A North Indian tale

I’ve always thought of India as a colourful country with great tales and adventures. Imagining traveling to the famous Golden Triangle which connects New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on the map seemed like a mesmerizing dream. I really knew we would have an enchanting experience discovering the country’s capital city and the “city of love”. And besides that, I had the intuition we would have unforgettable memories of our journey in its most romantic state, Rajasthan. Which is home to the magnificent palaces of the Maharajas.

The first thing that you notice when you wander around New Delhi, is that the city is not new at all. It is covered with ruins of kingdoms suddenly popping out. They appear surprisingly in wide gardens and at every corner of the bustling modern parts. It is so heart-warming to see that the capital city of India has kept tracks with its history. The contrast between ancient-ness and modern-ness is striking. To the point where you can sip a cafe latte on a rooftop. And admire medieval architecture from above. Past is everywhere, when you visit the peaceful “Birla house”, where Gandhi the “father of the nation” spent his last days. Or when you take a stroll along the impressive Red Fort, residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years. Entering the fort is magical, there’s a bazaar at the beginning transporting you back in time. Inside it’s an old peaceful city within the city.

And like anywhere else in the world, in the beautiful Lodi Garden for example, there are verdant green spaces especially meant for Yoga practice. How incredible it is to do salutations in front of 500 years old monuments built during the Lodhis Afghan dynasty. New Delhi was a relaxing city. I liked it so much it was almost hard to leave it.

The 210 kilometres road trip from New Delhi to Agra was also surprisingly relaxing. We spent most of the time on a straight and smooth modern express highway. With a quick stop at a rest area to drink a Chai tea, we arrived 3 and a half hours after we left.

Agra was the capital city of the Mughal Empire from the mid-16th century to the mid 17th century. It was first called “the borders of the forest” after the Mahabharata legend. And then it has been dubbed the “City of love”. Because it is now hosting the famous Taj Mahal, standing proud on the south bank of the Yamuna river.

The heritage site mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by emperor Shah Jahan for himself and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. I thought it was the most romantic proof of devotion.

Made of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, it is the symbol of everlasting love. How fascinating it is to watch its colours change with the natural light. I had never felt such calming and soothing feelings at the sight of a monument.

The park itself is a tranquil place to walk around at dawn or dusk. And we couldn’t resist taking a picture on the same bench Princess Diana sat once. To the West, following the curve of the river, lies the Agra Fort. It gives a unique and lovely view of the Taj Mahal. This typical Mughal style architecture was partly built by the same romantic Emperor Shah Jahan. A 2,6 kilometres in circumference fortress of red sandstone.

Initially a project for military purpose, it ended up being a cluster of several fairy-tale palaces. In this place I felt so small. I wondered how it was possible that men could build such a huge and magnificent place.

Another place that gives you a charming view of the Taj Mahal, is the stunning “Oberoi Armavilas” Palace Hotel. It was there, while enjoying a refreshing homemade ice tea, that we were advised to go to Fatehpur Sikri.

Beautiful Fatehpur Sikri was Mughal Empire’s capital during the reign of Emperor Akbar. He built 3 different palaces, one for his Christian wife, one for his Muslim one, and the last one for his Hindu wife. The architecture is incredible because so subtle and refined. It is unbelievably well preserved and you can easily guess how luxurious their lifestyle was.

We could have stayed forever, in this suspended time atmosphere. But it was time to hit the road once again for one of India’s much loved destination city, Jaipur.

Though Jaipur has “The Pink City” as a nickname, its old town facades are more amber in colour. But that’s a detail.

From the moment we entered Rajasthan’s capital, we were amazed by its splendors and contrasts. Imagine Camels standing side by side with rickshaws. This chaotic energy at the doorstep of majestic and flamboyant palaces. A city plenty of hidden gems to fall in love with…

Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, one of the city’s symbol, is a real beauty. I could have spent the whole day staring. The details of its 953 latticed windows were so impressive. Admiration, that’s the word that would describe my feelings. Majesty beyond imagination, this is magical India.

Everything seemed to glitter, maybe because it is the center of the gem trade in Asia. The most refined jewels are displayed inside the « Gem Palace », a shop founded in 1852. Some are unaffordable for sure, but what’s wrong with looking. For a moment I felt like I was a member of the Royal Family or a Bollywood celebrity looking for her next diamond necklace.

Looking up to the stars, Jaipur was founded by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II. This king was deeply passionate about astronomy. Jantar Mantar, his 18th century open air royal observatory, has a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. They are built from local stone and marble. The gigantic site has always attracted the best astrologers in India. One of the most famous is Dr Kedar Sharma. His predictions are known to be extremely accurate. He was invited to install a Ganesh Idol in the White House… How I wished I would have made an appointment with him!

Incredible Jaipur, that’s what I thought on our way to the Amber Fort. Passing by the City Palace where the Royal Family still lives. And then looking at it from above, at the Tiger Fort.

This city has always had a strong fascination power. From Rudyard Kipling, the writer of the jungle book, to Jacky Kennedy.

I was there during Diwali the festival of lights, the city had a very special warm glow. And I thought I was so lucky to be in India.

To explore these magical places, click on the cities of the map.

This post was brought to you by Air Asia.