much skin, specifically around religious places should be avoided for obvious reasons
A little planning, some common-sense, and caution should smoothen your entire experience. Always heed to advice from your friends who have been here earlier, your tour guide and agency.
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