5th December 2016: India is a truly magical place with so many sights, sounds, smells and colours to enjoy. I was lucky enough to gain my first taste of India on the Golden Triangle Tour with Transindus, and what an unforgettable experience it was.
The Sights
India has an abundance of culture, so whether you are interested in history, architecture, wildlife or fine dining, there is something for you. From the hustle and bustle of Delhi, to the stunning mountain setting of Samode, we saw some truly diverse landscapes and amazing monuments.
With expert guides on the ground, we visited architectural gems such as the Amber Fort, Junta Munta Observatory and of course, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. In our whistle-stop tour of the Golden Triangle, we also had the pleasure of visiting the lively cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, giving us a real insight into the every day life and atmosphere of India.
We took any mode of transport we could to make our way around Northern India, including camels and rickshaw rides, allowing us to really experience the best of India from all angles.
The Wildlife
Whilst on our travels we encountered more than our fair share of wildlife. From the palace monkeys in Samode and elephants in Jaipur, to camel trekking through rural villages, we really did see it all.
If you want to experience more of the wildlife, you should definitely consider extending your trip by adding in a visit to the Tiger reserve in Ranthambore. Located in the Ranthambore National Park, you’ll not only have the chance to get up close to the majestic tigers, but you can also stay in one of their luxury Safari hotels.
The Hotels
In Delhi I would highly recommend the Imperial, a colonial style hotel with the most fabulous Asian inspired restaurant, The Spice Route. Perfect for a special occasion, this restaurant is listed as one of the top 100 luxury restaurants in the world.
In Agra the Taj Palace, should definitely be considered, boasting panoramic rooftop views of the Taj Mahal, in a great location, this hotel is hard to beat.
In Samode, the Samode Palace is sure to impress. This converted palace is famous for its extensive mirror work and murals, in the picturesque setting, high in the hills of Samode. This boutique hotel is a perfect luxury retreat for peace and tranquillity, with only 44 rooms, giving you the chance to really feel like VIP.
In Jaipur the Samode Haveli would be my top pick, a peaceful haven amid the bustle of Jaipur, this stunning hotel is decked out with antiquities and boasts several beautiful mirrored rooms.
Overall, my first trip to India was amazing, full of fascinating culture and impressive sights. My top tip would be to take the Golden Triangle Tour and add a tiger extension in Ranthambore. For suggested itineraries please don't hesitate to get in touch and I will happily tailor make something for you.
Abigail Limm, Travel Specialist
Phone Abigail: 01823 335111
Email Abigail: [email protected]
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