Golden Triangle India Holidays - The Best Attraction Tours In India

Of all the tours operated by Off the Beaten Track Pukka Holidays the Golden Triangle tour is the one most popular. The major reason for the popularity of this tour is due to the fact that it covers three of the most attractive cities; Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in India. The popularity of these three cities amongst tourists is complete. A brief description of all the three cities would give a clear idea as to what attracts tourists to these places.

Delhi

Capital of India, Delhi has plenty to offer to tourists and make their stay enjoyable and memorable. What makes Delhi so special is the fact that it has managed to retain the old world charm which unfolds the era which has long gone by to tourists along with some of the most modern and sleek innovations that the city has undergone over the years. Some of the major tourist attractions of Delhi are discussed below.

Rashtrapati Bhavan: Built in 1931 for the Governor General it today houses the President of India. It is a perfect example of European and Indian style of architecture and has maintained its pomp and glory to this day.

Connaught Place: It is one of the busiest and largest commercial center in Delhi and houses the headquarters of several Indian firms. The central park of Connaught Place has for long been used for holding various cultural events. The beauty of the place, particularly in the evenings, with well lighted building and marketplace is a delight.

India Gate: Built as a memorial to commemorate the soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I and Afghan War, India Gate indeed is one of the identities of Delhi. Designed by Sir Edward Lutyens it was originally known as All India War Memorial.

Qutub Minar: Built in 1206 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, it is located in Mehrauli. Its specialties lie in the fact that it was the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India and ushered the beginning of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

Red Fort: Quite literally the identity of Delhi, Red Fort has maintained its splendor and glory. Its a perfect example of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of the unique Shahjahani style which is very rich in form, expression and color. It has for long been a popular tourist attraction and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that no visit to Delhi is considered complete without a visit to Red Fort.
Chandni Chowk: A major market place, it has kept the legacy of old times alive. As per a popular legend it is widely believed that Chandni Chowk was developed by Mughal emperor Shahjehan as a market place for her daughter. Today Chandni Chowk is the busiest and most frequented market place in Old Delhi.
Jama Masjid: It is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and was constructed by Shahjehan, the Mughal emperor who also constructed Red Fort. The courtyard of mosque can hold up to twenty five thousand devotees at one time. The mosque also has several relics on the north gate which also includes an antique copy of Quran written on deer skin.


Agra

Stuated at the banks of river Yamuna, Agra for long has been a major tourist attraction. Popularity of Agra as a major tourist city is mainly due to the presence of some magnificent Mughal-era structures. Couple of the most popular structures in Agra are Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the leading attractions of Agra are discussed below.

Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal, undoubtedly is the most popular and well known identities of Agra and pride of the place. Built by Shahjehan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal it is adored by lovers around the world. It is, without any doubt, the most beautiful and fascinating monument in India. Constructed of marble it took unstinted effort of 20, 000 laborers and whole of 22 years to reach a conclusion. Situated at the bank of river Yamuna it has verses of Quran inscribed on it. The popularity of Taj Mahal can be gauged from the fact that no visit to India is considered complete without a mandatory visit to the majestic Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort: Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 it is one of Agras heritage sites. The fort is a classic example of Mughal architecture and is adored by tourists. The fort itself is hemispherical, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall that faces the river. Ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone interspersed at regular intervals by bastions, the fort has a total perimeter of 2.4 km. The outer wall of the fort is surrounded by 9 meter wide and 10 meter deep moat.

Fatehpur Sikri: A world heritage sight, Fatehpuri Sikri was developed by Mughal emperor Akbar who moved his capital there. Fateh is an Arabic word meaning victory. The place was christened Fatehpur Sikri because it was at this place that Baber, other great Mughal emperor and grandfather of Akbar, defeated Rana Sanga, a powerful Rajput king. Today it is a center of attraction and thronged by visitors.

Buland Darwaza: Built by Mughal emperor Akbar and situated in Fatehpur Sikri, 43 kilometers from Agra, it is popularly known as The Gate of Magnificence. It is amongst the largest of gateways in the world. It is an astonishing example of the Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and inlaying of white marble. Its importance can be gauged from the fact that it is a must visit monument for people visiting Fatehpur Sikri.




Jaipur

One of the popular cities of India, Jaipur is also known as Pink City. Designed and founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur today holds an important place as a popular tourist destination in the country. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the city are discussed below.

Hawa Mahal: Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Usta who gave it the form of Krisnhas (Hindu God) crown. Hawa Mahal is a specimen of Rajputana architecture though a strong influence of Mughal architecture can also be seen. The structure has five stories and was constructed with red and pink sandstone highlighted with white quick lime. It was originally built to allow royal ladies to observe the daily life in the streets without being seen. Hawa Mahal got its name because of the fact that the side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 windows which allow the breeze (hawa) to pass through which keeps the palace cool even in summers.

Amber Fort: Located in Amber, 11 kilometers from Jaipur, Amber Fort is also popular as Amer Fort. Once a bastion of the ruling Kachwaha clan of Amber, Amber Fort is renowned for its inimitable artistic style which exhibits a fusion of both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements. The fort borders Maota Lake and is a major source of attraction for tourists.

Jaigarh Fort: Located at a mere distance of 15 kilometers from Jaipur, Jaipur Fort is considered by many as one of the most spectacular forts in India. Nestled on top of the hill, it has well guarded passages. Jaipur Fort, at one point of time, was the center of artillery production for Rajput Kings. It also has world largest cannon on wheels. The Fort complex has a five kilometer long canal which was constructed to carry water in the fort for soldiers. View of the Aravali hills which gradually seem to vanish into desert miasma present a pulsating view and attract a hoard of visitors.
Nahagarh Fort: Constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Nahagarh is located on the edge of Aravalli hills. It overlooks Jaipur and presents a breadth taking view. Along with Amber and Jaigarh Forts, Nahagarh fort formed a strong defense ring for Jaipur and provided shelter to Britishers during the revolt of 1857. Nahagarh Fort got its name from the word Nahagarh which means the abode of tigers. As per another folklore the fort is named after Prince Nahar whose spirit haunted the place and hampered the construction.
City Palace: Constructed between 1729 and 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II, it is a city complex which at one point of time was the seat of Maharaja of Jaipur. It today houses a museum and has an imposing and cosmic compound of courtyards, gardens and buildings. It is a must see for tourists visiting Jaipur.

Jal Mahal: It is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in 18th century by Mahara Jai Singh II of Amber. Jal Mahal is a shining example of a perfect fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It serves as a vantage point for viewing the lake and Nahargarh in their full splendor. The palace itself is constructed of red sandstone and is a five storied building. Four floors of the palace remains submerged under water when the lake is full. Jal Mahal today is a popular tourist destination in Jaipur and is frequently visited by people from across the world.