Discovering India’s Golden Triangle — A Journey That Stole My Heart
Last October, I travelled to India’s famed Golden Triangle with Travelsphere and Just You Holidays. After a smooth Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Delhi—complete with visa checks and a slow but thorough immigration process—I collected my luggage, exchanged money in the arrivals hall (as Indian rupees cannot be taken in or out of the country), and met the group for the start of our adventure. - Kathryn, Branch Manager Althams travel Otley
Our guide, Badam, welcomed us aboard a comfortable coach, accompanied by a helpful assistant who offered cold drinks and hand sanitizer after every stop. My first glimpse of Delhi was nothing short of exhilarating chaos. Bicycles, rickshaws, tuktuks, trucks, cars—and even elephants, camels and cows—competed for space on the roads. Horns blared constantly, not out of anger, I later learned, but as a simple “I’m here.” Within 24 hours, I understood that the apparent chaos worked—and once I embraced it, I fell in love with the city.
Our time in Delhi was filled with meaningful experiences. We visited the Salam Balak Trust, which supports over 5,000 street children, and the Mahatma Gandhi memorial. At the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib—where 35,000 people are fed each day—we removed our shoes and stepped inside. Standing barefoot on the cool marble, I felt grounded and deeply moved. We also enjoyed a rickshaw ride and explored the Red Fort, absorbing the energy of Old Delhi.
After Delhi, we travelled onwards to Agra. Nothing could have prepared me for the surprise awaiting in my hotel room: I could lie in bed and see the Taj Mahal. After exploring the impressive Agra Fort, we visited the Taj at sunset. Watching the marble change colour as the light faded was mesmerising, and of course, I posed on the famous Princess Diana bench. Later, a vibrant theatre show brought to life the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Next, we continued to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the stunning Abhaneri Stepwells—a breathtaking feat of architecture designed to collect monsoon water. In Ranthambore, luck was on our side: we saw a tiger on our first safari drive, following her for more than twenty minutes. That afternoon, a sloth bear made a surprise appearance.
Then came Jaipur, the Pink City. A dinner with a local family introduced us to traditional cooking, spices, and even how to wear a sari and turban. At the Amber Fort, we captured beautiful photos of locals in their finest wedding attire. We bartered with shopkeepers, explored markets, and enjoyed a lively ride on a tuktuk.
India swept me away. Even in communities with very little money, I saw joy, generosity, and a remarkable ability to thrive. Our group agreed we should all aspire to be “more Indian”—less obsessed with material things, more focused on living fully.
The food was far better than I expected, with mild curries, Western options for non-curry eaters, and my new favourite dish: lentil dhal. Dressing for the heat proved easy—baggy cotton clothes covering arms and legs kept me wonderfully cool.
Operator: Travelsphere / Just You
Travelled: October 2024
Best Attraction: Taj Mahal
Highlight: Seeing a tiger in the wild
Would You Return: Yes! I’d go back tomorrow if I could!
