The Golden Triangle is one of the most popular vacations in India. Located in the North-West of the country, the Golden Triangle is actually three cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. On a map they form a triangle spanning approximately 200-250 kilometers on each side. As a vacation spot the Golden Triangle gives travelers a variety of opportunities in a short amount of distance. Delhi is typically the starting point because it's the easiest city to fly into. As the capital, it is a metropolitan city with many historical landmarks. Old Delhi has the Great Mosque and the Red Fort with remnants of the Moghul Empire all over the area. British-built New Delhi has a more European feel with cafes and boutiques. Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard, leads the way to the huge arch of India Gate. Moving to the other end of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is a commercial and administrative epicenter. It is known for pink-washed buildings in the old quarter and an array of historic monuments. Agra is at the third corner of the triangle. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations as the seat of the Taj Mahal. There are other features as well including a large Moghul fort in the center of the city, historic bazaars and jeweled marble tombs.
Mumbai is to India what Hollywood is to the United States. Travelers to Mumbai can enjoy everything from historical attractions to beach getaways to shopping excursions. There are traditional bazaars such as the Chor Bazaar, known for its antiques, and the nearby Zaveri Bazaar, known for its gold and silver jewelery. In addition, there are designer shopping opportunities in boutiques, some of which are owned by hotels like the Taj Mahal or Oberoi. The most well-known historical attraction is the Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of Queen Mary and King George V. Other popular spots are the tomb of Haji Ali, the neighboring mosque, Prince of Wales Museum and the Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple. Mumbai's coastal location means both young and old pass their time at the beach. Chowpatty and Juhu are both popular beaches with vendors, masseurs and roadside restaurants.
Goa, the "beach capital of India," is a small state on the Western coast of India. It is one of the more laid-back tourist destinations with its luxurious beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Originally a Portuguese outpost, the influence of Portugal is still obvious in the crumbling architecture and Indian-meets-Portuguese fusion cuisine. For relaxation, the best time to go is November through March when the seas are calm and the weather has cooled off. Many Goans actually believe that Goa is best represented during the start of the monsoon season where travelers can participate in the parties and celebrations to welcome the rains. However, during the rains, swimming is off-limits but it is a great option for cultural travelers. Goa is a pilgrimage site for Christians and Hindus. However, Goa's capital Panaji also offers an abundance of non-religious festivals that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Uttarakhand is a small state in India, located in the northern part of the country in the foothills of the Himalayas. Tourism in the region is primarily focused on nature with the state being 90 percent hills and 80 percent forest. The Ganges River flows through the state and touches the pilgrimage sites of Haridwar, Gangotri and Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a popular destination for yoga and meditation enthusiasts to practice with actual gurus. In Haridwar tourists can walk with devotees to offer prayers on the ghats or banks of the Ganges River. At the foothills themselves travelers can find accommodations built by the British that have withstood time and maintain the Raj-style flair. These hill stations can be visited throughout the year although its important to find accommodations with heating during the winter months. Uttarakhand's important hill stations include Mussoorie, Almora, Dehradun, Chamoli, Kusani, Nainital and Mukteshwar. Uttarakhand also offers plenty of trekking opportunities. Treks range from easy to strenuous and start at different points of the foothills. The most popular is the easy to moderate Valley of Flowers which runs from Haridwar to Ghangria. Another popular yet strenuous trek is through Gangotri to Badrinath. It lasts approximately 20 days and includes walking along the jungle, climbing up the Himalayas and visiting pilgrimage and holy sites. For trekkers and spiritual pilgrims the season is generally April to late October although July and August are discouraged because of the monsoon season.
