India. A country on my bucket list, but Sy wasn’t initially keen. He was unsure whether the culture shock would take away the pleasure of the experience. Little did he realise that it was because of the difference in culture he would love it so much!
There are many places to visit in India, however there were two specific reasons why North India and the Golden Triangle were high on my list; the Taj Mahal Agra, and to see tigers in the wild. When we found a tour company incorporating both, it was a no brainer!
What an absolutely amazing time we had!
There are many places to visit in India, however there were two specific reasons why North India and the Golden Triangle were high on my list; the Taj Mahal Agra, and to see tigers in the wild. When we found a tour company incorporating both, it was a no brainer!
What an absolutely amazing time we had!
The Flag of India
A luxury week’s tour named “Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari” was booked with Somak!
Golden Triangle (approx) distances: Hotels:
Fortune Select Global
New Delhi to Agra: 105kms - 5 hours Clarks Shiraz
Agra to Ranthambore: 295 kms - 7 (worthwhile!) hours Tiger Moon Resort
Ranthambore to Jaipur: 158kms - 4 hours Clarks Amer
It's easy to see why it's called the "Golden Triangle" when you look at it on a map!
Delhi – the world’s most polluted City!
Delhi; the capital of India was founded by the British in 1936. It mixes Old and New India, ancient and modern. In 2016, it topped the charts for the world’s most polluted City!
When we visited in 2008, people were proud that Delhi was much greener and cleaner than before, due to 50% of industries being shut down around 30 years earlier. We honestly expected much more pollution, and either of us felt choked in any way. It’s sad that the situation has since worsened. We did notice that the sun never really shone, and it would take until midday for it to burn through the polluted haze.
A “must-see” if you are in the capital is Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick minaret built in 1193. The adjacent mosque was the first to be built in India but is now in ruins. It is, however, a lovely place to stroll around away from the hustle and bustle providing lovely photographic opportunities.
Delhi; the capital of India was founded by the British in 1936. It mixes Old and New India, ancient and modern. In 2016, it topped the charts for the world’s most polluted City!
When we visited in 2008, people were proud that Delhi was much greener and cleaner than before, due to 50% of industries being shut down around 30 years earlier. We honestly expected much more pollution, and either of us felt choked in any way. It’s sad that the situation has since worsened. We did notice that the sun never really shone, and it would take until midday for it to burn through the polluted haze.
A “must-see” if you are in the capital is Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick minaret built in 1193. The adjacent mosque was the first to be built in India but is now in ruins. It is, however, a lovely place to stroll around away from the hustle and bustle providing lovely photographic opportunities.
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Whilst we were there, a group of school children dressed smartly in burgundy and crisp white uniforms were walking towards us. They realised we had noticed them, and begun running enthusiastically with outstretched hands eager to shake ours, wanting to know our names.
These children were so enchanting and genuinely happy, we felt humbled by their innocence. I couldn’t resist but ask for a photo which they absolutely loved! One child was so willing and cheeky, he had such an infectious smile. Clearly he took centre stage in the photo, his confidence was just like a rock star.
Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb bears resemblance to Taj Mahal, and was used as a pre-design for the infamous monument. Clearly there are differences, but you cannot ignore the similarities in the general shape and surrounding gardens. This is another very peaceful place to stroll around.
Humayun's Tomb - can you see the resemblance to the Taj Mahal?
Crazy Indian traffic
India is hugely populated, so you can expect to be in the odd traffic jam! We took this as an opportunity to observe Indian life. The tuk-tuks and cars spawn some crazy-arsed driving and kamikaze manoeuvres.
Bikes are loaded up as if they were delivery trucks, pick-up trucks double as public transport packed solidly with people. A motorcycle will carry three or more men with no helmets – crazy stuff! It was interesting to see cows, dogs and camels on the road – we weren’t expecting that!
India is hugely populated, so you can expect to be in the odd traffic jam! We took this as an opportunity to observe Indian life. The tuk-tuks and cars spawn some crazy-arsed driving and kamikaze manoeuvres.
Bikes are loaded up as if they were delivery trucks, pick-up trucks double as public transport packed solidly with people. A motorcycle will carry three or more men with no helmets – crazy stuff! It was interesting to see cows, dogs and camels on the road – we weren’t expecting that!
If anyone noticed we were looking at them, they immediately smiled and waved. Children excitedly tried to catch our attention if passing us by, and we watched as their smiles increased when we wanted to take their photo!
Local people always smiled and waved, it was wonderful!
We observed poverty lined streets, run-down houses and shacks. Dirt, litter, lots of people in multi-coloured outfits, little shops in desperate need of maintenance and a damn good clean. Although poverty is everywhere, many people seemed clean wearing bright fresh clothes. Nearly everyone had lovely white teeth, always noticeable with their big smiles.
Everyone appeared to have a job of some sort; sweeping steps or the road, fetching bricks for builders, owning little shops on the side of a road, selling fruits like bananas, oranges or vegetables – even carrots that are red?! Oh yes, we saw that.
We welcomed the culture shock – it humbled us and made us more appreciative for what we have.
Everyone appeared to have a job of some sort; sweeping steps or the road, fetching bricks for builders, owning little shops on the side of a road, selling fruits like bananas, oranges or vegetables – even carrots that are red?! Oh yes, we saw that.
We welcomed the culture shock – it humbled us and made us more appreciative for what we have.
Once we had left the City, I didn’t think Delhi was as dirty, polluted, manic, over-populated or daunting as we had imagined. Upon reflection, when I look back at the photos, maybe I wore rose-tinted glasses for my time there!
Agra … and the Taj Mahal!
Some people view this iconic Mausoleum as just another building, but not us. There are only two man-made structures we have seen to date which have emotionally moved us… one is the Great Wall of China, the other is the Taj Mahal.
For me, it not only lived up to my expectation, it far exceeded it! We were there for sunrise, watching amongst a silent crowd as the marble exterior reflected rose and gold tints, just as the sun rose gently into the sky. Soon it became the dazzling white colour for which it’s best known. It was very special.
Agra … and the Taj Mahal!
Some people view this iconic Mausoleum as just another building, but not us. There are only two man-made structures we have seen to date which have emotionally moved us… one is the Great Wall of China, the other is the Taj Mahal.
For me, it not only lived up to my expectation, it far exceeded it! We were there for sunrise, watching amongst a silent crowd as the marble exterior reflected rose and gold tints, just as the sun rose gently into the sky. Soon it became the dazzling white colour for which it’s best known. It was very special.
The captivating and truly beautiful, Taj Mahal. Surely the greatest momument of love ever built?
The tomb itself is breathtakingly beautiful, you wouldn’t believe it was over 350 years old withstanding harsh sun and rain. It looks as though it was built yesterday.
I have so much to say about this place. To read more, check out “Taj Mahal – Monument of love or just another building?”
Walking away from this spectacular vision was very difficult and left us with humbling feelings we had never experienced up until now. Sy even shed a tear for this wondrous place!!
Agra Fort
I am ashamed to say that Agra Fort didn’t hold my interest. Not because it wasn’t big or impressive or didn’t have an interesting story to tell – because it was all of that. No, it was purely because we visited directly after the Taj Mahal, and my WOW! Factor had been used up!
From a window at the Fort, you can see the Taj in the distance – that just made me want to go back to it even more!
I have so much to say about this place. To read more, check out “Taj Mahal – Monument of love or just another building?”
Walking away from this spectacular vision was very difficult and left us with humbling feelings we had never experienced up until now. Sy even shed a tear for this wondrous place!!
Agra Fort
I am ashamed to say that Agra Fort didn’t hold my interest. Not because it wasn’t big or impressive or didn’t have an interesting story to tell – because it was all of that. No, it was purely because we visited directly after the Taj Mahal, and my WOW! Factor had been used up!
From a window at the Fort, you can see the Taj in the distance – that just made me want to go back to it even more!
The impressive Agra Fort
The Fort was built in 1565 by “the Greatest Mughal ruler” Akbar, and originally used as a military structure.
Our guide, Veejay, who had been looking after us since Delhi, was a fountain of knowledge. He told stories of rulers having three wives and 901 women in his harem. For breakfast, it is alleged one ruler had eight whiskeys and three women! What an energetic man! Porridge is all I have!
Our guide, Veejay, who had been looking after us since Delhi, was a fountain of knowledge. He told stories of rulers having three wives and 901 women in his harem. For breakfast, it is alleged one ruler had eight whiskeys and three women! What an energetic man! Porridge is all I have!
Fatehpur Sikri
Another Akbar building built around 1584 and made of red sandstone is Fatehpur Silkri. The word “Fateh” originated from Arabic meaning “victory” and Sikri means “thanks to god”. We were there around 1½ hours and by this point, I was more than happy to simply stroll around taking photographs of the magnificent architecture… I’d had all the history I could cope with!
Another Akbar building built around 1584 and made of red sandstone is Fatehpur Silkri. The word “Fateh” originated from Arabic meaning “victory” and Sikri means “thanks to god”. We were there around 1½ hours and by this point, I was more than happy to simply stroll around taking photographs of the magnificent architecture… I’d had all the history I could cope with!
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Tigers – the real kings of the jungle
The highlight of our trip was, without a shadow of a doubt, the tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park.
In Africa, I have been on 22 game drives and I didn’t think it would be possible to eclipse them all in one hour. No one could have predicted our phenomenal encounter. No one. Not even the game driver who had taken hundreds of tours.
In total we saw six tigers, three on one game drive then three on another, but it wasn’t the quantity of tigers that was so jaw-dropping, it was the experience we had with them.
The highlight of our trip was, without a shadow of a doubt, the tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park.
In Africa, I have been on 22 game drives and I didn’t think it would be possible to eclipse them all in one hour. No one could have predicted our phenomenal encounter. No one. Not even the game driver who had taken hundreds of tours.
In total we saw six tigers, three on one game drive then three on another, but it wasn’t the quantity of tigers that was so jaw-dropping, it was the experience we had with them.
Sher Khan - the real King of the Jungle
One of the tigers on Shiva's monument!
It doesn’t sound that special to say a tiger sat on Shiva’s monument playing with a walkie-talkie left by a ranger– but this monument is very holy in the Hindu religion which is believed to be sent from God. To read our full fantastic tiger encounter, check out "Tigers, a walkie-talkie and a gob-smacked audience"
When we returned to our resort and re-told our tiger encounters, everyone thought we were teasing – we had to show them photographs for us to be believed. Some people hadn’t seen a single tiger! It was speaking to these people that made us realise how truly lucky we were!
During our stay, we went on two further game drives which were lovely, but paled in comparison to the first. We had three more tiger sightings but they were from a distance. This would normally be considered as good day, but not to us. We had been spoilt!
Other wildlife encounters on the game drives were Samber, India’s largest deer, baboon, wild boar and a crocodile chilling on the bank. The routes were very pretty, passing a couple of lakes which pleased the bird watchers in our group. We saw a kingfisher, parakeet, woodpecker and an owl.
Tiger Moon Resort
We stayed for two nights at Tiger Moon Resort which is in the middle of Ranthambore National park.
During our stay, we went on two further game drives which were lovely, but paled in comparison to the first. We had three more tiger sightings but they were from a distance. This would normally be considered as good day, but not to us. We had been spoilt!
Other wildlife encounters on the game drives were Samber, India’s largest deer, baboon, wild boar and a crocodile chilling on the bank. The routes were very pretty, passing a couple of lakes which pleased the bird watchers in our group. We saw a kingfisher, parakeet, woodpecker and an owl.
Tiger Moon Resort
We stayed for two nights at Tiger Moon Resort which is in the middle of Ranthambore National park.
Angie relaxing in a hammock outside our room at Tiger Moon Resort
At the resort we took an opportunity to take part in a cookery lesson. A free Indian cookery lesson? Hell-yeah!! We were taught a quick and easy spiced potato recipe called Chunky Chat Potato after the name of the spice, it tasted bloody fantastic – and I am no cook!! I burn toast! Having the opportunity to learn this tasty dish in such a unique, cultural way was wonderful, and we have continued to cook it when we returned home.
Around the camp fire one evening we had local entertainment with music and dancing which included fire! I had a small henna design drawn on my hand – their art really is so beautiful and so intricate.
Camel ride anyone?
We wanted to see more of the surrounding area so took a camel-cart ride into the local village. Our camel was brightly decorated and we enjoyed the relaxing meander.
Around the camp fire one evening we had local entertainment with music and dancing which included fire! I had a small henna design drawn on my hand – their art really is so beautiful and so intricate.
Camel ride anyone?
We wanted to see more of the surrounding area so took a camel-cart ride into the local village. Our camel was brightly decorated and we enjoyed the relaxing meander.
We passed through little alleys, past school children, barber shops, saw women pumping water and children herding goats. Everywhere we went, everyone was always so friendly, they waved and smiled, children run up purely to meet us. Their wonderful nature was infectious and refreshing to see.
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A barber shop - shave anyone?
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A big surprise to us was seeing the lush green fields. We thought there would be a water shortage but in Rajasthan, apparently their resources are in abundance due to excellent irrigation. We noticed a lot of water was left running, there were dripping hosepipes or taps and water is used everywhere to keep the grass looking so lush.
There was an interesting scenario; we passed a woman with her young daughter and they pointed at the bottle of water I was carrying. I opened the bottle and went to pour it into their hands thinking they wanted a drink, but the mother snatched the bottle and the lid, poured the water on the ground then walked away with it! We can only assume that the empty bottle was more valuable than its contents. Isn’t it amazing how the things people value differ so greatly in different cultures.
Jaipur – The Pink City
We drove to the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds which is the iconic photo associated with Jaipur, the Pink City. It’s a five storied wonder with spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows which have latticed screens, domes and spires. Its famous pink colour was down to Sawai Ram Singh II. He chose to make the facades of all old city buildings autumnal colours for a forthcoming visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
There was an interesting scenario; we passed a woman with her young daughter and they pointed at the bottle of water I was carrying. I opened the bottle and went to pour it into their hands thinking they wanted a drink, but the mother snatched the bottle and the lid, poured the water on the ground then walked away with it! We can only assume that the empty bottle was more valuable than its contents. Isn’t it amazing how the things people value differ so greatly in different cultures.
Jaipur – The Pink City
We drove to the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds which is the iconic photo associated with Jaipur, the Pink City. It’s a five storied wonder with spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows which have latticed screens, domes and spires. Its famous pink colour was down to Sawai Ram Singh II. He chose to make the facades of all old city buildings autumnal colours for a forthcoming visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Iconic Hawa Mhal - the Palce of Winds in Jaipur, the Pink City
Next was a visit to Amber Fort and in the main square, there were lots of decorated elephants walking around with many tourists riding them. I know how elephants are treated within the tourist industry, and it was heart-breaking to see elephants being ridden in the scorching heat, their skin painted like a canvas. When we look at the photos and see how much weight they were carrying, it’s very upsetting.
It saddened us to see people riding elephants. All this weight on each elephant during the sweltering heat of the day
Marble pillars donned the courtyard and the entrance to the fort was made up of different coloured stones giving a beautiful soft pastel effect. The whole Fort was impressive and lavish in style with various royal halls decorated in intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. It was more like a palace than a fort and provided many photographic opportunities.
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It is here that I have to be totally honest – by this point, the reality of an intense week’s viewing of architecture caught up with me and my attention (and enthusiasm) was waning. I didn’t feel I could take in any more, and a few of us felt the same. It was an energy-sapping hot day, so maybe our thoughts could have been due to the heat. We found a shady spot to sit down and re-charged our batteries.
It is unlike me to choose not to visit a place because I do like to make the most of every opportunity, however sometimes you just have to accept that enough is enough.
My need to relax was greater than my desire to carry on!
Rickshaw ride
Our final experience of the tour was a bicycle rickshaw ride, and we really enjoyed entering the crazy world of the Indian road system on a bike-drawn carriage! We were amongst cars, motorbikes, pushbikes, horses & carts, cows, camels, buses, coaches and kamikaze pedestrians all battling for their right of way in a noisy, chaotic manner which strangely seemed to work! Lots of horn beeping, daredevil manoeuvres, attempts to squeeze into any gap (however small) but there appeared to be no road rage or accidents. In saying that, a lot of the buses and coaches did have scratches and knocks, but this could also be down to how old they were!
It is unlike me to choose not to visit a place because I do like to make the most of every opportunity, however sometimes you just have to accept that enough is enough.
My need to relax was greater than my desire to carry on!
Rickshaw ride
Our final experience of the tour was a bicycle rickshaw ride, and we really enjoyed entering the crazy world of the Indian road system on a bike-drawn carriage! We were amongst cars, motorbikes, pushbikes, horses & carts, cows, camels, buses, coaches and kamikaze pedestrians all battling for their right of way in a noisy, chaotic manner which strangely seemed to work! Lots of horn beeping, daredevil manoeuvres, attempts to squeeze into any gap (however small) but there appeared to be no road rage or accidents. In saying that, a lot of the buses and coaches did have scratches and knocks, but this could also be down to how old they were!
Our “Golden Triangle” Tour was awesome and it’s one I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who is thinking of travelling to India, ideally twinned with a trip to Ranthambore. Yes the journeys can be long, yes it can be hectic but it is without a doubt, one of the best and most memorable adventures of our lives.
Experiencing India’s culture opened our eyes to what a colourful, friendly place Rajasthan is, and we opened our hearts to its enigmatic people.
Travel Facts:
Is visiting The Golden Triangle on your bucket list, or have you already been? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Experiencing India’s culture opened our eyes to what a colourful, friendly place Rajasthan is, and we opened our hearts to its enigmatic people.
Travel Facts:
- The national currency is the Rupee. It is illegal for foreigners to take this currency out of the Country!
- There are 22 different languages spoken in India!!
- The national symbol of India is the endangered Bengal Tiger.
- Mahatma Gandhi is famous for the important part he played in gaining India's independence.
- India has the second largest population in the world, with over 1.2 billion people.
- 70% of the world’s spices come from India.
- Almost every city in Rajasthan is colour coordinated. Jaipur is pink, Udaipur is white, Jodhpur is blue and Jhalawar is purple!
Is visiting The Golden Triangle on your bucket list, or have you already been? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Further reading ... the India posts mentioned in this blog:
Taj Mahal - Just Another Building?
Tigers, a Walkie-Talkie, and a Gob-Smacked Audience
Taj Mahal - Just Another Building?
Tigers, a Walkie-Talkie, and a Gob-Smacked Audience
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We are proud to host the #FeetDoTravel blog Linkup. If you have a blog post you would like to share, feel free to click on the picture below which will take you through to our Facebook Community and drop your link there. The link-up is open from Friday 12.00am (midnight UK time) and will close Sunday 12.00pm (midnight UK time). We are a fun and loyal group who are more than happy to comment, share and reciprocate! Happy Travelling Feet Fans!
