Delhi’s Qutab Minar is
especially beautiful at sunset.
One of the most visited regions in India is the famed Golden
Triangle consisting of the cities of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. India
can be an overwhelming destination, so it’s best to book a tour
through an operator. One operator to try is Texas-based Ker &
Downey (K&D). Once in India, K&D handles all arrangements
for a Golden Triangle tour, including transport, guides, a
concierge-style tour leader, hotel accommodations, dining and
sightseeing arrangements.
K&D, however, also allows for free time on their tours, so
travelers can experience India on their own. I found the locals
extremely friendly and always willing to help a lost traveler. I
had a hard time navigating the streets, but always found my way
back to the hotel after asking for directions. I also talked to
many Indians about their families and how quickly their lives are
changing due to major shifts in industry and technology.
One of the best ways to get a real insider’s view of India is by
hitting the road. Car rides allow a glimpse of Indian life: It’s
not uncommon to see camels, elephants, cows and vehicles share the
road. Women, dressed in their brightly colored saris, look majestic
against the backdrop of village life. I made our driver stop often
to get photos of elephants and cows crossing the road.
Agra is home to one of the Seven Wonders
of the World, the Taj Mahal.
A trip to the Golden Triangle often begins and ends in Delhi.
(British Airways flies from the U.S. to Delhi via London.) Delhi is
a city of contrasts, embracing the modern while still keeping a
foot firmly in its past (cows and rickshaws can be seen in the
streets). English is spoken everywhere and the food is truly
amazing. The pulse of Delhi is not unlike New York or Paris; it’s
always alive and happening. Late at night or early in the morning,
there are throngs of people eating, drinking, working and
socializing. In Delhi, two excellent hotel options include the Taj
Mahal Hotel New Delhi and the Imperial.
The Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi offers amazing views of the India
Gate, a war memorial and symbol of freedom, and one of Delhi’s top
attractions. The hotel also has an excellent spa that should not be
missed. This hotel is perfect for those looking for a heritage
hotel, steeped in history.
For those looking for a more modern stay, the Imperial is a
great choice. Make sure to tell clients to eat at the Spice Route,
voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast
Traveler.
In Delhi, a good tour combines the top sights of a city with
some leisure time to soak up the atmosphere. I visited the Qutab
Minar, one of Delhi’s oldest monuments, dating back to the 1190s. I
recommend clients visit this site at sunset when the colors are
really beautiful.
Also, visitors should spend time walking around, getting coffee
at a local cafe or visiting one of the city’s beautiful parks.
People-watching, I always find, is the best way to get to know a
city’s real flavor. Women could be seen in saris or dressed in
modern garb, men in jeans or suits, and there are children
everywhere a testament to the strong family unit in India.
The locals are very friendly in places
such as Jaipur.
From Delhi, many guests will transfer to Jaipur and one of the
favorite regions for many travelers to India. I loved Jaipur, the
“Pink City,” so named for the hue of its buildings. Shopping here
is arguably the best in India. I found a great selection of
clothes, spices and a variety of hand-made goods. For anyone
interested in bringing back authentic gifts, Jaipur is the place to
explore.
The luxury Oberoi Rajvilas, in Jaipur, was built less than five
years ago, and it shares the Oberoi properties’ tendency toward
beauty and top-notch service. In fact, as much as I enjoyed
exploring Jaipur, I also spent a full day at the hotel, taking in
their spa and simply relaxing.
Another day, I visited the Naila Fort a beautiful sight well
worth the time. Make sure to tell your clients to arrive early and
take an elephant ride up to the fort. Sure, it’s a bit touristy,
but how often can one enjoy an elephant ride in an ancient
city?
My next stop was Agra, which is famous for mainly one thing one
of the Seven Wonders of the World, the glorious Taj Mahal.
Built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a tribute to his favorite wife,
Mumatz Mahal, this is the ultimate tribute to love ever transcribed
into architecture. This monument, completed in 1653, took almost 22
years and 20,000 workers to build.
To be honest, I didn’t think the Taj could measure up to the
hype. I find in travel that the lesser-known things are the ones
that usually deliver the ultimate “wow” factor; however, the Taj is
truly magnificent. I recommend viewing it at sunrise and sunset,
when the marble changes from pink to pure white. Also be sure to
tell clients to leave the tour group and wander solo around the
grounds to take in the beauty. Many local Indian families also
visit the Taj, so it’s also a great way to enjoy the ambience.
In Agra, a good option is the Oberoi Amarvilas. Upon arrival,
guests are greeted by traditionally dressed Indian women who
perform an aarti ritual, bestowing a blessing on the guests. For
those seeking a romantic setting, dine under the stars at the
poolside pavilion; guests design their own three- or five- course
meals and eat to the sounds of the nearby waterfall and melodies of
classical Indian music. Another possibility is a special candle-lit
dinner on the guests’ own balcony, where they can watch the sun set
over the Taj Mahal as they dine.
India is truly a magical place and a Golden Triangle visit will
not soon be forgotten.
| CONTACT British Airways
800-247-9297
www.ba.com India Tourism
800-953-9399
www.incredibleindia.org Ker & Downey
800-423-4236
www.kerdowney.com
Commission: 10 percent WHERE TO STAY The Imperial
800-323-7500
www.theimperialindia.com
Commission: 10 percent Oberoi Hotels
800-562-3764
www.oberoihotels.com
Commission: 10 percent Taj Hotels
866-969-1825
www.tajhotels.com
Commission: 10 percent RESTAURANTS Olives , located in New Delhi, can be found at
Haveli 6-8, One Style Mile, Kalka Dass Marg.
Phone: 00 91 11 2664 2552 Bukhara, located at the Maurya Sheraton in New
Delhi, can be found at Sardal Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave.
Phone 00 91 11 2611 223. Niro’s, in Jaipur, is on Mirza Ismail Road and
the phone is
00 91 14 1237 4493.
They also have a website: www.nirosindia.com |
