Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, the tourist corridor often referred to as the Golden Triangle, is one of the best cultural tourism circuits in the world. Each of these three cities has been the capital of India at different times – Jaipur, the capital of the Rajputs, Delhi & Agra, the capitals of the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. Therefore, they are home to India’s most famous historical monuments, personifying the country’s culturally glorious past.
If you wish to experience the history and crave for those nostalgic emotions, the Golden Triangle Tour could just be the best thing for you. Here are the best places to visit on this prestigious route, which makes it the epitome of cultural tourism in India:
Delhi
Delhi is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. It has been the capital not only post-independence but also during the era of the Mughal, the Tughlaqs, the Khiljis, etc. Due to its glorious past, it is decorated with a number of forts and historical monuments, like:
The Red Fort
The Lal Kila or the Red Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th Century when he shifted the capital of the empire from Agra to Delhi. The majestic fort still serves as the official venue for the Independence Day and Republic Day Celebrations.
Humayun’s Tomb
Built-in the 16th Century, Humayun’s Tomb is the resting place of Emperor Humayun and is widely considered as the first major architectural marvel built by the Mughals. The compound has several elements, like the Char Bagh, an expansive garden, and a free-flowing pond, which shows glimpses of the craftsmanship of the Mughal period.
Jaipur
Often referred to as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is easily one of the most beautiful places to be in Western India. This is the second stop on the Golden Triangle tour, where you will find some of the exquisite pieces of architecture, which will mesmerize you and leave you in awe of the craftsmanship of the Rajput era. Popular places to visit in Jaipur include:
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of India’s oldest abode of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II. Built in the early 18th Century, Jantar Mantar was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and is among the most popular tourist destinations in the Pink City.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel and is easily one of the most beautiful structures in India. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 and continues to be a popular tourist attraction till date.
Agra
The erstwhile capital of India, Agra happens to be India’s most historic city. It served as the capital of the Mughal Emperors including Emperor Akbar, and hence the city is filled several historical monuments, which remind us of the glorious past of the city, which was ruled by various empires and dynasties, including the Mughals, the Mamluks, the Khiljis, and the Lodhis. On your trip, you must definitely visit:
Taj Mahal
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Taj Mahal is the most beautiful monuments built in India and has been among the Seven Wonders of the World for a very long time. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is inarguably the biggest symbol of love.
Agra Fort
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Mughal Era, the Agra Fort was home to the Mughal Emperors until they shifted their capital to Delhi. The stands head and shoulders above all other forts in the country, maintaining its glory from the pre-British period. Roaming in the Agra Fort is one of the dreams of history lovers, being especially orgasmic when you realise the great emperors walked on the same soil.