The Golden Triangle of India: How to Visit the Taj Mahal and More for £679.

According to The Sun: I take a deep breath, realizing that I am sitting in front of the Taj Mahal at a spot made famous by Princess Diana. It’s a moment I have dreamed of for years.

As I stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens, the mist clears and the sun illuminates the dome made of pristine white marble.

The Taj Mahal is a must-visit in IndiaGETTY Deputy photo editor of Fabulous Magazine Antoinette in IndiaSUPPLIED

Luxurious carvings and elegant arches unfold before me, and I understand why it took 22 years to create this masterpiece.

The height of the mausoleum is 73 feet, and it is a symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This is only the second day of my trip to India, but I already feel my love for this country growing.

Days in Delhi

I am on an eight-day trip exploring the Golden Triangle of India with G Adventures.

The tour takes me through vibrant New Delhi, ancient traditions of Agra, and the royal grandeur of Jaipur, with elements of rural life in Dhula during our journey.

The hustle and bustle in New DelhiSHUTTERSHOCK Enjoy the dawn at Jama MasjidGETTY

Upon arriving in New Delhi, I meet an engaging local guide, G, and another 15 travelers from various countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia for dinner.

The next morning we explore the labyrinth of streets of Chandni Chowk, experiencing a true auditory and visual assault as we pass by tuk-tuks and cows.

Our destination is the Salaam Baalak Trust, visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2016. This organization provides shelter, education, and support for vulnerable children.

Meeting three former residents, we listen to their stories of hope and resilience – this becomes the first reminder of the realities of the country.

The next stop is a journey through Delhi's rich historical context to see the magnificent Jama Masjid, admiring its spacious courtyard and impressive architecture, after which we head to the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

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The Spirit of the Empire

During our four-hour bus ride to Agra, we learn about this city’s prominent role as the center of the Mughal Empire and how the Mughals were the original billionaire entrepreneurs.

If they were alive today, their accomplishments would surpass even the wealthiest people like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

The view from Agra Fort is breathtakingGETTY

Our first stop is the exquisite Baby Taj, officially known as Itimad-ud-Daula. Built earlier than its big 'brother', it served as inspiration for the Taj Mahal itself.

We then explore the beautiful Jahangir Palace within the extraordinary Agra Fort.

Just ten minutes' drive from the Taj Mahal, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a citadel rich in history.

Originally built of red sandstone, subsequent generations of Mughals expanded its walls, creating a fortress that rivals its illustrious neighbors.

After the morning tour, we join a workshop on Persian carpet making, and I immediately want to help the artisans in creating these masterfully crafted items.

We dine at Maya, a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bustling streets, and I enjoy flavorful tandoori chicken and local coconut curry.

My entire meal, including beer and naan, costs less than ten pounds.

We end the evening at the Old England café near our renovated Dev Villa Hotel, discussing Indian beer (£3) and our unforgettable day.

A Lucky Sunset

More than two-thirds of India’s population of 1.45 billion live in rural areas, so I look forward to a small detour from the hectic hustle of the towns.

A visit to Dhula village becomes the perfect retreat – our tented accommodation is cozy, and the main house resembles a charming 1920s hotel.

Savor pakoras with masala chaiSUPPLIED

Some in our group relax with books or wander the idyllic grounds while others refresh in the outdoor pool.

I join a biking tour around the village for £7, riding past fields, greeting cheerful schoolchildren, and passing shepherds with goats on the way to the mountains.

In the evening, we enjoy a delightful buffet – the highlight dish is fragrant chickpea and cauliflower curry, followed by delicious Indian desserts like gulab jamun (scrumptious fried balls).

The night ends around the campfire, under a starry sky, with a view of Jupiter!

Leaving the mountains, we drive for 45 minutes north to meet the incredible women of Anooti – a charity project where women from marginalized communities receive jobs in a printing block near Jaipur.

We taste delicious pakoras and sweet masala chai, and then get a chance to try our hand at the craft, creating patterns and shapes.

Before departing, I purchase a small handcrafted elephant for £9 to give to my niece as a memento of the time spent with these inspiring women.

The Rules of Rajasthan

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, proudly lives up to its nickname "The Pink City", which it got back in 1873 when its buildings were painted pink to welcome Prince Edward VII.

The British influence has long faded, but the pink charm of Jaipur remains.

Market days are monkey days in JaipurGETTY

Here we visit the most famous landmark, the City Palace, adorned with 953 windows (or jharokhas), and the magnificent Amer Fort with its elegant gardens.

Before dining, G takes us through the bustling streets to sample local delicacies and shop for spices, then we head to the roof with captivating views of this chaotic yet enchanting city.

Later, we hop into a tuk-tuk and head to Dagla The Rooftop restaurant, where I enjoy tender butter chicken curry and soft naan for £4.50.

Our second day in Jaipur kicks off at 6 AM with a three-hour biking and walking tour for £19, and it’s truly worth the early rise.

Cycling through the awakening city, locals shout, "Radhe Radhe!" – a greeting filled with love, while we feed cows long grass.

The lively market filled with local produce leads us to laughter when we discover mischievous monkeys stealing bananas from the vendors.

Listening to 300 voices united in prayerful song at Govind Dev Temple gives me goosebumps.

As Jaipur is famous for its gems, I browse impressive unique jewelry at Ratnavali, purchasing a bead for £6 and stopping at an emerald ring priced at £200.

I also stop by Krishna Textiles to order embroidered pieces from local fabrics.

In the evening, we join a cooking class at Merwara Kitchen Tales for £19, where local woman Jaya and her grandmother guide us through making traditional dishes.

Taking turns creating each dish, we laugh a lot and leave with full hearts and bellies.

We gather for our final night in New Delhi, sharing photos and memories we created together.

This trip has been wild, but as I say goodbye with "namaste", I know I will leave with unforgettable memories.

FYI

G Adventures group tour of the Golden Triangle of India lasts eight days and costs from £679 per person.

Return flight from the UK to New Delhi costs from £386.