Worldwide 2024-25

INDIA • GOLDEN TRIANGLE & RAJASTHAN
Discover
The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan
Imposing forts, lavish palaces, desert cities,
tranquil lakes and captivating temples
characterise Rajasthan and the Golden
Triangle. It’s a region that flaunts its regal
past and parades all the brilliant colour
and exoticism associated with the wealth
of the fabled maharajas. Rajasthan lies
largely within the Thar Desert, which – as
part of the Silk Road – was once traversed
by colourful caravans laden with spices, silk
and precious stones. Here the great Rajput
dynasties built mighty fortifications and
beautiful cities such as Jaisalmer. Today,
Rajasthan’s arid countryside is peopled by
Brahmin farmers and weavers, and Raika
shepherds dressed in glorious costumes.
Agra
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal • Colonial walks &
food tours • UNESCO-listed Fatehpur Sikri
Agra is home to India’s most celebrated
attraction, the Taj Mahal, and the stupendous
16th-century Mughal-built Agra Fort, which
encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal
rulers. Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in
1653 in memory of his late wife, the Taj Mahal
took 20 years to build; it is justifiably lauded as
the world’s greatest monument to love. Sunrise
and sunset are magical times to visit.
Jaipur
Exquisite arts and crafts • Amber Fort by night
Taj Mahal, Agra
Fatehpur Sikri occupies a rocky crest some
40km to the south-west of Agra. Once the
imperial capital of Akbar the Great, the
city’s wonderfully preserved collection of
monuments provides a remarkable insight into
the daily life of the 16th-century Mughal court.
Jaipur was founded in 1727, and UNESCO
inscribed it on the list of World Heritage Sites in
2019. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to
the colour of its stone buildings, Jaipur’s prime
attraction is the sprawling palace complex, still
home to the current maharajah. It includes
a fascinating museum of the maharajahs’
lavish possessions as well as the Jantar Mantar
astronomical observatory. Jaipur is also a
delight for those seeking traditional Indian
crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.
Just outside the city, Amber Fort exquisitely
blends many Mughal influences in addition
to traditional Rajput designs. The Sheesh
Mahal, or ‘mirror palace’, with its ornate mirror
mosaics, is undoubtedly a highlight.
City Palace, Jaipur
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