Worldwide brochure 2022-2023
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INDIA • GOLDEN TRIANGLE & RAJASTHAN<br />
Discover<br />
The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan<br />
Imposing forts, lavish palaces, desert cities,<br />
tranquil lakes and captivating temples<br />
characterise Rajasthan and the Golden<br />
Triangle. It’s a region that flaunts its regal<br />
past and parades all the brilliant colour<br />
and exoticism associated with the wealth<br />
of the fabled maharajas. Rajasthan lies<br />
largely within the Thar Desert, which – as<br />
part of the Silk Road – was once traversed<br />
by colourful caravans laden with spices, silk<br />
and precious stones. Here the great Rajput<br />
dynasties built mighty fortifications and<br />
beautiful cities such as Jaisalmer. Today,<br />
Rajasthan’s arid countryside is peopled by<br />
Brahmin farmers and weavers, and Raika<br />
shepherds dressed in glorious costumes.<br />
Agra<br />
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal • Colonial walks &<br />
food tours • UNESCO-listed Fatehpur Sikri<br />
Agra is home to India’s most celebrated<br />
attraction, the Taj Mahal, and the stupendous<br />
16th-century Mughal-built Agra Fort, which<br />
encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal<br />
rulers. Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in<br />
1653 in memory of his late wife, the Taj Mahal<br />
took 20 years to build; it is justifiably lauded as<br />
the world’s greatest monument to love. Sunrise<br />
and sunset are magical times to visit.<br />
Jaipur<br />
Balloon rides over Jaipur • Amber Fort by night<br />
Taj Mahal, Agra<br />
Fatehpur Sikri occupies a rocky crest some<br />
40km to the south-west of Agra. Once the<br />
imperial capital of Akbar the Great, the<br />
city’s wonderfully preserved collection of<br />
monuments provides a remarkable insight into<br />
the daily life of the 16th-century Mughal court.<br />
Jaipur was founded in 1727, and in 2019 was<br />
inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage<br />
Sites. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to<br />
the colour of its stone buildings, Jaipur’s prime<br />
attraction is the sprawling palace complex, still<br />
home to the current maharajah. It includes a<br />
fascinating museum of the maharajas’ lavish<br />
possessions as well as the Jantar Mantar<br />
astronomical observatory. Jaipur is also a<br />
delight for those seeking traditional Indian<br />
crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.<br />
Just outside the city, Amber Fort exquisitely<br />
blends many Mughal influences in addition<br />
to traditional Rajput designs. The Sheesh<br />
Mahal, or ‘mirror palace’, with its ornate mirror<br />
mosaics, is undoubtedly a highlight.<br />
Hawa Mahal palace (Palace of the Winds), Jaipur<br />
178<br />
View our full range of itineraries, hotels and experiences at CoxandKings.co.uk
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