India’s Golden Triangle is the highlight of any trip to India. Agra and Jaipur are two very different cities, each offering a unique experience. Over the summer months, PMGY will be once again running our 3 day/2 night Golden Triangle Trip.
DAY ONE - JAIPUR, THE PINK CITY
After an early breakfast, we drive to Batukaru Temple. Located at the base of Mount Batukaru, this ancient Balinese Temple boasts a variety of shrines, protected by tiered roofs. As we continue our journey onto Ubud we will next visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. This area is a famous tourist attraction for beautiful rice terraces and has been designed with exquisite beauty in its hollowing rice field.
The final stop of the day is Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, a magnificent water temple complex. After admiring the striking temple with its accompanying ponds and gardens, it’s time to put on a traditional sarong and sash, and head to the Holy Spring to take part in a blessing ceremony.
DAY TWO - EXPLORING JAIPUR, STAIRWELL & TEMPLES
We will begin at Charan Mandir, an ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to the honour of Lord Krishna. Built like a mini fortress, and located deep within the forest, the temple was created before Jaipur was even established. It is believed that Lord Krishna once stepped through the grounds of the temple! Not only does this temple represent a significant place of worship, but it also offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding forests.
Our second stop of the day is to Chand Baori Stepwell. This landmark is believed to be one of the oldest, and most picturesque in the region. Stepwells are pond-type structures, encased within a staircase enclosure. They are a type of storage tank, created with an intention to manage seasonal fluctuations in water availability by conserving water. In the past, Chand Baori was a hotspot for members of the Jaipur community during the heated summer months, who gathered together in an attempt to cool down by the waters. Our final stop in Jaipur is Jagat Shiromani Temple, another Hindu temple, this time dedicated to the Hindu Gods of not only Krishna but Meera bai and Vishnu. We will then travel to the historic city of Agra in the evening.
DAY THREE - THE TAJ MAHAL & AGRA FORT
The Taj Mahal needs no introduction. Arguably the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal is the undoubted sightseeing highlight of any trip to India. We’ll be up bright and early as we make our way to the Taj Mahal for sunrise – epic photo opportunities guaranteed. An English speaking guide will teach you all about the story which inspired the building of the Taj Mahal and the tragedy involved in creating it.
We will then spend the spend the rest of the day exploring Agra Fort nearby and its historic fort. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed and is more informally described as ‘the walled city’.