The Golden Triangle

So #day7. The day went by traveling for me. And now I am not sure what to post. So here I am just filling space to keep a promise.

I understand this is ought to be an architectural blog. But to be honest. No matter how much one loves the field, I cant talk about it all the fregging time.

Afterall pyar ek dokha hai, but architecture bhi kam nahi.

So as you all know by now, I have been traveling since the past week. From Bengaluru to Jaipur, to Agra and now to Delhi, I am happy to tell you Shreya Singh has completed the golden triangle. It’s not the first time of-course but the second. Can’t wait to get the satisfying number three. The three visits to the golden triangle of the Indian tourism circuit.  

So lets talk about our infamous tourism circuit shall we.

On a map the three form a rough equilateral triangle, hence the stereotypical name.

New Delhi, despite the dirt, traffic, crowd and the pollution. The Indian National Capital is an exhilarating experience. It is the amalgamation of the whole country, the seat of power. For some it may look chaotic and unruly but I can assure you. It is more inspiring than maddening.

The real charm of Delhi lies on its street. From the “Old Delhi” home of the Mughals, established in the 17^th century. The great Jama Masjid dominated the quarter. Through the Chandni Chawk to the Red Fort with the pristine Mughal Gardens. To the south the wide green roads of Lutyens. Where the narrow streets are replaced with wide boulevards and surrounded with green patches. The cafes, shops and commercial joints of the Cannaught Place.

And then you go to Jaipur. I don’t think I need to belabor the point by preaching over the fact how much I love city. However the real charm of Jaipur is not its forts, or the walled city. It is the windows. Or more specifically, the Jarokhas.

Completing the triangle we come to Agra, the city of madness and love. Apart from the illusive Taj Mahal, the greatest symbol of love, which has managed to capture the eye and hearts of the whole world, it also houses India’ well known Mental Asylum. Which further proves my point, love and madness are often found in the same city. 

Jaipur, A city of color

Amber Fort Jaipur. Photo by: Kiri

Jaipur has a charm of its own. The moment I stepped into this city some odd 9 years ago I knew I would love it.

And I was not disappointed.

A gateway to the flamboyant state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of the leading tourist destination of India. And it is not so by any luck, chance or proximity to the national capital, (thought that helps).

It is a symbiotic mix of the old and the new. Even though it has stepped into the 21^st century and is now a part of the Prime Minister’s “Smart City” initiative, Jaipur doesn’t forget its roots. Through the new there is always something old peeking like a reminder of its colorful past. An epitome to the Indian heritage it is the pink jewel of Rajasthan.

Wide roads cluttered with autos, rikshaws, motorbikes and Jaguars it is the city of indulgence. And by god do the people know how to indulge. One loses the sense of time while walking in the walled city, you wouldn’t want to leave unless you have seen every jharokha on its façade. At the heart of the old is the City Palace. Still a house to the Royal family of Jaipur. A little further is the formidable Amber fort. And if you go a little higher you come across Nahargarh fort. If you have an option, end your day there. With a magnificent view of the city and the sunset with a cold one in your hand.

It is hard not to get overwhelmed by its grandeur and heritage.

There is something for everyone in this city. Be it architecture, culture, color or even coffee.

Jaipur has a charm of its own…