Agra and Delhi are two of the points of India’s Golden Triangle (the third being Jaipur), and some of the most visited spots in the country—and for good reason!
Embracing Delhi: India’s Largest City
Delhi is the largest city in India and one of the biggest in the world. It’s chaotic, vibrant, loud and has a rhythm all its own—it’s the kind of place that’s as challenging as it is rewarding to visit (which really could also describe traveling to India in general).
Some of the main tourist spots in Delhi include Humayan’s tomb, the Gandhi memorial, the massive Masjid mosque, the remarkable Gurdwara Bangla Sikh temple, and the crowded markets that you could spend days exploring and still only scratch the surface.
YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
Speaking of markets, Delhi’s Chandi Chowk is one of the world’s largest markets and it’s worth an afternoon or full day in and of itself. Hiring a guide for this one is a good idea (if only to prevent yourself from getting lost), and you can take rickshaws around if navigating the narrow alleys on foot gets tiring.
There are sections of the market for everything you could imagine, from flowers (important for various rituals as well as just beautifying everything) to fruit to jewelry to the all-important wedding vendors. It’s all definitely worth an afternoon or longer!
Where To Stay in Delhi
Delhi has so many amazing hotel options, but nowhere has quite the same level of historic grandeur as the Imperial. It has a grand collection of Indian artwork, a spa that’s worth the trip all on its own, and several great restaurants, making it the perfect respite from the beautiful chaos outside.
What To Eat
Your hotel will almost certainly have a spectacular breakfast buffet, and most likely a restaurant or two that’s actually a destination. Delhi also has tons of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants ranging from some of the World’s Best culinary experiences to street food (consider hiring a guide for this one, so they can take you to the freshest and best options).
What To Buy
Delhi’s crowded markets are an experience and a shopping destination, plus the city has plenty of boutiques showcasing the best of Indian craftsmanship, along with plenty of more modern or fusion labels.
Visiting the Taj Mahal in India
Agra, just three hours away by highway, is home to the Taj Mahal. And that’s why most visitors stop in India, to be fair, but the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri (the abandoned Mughal city) are also worth some time.
You’ll want to stay near the Taj Mahal and plan on visiting either sunrise or sunset, or ideally both so you can see the marble shift colors in different types—get there a half hour before sunrise to beat the crowds.
Pro tip: The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort have tight security, so consider leaving your purse behind and just bringing your phone and a water bottle (and your camera if you’d like). It’ll speed things up!
Where to Stay
Agra is home to the iconic Oberoi Amarvilas, one of the world’s best hotels with views of the Taj Mahal from every room and the lapis-lazuli tiled pool.
What to Eat
There are plenty of cafes around the Taj Mahal, or treat yourself to a dinner at your hotel (most of the hotels in Agra have restaurants that are also dining destinations in their own right). Just be sure to hydrate—Agra is sweltering all year round, even if you visit during their winter.
When to visit Delhi and Agra
October to March are the most temperate months, and its recommended you visit during these months to avoid extreme heat or monsoons. Also keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is only open to Muslims on Fridays, so time your visit accordingly.
What to Wear in Delhi and Agra
Delhi and Agra are both modern cities and you can wear what you’d like, keeping in mind that it will likely be very hot and dusty (plus the air quality isn’t the greatest). Think loose linen, cotton, and similar fabrics, and keep a light scarf on hand for an easy cover/dusk mask. And you’ll be in good company if you dress up to take pictures at the Taj Mahal or literally any other major site in India — you’ll notice lots of residents clicking pics for pre-wedding, post-wedding, or just-because shoots.
How To Get Around
Hiring a driver is one of the easiest ways to explore most parts of India including Delhi and Agra, and you can work with a local company or check with your hotel and/or travel agent to find someone excellent.
Do you need a guide?
Yes, particularly for the markets in Delhi and to smooth out the process at Taj Mahal and the other monuments. You can hire guides for the day or the whole trip (or anything in between). Your hotel or travel agent can connect you with some good options! Note that if you’re interested, it’s also easy to hire a photographer or a guide who’s an expert at street photography, knows all the best places to shop, or any other specific area — just ask around.
Have you been to Delhi or Agra? Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Taj Mahal and exploring India’s largest cities? Have any questions about how this adventure was organized and planned? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page!
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s travel adventures. See The Elegance of The Japanese Alps: Travel To Matsumoto and Takayama and Southern Thailand Travel Tips and Adventures: Khao Sok and the Andaman Sea.
– Jacqueline Zenn
Photos: Jacqueline Zenn for Fountain Of 30
Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, X, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here. You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch!
Please pin!
