India’s Golden Triangle | The Most Exhilarating Place On Earth

India’s Golden Triangle | The Most Exhilarating Place On Earth

Imagine standing before the ethereal Taj Mahal—one of the world’s wonders. Picture yourself travelling through Jaipur, surrounded by vibrant colours and ancient architecture. Or think of the chaos of Delhi as you take a thrilling tuk-tuk ride into its old quarter.

I experienced this sensory feast firsthand in 2023, making friends for life and memories I’ll treasure forever.

In this blog, I’ll share the details of my extraordinary journey, how it came about, and why everyone should witness India’s wonders for themselves. India’s Golden Triangle truly earns its title as the Most Exhilarating Place On Earth.

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What Is India’s Golden Triangle?

India’s Golden Triangle is the most iconic route for travellers seeking a taste of the country’s vibrant culture and ancient marvels.

This journey connects three remarkable destinations:

• New Delhi, the bustling capital blending ancient monuments with modern life.
• Agra, home to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and grandeur of the Mughal dynasty.
• Jaipur, the enchanting Pink City known for its royal palaces and colourful streets.

The route forms a triangle on the map, but the true “gold” lies in the cultural and historical treasures it offers. Its accessibility and diversity make it a favourite for both backpackers and seasoned travellers, offering a perfect introduction to India’s vibrant personality.

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What Are Flying The Nest Expeditions?

My 6-day Golden Triangle experience was part of the unforgettable Flying The Nest Expeditions. These group tours are hosted by Stephen and Jessica Parry-Valentine, alongside their adorable children, Hunter and Koa. With over 1.2 million subscribers, Flying The Nest is Australia’s largest travel YouTube channel, inspiring countless adventures.

I’ve followed Flying The Nest for five years. Their content ignited my love for travel and motivated me to document my adventures through Lost In Travel. I even took Stephen’s video-editing masterclass, which transformed my storytelling skills.

When they announced their 2023 India expedition, I jumped at the chance to join. India, known for being a challenging destination for solo travellers, this felt approachable and exciting with a group.

This trip was more than sightseeing—it was about connection. I met two travel icons and made lifelong friends. Two of them later joined me for a road trip in Iceland and a visit to Scotland.

If you’re looking for like-minded travel companions, I highly recommend Flying The Nest Expeditions. Their tours, organised with Intrepid, deliver well-planned itineraries full of unforgettable activities.

Explore the Golden Triangle tour I did here.
Check out other Flying The Nest Expeditions here.

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Golden Triangle Part Zero: Before The Expedition

My adventure began in New Delhi, where I arrived 24 hours before the tour to recover from jet lag.

Landing at 1.00 am., I quickly faced a common travel challenge—getting scammed. I’d planned to take an Uber to my hostel, but fatigue and confusion led me to a persistent taxi driver. The fare ended up costing £20 instead of the £1.50 Uber would have charged. Despite the sting, I reached my bed safely, ready for a fresh start.

The next day, I ventured out to explore Delhi’s chaos. With its 33 million residents, the city buzzed with energy. Tuk-tuks zipped by, the sun blazed down, and the streets were alive with new sights, sounds, and smells.

Locals approached me with curious questions and photo requests. While their friendliness was more amusing than intimidating, it was a lot to process in my first 24 hours.

Later, I met another tour member who had arrived early. We explored a park, which turned into an impromptu photoshoot when locals joined in for pictures. Overwhelmed but laughing, we retreated to Hard Rock Café for a taste of familiarity.

Reflecting on my first day, I was struck by how vastly different Delhi was from anything I’d known. Though culture shock hit hard, it only heightened my excitement for the journey ahead.

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Golden Triangle Part One: Delhi

The expedition began with a welcome dinner, but many of us arrived early and explored together. Our guide, Mahaveer, arranged a minibus for a relaxing tour.

We visited Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal, and India Gate, a tribute to India’s soldiers. We ended the day at the serene Lodhi Gardens. Exploring with my new friends was the perfect way to build bonds before our authentic Indian feast that evening.

The next morning, we plunged into the historic heart of Old Delhi.

The Red Fort stood majestically above the chaotic streets. We visited a Sikh temple, immersing ourselves in serene prayers and sharing naan with the congregation. Then, we headed to Old Delhi’s famous spice markets, where the air was thick with aromas of cumin, chillies, and turmeric. It was sensory overload—colourful, chaotic, and unforgettable.

To recover, we stopped for chai served in terracotta cups. The sweet, spiced tea was the perfect contrast to the bustling streets.

Our tuk-tuk ride through Old Delhi was a highlight, weaving through honking cars, darting bikes, and unbothered cows. Each corner revealed new scenes of daily life, from street vendors to children playing.

We ended the day at Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Built by Shah Jahan, its grandeur and serenity provided a peaceful escape from the city’s frenzy.

As we returned to the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated, we knew the adventure had only just begun.

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Golden Triangle Part Two: Agra

Early the next morning, before Delhi woke up and descended into its usual madness, we snuck out and boarded a train bound for Agra—a short but eventful two-hour journey.

As privileged Western tourists, our experience on this train was surprisingly smooth. However, I got to do something that would be absolutely unthinkable on a ScotRail service. At the end of the carriage, there was no door, leaving the world outside rushing past in a dizzying blur. With Mahaveer firmly holding onto me, I leaned out of the train, putting my trust in a man I’d met just two days ago. The adrenaline rush of seeing India’s vibrant countryside from this unique vantage point was electrifying and set the tone for the day ahead.

Of course, the excitement didn’t end there. As we disembarked, the train began moving before everyone was off, leading to a few daring jumps from some of my fellow travellers. Why does India sometimes feel like one extended Indiana Jones adventure? Dodging cows and monkeys, we eventually made it to our coach, which thankfully had already whisked away our luggage so we could focus on navigating the chaos.

Arriving at the hotel, we were treated to a rooftop view of the Taj Mahal. Well, sort of—it was barely visible through the thick haze of city pollution. Still, knowing what awaited us the next day kept the excitement alive.

Without wasting a moment, we headed to Agra Fort, a sprawling marvel of red sandstone. It was similar to Delhi’s Red Fort but on a grander scale, with intricate marble inlays and towering walls that seemed straight out of a video game. Exploring its labyrinthine pathways and military architecture for three hours was pure joy, with every turn offering another incredible photo opportunity.

The evening took us to a Chaat Market, my first dive into India’s legendary street food scene. This was one of those moments where being on a guided tour truly paid off—I’d never have had the courage to try street food on my own, let alone trust that it wouldn’t wreak havoc on my stomach. Instead, it turned into one of the highlights of the trip. From Indian pancakes to saffron-infused ice cream, I sampled a dizzying array of flavours that I’ll never forget. If you’re curious about my reviews of the dishes, check out the vlog below:

Back at the hotel, we ended the night with drinks on the rooftop, reflecting on how quickly bonds form while travelling through a place as wild as India. I’d only met these people a few days ago, yet we were chatting like lifelong friends. As the night went on, I became the target of an unexpected birthday prank. What I thought was a celebration for another guest turned out to be a surprise for me. A staff member handed me a cake and a firework gun, and before I knew it, sparks were flying, and I was left with what would become one of my favourite memories of the entire trip.

The following morning was the moment we’d all been waiting for—a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.

An ancient wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal had always intrigued me, though I’d wondered why it was held in such high regard. On paper, it didn’t seem as impressive as some of the other wonders. But the moment I saw its pristine white marble and how it seemed to tower majestically over the landscape, I understood. This is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in the world.

Mahaveer elevated the experience even further by arranging for all the women in our group to wear traditional sarees. They sparkled beautifully against the Taj Mahal’s ethereal backdrop, creating a truly magical moment. If you’re even slightly hesitant about visiting this temple, erase those doubts immediately. Plan your visit—pronto.

We strolled up to the Taj Massage (Hunter’s name for her palace) early in the morning, and while it was busy, it wasn’t as chaotic as I’d imagined it might be at midday. There was something serene about seeing the temple bathed in the soft light of morning, its intricate details glowing against the hazy sky.

Agra itself turned out to be the most relaxing stop on our Golden Triangle tour. By Western standards, it was still incredibly chaotic, but compared to Delhi and Jaipur, it felt almost peaceful. And while the Taj Mahal is reason enough to visit Agra, the city’s unique charm and rich history make it a destination that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.

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Golden Circle Part Three: Jaipur

The final stop on my whirlwind Indian adventure stayed true to the exhilarating theme of this entire trip. Welcome to Jaipur!

Known as “The Pink City,” Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is famed for its signature pink-hued architecture, which gives the city its nickname. Combined with its timeless charm, Jaipur felt like the perfect grand finale for my Golden Triangle tour.

From the moment I arrived at the hotel, I could tell I was in for something special. The place felt like a palace, with its elegant sandstone arches, colourful tiled décor, and lush poolside oasis. It was the kind of setting that made me want to lounge in the sun all day, soaking in the tranquillity. But with only a couple of days left to explore India, there was no time to waste—I had to dive straight into the adventure.

Check out my Jaipur accommodation here.

I hopped into a tuk-tuk and headed straight into the beating heart of Jaipur, clutching on tightly as my driver casually steered the rickshaw with his feet while scrolling on his phone. It was a wild ride, but I survived to tell the tale, arriving at the Jantar Mantar Observatory—a fascinating site dedicated to astronomy and ancient instruments for tracking the stars.

Next, I wandered over to City Palace, Jaipur’s crown jewel and a royal estate steeped in grandeur. While I was there, a wedding was being set up on the palace grounds. Indian weddings are legendary for their opulence, but this was on another level—a banquet fit to feed hundreds, with even monkeys perched on the palace rooftops, seemingly spectating the festivities. It was such a surreal scene that I couldn’t help but pause and take it all in with a few members of my group. I may have skipped the palace’s military history lesson, but lounging on the grounds as the sun dipped lower in the sky felt like the right choice.

The next morning, we traded tuk-tuks for jeeps and set off to explore Jaipur in true Uncharted style. As we rumbled through the streets, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the vibrant colours that define this city—from the painted faces of elephants to the sprawling forts and palaces that seem to echo Jaipur’s storied past.

In the afternoon, we swapped the rugged jeeps for something more fitting for Jaipur: pink tuk-tuks. These weren’t just any tuk-tuks, though—they were part of the Pink City Rickshaw Co., an all-women initiative that provides employment opportunities to women from low-income households. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication to giving us the best experience was truly inspiring.

The tour itself was a feast for the senses. We sampled samosas and sipped on creamy lassi, each bite and sip more flavourful than the last. If you want to know my full thoughts on Jaipur’s street food, you can check out my vlog below:

After all the excitement, our trip ended with a heartfelt leaving dinner. It was hard to believe how quickly six days had flown by, yet in that short time, we had formed bonds that felt unbreakable. There were tears, laughter, and endless memories shared that night. To this day, our group chat still buzzes occasionally, reminding us of the incredible journey we shared.

Clearly, from the thousands of words poured into this blog, it’s no secret that India is the most exhilarating, mind-blowing destination I have ever visited—and, honestly, might ever visit! If you take the leap and fully embrace the chaos, beauty, and adventure, you’re guaranteed to have a phenomenal experience.

India transformed me as a traveller, opening my eyes to a world of ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and moments so extraordinary they’re almost impossible to describe to those back home. If you’ve made it to the end of this post, consider this your sign: start planning your journey to India’s Golden Triangle today. Trust me, it will change you forever.