Jaipur-Agra-Delhi (The majestic golden triangle of India)

India- A land known for its diversity, heritage & culture!!

When asked what is the first place one would like to visit upon their travel to India, a very popular and most obvious answer would be "Taj Mahal".

The most popular story associated with this monument is that, it was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz. Although true, it clearly has cast a shadow upon the even more beautiful and enchanting series of events that have led Taj Mahal to be built the way it has been. Thus, the Golden triangle!! The melting pot for Indo-Persian culture, heritage, architecture, food, clothing and what not!!

I would recommend Indu Sundaresan's "The tajmahal trilogy" in order to thoroughly enjoy this trip.

Jaipur

Has good connectivity via bus ,train and flight. I landed at airport around 2pm. Once outside airport,the warm desert air greets you to Rajasthan!
There are quite a few beautiful budget stays here.I had booked a room @krishnapalace. The place has beautiful interiors and gives a palace like feel + good connectivity to all the places one would want to visit.
Upon arrival we had a quite day followed by dinner @ forresta kitchen and bar. Although this place is highly rated, a person coming from any metro city will find it disappointing.
The highlight of the day was kulfi. Ramachandra kulfi bhandar is a must vist!!

Jaipur city

On the second day we started by visiting Albert hall museum. Here you can find a vast & diverse collection of indo-asian sculptures, paintings from Europe, Egyptian articrafts, collection of coins and various such things that were probably gifted to the Mughals at one time!!
Followed by this was shopping & visiting  "Hawa Mahal"!!
To get the best view of this monument visit "wind view cafe" , opposite to Hawa Mahal.

The place is surrounded by tourist market where you can find colourful skirts,dresses,shoes,articrafts and what not!!The two main markets here would be bapu baazar and Johri baazar. However, if you are looking for elegant bandani dupattas, skirts with huge gher, beautiful khadi dresses and jhutis...the place to visit would be Rajasthan Handlooms!! The rickshaw guys will happily lead you to it at a fare of 20INR.

Shop till you drop, and then visit Laksmi Mishthan Bhandar. Serves authentic rajasthani thali, kachori,ghevar and delicacies like no place else!!

Amer

I booked a cab from the hotel service desk, which was economic and efficient (1800 INR) for the entire day!!

The street vendors here sell amazing poha and dhoklas, then visit gulab ji chai wale for an amazing cup of elaichi chai ❣️

I started early to Amer as I was keen on experiencing elephant ride and it was totally worth it!! The beautiful marble work,the carvings & the architecture of this place are remarkable! Hire a local guide for a better experience and in order to not miss on things in this huge fort. Followed by this are two more forts, jaigarh and nargarh. The former houses a wax museum and a newly built Sheesh Mahal . One can also enjoy puppet shows and pottery here!! Nargarh was once the military base of the Rajput kings, now houses an artillery museum.

Local vendors sell amazing masala chaach (buttermilk) and lassi. Best way to beat the heat!!

The palace stores sell beautiful pieces of jewelry at very reasonable prices.

On the way back, I visited Jal Mahal and Patrika gate. The most instagrammable places in jaipur!

Visit LMB again, for some amazing north india food consisting naan breads, paneer & buttery delicacies!!

I was saving the best for my last day at Jaipur.

The City palace!!

This place is still the residence of the royals and is beautifully maintained. Here are the four  famous gates ( peacock gate being my favourite) ,which are opened according to seasons!! The palace also has a heritage tour package available for those who wish to see the interiors in entirety.

The place houses a store where I bought a beautiful pashmina shawl, dupatta with beautiful karigari and bandani dresses. All these at such reasonable prices!! Also, Baradari(restobar) is a must visit on the premises.

We left for agra the same day. A five hour journey from Jaipur!!

Agra

We reached agra the previous day night as I was keen on watching the Taj at the time of sunrise..and it was totally worth it!! I had booked a place in close proximity to taj in order to avoid morning commute. Hotel Sheela is a decent option for a budget stay.

The beauty of this monument cannot be described in words. It has to be experienced. The symmetry , the semi precious stone inlay work, the white marble, the carvings...gosh!!
I stood there for a while wondering about how it would sparkle like a jewel in the right light and if anyone has seen it in its full glory!!!
One of the 7 wonders and rightfully so!!

When in agra, eat petha. After breakfast we left for Fatepur sikri( Akbar's capital during Mughal rule), Sikhandara and agra fort.

We had hired a guide to show us around taj mahal. Check for their govt ID card in advance, provided by ministry of tourism for a hassle free experience.They also serve as reliable sources to hire local cabs for the next part of your journey.

We travelled from agra to Delhi and reached there at night.
The must visit historical sites would be Ruins of qutub and Red fort.Also,Rajpath for a glance of morden Indian parliament along with gateway of India.We however decided to skip these as we had been delhi earlier.

We visited the local markets for a fun street shopping experience (Sarojini & lajpat nagar).Chandani chowk is also a must visit to experience the old Delhi vibe.Delhi also houses  ambiance and select city walk malls and one can visit them if they fit in the schedule.

Also,when in Delhi eat, eat & eat!! Sitaram's chole bhature, haldiram for some lip smaking snacks , Gujarat bhavan for a breakfast of fafda-jalebi and the list of places is never ending!!

6&7 where all about the above!!

Neemrana Fort palace

This hill fort resort is a 3 hr drive from delhi. Best suited for a luxury staycation!! The original fort was restored and converted to a luxury hotel,with rooms that mock some of the best mahals found in various palaces in and around Rajasthan.
Rang mahal was our choice of room!!
Food (5/5)
Hospitality (5/5)
My only regret was that I could not extend my stay ,as I had a flight to Bengaluru the next day!!

All in all, rajasthan lives up to the punch line "padharo mare des"!!