Golden Triangle: The Colors of India (23.08.04)

** The first draft as submitted for the Schlumberger MEA News Winter 2004 Edition**
By: Devita Berlina and Novel Tjahjadi

Since centuries, the cities of Golden Triangle have beckoned the travelers all around the world to India. The combination of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur presents the potpourri of India. The sights, sounds, smell and savor besides the souvenirs from each holiday destination of the Golden Triangle is enchanting. Arguably, this represents the highlight of our trip to India since we only could only spare one week in the country.

It is probably the most captivating holiday that can be spent at Northern India. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of India. This tour presents the true color of India with Delhi, a rich tapestry of contrasts that is characteristic of this complex land, Agra, the zenith of art & an enshrined romance and Jaipur - exuberant with color for enjoying North India's fascinating cultural heritage.

A trip to India could be an all-out assault on the senses. India, with all its variety, feels it is impossible not to be astonished by India. You'll be traveling through dusty heat, sharing roads with a parade of bicycles, auto-rickshaws, sputtering motorcycles, tinsel-draped trucks, camel carts and the occasional cow (you may need nerves of steel and excellent karma to consider driving yourself in the Indian roads), but forget about that here you can find some of the globe's most majestic and historical sights.

Delhi

Our journey started with Delhi, the capital of India, in which history lives. The city consists of two distinguishable parts: Old Delhi, with its typically oriental city quarters, narrow alleys and bazaars, its temples, mosques and other historical monuments, and New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British.

The dignified buildings of the Parliament House along with the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan emphasize the role of Delhi at the capital city of the India. Close by, you may pay homage to the martyrs at their memorial India Gate. An impressive example of colonial architecture, India Gate is the symbol of modern Delhi. The 42-m-high stone arch was built by the British in honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. A popular tourist attraction, the gate is also a gathering place for Delhi residents, who love to stroll the area at night, eating ice cream and buying strands of flowers. Try to visit and take a picture of India Gate at night, illuminated and you’ll be surprised with the result. It’s very beautiful at night and don’t be surprised if your friends thought that the picture was taken in Champ-d’Elysees, Paris.

Another must-see monument is Qutab Minar. This soaring stone tower, 72-meter high was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1193. The Tower has five distinct stories, each with a projecting balcony. The base of Minar (tower) is 15m in diameter and the top just 2.5m in diameter, an amazing piece of work. At its base is the Quwwat-ul Islam Mosque, the first mosque ever built in India. The ruins of this place have been sensitively restored and reconstructed.

The magnificent red tomb of Humayun with the dashing double-dome and the char bagh style is a grand affair.

If you ever think that India is only about Hindu, then you’d better think again. The Jama Masjid is the real-life proof of the country’s diversity. Built in the Moslem quarter of the city, this 17th century mosque is the largest in India. Also known as the Friday Mosque, this mosque has three onion-domed from black and white marble (it is said that the dome is reportedly the second-largest in the world). If you are planning to visit this place, don’t forget that this place closed to all non-Muslims visitor during prayer time.

Delhi is also a house for great forts. You may start your fort adventure by visiting theRed Fort. Emperor Shah Jahan built this magnificent 17th-century fortress. With its massive red sandstone walls and gates, Lal Qila, as it also is known, dominates the east side of Old Delhi and is considered the city's No. 1 attraction. Inside the walls are an impressive assortment of smaller buildings, including the Diwan-I-am (Hall of the People, where the emperor heard disputes from his subjects) and Diwan-I-khas (Hall of Special Audiences, where the emperor met with dignitaries). The Rang Mahal was the apartment of royal ladies, while the Pearl Mosque was the emperors' private place of prayer. Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar), where the royals once shopped for silks and jewelry, is now packed with tourist shops. An impressive sound-and-light show that recounts the city's history is performed nightly (in English and Hindi).

Another fort which is worth visiting is Purana Qilam meaning “old fort”. The small lake in front is popular for boating. Nearby, we could salute the Father of the Nation at the Gandhi Memorial and the Raj Ghat.

Apart from being the Capital city, Delhi is also well known for souvenirs, which you would love to take home with you. In Big Souvenir Shop in Delhi such as The Governments Emporiums and The Central Cottage Industries, you can find collection of the finest art and craft from all over India at fixed prices, no bargaining, but in general prices of all articles are high. If you have enough time better save your money for the places like Delhi Haat The Art and Market.

Agra

Agra is near enough to Delhi - 220km - popular worldwide as it houses the greatest tribute to love by any mortal to his love, the legendary Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. This poignant Mughal mausoleum was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight.

Construction of the Taj began in the same year by no less than 20,000 workers and was not completed until 1653. Besides this romantic story about Taj Mahal, there is cruel tales behind it. One of the legends of the Taj is that the emperor cut off the hands of the master masons who built it, so that they could never build anything lovelier. If you're planning to check out this marvel, don't forget that it's closed on Friday to all non-Muslims.

The city's other major attraction is the massive red sandstone 16th century Agra Fort – the treasure house of the Mughal architecture - also on the bank of the Yamuna River. The fort’s walls rise over 20m in height and measure 2.5km in circumference. It contains a maze of superb halls, mosques, chambers and gardens, which form a small city within a city. Unfortunately not all buildings are open to visitors, including the white marble Pearl Mosque, regarded by some as the most beautiful mosque in India.

Any trip to Agra is incomplete without the visit to the Swamibag Temple. While it is less famous compared to the two previous monuments, the visit of this magnificent temple will definitely sweep you off your feet.

Jaipur

The final angle of the golden triangle tour is the capital city of Rajasthan - Jaipur, which can be reached by road in about 4 hours (400 kms) from Agra.

Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The only planned city of its time, this “Pink City” – so-called because a great deal of the older part is built of pink-colored stone - is encircled by a formidable wall.

The Amber Fort is a spectacular fortress-palace protecting a complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments. The highlight of the tour is an elephant ride up the hill at the Fort like a Maharaja! We had a great fun riding on Laxmi, a pregnant elephant, which might be the slowest of all.

Located at the main street of the old city, you will find Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), a high and intricately carved wall behind which women of the court were sequestered while watching processions.

Strolling along, you will find yourself in the middle of the main flea markets which sell handicrafts and hand-decorated textiles, a regional specialty. Here you usually can have reasonable prices but of course, bargaining is mandatory. Start offering 50% of what you are willing to pay and do not look very enthusiastic. That’s the trick!

Nearby, the City Palace houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of Rajput weapons. The charming palace reveals a combination of the Rajasthan and Mughal styles of architecture.

Neemrana Fort – Palace

The highlight of our trip was definitely the short stay in Neemrana Fort, one of the best heritage hotels in the world and only a hundred kilometers away from Delhi airport. Built since 1464 AD, the ruins of this Fort-Palace have been sensitively restored and reconstructed in 1986, so here we can connect the past from the future.

The rooms are very unique, furnished with an eclectic mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture antiques and objects d'art. Most rooms have private balconies or terraces overlooking the hill with magnificent views! Room rate available from USD 25 to USD 270!

Do not forget to relax and enjoy the free yoga and meditation exercises and revitalize yourself with the authentic Ayuervedic rejuvenation treatment. An excellent way to round up the inspiring journey to the Golden Triangle. Such an incomparable travel experience!