The Golden Triangle in India is a circuit between the country's national capital- New Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. It is called so because of the triangular shape formed between the three places on the map. We started our road trip in Delhi, where we saw Mughal architectural remnants, drove down to the view one of the seven wonders of the world- Taj Mahal, before heading west to discover the magnificent palaces and forts of Rajasthan. The whole trip lasted for five days.
Made of ivory-white marble, this mausoleum was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal following her death. The construction of this monument took 10 years. The monument stands on the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, and has been declared as one of the seven wonders of the world. More than a million people visit Taj Mahal every year.
The city of Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan in west India. It is home to magnificent palaces and forts that are remnants of the Rajput era. Since Rajasthan is a desert area, it is best to visit this place during winter when temperatures are comfortable. The palaces and forts have a curious blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, and are a clear reflection of the culture of the times when they were built, when inter-religious marriages were a common practice to forge and maintain alliances.
Located in the middle of Delhi, the Red Fort served as the residential palace of Mughal emperors till 1857. It is made of red sandstone, and hence the name Red Fort. The massive complex also has a museum, a garrison for troops, and amenities to hold cultural and political meetings. Today, the Independence Day Parade is held there every year, followed by the flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister.
Its the trip of a lifetime. Although the region is dotted with tourist spots, these three cities make it to the top of the list of must-visit places. The splendid colors, sights and sounds of these places draw in the traveller. Its easy get lost in the culture of the country, and discover the history of India's evolution as diverse communities and religious groups adapted each others styles as depicted in the massive architectural remnants that stand to the present day.
Credits:
Created with images by Simon - "taj mahal india agra" • sharadshah23 - "amer fort rajasthan india" • luigig - "Red Fort" • sarangib - "agra fort unesco world heritage main entrance" • Friar's Balsam - "20110423_Agra_Fort_065" • sarangib - "agra fort unesco site castle" • ssbmaccom - "india india gate new delhi" • AHLN - "Humayun's Tomb" • Jorge Lascar - "Qutab Minar" • Arian Zwegers - "Delhi, Lotus Temple" • prasad.om - "Parliament House Delhi" • Kartikeya Kaul - "parliament" • Pedro Nuno Caetano - "Capturing the world outside" • Katzbach - "palace of winds india jaipur" • Tim Moffatt - "Jaipur, The Pink City" • pashminu - "canons fort warfare" • dalbera - "Le City Palace (Jaipur)" • jafsegal - "Jal Mahal. Jaipur, India" • lacriseduquartdevie - "Amber Fort (1)"