I

ndia is truly an incomparable and incredible travel destination.

A kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. From the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north to the endless golden beaches in the south, it is home to over a billion people — a study in contrasts.

For the perfect introduction take a trip to the heart of India or the Golden triangle, with New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur at the vertices. Each city has its own unique identity made up of a combination of different sights, sounds and experiences. Delhi, modern and cosmopolitan, is the capital city and cultural, political, and commercial centre of India. Agra showcases the Taj Mahal and the opulence of the Mughal Empire while Jaipur is reminiscent of the medieval Rajput culture. Being popular tourist destinations, all of these cities have good hotels and tourism facilities.

With blistering hot summers and freezing winters in this part of India, February to April and September to November are the best times to travel. This is also the time for the biggest festivals of Holi and Diwali. Enjoy the joy and festive celebrations, taste traditional cuisine, visit historical monuments and go crazy shopping!

Delhi

The first stop and hub for international visitors is Delhi, with its spanking new airport. William Darymple’s The City of Djinns, inhabited since the 6th century BC, is built on the ruins of seven previous cities. Delhi is a city of spectacular contradictions, ancient and medieval monuments that stand proud amid contemporary infrastructure and modern malls with regal dignity.

Old Delhi attractions are the Red Fort, with its fabulous light and sound show. Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque and Chandini Chowk for shopping. Then it is on to visit Qutub Minar — the world’s tallest brick minaret — Chhattarpur Mandir and many more historical forts and mausoleums to explore. Other contemporary tourist attractions are the lotus Baha’i temple, recently constructed Akshardham Temple, and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy endless shopping in Old Delhi bazaars that sell everything from ethnic jewelry, saris and dress materials to textiles and brocade aglitter with sequins, beads and embroidery. Do go to the Dilli Haat crafts bazaar for ethnic regional handicrafts.

Agra

Next stop is Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. Agra is 196 km from Delhi and connected by a variety of transport options. Travel back in time to an era dominated by great Mughal kings who were die-hard patrons of architecture and the arts.

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan I in memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum, in white marble. A large domed structure surrounded by four minarets, it is delicately carved to give an impression of a soft white cloud settled on the banks of the shimmering Yamuna. The best time to see it is on a full moon night where you will be mesmerized by it, glowing like a pearl, on the banks of the river Yamuna, reciting the eternal poetry of love. Other must-see attractions are Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. It is like being caught in a golden time warp while shopping for miniature Taj Mahals, marble cases with inlay-work and textiles, especially the chikan embroidery work on organza cloth that Agra is so famous for, at the various popular shopping markets.

Jaipur

The last and most colorful stop is the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, which is 235 kilometers from Agra. The royal capital of Rajasthan is a spectacular vision in dazzling pink, a brilliant example of medieval Indian architecture.

The City Palace complex is a labyrinth of carved stone palaces, towers and stunning courtyards ornate with water fountains and sculptural grandeur. The Hawa Mahal looks like a delicate pink ornament and the Jantar Mantar, another world heritage site, is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. Explore intimidating fortresses, royal cenotaphs and havelis (mansions).

At a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city is the awe-inspiring Amber Fort, which can be reached on the back of an elephant slowly walking uphill and offers you breathtaking views of the approaching royal fort and shimmering lake below. Shop for crafts at the bustling bazaars and watch artisans making jewelry, tie-and-dye textiles and earthenware. Enjoy folk dance and music performances and see puppet shows as you listen to legendary tales of valor and love.

No wonder the Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist circuit, packed with culture, décor and history. Every city offers a unique experience… where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side to lend an extraordinary vitality and texture to life. India will embrace you with warmth, and overwhelm you with hospitality as in the slogan Atithi Devo Bhavah or ‘Guest is God’ — Truly Incredible.

India isn’t just a holiday…. it is an experience.

The writer is founder of www.indoindians.com - a community portal connecting India and Indonesia. She can be reached at poonam@indoindians.com