David's Family Trip Review to India's Golden Triangle
When my wife and I, hailing from London, decided to take our first trip to India, we had no idea what was in store. India—vast, colourful, and culturally rich—was a destination that had always intrigued us.
The bustling streets of Delhi, the beautiful lakes of Udaipur, the vibrant markets of Jaipur and many more—we were sure, it was going to be an exceptional adventure. So, with excitement brewing and our kids eagerly tagging along, we embarked on what we now call our Great Indian Escapade.
"Namaste and Welcome!"
From the moment we landed in Delhi, the welcome was nothing short of warm and comforting. “Namaste!” people said, pressing their palms together in a greeting that felt so genuine it made us smile each time.
The warmth extended beyond the formalities, with our driver and guides becoming not just our companions but our window to this mysterious and vibrant country.
Our kids were especially fascinated by how everyone seemed so eager to make us feel at home.
The Majestic Chaos of Delhi
Imagine stepping into a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells—Delhi was that, but wrapped in a thousand layers of history. Our guide was a history buff who seemed to live and breathe the stories he told us.
We were standing at the foot of the Red Fort, and he pointed out the tiniest details, turning facts into fascinating tales. Even the kids were hooked!
I couldn't help but imagine the grandeur of it all. And then there was the food.
Oh, the food! My wife, a self-proclaimed foodie, was astonished. The street food at Chandni Chowk—with its spicy chaat and sweet jalebis—had us convinced that no culinary experience could ever top this.
A Monument to Love (and Some Great Family Photos)
We knew the Taj Mahal would be beautiful. But this beautiful? The architecture, the gardens, the fountains, everything was exuding royalty.
It was surreal.
The way the light bounced off its white marble—it was as if the entire structure was glowing with an inner radiance. Our guide whispered, “It’s even more magical at dawn when there is no crowd and it’s just so peaceful”
I remember my wife looking over at me, her eyes sparkling, and teasingly saying, “So, when are you building me one of these?”
I quickly replied, “Just as soon as I become an emperor!”
The Taj became the backdrop for some of the best family photos we’ve ever taken. Our kids ran around while we tried to soak in every corner of this magnificent structure.
And yes, we even squeezed in the classic 'holding the Taj' photo—touristy but worth it!
The Wild Chase That Almost Was
Our adventure took a thrilling turn when we arrived at Ranthambore National Park. Now, I’ve never been much of a wildlife enthusiast, but when the possibility of spotting a tiger was dangled in front of us, suddenly I was all in.
We set out on an early morning safari, the jeep bouncing across uneven paths, everyone scanning the horizon with eager eyes.
Our guide, a seasoned tracker, whispered dramatically, “The tiger... it’s close, I can feel it.”
For a moment, everything went silent. We were waiting calmly. And then—nothing. There was no tiger in sight. “Maybe tomorrow,” my daughter said optimistically, but we all shared a good laugh about how close we thought we were to a big cat encounter.
Instead, we spotted jackals, hyenas, and deer. And honestly? It was magical in its own way. We even joked that the tiger was playing hide-and-seek with us.
Where Royalty Still Lives
Jaipur was pure royalty.
From the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) to the grand Amber Fort, it felt like stepping into a royal fairytale. My son, enthralled by the grandiosity, kept calling me "Maharaja" the entire time we were in Jaipur. At the City Palace, we stood in awe of the regal history on display.
So, one thing about Jaipur, this city exudes royalty. The city sparkles. The colours, the people, and the culture—it’s a feast for the eyes.
And speaking of feasts—Rajasthani food was something else. My wife fell in love with dal baati churma (a traditional dish) and insisted we learn how to make it once we got back to London.
After the whirlwind of city tours, Udaipur came as a gentle embrace. Known as the City of Lakes, it lived up to its name. We took a boat ride on Lake Pichola, where the calm waters reflected the magnificent City Palace. It was quiet, almost meditative, and exactly what we needed after days of excitement.
Our evening strolls by the lake felt like something out of a romance novel. I remember telling my wife, “If we ever need to escape, this is where we’ll come.”
The Blue and Gold
Jodhpur had a vibe of its own. The Mehrangarh Fort loomed over the city like a protective giant and the blue buildings gave the entire place a surreal, dreamy landscape. Climbing the fort with the kids was an adventure in itself, and the view from the top was just stunning. We could see the entire city from up there.
We spent a lot of time wandering the old city streets, sipping on hot masala tea and bargaining for trinkets in the markets. My wife, the haggler, managed to score a few beautiful textiles at half the price!
Our last stop was Jaisalmer, the golden city. And what better way to end the trip than with a night in the desert? We stayed in a desert camp, under a blanket of stars. The kids loved the camel rides, and we all enjoyed the folk music and dance performances around the campfire.
Sitting in the sand, watching the sunset over the dunes, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much we had seen and experienced in just a few short weeks.
A Journey to Remember
We boarded our flight back to London, our bags packed with souvenirs and a lot of clothes.
But we carried more than just souvenirs.
I have one suggestion that I would like to give to my fellow travellers– Make sure you are happy with the routing and if not plan ahead and book an internal flight or train to break it up. Discuss this with the driver and operator and they can work it into the plan.
However, coming back to the point, we had an amazing time and all in all, this was a well-planned trip with amazing sights, some lovely hotels, a great driver and in all a great price for what we received.
We had memories—of cities that never slept, of deserts that stretched beyond the horizon, of palaces, forts, and the people who made India feel like home...
Read More: Thrillophilia Golden triangle Reviews