Discover the Best of Delhi Essential Stops on Your Golden Triangle Tour

Discover the Best of Delhi Essential Stops on Your Golden Triangle Tour

Welcome to India, a country of unforgettable sights, sounds, and history. For countless travellers from the UK, the journey begins in one spectacular place: Delhi.

Delhi serves as the vital starting point for the most popular adventure in the region: the Golden Triangle Tour. This classic circuit connecting Delhi, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur (the Pink City)—offers a perfect introduction to India's magnificent heritage.

But before you move on to the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, make sure you dedicate time to exploring the capital itself. Delhi is not one city, but two: the historical, bustling Old Delhi and the imperial, structured New Delhi.

Here are the essential stops in Delhi that make this leg of your tour a sensory delight:

1. Old Delhi: The Heart of History and Hustle

Old Delhi, the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad, is chaotic, vibrant, and utterly captivating. To truly experience India, you must dive into the bustling energy here.

• Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, this towering red sandstone structure is an architectural marvel. Standing in the central courtyard offers a powerful sense of history and scale, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst the surrounding bustle.

• The Red Fort (Lal Qila): A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort was the palace of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. While you’ll see many forts on your India Holiday, the sheer size and historical importance of Lal Qila make it an unmissable stop.

• Chandni Chowk & Khari Baoli: This is where you encounter unfiltered India. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. It leads directly to Khari Baoli, Asia's largest wholesale spice market. The intoxicating aromas of spices, herbs, and nuts provide a truly unique sensory experience.

2. New Delhi: Imperial Grandeur and Modern India

New Delhi, designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, offers a stark contrast to the old city with its wide avenues and monumental architecture.

• India Gate: An iconic war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in WWI. It stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) and is a perfect spot for an evening visit when it is beautifully illuminated.

• Humayun's Tomb: Often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal, this beautiful 16th-century Mughal garden tomb is a stunning example of early Mughal architecture. It's a peaceful, spacious retreat and an essential stop for history buffs on your Delhi Tour.

• Qutub Minar: As the world's tallest brick minaret, this UNESCO site showcases a fusion of Indo-Islamic architectural styles and is a testament to the powerful dynasties that ruled Delhi over the centuries.

The complexity and contrast of the capital city will be an undoubted highlight of your journey. Once you've explored Delhi’s magnificent monuments and navigated its lively markets, your Golden Triangle Tour will take you onward to the unforgettable Taj Mahal in Agra, and the majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur.

To begin planning your perfect India Holiday from the UK, complete with expertly guided tours of Delhi and the Golden Triangle, visit our main page at indiatourpackage.uk.