Fascinating India

Friends of ours were planning to do the Golden Triangle Tour to India and we were so undecided whether to join them or not but we did and were so glad we went.

We started our tour by flying to Delhi which is simply fascinating from the minute you arrive. It is so dirty and noisy and people everywhere but amongst it all you just can`t wait to get out and see it.

We went to Gandhi ‘tomb on our first day and then onto see the magnificent Red Fort. We then headed to Old Delhi where we took a rickshaw ride through the vibrant oldest market in the city (Chandni Chowk Bazaar) which really has to be seen to be believed. You`ll be keen to take photos as you head down the amazing side streets but make sure you hang on to your phone and camera as there are people everywhere wanting to take them from you.

We stayed in a 5* hotel in Delhi which was probably the equivalent of an average 4* in London. Don`t drink the water for obvious reasons and you`ll find all the hotels provide you with plenty.

It`s worth going into the centre of Delhi to buy some souvenirs and make sure you barter for everything. Best way to do this is to take a tuctuc (there are plenty around and very cheap) which is great fun and you`ll get to discover New Delhi.

From Delhi we headed by bus to Agra which is about a 4 hour drive across very bumpy roads. A great experience but the poverty you see and the people living on the side of the roads is startling and you will wonder how these people survive.

In Agra we experience the stunning Agra Fort before heading off to see the mesmerising Taj Mahal which really is as amazing as you`ve always imagined it to be. Get there mid-afternoon and stay to see the Taj at sunset as it`s well worth the wait

From Agra we headed on to Jaipur on even bumpier roads, saw even more poverty but after 4 hours you eventually arrive in this beautiful pink city The highlights here were taking an elephant ride on the old wall up to the Amber Fort and visiting the Maharaja`s City Palace.

For the last few days of our tour we headed to Ranthambore which again is about a 4 hour coach ride. We stayed in a beautiful hotel here called `The Tigress` and spent 3 days on safari in Ranthambore National Park where we saw many animals with the highlight being when we saw our first Bengal tiger running free.

From Ranthambore we took the Janshatabdi train back to Delhi which is another great experience and well worth doing.

In summary I can really recommend India we only did a small part but the whole experience was totally unforgettable.

written by Steve Martin