INDIA and
the magical Golden Triangle – a classic and unforgettable introduction to the
Northern State of Rajasthan. Delhi the capital of India presents a vast
panorama of fascinating images. It is a city where forts, tombs and magnificent
ruins share the skyline with high-rise buildings. I know for many they have a
preconceived idea of Delhi as being big smoggy and containing all too many
people. While some of this is true there is another side to this metropolitan
city that is incredibly exotic. For centuries it has attracted rulers, invaders
poets, painters from around the world and to this day is a business hub that
sees many empires rise and fall.
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| AMER FORT |
It was at
the famous Red Fort that the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled
the flag that signified the end of British rule in 1947. Today some of the most
exquisite luxury hotels can be found here. The Red Fort is one of the most
visited places in Delhi along with the Qutab Minar tower of victory built in
1193. There are five distinct stories – the first three are made of red
sandstone – the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The first mosque
built in India lies at the base. Many with relatives who fought in India visit
the INDIA GATE, built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed during
World War I. It is not unlike the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. The Akshardham in
New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture. It is one of the most
breathtaking structures which showcases the essence of India’s ancient
architecture.
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| TAJ MAHAL |
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| BHARATPUR |
AGRA- the ancient
city came to light during the Mughal (Mongal) reign. Made famous by the iconic
TAJ MAHAL one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is situated approximately
200 kilometres from Delhi. One of the most exquisite marble tombs
Itmad-Ud-Daulah was built from 1622 to 1628 by Queen Nurjahan in memory of her
father and is entirely made of white marble then inlaid with semi-precious
stones. There is a strong Persian influence in the design. Agra Fort built by
the Emperor Akbah precedes the Taj Mahal by nearly a century. It is a
magnificent structure in its own right with fascinating outer buildings such as
the Jahangir Mahal – built for women and the Moti Masijid Mosque. A wonderful
time to be in Agra is during a festival and one such – the Taj Mahotsav is held
in February for 10 days. This is where you will see classical dance, an
incredibly colourful display of arts and crafts and the most sumptuous Indian
cuisine.
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| BAZAARS OF JAIPUR |
JAIPUR – it
conjures up a romantic notion in the name alone. Known as the ‘Pink City’ it is
the Holy Grail of Indian Tourism. The Palace of the Winds, Hawa Mahal and the
City Palace will all keep you busy marvelling at the artistic pallet that
creates Jaipurs age old charm. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is
comparatively young, less than 3 centuries old. At 260 kilometres from Delhi,
Jaipur completes the Golden Triangle. The stunning backdrop of Amber Fort built
in 1592 is a reminder of the lingering romance and chivalry that made the city
what it is today. The inner paradise is a fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles.
Hawa Mahal – also known as the Palace of the Winds – is a five story – 593
latticed stone windowed pink sandstone landmark. Built in 1799 featuring 953
niches and windows, it was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
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