The Top Five Palaces of the Golden Triangle

Taj Mahal

The beautiful Taj Mahal is the highlight of any holiday in India's Golden Triangle and sunrise is the best time to see this incredible building. The Taj isn't strictly a palace; it is a mausoleum, commissioned by Shah Jahan for his favourite fourteenth wife who died during childbirth. It was constructed over a period of 22 years and built entirely from white marble; inside semi-precious stones guard the entrance to the tomb. The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and definitely reason enough to take a Golden Triangle Tour around India.

Fatehpur Sikri

This city was strangely abandoned in 1585 for reasons which are unclear. However, the palace and the Mosque still remain and as the city is located on the outskirts of Agra, near to the Taj Mahal, it is one of the main stopping points on a Golden Triangle Tour around India. The tomb of Salim Chisti located opposite the Mosque is a pilgrimage point for devotees, who ask for the blessings of this Islamic Saint and seek fulfilment of their wishes by tying a red thread on the marble screens of the tomb, with the promise to loosen their thread once their wish has been fulfilled.

Lotus Temple

Not all palaces in India are ancient and the Lotus Temple, completed in 1986, is the newest addition to India's Golden Triangle. It is formally known as the Bahai House of Worship, but its Lotus shape has earned it the more commonly used nickname, Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion and is simply a place in which everyone can go and pray to their God without restrictions. Strangely enough the Lotus Temple has, from the year 2002 onwards, surpassed the visitor numbers to both the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.

Amber Fort

Taking an Elephant Tour up to Jaipur's Amber Fort is one of those quintessentially Indian experiences which simply must be tried on a Golden Triangle Holiday in India. The elephant ride takes in the skyline of Jaipur, Maotha Lake and the original city walls, and having your picture taken whilst riding one of these mammoth beasts is definitely a must-have souvenir. Once your elephant reaches the Amber Fort, the Hall of Mirrors is one of the highlights here, as the hall, made entirely from tiny intricate mirrors, can be completely lit up with just a single candle.

Palace of the Winds

The Palace of the Winds stands in the terracotta-hued city of Jaipur and was designed by Lal Chand Usta, to resemble the crown of the Hindu God, Krishna. Despite its name the building is not in itself a palace and instead forms part of the original City Palace built in 1799. Its original intention was to allow women of the royal harem the chance to observe life on the bustling streets of Jaipur without being seen by the locals. The five storey palace has 953 windows and the breeze which circulates these gives the building its name. Most holidays in India's Golden Triangle end here and its remarkable beauty makes it the perfect place to say goodbye.

About the Author:
Sharon Evans is an India holiday expert for Tropical Locations, a specialist operator providing holidays in the Golden Triangle, India as well as the Far East, Indian Ocean & Arabia. Tropical Locations has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.