India's Golden triangle

Visiting India in late September is not the coolest time to go but I was not going to miss the chance to see this incredible country’s iconic sights despite soaring temperatures! We flew overnight and arrived in Delhi next morning and most London flights would be scheduled like this allowing you to maximise your time in this bustling city. We had stayed at the Taj Palace hotel, one of the Luxury Delhi hotels. The Imperial hotel was our dinner venue and we could see why it is one of the favourite haunts of most dignitaries, its elegance shone throughout. Next day we had a full day tour of Old Delhi, staring with a walking tour around streets of the Old Delhi. Our young guide who worked with a Street Children charity and use to be one of the street kids himself was very informative and great fun. We moved onto Jama Masjid mosque, ending on a pedal bike rickshaw ride though some of the incredible sights and sounds of the Old Delhi back alleys! Afternoon was spent around New Delhi and a visit to Qatab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India from 12th century. We had an early start next morning as we had to get to the 6am train that would take us to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal monument. It was a very relaxed way of getting from Delhi to Agra, allowing us to some more of the countryside and some of the local train stops along the way. On arrival at Agra train station we were greeted by many street children asking us to donate our lunch boxes (hotels prepare them for you before departure) if we have not eaten them, which we were all more than happy to do, given the stark contrast we have encountered so far. Trident Agra hotel is a great little hotel not too far away from the Taj, but feels like an oasis of calm and taste. Its cool pool and shaded gardens were very welcome after our long journey. Agra Fort is a one of the most famous and well known forts and arriving at is massive entrance gates it is easy to see why. Local Mughal Emperors knew how to builds their cities and forts to impress. Agra Fort is where we got our first glimpse of the famous Taj Mahal, as intended by its builder Shah Jahan, so he could gaze upon it from his palace at any time! Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum to his wife Mutmaz Mahal, and has become one of the most famous romantic gestures of ancient worlds, still capturing the imaginations of travellers that come to see it. Oberoi Amarvilas hotel, where we stopped for a high tea offered us another tantalising glimpse of the Taj, even closer. Each room and all of its public rooms have a Taj view, one of the reasons this is top choice for a luxury hotel in Agra. Our visit was planned for the sunset, giving it faint amber glow from the West and perfect light conditions for that iconic photo opportunity. Although there are many other visitors there, grounds are large enough and you can grab a moment to sit and enjoy the beauty of the setting and admire the proportions of this famous landmark. For even more peaceful visit it is worth getting up early and watch the sunrise over Taj Mahal! Next day we travelled to Jaipur and this time we were travelling on a road, stopping along the way in Fatehpur Sikri (deserted imperial city) and having a lunch in a local Haveli (like a BB) finally arriving in Jaipur at dusk. Oberoi Rajvilas hotel near Jaipur is the fairy-tale setting for one of the most opulent luxury hotels that Rajasthan has to offer. We stayed at the 4* ITC Rajputana who laid on a local Rajasthan dance show and biggest curry feast we had since our arrival. Food cannot be left out of this travel blog, being one of the stars of any visit to India. It is true that spicy food and curries are available for every meal, if you so choose to. Most hotels will have international cuisine options and most of us had this for breakfast. It is amazing how varied and aromatic the lunch and dinner dishes were. We have been taken to a culinary journey and loved every bite! Next day we headed to Amber Fort. Driving though Amber city (as Jaipur is also know) and stopping to admire Palace of the Winds we arrived at the foothill of this world famous fortress. Perched on a hill above the Jaipur we headed up on the elephant rides that are strictly controlled and can do only 6 climbs a day. The Amber Fort is another awe inspiring feat of architecture and beauty, one amazing room after another! I just wished we had more time to wander the streets as all too soon we were whisked off to see the City palace with its largest and oldest sun dial in the world. Evening was rounded off with a lesson on how to put on a sari and then we were taught to cook a simple curry dish on the rooftop terrace of Shapura House Hotel, with the dance show to round off the evening. Our last day was spent travelling back to Delhi to stay near the airport for our early flight to Kathmandu next day. If we did this again I would suggest catching a domestic flight back to save time, given the traffic delays we experienced. Week long trip allowed us only a glimpse of this magnificent country. Return visit is a must!