The Golden Triangle and Goa
The Golden Triangle
and Goa
The crown of the nation, The Golden Triangle holds precious stones of ruby and quartz hued architectures within its three grand cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Begin in the beautifully chaotic bazaars and forts of scarlet and gold, unearthing the Arabic inscriptions engraved within the silky marble of the Taj Mahal and following the intricate brush strokes of the paintings lining Jaipur’s City Palace hallways; stepping little feet into the shoes of Mughal emperors and Maharajas.
Follow by flying south to the aquamarine coastline of India’s smallest state, Goa. Said to have once been greater than London or Paris, Goa’s Portuguese history makes it home to an array of aged Roman Catholic churches; including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the final resting place of St Francis Xavier. Staying on a peninsula beside the Arabian Sea, you can’t help but be engrossed in Goa’s unparalleled charm that is both tranquil and electric.
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Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in India, from crowning jewel of the the Golden Triangles to the spiritual Goa sands.
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![Tuktuk parked in a side street in Delhi with man on bike riding past]()
DAY 1 - 4
Delhi
Stay at: The ImperialIntermingling the dazzling opulence of Old Delhi’s palaces with the music of New Delhi’s modern-day bazaars, the blending of past and present is so intriguing here it’s almost essential to get lost in its chaos. Best experienced riding rickshaw-style, follow the trails from the tombs of the Mughal Emperors to the shoppers paradise on the upscale avenue of Connaught Place; being sure to stop off for some street-food along the way.
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![The building, Humayun's Tomb, with a domed roof and a pool of water]()
DAY 5
Agra
Stay at: The Oberoi AmarvilasHome to the beloved diamond of the Golden Triangle itself, Agra’s romantic story often begins with a sighting of the Taj Mahal. But despite all its perfect symmetry (which you really could spend hours staring at), it’d be wrong to just stop there. With the equally unmissable ghost city of the deserted Agra Fort and Mughal gardens boasting great heritage sites just down the riverbanks.
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![Tiger prowling through long grass in India]()
DAY 6 - 8
Alwar
Stay at: AmanbaghAs one of the oldest Rajasthan cities and a seriously big fan of hidden-away forts; Alwar has a knack for making history trendier than it first seems. And with wildlife parks like Sariska Tiger Reserve, magnificent Havelis, and farming communities all nearby, there’s also plenty more for culture vultures to sink their teeth into.
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![Three monkeys sitting on the roof of the Palace of Winds in Jaipur]()
DAY 9 - 10
Jaipur
Stay at: The Oberoi RajvilasSituated amidst expansive gardens spanning over thirty acres, this spectacular Oberoi property rekindles the elegant opulence of the fabled Rajput nobility. The premier accommodations, arranged in intimate clusters around a central courtyard, showcase lavish four-poster beds and sumptuous marble baths, while three exclusive villas offer secluded havens with their own private swimming pools. For a truly extraordinary experience, indulge in the luxurious comfort of an air-conditioned Luxury Tent.
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![A view out to sea from a beach with trees]()
Day 11 - 15
Goa
A go-to girl for her butter-soft beaches, Goa put’s India’s softer side right at its centre; where spiritual yoga sessions are only secondary to its spice-infused flavours. Blending together Indian and Portuguese cultures, this local community finds its spark in their attractive architecture and magnetising arts scene which attracts pilgrims and art lovers alike.
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A taste of what’s to come The Golden Triangle and Goa journal
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 14
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 14
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![Indian street vendor preparing food - chapatti, flat bread, Jaipur]()
7pm
We’ve just spent the afternoon getting lost in the heady concoction of New Delhi, learning all the intricate histories of its gemstone sites. Then, in true Indian style, it was back to the grassroots to a Sikh community kitchen to make some chapatis. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it all continues tomorrow with lunch in a haveli with a local family.
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![Concrete arches and columns at the Diwan-i-Aam monument]()
10:10am
We’re whizzing along on the fastest train in India today, to visit the Agra Fort. Apparently, our guide has some amazing stories about Shah Jahan (who made the Taj Mahal for his wife), which feels truly romantic. So much so, the idea of today even inspired us to take part in a renewal of vows ceremony with a blessing by a Hindu priest this evening.
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![Sunrise at Taj Mahal on Jamuna river]()
7:03am
There are pinks and oranges painting the skies as we’re overlooking the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The stunning architecture almost looks like it’s glowing, which I must admit creates a bittersweet feeling now knowing Shah Jahan would’ve seen it every day from his prison cell, after our tour yesterday. We’re taking a final moment to let yesterday’s stories settle in, before we’re off to Alwar to experience the village farming.
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![Aerial view of the astronomical instrument at Jantar Mantar observatory]()
10pm
We’ve just got back from our meal this evening, trying out some of the finest delicacies at Suvarna Mahal. We’ve been chatting all about the stars and planets after our tour around The Jantar Mantar, which was almost eclipsed with the amazing conversations we had with the hotel’s current custodian. Religion, history and all things Rajasthan – it’s been a learning day for sure.
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![Inside of the Hawa Mahal or The palace of winds at Jaipur India. It is constructed of red and pink sandstone]()
11:18am
Just when you think this pink city can’t get any more vibrant, we’re heading out to meet some local students to learn more about the practice of organic agriculture in their village. We’re imagining the story of the colourful fruits and vegetables already, which we’ve even been promised we’ll get to taste with a farm-to-fork food lunch.
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![Houses with blue roofs on stilts on the beach in Goa]()
9am
Beaches, relaxing, and great food – this is Goa. We’re winding down in the sun and finally letting all that Golden Triangle energy release from our fingertips. Then, we’re off for a meal at Cavatina Cucia – it’s meant to be one of the best places to taste the flavours of the world here in India’s sunshine state.
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![A close up of glass bottles with brown labels with the words Spirit of India Feni]()
4:59pm
Our final day today and we’re feeling very grateful for having been caught up in all of India’s chaos. The clash between the finest palaces and friendly street experiences is unlike anything we’ve experienced before, which makes everything feel even more rounded. And now, to let it all sink in, we’re off for a tasting of the local delight, feni – where bottles date as far back as 1946.
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Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
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Extraordinary
experiences
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![Tall brown brick monument of Qutub Minar]()
Taking in the ancient sites on a half-day tour of New DelhiVisit the red stone and marble-covered Qutub Minar with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an, before heading on to visit the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
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![A line of large cooking pots with a man behind looking into them]()
Try your hand at preparing food in the community kitchen of a Sikh TempleLocated in the heart of Delhi, The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib feeds an immense over 35,000 people every day for 365 days a year. Making it a great spot to learn how it all happens, and support the action by making some chapatis.
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![Five silver spoons filled with assorted-color powders]()
Enjoy a cooking class with Ms Anchal BhallaHaving been cooking in the kitchen since she was seven years old, Anchal Bhalla is an expert on all things home-grown food, with all classes teaching the intricacies of India’s unique food culture.
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![A close up of small colourful flowers with a small ornamental Ganesh]()
Renew your wedding vows with a blessing by a Hindu priestTaking place at the beautiful Jodha Mahal temple, couples are guided through a traditional ceremony to re-tie the knot with an exchange of fresh flower garlands.
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![Building walkway leading out towards a big building that has a domed roof]()
Visit the mesmerising Taj Mahal at sunriseA marvel in marble renowned for its stunning symmetry, this seventh wonder of the world is best experienced during the beauty of sunrise.
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![Two brown cows laid and looking to the camera]()
Meet locals in Alwar to learn about the daily farming of cows and buffaloHead out in a jeep for a tour of the surrounding villages during the fascinating herding hour, before sitting down for chai and chatting with local village friends about your experience.
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![Stainless steel teapot being poured into small drinking glasses]()
Meet the current custodian of DeraMandwa hotel to discuss Indian culture and insightsA proud inheritor of this special legacy, Jaipur Thakur Durga Singh ji is a true connoisseur of Rajasthan’s art, history, and culture. Sit down for a cup of tea and enjoy sharing the stories that span religion to food and flora to folk art.
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![A line of people planting green rice seedlings in a flooded field]()
Visit a community of students and organic farmers in JaipurEnjoy a half-day eco-experience getting insight into the rural life of students, villagers, and farmers, whose organic farms are positively supporting local communities in the village. Finish with lunch together, tasting all the farm-to-fork delicacies.
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![A close up of a bottle of Peoples Lager from Goa brewing company]()
Take part in feni tasting and pairing sessions in Goa at India’s first-ever Alcohol MuseumDedicated to the local delight feni, this beach village museum tells the tale of centuries-old alcohol making processes. With a Goan-style tavern and unique storage vessels, the feni cellar even has bottles of cashew and coconut feni as old as 1946.
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