Delhi: the bustling centre of India

Start your exploration with Old Delhi, home to iconic sites like the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of India’s Mughal past. The astonishing red sandstone building encloses an entire complex of palaces, gardens, and even a mosque. Right next door to the fort is Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. It is known for its beautiful interior, including intricate marble floors.

After taking in the history, don’t miss the nearby area of Chandni Chowk. It is one of the oldest market areas in Delhi, famous for its narrow lanes, delicious street food, and many shops. The market is partly divided into streets specialising in specific foods or goods.

For a more modern experience, head to New Delhi. The India Gate, a war memorial, is one of Delhi’s best-known landmarks. Visit in the evening when locals gather for picnics, and the atmosphere can feel festive. Another New Delhi must-see is the Lotus Temple, an example of striking modern architecture shaped like a lotus flower.

Make time in your schedule to do a day tour from Delhi to Qutub Minar, another UNESCO site located a bit further from the centre. This towering minaret is part of a larger complex that dates to the 12th century and is an important part of the country’s Islamic history.

Agra and Jaipur, a perfect combination with Delhi

The Golden Triangle connects three of northern India's most important sightseeing cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It forms a triangular shape on the map, with each leg roughly 200–250 kilometres long. Including a Golden Triangle tour on your trip will ensure that you get a perfect introduction to the country.

Agra is the city known for one of the seven wonders of India, the Taj Mahal. While sunrise is a popular time to visit, afternoons can be less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Make sure you buy tickets online to avoid the very long queues.

While in Agra, visit the Agra Fort, a historical fort and a former main residence of emperors. The nearby Fatehpur Sikri should not be missed either. It is an incredible example of Mughal architecture, an entire city full of stunning palaces, mosques, and courtyards. Now fully deserted, it may be the most beautiful ghost town in the world.

After all the cultural history, you should balance it with something more outdoorsy. A great option is to visit one of the many wildlife sanctuaries in the area. Some of the trusted and recommended ones include the Bear Rescue Facility Wildlife SOS, the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, and the National Chambal Sanctuary NCS, which protect the wildlife of the Chambal River.

Next up on your Golden Triangle tour is Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. The main attraction is the magnificent Amber Fort, located just outside the city. This stunning palace complex overlooks Maota Lake. On your tour of architectural wonders, you should also not miss the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is an icon of Rajasthani architecture, a pink sandstone building with almost one thousand intricate lattice windows.

If you only visit one museum on your India trip, make sure it is the State Museum of Rajasthan, called the Albert Hall Museum. The façade of the museum building is an unexpected blend of Indian, British, and Islamic architectural styles. The museum’s interior is just as eclectic, housing artefacts including art, antiques, weaponry, and even an Egyptian mummy.

Beyond the Golden Triangle

Even though the Golden Triangle offers enough to see for months, you might want to venture to a couple of special spots just beyond it, too.

About 60 kilometres from Agra, you can find two of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, the twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. The beautiful riverside city of Mathura is said to be Krishna’s birthplace, and on the site, you can now find the temple of Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi. Vrindavan is the city where Krishna spent his childhood, and the city is the home to many temples dedicated to Krishna and his consort, Radha.

Wildlife lovers should take a 130-kilometre detour from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park. This park is famous for its Bengali tiger conservation efforts and is the largest national park in northern India. Safaris are offered and are the best way to explore the vast park and its wildlife.

To end your trip memorably, stay for a night or two in Neemrana, a 15th-century fort palace transformed into a hotel 120 kilometres from Delhi. This enormous palace complex has nine wings and is built over 2.5 hectares on the hillside. It’s the perfect way to experience the lifestyles of India’s emperors and will offer a new perspective on the historical sites you’ve seen.

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