There are many cities in India that are popular tourist destinations, but one particular circuit that stands out as the Golden Triangle of Indian Tourism is the trio of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These three cities form a triangle on the map, hence the name.
Delhi – The Capital City
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a melting pot of cultures and history. The city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and rulers over the centuries and has left behind an impressive legacy in the form of monuments and buildings. Some must-visit places in Delhi include:
- Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the tallest minarets in India.
- Red Fort: A magnificent fort built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Lotus Temple: A beautiful temple made entirely of marble and shaped like a lotus flower.
Agra – The City Of Taj
Agra is famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders Of The World – Taj Mahal. This exquisite mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from Taj Mahal, Agra has many other historic sites that are worth visiting such as:
- Agra Fort: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar.
- Fatehpur Sikri: An abandoned city built by Emperor Akbar which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Moti Masjid: Also known as Pearl Mosque, it is located inside Agra Fort and is made entirely of white marble.
Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is known for its vibrant culture and majestic forts and palaces. The city gets its nickname – The Pink City – from the color of the buildings in the old part of town. Some of the must-visit places in Jaipur include:
- Amer Fort: A magnificent fort built on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Hawa Mahal: A unique palace with intricate latticework windows that allow cool breeze to flow through even during scorching summers.
- Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
In Conclusion
The Golden Triangle of Indian Tourism offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage and history. It is a perfect introduction to India for first-time visitors as it covers three major cities that are relatively close to each other.
Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are well-connected by road, rail, and air making it easy for tourists to explore these cities. So, if you’re planning a trip to India soon, make sure to put these cities on your itinerary!