Page 13 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

DISC OVERING INDIA  11

not to be missed is the Chaupur (pp358–9), which
tapered 12th­century Qutb houses the unusual shapes of the
Minar (p98), which stands Jantar Mantar Observatory,
proudly amidst the verdant the lovely Hawa Mahal (pp356–7)
Mehrauli Archaeological and the exotic Johari Bazaar (p359).
Park (pp96–7). This extensive Another unmissable nearby
compound also contains a variety attraction is the City Palace
of important tombs, mosques Museum (pp360–61), full of
and the beautiful Dargah Qutb dazzling costumes, weaponry
Sahid (p96). Having absorbed and royal relics.
some of the world’s great
faiths, an appropriate place Day 8: Around Jaipur
to end the Delhi tour is at Rise early and head north to
the delightful lotus­shaped Gaitor (p367), which boasts a
Baha’i House of Worship set of marble cenotaphs from
(p99), a modern shrine that various historical periods, and on
honours all religions. to nearby Jal Mahal (p367). This
The Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the most 18th­century palace is especially
10 Days in the famous monuments in the world impressive during the monsoon,
Golden Triangle when the surrounding lake is full.
marble hall of the Khas Mahal A few kilometres further north lies
• Airports Arrive and depart both afford splendid views across the superb late 16th­century
from Delhi’s IG International. the Yamuna river towards the Taj Amber Fort (pp368–70).
• Transport The best way to Mahal. After a lunch of local
travel between the three main Mughlai cuisine, embark on a Day 9: Ajmer
hubs of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur tour of two riverside towns north Take a longer day trip further
is by train: Delhi to Agra takes of Agra with strong Krishna west to Ajmer, renowned for its
2–3 hours, Agra to Jaipur 4–5 associations. Mathura (pp182–3), important Sufi shrine, Dargah
hours and Jaipur to Delhi which is reputed to be Krishna’s Sharif (p380). Take time to visit
around 6 hours. The local day birthplace, is best known for the the ruined mosque complex of
trips are best done by bus or busy Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra (p380),
taxi and most involve only an Temple (p182), while his childhood situated on a nearby hillside.
hour or two of travelling time. hometown of Brindavan (p183) is Push on to Pushkar (pp378–9), a
brimming with shrines. holy pilgrim town, where you
can while away some time on
Days 1, 2 & 3: Delhi Day 6: Around Agra the ghats beside the lake.
See the city itinerary on p10. A great day trip from Agra, or stop­
over en route to Jaipur, is another Day 10: South of Jaipur
Day 4: Agra former Mughal capital, Fatehpur The Golden Triangle tour would
Leave for Agra (pp172–81), the Sikri (pp184–7). Among its high­ be incomplete without a visit to
seat of the Mughal Court in lights are the Diwan­i­Khas hall and the sights to the south of Jaipur.
the 16th and 17th centuries, sands tone pavilions of the Panch These include the turreted Moti
and home to the magnificent Mahal and Turkish Sultana’s House. Doongri Palace (p364) and the
Taj Mahal (pp176–9, closed Fri). far more contem porary arts
The majesty of the world’s most Day 7: Jaipur centre, Jawahar Kala Kendra
famous testament to love is best The central area of interest in (p364). End the tour by
appreciated over an entire day, the “pink city” of Jaipur is Badi returning to Delhi.
from sunrise to sunset, which
allows visitors to witness the
changing light play on the marble
mausoleum. Look out for the
elaborate designs and calligraphy
of the main Tomb Chamber and
exquisite Pishtaq. End the day
by enjoying a snack beside the
reflecting Lotus Pool.
Day 5: Mathura & Brindavan
Spend the morning admiring
the rambling complex of courtly
buildings that constitute Agra
Fort (pp174–5). The precipitous
walls of the main harem, known
as the Jahangiri Mahal, and the Rajasthan’s spectacular Jal Mahal seen at sunset

010-017_EW_India.indd 11 26/04/17 11:52 am