These words made me think about what I experienced in India and about how pleasant my trip was. This is how I actually decided to talk about a few useful tips that could make your trip to the Golden Triangle of India more pleasant:

1.You should choose an organized tour because this is the most comfortable and simple way to safely visit this part of India. The Golden Triangle of India includes three important cities, Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, which have a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful tourist attractions. An organized tour usually includes the most important and beautiful places which should be visited by any tourist.

As far as I’m concerned, the tour I have chosen included a very well-planned itinerary with a coach and a local guide and also very good accommodation. This is the perfect option in case you want to save a lot of time and energy and also enjoy the beauty of this part of India. Believe me, no matter how experienced you are as a driver, the traffic in India is chaotic and it’s really difficult to drive there in case you are not a local. When it comes to means of public transport, you don’t even want to imagine how they look like.

2.It is important to choose a tour with an Indian guide because as a local he is able to provide a lot of interesting information about the places you are going to visit. An Indian guide knows a lot of things about the history and the traditions of the country and he will tell you a lot of interesting stories and facts.

The local guides are able to give you very useful tips such as drinking only bottled water, brushing your teeth only with bottled water or being more careful with your personal belongings in some places. They will also give you interesting details about the cultural restrictions you should take into account as a tourist. Beware of the fact that the local guides have their own arrangements to earn money. You should not buy anything from the places they recommend, unless you want to pay almost 10 times more.

3.India is considered a shopping paradise and almost everything there is negotiable. If you drive a hard bargain you can buy quality goods at really good prices. The local bazaars or the local street markets are the perfect places where you can practice your negotiation skills. You should remember that prices are usually very high for the tourists, because tourism is considered a real source of money. It may seem exaggerated but the prices are sometimes 10 times higher than the real ones.

4.In case you decide to book your accommodation on your own, you should be very careful when you do this because not all the places in India look like in pictures. This is another strong reason I really recommend an organized tour.

As far as I’m concerned, I was very pleased with the hotels I stayed in, during my trip to India. In my opinion accommodation is an important aspect, especially since India is a sort of cultural shock for many tourists.

5.Make sure you will have enough time to explore the beauty of this part of India. You should spend at least three days in each of these three cities, in case you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the most important tourist attractions.

6.You should always take a pair of socks and a scarf with you because you will need them in almost all the holy places. You have to take off your shoes before you enter a religious edifice and it’s a little unpleasant to walk barefoot. This is why a pair of socks will solve the problem. There are also mosques or temples where you have to cover your head and a scarf will be more than perfect. Another recommendation is to avoid very short skirts or shorts.

7.You should set your expectations in a realistic way. Expect to discover a fascinating India, but at the same time a poor and depressing one. Over 80 percent of the country’s population lives in improper conditions, worrying about the food and the water for the next day. It is an indescribable feeling to see all those people living in poverty and it’s hard not to be affected by all those images.

8.Indians are very friendly, sometimes too friendly and you should not be very sociable with them, especially with the ones who try to sell you something. It might be difficult to leave without buying something because they are usually very persistent. You might end up buying unnecessary things.

9.You should pay a special attention to the monkeys which walk freely in the streets. The guide told us that they are organized in groups and they might become violent trying to defend their territory. They steal everything from bags and cameras to money or food.

10.Wash your hands as often as possible, use wipes for everything and do not eat in the streets! Excepting the tourist attractions and the public areas, India is a very dirty country and you risk contacting a disease or an infection. I also advise you to carry a mosquito spray with you because insects can be dangerous and they can also spread diseases.

Just a few of my favorite tourist attractions in India ⇓⇓⇓

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This is how I felt when I traveled to India, a country which is difficult to understand to a certain extend. I discovered a fascinating India in terms of tourist attractions, culture and traditions, but also a shocking one when it comes to living conditions. There is a very strong contrast between poverty and wealth in India. Even though the country is blessed with one of the most extravagant buildings in the world, it is also the house of so many shacks.

Considered the second most populous country in the world, India is home to more than a billion people. The sad truth behind this huge number of people is the fact that over 80 percents of them live in poverty.

Despite the fact that my experience in India was a great one, there are a few shocking aspects about this country that I would like to mention:

Even though I got to India at night when the streets were not so crowded, the first thing I noticed about this country was its chaotic traffic. A lot of vehicles, rickshaws, bicycles and scooters gave me the feeling of a continuous chaos. This chaotic image is exacerbated by the multitude of people who are all the time in the streets.

Many nice things have been written about India, but the truth is that it is a very dirty country. Despite its many nice aspects, the strong contrast between the poor and the rich areas is quite surprising. Indians know that tourism is a source of high income and this is why the tourist attractions and the public spaces are very clean.  Even so, I had the feeling that everything in India was covered by a layer of dust and dirt.

The unpleasant smells are hard to bear in India. For example the markets where you can buy street food are a challenge a few people can overcome. Indians do not respect any hygiene rule when they cook. For example I was shocked when I saw a woman kneading the dough on her legs. It goes without saying that I didn’t try street food and that I don’t recommend it.

When it comes to Indian cuisine, it is known that India is the country of spices. Even if it might seem interesting to taste different spices and flavors, Indian food is not for everybody. I must confess that after trying a few local dishes I can definitely say that I’m not a fan of Indian food. In a nutshell, Indian food was not a pleasant experience for me.

The public transport is other disappointing aspect about India. Despite being very dirty and crowded, the buses also have broken chairs and windows. They seem to fall apart. Fortunately we had a modern coach at our disposal and I had only one contact with the Indian public transport. In order to get to a fortress we had to take a special bus, which had a similar appearance with the ones used for public transport. I spent only 10 minutes on that bus and although they were mostly tourists around me, these were the longest 10 minutes of my life.

India is also a very polluted country. The air was so suffocating, that I felt there were moments when I could not breathe. During our last day in India, when we were trying to get to the airport, the city was covered by smog. A few days later we read that this was the moment when the level of pollution had reached the critical point. We felt relieved that this thing happened at the end of our trip.

Besides pollution, food and drinking water are other two major problems in India. A lot of people worry about their daily food and water. I will always keep in my mind the image of people gathered around a tanker, who were trying to fill plastic containers with drinking water. This could be a lesson for all of us who should learn to appreciate the little things in life like waking up in the morning and having running water to brush our teeth and shower.

Last but not least, the images with people who live in improper conditions are really shocking. The moment you realize how hard their life is, you start appreciating what you have even more. There were people who were simply sleeping under the open sky, surrounded by garbage and starving children who are screaming for a piece of bread.

Words are not enough to describe the negative side of India, but I’m sure that the following pictures will do a better job.

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The Agra Fort is a proper example in this regard. Built by the Mogul Emperor Akbar in the 16^th century as a military strategic point, the fort served as the seat of the government and the royal residence of the Mogul Dynasty.

It is said that over 4000 people have been working hard for almost 8 years, in order to complete the construction of this massive fort. Built in a semicircular shape and covering an area of about 2.5 kilometers, the Agra Fort is surrounded by double battlement massive walls.

The red sandstone walls of the fort hide Shah Jahan’s sad story. According to the legend the founder of the Taj Mahal died in one of the towers of this fort, while he was looking at his masterpiece. Shan Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort by his son and because the fort was situated opposite the Taj Mahal, on the other bank of the Yamuna River, he had the privilege of admiring his masterpiece every day.

Nowadays, the Agra Fort shelters a few impressive palaces, mosques, halls and gardens made of red sandstone and white marble. The entire fort hides secret subterranean chambers, which are interconnected.

Exploring the lovely Agra Fort will definitely be an interesting experience. You don’t have to take my words for granted, but you can look at the following pictures.

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Overwhelmed by anxiety, I was constantly checking the time because I was so eager to see the imposing Taj Mahal in the afternoon when the sun shines bright. This is the best moment to admire this incredible building because the sunrays make it look like a diamond. The Taj Mahal can be considered a diamond in terms of architecture and this is why it is one of the seven wonders of the new world.

When we got to the main entrance, I was really disappointed by the endless queue. It was a terrible chaos because people were impatient and they were pushing each other.  When we got closer we realized that there was a special entrance for tourists and we didn’t have to wait with the locals.  The advantage of entering before the locals doesn’t come cheap, because a tourist has to pay maybe ten times more for a ticket.

After I had entered the complex, I saw another beautiful gate which was the entrance into the courtyard of the monument.

With every step I made, I felt my heart beating louder and louder and in a couple of minutes the imposing Taj Mahal was lying in front of my eyes. Words are not enough to describe what I felt in front of this image. The gorgeous Taj Mahal looked perfect in the sunlight.

The elegance of the lines, the perfection of the contours and the perfect symmetry were portraying one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. I could have looked at this mausoleum made of white marble and ivory for days.

I advise you to admire the Taj Mahal throughout the day, because it gives you the feeling that it changes its color. I saw it for the first time in shades of yellowish white in the afternoon and I stared at it until it became a mix of white and blue, after the sunset.

I also had the privilege of admiring it in shades of white in the morning, when I saw it from Mehtab Bagh, which is a complex of gardens situated nearby.

The Taj Mahal is gorgeous thanks to its impressive architecture, its pleasant scenery embellished with beautiful gardens and green areas and also thanks to its emotional story.

It is said that the emperor Shah Jahan built this impressive monument as a tomb and memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14^th child. The love for his beautiful wife who died at 38 years old was the force which led to the construction of one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

The emperor invested a lot of money, time and effort to build this unique white building. He also wanted to build a similar construction on the other bank of the Yamuna River. The building was supposed to be made of black marble and serve as his tomb. All these plans determined Aurangzeb, the emperor’s son, to take advantage of his father’s disease and put him under house arrest.

Even though the emperor recovered from his illness, his son arrested him and jailed him in Agra Fort. Situated close to the Taj Mahal, this place gave the emperor the opportunity to admire his masterpiece every day.

After his death he was buried inside the imposing Taj Mahal, next to his beloved wife. However, despite the fact that the Taj Mahal has an imposing appearance, its interior is pretty simple. The two tombs are situated in a small room decorated with Indian floral motifs.

A paradox is the fact that despite being a tomb and a memorial, the Taj Mahal is considered a house of love. It is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of love because many newlyweds come here and promise eternal faith to each other. Love is actually the reason behind this outstanding construction.

In order to better understand what I’m talking about, you should visit the Taj Mahal and you should let yourself mesmerized by its beauty.

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In case you plan a trip to this place, you should take into account a few useful tips:

1.First of all it’s important to know that you have a few options you may choose from, when it comes to the way you can get to the Amber Fort. The fort is situated at a 20-minute drive from Jaipur. In case you travel on your own and you don’t have an agency to take care of your transport, you can use the public transport, a rented car or a taxi.

Even though it is the cheapest option, I don’t recommend the public transport because their buses are really crowded and dirty. In case you decide to rent a car, you should take into account the chaotic traffic in Jaipur and the fact that there are few parking spaces in the area. The best options to get to the fort and enjoy your visit there are to choose an organized tour or to rent a car, but with a driver at your disposal.

2.After reaching the parking area, you should know that you have three options to get to the fort. You can choose an elephant ride around the ruins of the fabulous Amber Fort, you can go by jeep or you can simply walk. If you choose the four-wheel drive you should know that there is a jeep that comes every 60 minutes and if you choose to walk you should know that it will take you about a half an hour to get to the fort.

An important and also disappointing aspect is the fact that travel agencies promote these elephant rides because they are more profitable. This is why they will give you the impression that these rides are the only option you have to get to the fort.

3.I advise you to inform yourself about the places you are going to visit inside the complex, especially if you don’t have a guide at your disposal. There are a lot of interesting places inside the Amber Fort and reading about them will help you decide upon the most beautiful and interesting ones.

4.If you can, you should spend an entire day inside the Amber Fort. Unfortunately, I spend only the first half of the day there and I couldn’t enjoy the evening activities. You should know that in the evening, you can admire the image of the lighted fort from the bottom of the hill or you can enjoy a classical dance program which takes place in Sukh Mahal. You have to pay a fee if you want to watch this show. The icing on the cake is the fact that after dark, you will have the opportunity to watch a gorgeous light show.

5.Bring water with you because the temperature is pretty high inside the temples. Don’t worry in case you run out of water because there is a restaurant inside the complex, called Surabhi, where you can have a meal or a drink. During dinner you can enjoy puppet shows and traditional songs inside this restaurant.

All things considered, there is one more thing left to do. Plan your trip and enjoy it to the fullest!

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The entire area is simply gorgeous and gives you the feeling that you are in the middle of a fairytale setting. Situated 11 kilometers away from Jaipur, in Amer, a part of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, the Amber Fort or the Amer Fort is considered the main tourist attraction in the area.

The Amber Fort was built in the 16^th century, by Raja Shri Maan Singh Ji I, who was a brave general and also the chief army leader of the Mogul Emperor Akbar.

Made of red sandstone and white marble, the fort displays beautiful motifs from both the Hindu and the Muslim architectural style. Huge fortifications with large gates and courtyards, impressive ramparts, temples and palaces with gorgeous interior gardens are just a few of the places you can visit in the fort.

The entire complex is divided into four courtyards connected to each others. There are many places you can admire inside the complex, but in my opinion, you should definitely not miss the following ones:

The Jaleb Chowk is the main courtyard of the complex and the place where the emperor used to gather his armies. The courtyard is a huge open space where the armies used to hold their victory parades.

On the right side of the Jaleb Chowk there are a few stairs which lead to Shila Devi Temple, a place dedicated to Ganesha, a Hindu deity whose image is carved in a single piece of coral. The temple was also dedicated to goddess Shila, who was considered the incarnation of Kali, the goddess of death and time and the symbol of motherly-love. According to the legend this is the place where different sacrifices happened in order to help the army win its battles.

I really enjoyed visiting the Jaleb Chowk which seems to be the meeting point for a lot of tourists who are eager to start their journey in Amber Fort. Even though the celebrations are long gone, the walls of the courtyard are silent witnesses of the events that used to go on here.

If you follow the main stairway you will reach the second courtyard. Here you can spend a few moments of relaxation in the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, which was the place where the emperor used to listen to his subjects’ complains. Built on two rows of pillars and embellished with double rows of columns and latticed galleries, this large hall seems to have a more intimate vibe.

Considered the most exquisite part of the Amber Fort, the third courtyard shelters the emperor’s private quarters. This is the place where tourists can find out interesting details about the private life of the royal family.  The access to this courtyard is made through the Ganesh Pol, a gate embellished with arches and mosaics.

Here, you can visit the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience, which was the place where the emperor used to meet his officials and friends.

Even though this hall stands out because of its stunning mosaic glass work, the icing on the cake is the next building, called the Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors. The ceiling and the walls of the Sheesh Mahal are covered in tiny mirrors embellished with floral paintings.

According to the legend, the emperor ordered the construction of this palace for one of his empresses who loved admiring the stars, but who was not allowed to sleep outside, due to religious beliefs. It is said that if two candles were lit in this palace, their reflection in the mirrors looked like thousands of stars in the sky. Its interesting and unique appearance made the Palace of Mirrors the perfect setting for a few movies and videos.

Opposite this palace, you will discover the Sukh Niwas (Sukh Mahal) or the Hall of Pleasure. This place was used by the emperor, his empresses and his mistresses as a resting place.  An ancient method was used to keep this hall cool. A small canal filled with cold water was passing through the hall in order to form air vapors, with the purpose of cooling the air.

The fourth courtyard of the fort could be described as an interesting one. The royal women and the mistresses used to live in this part of the palace. They were known as the Zenana. Even the empresses and the empress mother lived here. This part of the palace was very secluded and the emperor could visit his empresses and mistresses without being seen by anyone.

Besides these four lovely courtyards, there is another part of the Amber Fort which deserves your attention. I am talking about the Mogul Garden or Kesar Kyari, a place situated in the middle of Maota Lake. The star-shaped flower beds of the garden can be admired from the top of the fort. These flower beds were once planted with saffron, but today because of the climate changes, this plant doesn’t grow here anymore.

Visiting the interesting ruins of the Amber Fort was one of the most interesting experiences that I have lived in India. All things considered, in case you ever get to the city of Jaipur, you should definitely add the Amber Fort to your trip list.

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I have always considered these places really interesting, because they hide the traces of long-forgotten times.

This interest of mine was the reason why I have always added this type of places to my trip itinerary. A proper example in this regard is the City Palace, which was the first planed city of medieval India and also the home of a lot of royal families.

Built by Maharaja Sawai Singh II, this place consists of a complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings which seem to still dominate the Old City of Jaipur. The City Palace covers quite a large area and the pleasure of walking can be easily combined with the one of exploring the interesting buildings.

After visiting this complex, I strongly believe that there are three buildings which deserve to be visited. The first one is the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcoming the tourists in the complex. Also called the Auspicious Palace, it shelters an interesting museum with a vast collection of royal costumes, delicate cashmere shawls, silk saris and other dresses with interesting prints and folk embroidery. The second one, the Maharani’s Palace, is the palace of the queen and it displays a very well-preserved collection of weapons and a beautiful collection of paintings. The third one is the Chandra Mahal, a beautiful building that is still home to the last ruling royal family.

I could say a lot of other things about the City Palace, but words are not enough to portray the essence of this place. This is why you should take a look at the following pictures and decide for yourself if this place is worth visiting.

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After Delhi, this is the second city I have visited during my stay in India. Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan, a state situated in the north-west of India.

It is hard not to notice that pink is the dominant color in the city when the walls of so many buildings are painted in this color. In Jaipur I had the chance to see and admire so many lovely shades of pink. It is said that Jaipur, one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in India, was painted pink in 1876 when the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited the country. This is the reason why Jaipur is also called the Pink City. Nowadays, the residents of Jaipur are compelled by law to maintain the color pink.

The founder of the city, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, was a great warrior and astronomer and this is why the city bears strong historical and astronomical traces.

Together with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle of India and for good reason. The multitude of tourist attractions and interesting experiences that can be lived here, make Jaipur one of the jewels of India. No matter how you choose to spend your time there, there are a few places you should definitely not miss:

1.You should visit the City Palace and discover the simplicity of the old times. The City Palace Complex is divided into two parts: the Mubarak Mahal or the Auspicious Palace (the palace of welcoming the tourists in the City Palace) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). The first one shelters a museum which displays a vast collection of royal costumes, delicate cashmere shawls, silk saris and other dresses with interesting prints and folk embroidery. The second one displays a very well-preserved collection of weapons and a beautiful collection of paintings.

A visit to this place will give you the chance to admire an interesting blend between the Mogul, the Rajput and the European architecture. An interesting aspect about this place is the fact that a private section of this complex is still home for the last ruling royal family.

2.You should plunge into the mysteries of astronomy and visit the Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18^th century. One of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Jantar Mantar is the largest one. Consisting of nineteen geometric devices, it was built with the purpose of measuring time, tracking celestial bodies and observing the planets around the sun.

In case you are curious to find out what your future looks like, you should know that there is an Interpretation Center inside the complex. This center offers you the chance to contact an astrologer from whom you can get a complete astrological report. You can also find out valuable information about the principles and the history of the observatory if you visit the Interpretation Center.

3.You could visit the magnificent Hawa Mahal, a beautiful palace whose architecture combines two styles, the Hindu and the Islamic one. Made of red and pink sandstone and embellished with small latticed windows, Hawa Mahal is built in the shape of the crown of Lord Krishna, a Hindu god.

Situated in the heart of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The purpose of this construction was to provide the royal ladies a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public. According to the religion principles, the women were not allowed to appear in public without covering their faces.

4.You should definitely admire the beautiful Jal Mahal, which is one of the most wonderful palaces in Jaipur. Made of light colored sandstone, the Jal Mahal or the Lake Palace, the way it is also called, seems to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Enjoying the image of the palace floating in the middle of the lake is simply amazing.

5.You can enjoy an elephant ride while you explore the ruins of the fabulous Amber Fort, which is one of the most beautiful places in the area of Jaipur. Hidden in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, 11 kilometers away from Jaipur, this complex of ruins is placed in a fairytale setting.

Made of red sandstone and white marble, the architecture of the complex combines two styles, the Hindu and the Muslim one. It will be a real delight to discover the contrast between the simple exterior and the welcoming interior design. The experience of reaching the top of the fortress on an elephant will perfectly complete the pleasure of discovering the beautiful courtyards, halls and walls.

6.You could visit the local bazaars and practice your negotiation skills. From spices and clothes to different types of services, everything is negotiable in the Indian bazaars. Any visit to Jaipur should start and end in the local bazaars, where you can find different goods at really low prices. It goes without saying that you should drive a hard bargain if you really want to get the prices you are willing to pay for. You should know that Indians usually try to charge tourists ten times more for every product.

7.Take a walk in the central area of the city where you will have the chance to admire the lively monkeys that live here. It is said that they are organized in groups and that they become aggressive when it comes to their territory. You can feed them with bananas and other fruit, but while doing this you should take care of your personal belongings in case you don’t want them to be stolen by these monkey thieves.

I also advise you to watch a few documentary movies about these monkeys before you go to Jaipur. There are a few good movies which present the life of these monkeys.

Even though there is so much more to discover about Jaipur, these are in my opinion, the things you should definitely not miss during your stay there. Add Jaipur to your trip list and you will not regret it!

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From the excitement of admiring its beautiful tourist attractions to the disappointment of seeing its improper living conditions, Delhi was simply confusing for me. There were moments when I didn’t even know if I liked the city or not, because sometimes I was so delighted by what I saw and sometimes I just wanted to do something and go back to civilized world. Even though it’s not easy to visit such a place, the entire experience is worth the effort.

In such circumstances, it goes without saying that the hotel you choose to stay at in Delhi, is a very important aspect you should seriously take into account. As far as I’m concerned, this was the aspect which has significantly contributed to the success of the few days I have spent in Delhi. The Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka was the lovely hotel where I checked-in in Delhi and I must say that it was a perfect choice in my opinion.

The hotel consists of a few buildings connected to each other and whose perfect alignment gives a unique elegance to the entire complex. A surprising aspect was for me, the security system all tourists have to go through in order to enter the hotel. It is said that some hotels adopted this policy after a terrorist attack took place in one of the most famous hotels in Mumbai. After you enter the hotel, the stylish space of the reception will be the first thing you notice. Beautifully decorated, this space shelters a chic lobby and a few outlets, in case you want to buy clothes or souvenirs.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 250 guest rooms and suites beautifully painted in pale shades of beige and grey and decorated with paintings and sculptures. Spacious and furnished in a modern way, the rooms will offer you all you need in terms of technology. All the rooms are beautifully decorated in order to create the perfect space to rest and relax after an exhausting day in the city. In addition to this, each room or suite has a spacious bathroom equipped with all the necessary amenities.

The Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel offers different types of rooms and suites. You can opt for one of its superior charm rooms, deluxe delight rooms, premium indulgence rooms, deluxe allure suites or presidential Nirvana suites. We stayed in one of its deluxe allure suites, a gorgeous space with a separate living room, a dressing area and a spacious bathroom. It was a really great experience to rest in such a large, beautifully decorated and welcoming space.

Culinary experience

When it comes to food, I must confess that I’m not a big fan of Indian specialties, but even so the Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel is the place where I had the chance to taste interesting spices and dishes. Butter chicken masala, tandoori chicken masala and their special chocolate cake are among the dishes which I really liked there.

You should know that the Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel gives you the chance to choose from a few restaurants and bars. In case you love Indian food, you will have the chance to live a great culinary experience at Creo, the most famous restaurant in the hotel. Besides Indian dishes, you can also try other international specialties at Creo. Triple, a stylish bar will give you the chance to try one of its versatile cocktails in an electric ambience. You can also delight yourself with a few tasty sweets at Caramel Bakery & Delicatessen. In case you want to try the authentic Punjabi cuisine, Indus Express is the perfect place. This restaurant offers a mixture of Indian dishes from Lahore, Amritsar and Khyber. Last but not least, Celsius Pool Bar is the type of place where Indian food is presented in a more sophisticated way.

Other facilities

The Oval Business Center is a place specially designed for those tourists who might have work issues to solve. The Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel can also host private meetings and small conferences. A 24-hour fitness center is waiting for you to work out and benefit from a fitness trainer’s suggestions. Last but not least, you can spend a few moments of relaxation and enjoy a glass of wine in the gorgeous pool of the hotel.

The staff

Another important detail is the fact that you will have a very well-trained staff at your service and this will make your stay at the Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel even more comfortable. For example, we had a problem with our reservation and the staff was more polite than I expected. They apologized to us for their mistake several times and they even offered us a bottle of wine, after the incident. It was a really pleasant gesture which we really appreciated.

How to get there

The Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel is situated close to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. In case you travel on your own and you don’t have an agency to take care of your transport, you can simply take a cab from the airport to the hotel. Situated in Sector 21 Metro Station Complex, the hotel is also close to the city center, at a 20-minute drive, under light traffic conditions. In case you have to use the public transport, you should know that there is a subway station nearby.

All things considered, I can honestly say that this is the type of place which can completely fulfill all your needs. If you want to make every moment count and have a memorable experience in Delhi, choose the Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka Hotel!

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India surprises its tourists with a strong contrast between the chaos that can be felt in its dirty streets and the peace that can be enjoyed inside its fabulous tourist attractions.

Another shocking aspect is the contrast between the dirtiness of the public spaces and the cleanliness of the private ones. The most painful contrast is in my opinion, the one between poverty and wealth. Most Indians live in miserable conditions, while others are extremely wealthy. Even though this is everyday reality all over the world, this contrast seems to be more striking in India.

Despite the fact that I have only visited the Golden Triangle of India, I heard that these aspects describe everyday life throughout the country. The Golden Triangle of India is actually a marketing concept, which includes the most important cities in northern India- Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. There is a lot to say about these cities and this is why I decided to write a separate article about each one of them.

I will start with Delhi, which was the first city I visited when I got to India. This vibrant and crowded city is divided into eleven districts. New Delhi is one of these districts and also the capital city of the country. Besides the strong contrasts I have already mentioned, Delhi has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful tourist attractions. Here are a few of them:

1.The Qutub Complex is a place where you should definitely spend a few hours. This complex is an array of monuments and buildings. The Qutub Minar, the tallest tower in India, stands out as the most famous monument in the complex. Made of brick, red sandstone and marble and embellished with inscriptions, the tower looks unique and imposing.

The ruins of the old Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque are situated near the tower. This is the first mosque built in India and also one of my favorite places in the complex. The 73-meter high minaret, the mosque, the columns, the pillars and the gates that can be admired in the Qutub Complex, make this place really unique. It is indeed very relaxing to spend a couple of moments among these monuments and buildings.

2.The wonderful Lotus Temple is another place which deserves your attention. As the name suggests, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and it is one of the symbols of the Baha’i Faith. The Baha’i Faith reunites the essential beliefs of all religions and it promotes the idea of unity and equality among people. Based on this principle, the followers of every religion are invited to pray and meditate inside the temple.

Surrounded by nine pools, one for each petal, the Lotus Temple looks really spectacular. The white of the marble creates a strong contrast with the green of the gardens which surround the temple.The simple interior of the temple is the perfect place where the tourists can spend a few moments of peace and meditation.

3.Built in the Indo-Persian style, Humayun’s Tomb is another outstanding monument. Humayun was one of the most famous moguls in India and according to the legend, his widow, Bega Begum, built this monument in his honor.

The building bears a resemblance to the marvelous Taj Mahal and even if it’s not as imposing, it is really beautiful and interesting. Humayun’s Tomb is embellished with a multitude of architectural details and motifs and it is also surrounded by a few beautiful gardens. Nowadays, Humayun’s Tomb is also the resting place of other mogul emperors.

4.Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a stunning place with a strange and unusual vibe. Considered one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship, this temple belongs to the Sikh religion. According to Sikhism there is only one God and all people are equal regardless of gender, religion or race. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is dedicated to Guru Har Krishan, who was the eighth Sikh guru.

The word Gurudwara means “doorway to God” and you might understand this meaning the moment you enter the temple. You will feel overwhelmed by an unusual vibe when you realize that the people around you seem to be in a sort of trance. The same energy can be felt around the big pool which is situated inside the complex.

5.Nowadays, most Indians are Hindu but the moguls who used to rule the country were Muslims and this is why Delhi is blessed with a few imposing mosques. Situated in the heart of the Old Delhi, the imposing Jama Masjid is a proper example in this regard. I must confess that after my visit there, this mosque has become one of my favorite places in Delhi.

Just like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid was also built by the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan. Displaying an impressive architecture and embellished with three gates, four towers and two minarets,the Jama Masjid is a real masterpiece. It is one of the largest mosques in Asia, with a large courtyard which can shelter more than 25,000 souls.

6.The famous Red Fort is situated very close to Jama Masjid. Made of red sandstone, the unconquered walls of this fort are a proof of the power of the Mogul Empire. It was the palace of the Mogul Emperors of India, a place where you can still see the opulence of the past.

The complex includes a few buildings and courtyards. As the names suggests, the Hall of Public Audience was the place dedicated to the common people, while the Hall of Private Audience was the place specially arranged for the noble and wealthy people. The fort also included an area where only the emperor had access. This area was used as his private space.

7.A rickshaw ride through the Old Delhi is an authentic Indian experience. This type of ride is the perfect way to experience the authentic vibe of the city. The multitude of shacks and stalls and the fuss of the city, perfectly describe the atmosphere in the Old Delhi.

This is the place where you can buy a variety of goods at really good prices, in case you like to bargain. Everything is negotiable in these bazaars. In case you like spices, you should know that you can also find a Spice Market in the Old Delhi.

8.Mahatma Gandhi Complex is another place you should add to your trip list. This complex includes a museum and a memorial called Raj Ghat, which is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. He was the leader of the Indian non-violent independence movement who advocated for the civil rights of Indians.

The black marble platform marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination. Mahatma Gandhi’s last words “Hey Ram” are written on the marble which is always embellished with flowers. Built in a simple style, the memorial stands in the middle of a green area which seems to be the frame of the entire place.

9.Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex is a spiritual-cultural campus and also my favorite place in Delhi. This complex shelters a unique and modern Hindu Temple. Despite the fact that it was built in just five years, its architecture is really elaborate and embellished with a variety of motifs and elements.

Akshardham Temple was dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a famous yogi and ascetic who dedicated his life to promoting Hindu teachings. The temple has been registered by the Guinness World Records as the largest and the most comprehensive Hindu Temple in the world. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to take pictures inside the complex which is a pity because this place is absolutely gorgeous.

10.Built in the shape of an arch, the imposing India Gate is actually a war memorial which commemorates the lives of the Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British army, during World War I. This is why the names of almost 14.000 soldiers are inscribed on the walls of this memorial.

India Gate is surrounded by a green area and a few fountains which perfectly complete the entire scenery. Surprisingly, a lot of locals come here to rest and relax or to have a picnic in the middle of nature.

11.The House of the Parliament was the building which I admired for a few moments, when the coach stopped in front of it. I had enough time to notice the interesting architecture of this circular building which is embellished with 144 columns.

The guide told us that this building shelters a number of ministerial offices, committee rooms and a huge library. Like all the other private spaces, the area abounds in green spaces and beautiful statues and fountains.

12.Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official home of the Indian president. This building is actually a palace whose overwhelming opulence is emphasized by 190 acres of garden, 2.5 kilometers of corridors and a huge building with 340 rooms organized on four floors.

It is said that the famous Mogul Gardens shelter 159 different species of roses, 60 different species of bougainvillea and many other varieties of flowers.

Even though there is much more to discover in Delhi, these are in my opinion the places you should not miss during your stay there.

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