10. India: Golden Triangle – The Jewel in the Crown (part 2)

Agra: Home to the Taj Mahal

The mausoleum is the eternal and enchanting symbol of India. There is an undeniable sense of excitement as you approach the compound gates, eagerly anticipating your first glimpse of it. You won’t be disappointed! Built of pure white marble, the mausoleum is perfectly proportioned, inlaid with precious stones, and houses the tombs of the two lovers it immortalizes. Constructed by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, as a tribute to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is a love story expressed in stone. Seeing it in person far surpasses any image, allowing you to truly appreciate the depth of its artistry and emotion.

Agra served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals also built the Agra Fort, located on the banks of the Yamuna River and adjacent to the Taj Mahal. Initially constructed as a military stronghold, it was later transformed into a palace adorned with white marble. The fort’s imposing walls rise over 20 meters and encompass a circumference of 2.5 kilometres. During British rule, it was used as a garrison. Today, parts of the fort are still occupied by the Indian army and remain off-limits.

The fort is a labyrinth of rust-red sandstone structures, featuring intricate carvings, white

marble pillars, and underground passages.

Both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are situated along the Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganges. Sadly, the Yamuna is now one of the most polluted rivers in India.

On the road to Jaipur lies Chand Baori, the deepest stepwell in India. Measuring 30 meters deep, with 13 stories and 3,500 steps, its precise geometric patterns create a mesmerizing visual maze. Stepwells were historically used to harvest and store rainwater, providing a vital drinking source. Today, locals also gather here to escape the oppressive summer heat.

Jaipur: The Pink City

Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan (Land of the Kings), is famously known as the Pink City due to its trademark red-washed buildings. Among its many iconic monuments, one stands out: the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. This five-story, pink-painted structure resembles a delicately honeycombed hive, with scores of latticed windows overlapping in a honeycomb pattern. The purpose of this design was to allow the women of the royal household to observe the bustling streets below while remaining unseen.

The Amber Fort is perched atop a hill, offering visitors the choice of a jeep or an

elephant ride from the river valley to the fort above. Built in the early 1600s, this magnificent fort is home to the Hall of Mirrors, a stunning room adorned with over one million pieces of glass mirror tiles and colored glass that shimmer under light.

City Palace: Located in the center of Jaipur, the City Palace is a classic example of the city’s pink architecture. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing textiles, armory, and historic artifacts.

Jaipur is also home to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site constructed in the early 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes around 20 fixed instruments, each monumental in scale and precision. Designed for naked-eye observation, the instruments are used to measure star positions, altitudes, and even calculate eclipses.

Final Comments on the Golden Triangle

I spent three days exploring the Golden Triangle, though a 7–10 day itinerary is ideal to experience most of its offerings. It’s a must-visit for its rich history and cultural significance. While the Golden Triangle is essential, other areas in India also provide unique insights into the country’s diverse life and heritage. It is also a prime example of how India shaped the world.