India is such a vast and diverse country that it's not always easy to know where to begin your journey. To make the most of India's architecture, culture, and history, there's nothing better than a stay in North India. This region indeed encompasses the "Golden Triangle" made up of the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Without travelling great distances, you can see the country's most beautiful monuments, including the Taj Mahal, traditional ceremonies, and stunning wild landscapes with the majestic animals that inhabit them. Here's an overview of the must-see sites in North India:

The cities of the Golden Triangle

Known as the Golden Triangle, the circuit between Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra in North India is an essential destination in this part of the world. These three cities hold invaluable architectural and historical treasures, including the famous Taj Mahal. They are truly cities to visit to better understand and appreciate India:

Delhi

The capital of India is a spectacular city where past and present meet at every corner, where hundreds of languages are spoken and cuisines of every kind are enjoyed. Teeming with life, the capital is admittedly somewhat chaotic, yet truly impressive. From one street to the next, you pass from a Japanese garden to a Hindu temple, from a medieval palace to a modern tower. A true open-air museum, India's historic capital has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires and civilizations, each leaving their mark. Here are some must-see places in Delhi:

Qutab Minar

Built between 1192 and 1368, this immense marble minaret dominates the city and transports its visitors to the Delhi of the sultans. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this minaret stands at 72.5 meters tall and is the tallest in the country, with 399 steps!

Jama Masjid Mosque

Yet another record-breaking monument in Delhi: the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in the country. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people and features a truly admirable red stone construction.

Humayun's Tomb

Also called the "little Taj Mahal": Humayun's Tomb houses the tombs of 150 members of the royal family, including Emperor Humayun. This masterpiece of Mughal architecture, surrounded by a lovely Persian garden, served as inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal.

The Red Fort

In 1648, as the Mughal emperor sought to move his capital to Delhi, the Red Fort was built to house the country's administration. It contains palaces, mosques, and other marble buildings and has since become a symbol of Indian independence. In fact, it's from the Red Fort that India's Prime Minister delivers his speech every August 15th, on the occasion of the country's independence commemoration.

The Garden of Five Senses

Delhi is home to many pleasant gardens for a leisurely walk and a breath of fresh air in this city, which is incidentally the world's 4th largest. From the Rose Garden to the Japanese Garden, you can find different styles and superb plants to delight all five senses. Built in 2003, the Garden of Five Senses is one of the city's most beautiful parks, offering different atmospheres among bamboo groves, water lilies, and Mughal-style landscapes.

Jantar Mantar

A magnificent observatory at the heart of the capital, Jantar Mantar was built, along with 4 other observatories, during the reign of Jai Singh II to advance Indian astronomy and astrology.

Jaipur

Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of the Rajasthan region. Nestled between hills, it's an absolutely magnificent royal city that preserves many ancient buildings with a wonderfully exotic feel.

Amber Fort

Characteristic of Hindu art, Amber Fort overlooks the city of Jaipur in splendid fashion. It is connected by an underground passage to Jaigarh Fort, which is more heavily fortified, allowing the royal family to be protected under any circumstances.

Jaigarh Fort

It's one of the most beautiful sites in North India. Built majestically in the heights, amid the colorful forests of India, Jaigarh Fort was designed to protect Amber Fort, located 400m below. Today, it dominates the Jaipur region in splendid style, with its magnificent garden and lake below. It also houses the world's largest cannon!

The Palace of Winds

A true architectural marvel, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur is an absolute must-see during a trip to India. Its sumptuous façade resembles a beehive with its 953 windows.

The Monkey Temple

Galta Ji is a magnificent temple complex located about 10km from the city of Jaipur. This 18th-century temple sits in a narrow gorge between the lush green mountains of the region. Built in pink sandstone, it only adds to the charm of the exceptional landscapes surrounding it. It's particularly notable for the numerous monkeys that inhabit it and its highly reputed mineral springs.

Agra

Agra is essential to any India trip, as it's home to the country's most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. An ancient capital of the sultanate, it houses numerous remarkable historical treasures.

The Taj Mahal

A symbol of India, the Taj Mahal is one of the world's most famous monuments! It is undoubtedly one of India's most beautiful sites. This majestic mausoleum was built for the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. A symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal took 16 years to build and required the labor of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants.

The Red Fort

Not far from the Taj Mahal, the massive Red Fort of Agra is another splendid example of Indian architecture. Dated to the 16th century, it housed the seat of Mughal power for nearly 200 years. Built in red sandstone, it impresses with its 24km of walls. Within its walls are several palaces, mosques, and museums for immersing yourself in Mughal history.

Historic Cities

Beyond these three key cities in North India, other historic cities are worth visiting during your vacation. Here are a few personal favorites:

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the most beautiful historical sites in India and on the Asian continent. Nicknamed the "ghost city," this abandoned settlement promises a true journey through time. "Fatehpur" means the city of victory, while "Sikri" honors a saint who correctly predicted that Emperor Akbar would finally have three sons, after many years of waiting and worry. The city was constructed magnificently by the country's best architects, but was soon abandoned.

Varanasi

Varanasi, or Benares, is a charming Indian city built along the Ganges River. Thousands of pilgrims travel here each year to bathe in the sacred waters. A sacred city, it is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and among the world's oldest cities.

Sarnath

Just north of Varanasi, the Buddhist city of Sarnath allows you to travel far back in time. It is where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermons, and Sarnath is one of the four sacred sites of Buddhism. Suffice it to say, you'll encounter many pilgrims here, and a true spiritual journey awaits you.

On the Nature Side

While North India is home to some of the country's most beautiful historical monuments, it also boasts magnificent landscapes and natural parks. So even nature lovers will be captivated by a trip to North India!

Ranthambore National Park

Between lakes and cliffs, Ranthambore National Park is one of India's most beautiful natural sites. It's a perfect place to go on safari and encounter Asia's great big cats, including the tiger. Once a royal hunting ground, it has now become a sanctuary for India's great felines. The park is home to more than 60 tigers, plus leopards, bears, monkeys, and deer along with many other animal species.

Marion Biremon