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Golden Triangles


India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are diverse, the languages are varied, the customs are distinctive, and the landscapes are multi-fold. In a nutshell, India's landmass roughly resembles an upside- down triangle with the top formed by the mighty Himalayan mountain chain. This gigantic triangle is abode to numerous other Triangles the most famous of them being the popular Golden Triangle. If you also want to visit this fascinating triangle, join us on Indian Golden Triangle Tour.

The capital of India, famed Pink City of Rajasthan and the home of the wondrous Taj Mahal all come together in an alluring Potpourri that's is known worldwide by the title 'Golden Triangle'.

Delhi, Jaipur and Agra are the three corners of this fascinating triangle, without touring which, trip to India is considered incomplete. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar along with Connought Place, Karol Bagh, South-Extension, Lajpat Nagar, numerous multiplexes and shopping arcades all stand imposing on the land of the capital Delhi attracting people from all corners of the world. If the enthralling city of Delhi is still not witnessed by you, join us on Indian Golden Triangle Tour.

A visit to India is considered incomplete without having basked in the glory of the legendary Taj Mahal. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal built Taj Mahal that today acts a major crowd puller to the place. Besides this the grandiose Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also popular as Baby Taj are some other monumental delights of the region that can be toured on Indian Golden Triangle Tour.

Popularly known as the 'Pink City, the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur carries with it a legendary and interesting tale about its title. Constructed in 1727 AD by one of the supreme rulers of the Kachhawaha family, king Sawai Jai Singh, the city was painted pink at the time of its conception and once again in 1876 for welcoming the Prince of Wales who visited Jaipur in that year. Forts, Palaces, Gardens and Temples all together add more charm to the allure of this mesmerizing city.

DELHI :
Delhi      l      Agra      l      Jaipur

Capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jehan between 1636 & 1658.The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), & is tree-lined & spacious.

Famous Sites :

Humayun's Tomb :
Humayun's tomb lies on the Mathura road near its crossing with the Lodi Road. High rubble-built walls enclose here a square garden divided initially into four large squares separated by causeways and channels, each square divided again into smaller squares by pathways ('Chaharbagh') as in a typical Mughal Garden.

India Gate : At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.

Jantar Mantar :
A unique structure raised in 1724, now lies in the heart of Delhi's commercial centre near Connaught place. This is the Jantar Mantar, one of several astronomical observatories raised by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

Qutub Minar Complex : In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason why it took two decades to complete this monument.. Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, completed it.

Red Fort : After transferring his capital to Delhi from Agra in 1638 Shah Jahan commenced the construction of Shahjahanabad, and a little later, on the 16th April 1639, he also laid the foundation of his citadel, Lal-Qila (Lal-Qal'a) or Red Fort, known also by other names in contemporary accounts. It was completed after nine years on the 16th April 1648. The entire fort is said to have cost about one crore of rupees, half of it on the palaces.

Tughluqabad : The massive strong walls of Tughluqabad, the third city of Delhi, are located east of the Qutub Minar. The citadel frowns down ominously like some Gothic palace all over the Qutub-Badarpur road and seems to prefer its splendid isolation..
AGRA :
Delhi      l      Agra      l      Jaipur

Agra hosts some of the world famous landmarks that are epitome of love and beauty. In terms of ambience, it is still associated with its memorable Mughal period. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they can't help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal. Even the most modern areas of the town, such as the cantonment, date back over a hundred years

Agra is known, to the world as the city of Taj Mahal. Agra has its roots, dating back to the time of Mahabaratha. Agra is situated on the west-bank of River Yamuna, 204 km south of Delhi. The old part of the town, north of the fort, is where the main market place is. The modern township is on the south. Agra has a magnificent fort and many other monuments from the Mughul era, not to mention the Taj Mahal, which are major attractions to the tourists.

Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise too. There are plenty of shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy the specialities of the place. Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal made out of Marble, the markets are bound to have replica of the Taj in marble being sold as decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. But the all that looks is not marble. There is one stone called Talk. This stone is cheap and looks like marble only difference being that marble is opaque and talk is not. So, while purchasing any marble item make sure that you are buying the original thing.

Famous Sites :

Agra Fort :
Among the other monuments that Agra takes pride in is the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the fort's change from a military structure to a palace. The palace is also notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, The Palace of Mirrors, The Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex

Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb : The Itmad-ud-daulah tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden, an architectural gem of its times. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jahangir's wazir, or Chief Minister, and also his father - in- law. The structure was built by Empress Noorjehan, between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, near Lahore in Pakistan. This splendid garden tomb is believed to be the precursor of the magnificent Taj Mahal, and was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of marble, and the first, again, to make use of pietra dura, the inlay marble work that came to be typical of the Taj. Near the Agra Fort, is Jami Masjid, built by Shahjahan in 1648. An inscription over its main entrance indicates that it was built in the name of Jahanara, the emperor's daughter, who was imprisoned with the hapless emperor by Aurangzeb.

Sikandara : 10 km north of Agra lies Akbar's tomb, in Sikandra. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. Akbar began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone structure in a chahar - bagh, or 4 - square formal garden. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. This last was added by Jahangir, who completed the tomb after the demise of his father. 40 km west of Agra, is the perfectly preserved 'phantom city' of Fatehpur Sikri. Between 1570 and 1586, during Akbar's reign, the city served as the capital of the Mughal empire, and was then abruptly abandoned. Today, albeit deserted, the city's palaces, courts and other monuments stand in mute testimony to the greatness, and amazing vision of the greatest emperor of all times, who was also a fine human being.

Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti : The dargah or tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the renowned saint, set in the courtyard of the Royal Mosque, still draws hordes of pilgrims who come to have their wishes fulfilled.

Bharatpur : 55 kilometers from Agra is Bharatpur, which has an early 18th century Rajput Fort, but is better known, today, for one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Called Keoladeo Ghana, the sanctuary is a 40 sq. km area of swampy light - wooded terrain, which was once the private hunting and shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Today, it is the protected breeding ground of hundreds of species of birds and home to migratory birds, especially the Siberian Crane, that spend their winters here.

Diwan-i-Aam : Within the center of the fort is the Hall of Public Audience, built by Shah Jahan. It replaced an earlier wooden structure. It is a pavillion supported by 40 carved pillars where the emperor once sat in state, consulting with officials and receiving petitioners. Other than the Diwan-i-Aam. There is the small Nagina Masjid or Gem Mosque. Nearby is the Ladies Bazaar, where female merchants came to sell to the ladies of the Mughal court.

Diwan-i-Khas : It was fort's true citadel of power, also built by Shah Jahan, between 1636 and 1637. The Hall of Private Audience glittered with solid gold, silver and precious stones, and was the site where the emperor received important diginitaries or foreign ambassadors. The famous Peacock throne was kept here before being moved to Delhi by Aurangzeb. Nearby are the Khas Mahal, Shah Jahan private pavillions. Lookout for the Sheesh Mahal the royal bathing quarters, where the light of a single lamp is reflected in thousands of tiny mirrors embedded in the walls and ceiling.

Musamman Burj or Jasmine Tower : This exquisite octagonal tower, standing close to the Diwan-i-Khas, is the place where Shah Jahan died as captive of his son Aurangzeb, passing his last days gazing at the Taj (the tomb of his beloved wife). The Mina Masjid was Shah Jahan's private mosque during his imprisonment.

Jahangir's Palace : Built by Akbar, for his son Jahangir, it was the largest private residence in the fort. Its a blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

Among other important attractions are Anguri Bagh, Hauz-i-Jehangiri and Delhi Gate. The first, the Grape Garden was in all probability just a small, formal Mughal Garden. It stand in front of the Khas Mahal. Hauz-i-Jehangiri, located in front of Jehangir's palace, is a huge bowl beautifully carved out of a single block of stone. It is fabled to have been used for preparing bhang.

Jama Masjid : Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, it was built in the name of Jahanara, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter. She was also imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb. This mosque is without any minarets. It's sandstone domes have superb marble patterning.

Chini Ka Ranza : Located about a km north of Itimad-ud-Daulah, the mausoleum of Afral Khan, a poet and official in the court of Shah Jahan. The China Tomb is notable for its giant enamelled dome.

Babur's Ram Bagh : About 2 km north along the Yamuna's side lies this Bagh, laid out in 1528. Probably, it is the oldest of India's Mughal Garden. According to some traditions, this was the place where Babur was temporarily buries before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan as per his wishes.

Other Places to Visit : Mathura and Brindavan. Mathura, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the birthplace of Krishna, and Brindavan, the land of thousands of shrines and temples, which still echoes with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming God.

JAIPUR : The Pink City
Delhi      l      Agra      l      Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan state, this city is also called as 'Pink City', because of the pink sandstones which were used to construct the buildings. Jaipur, which is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls, is a major attraction for the first-time visitor.

Also known as pink city houses three hill forts and a plethora of palaces. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharyaformalised the citys plans in a grid system.

Famous sites :

The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. 

Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail. 

Jantar Mantar : A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

Govind Devji Temple : The most popular temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji,originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Hawa Mahal : Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Swargasuli (Isar Lat) : The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Sisodia Rani Garden : It has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.) : The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

Galtaji : An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city. Old City: Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple ofNarsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund.

Jaigarh : One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Amer : Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.

Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple : A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions,gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh,Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pol and the Jalebi Chowk.Two flights of stairs rise from on end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess,worshipped by thousands of deovtees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.

A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond th corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Ram Niwas Bagh : A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.

Jain Temple : The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple : Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back,are also noteworthy.

Statue Circle : The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

The Kanak Vrindavan Complex : of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the 'chattri' of SawaiJai Singh II with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.

Ghat ki Guni : Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra. 

Others :
Beautiful memorials to the queens,Maharani-ki-chattri are near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Raod. The Island Palace,Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai SinghI, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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