Golden Triangle Adventures, Part 1: From Delhi’s Chaos to Agra’s Grandeur
India is a country of contrasts - sacred beauty woven into chaotic streets, breathtaking monuments set against everyday mayhem.
My mum and I began our journey along India’s Golden Triangle, traveling from New Delhi to Vrindavan and on to Agra, and what unfolded was a mix of wonder, mishaps, hidden treasures, and lessons learnt the hard way.
This is Part 1 of my three-part India travel series, where I share not just our stories, but also tips and tricks for those planning to explore the Golden Triangle themselves.
First Impressions of New Delhi
We landed in Delhi after nearly 24 hours of travelling, exhausted and slightly disoriented. Within minutes of stepping outside the airport, we almost went to the wrong hotel with the wrong driver. I misread the name on his sign, which said “Melinda” instead of Melanie. My mum and I followed him all the way to his car, and we were just about to load our luggage when he repeated the name out loud and we realised the mistake. Thankfully, we caught it in time and made the long walk back to find our actual driver.
A close call - lesson one: always double-check your driver’s details before leaving the airport!
Once we finally made it to our hotel, the rest of our Delhi stay ran more smoothly. On our very first official day with our driver, though, I unfortunately became carsick and threw up in a public restroom - one of those less glamorous realities of travel that you just have to roll with.
We explored India Gate and a beautiful Sikh temple, we took a tuk-tuk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, and we found a hidden gem: the Row of Nine Houses. These beautifully preserved homes date back to the 17th century, and two of the buildings still function as family-run jewellery workshops, passed down through generations. Stepping inside and learning about their history felt like a step back in time - one of those authentic experiences you just can’t plan for.
Vrindavan: Monkeys and Mayhem
From Delhi, we headed to Vrindavan, the holy city known for its devotion to Lord Krishna. The temples here are spectacular - Prem Mandir, with its white marble grandeur, left us in awe.
But Vrindavan gave us our first real taste of India’s chaos.
After visiting Prem Mandir, the roads were blocked off for ceremonies, making it impossible for our driver to reach us. We decided to catch a rickshaw to the Keshi Ghat Aarti instead. That’s when the drama began.
Halfway through the ride, a monkey leapt onto our rickshaw and stole Mum’s glasses. Stallholders rushed to help, throwing fruit to lure the monkey into dropping them. It worked, but then they demanded money for the “rescue operation.” The glasses were scratched but salvageable, and with hearts racing, we pressed on.
By the time we reached Keshi Ghat, dusk was falling, and my phone battery was already running very low. The streets were a maze of people, bikes, tuk-tuks, and more monkeys - and were too narrow for our driver to navigate. Disoriented and uneasy, we spent nearly three hours trying to reconnect with our driver, wandering dark lanes. I wasn’t willing to risk walking through flooded roads, so we stuck to the crowded but slightly safer paths. Eventually, a kind stranger offered us a ride on the back of his motorbike - yes, both of us squeezed on - so we could navigate the side streets and finally reunite with our driver.
We made it back to our hotel safely, but exhausted. Vrindavan taught us that flexibility, patience, and a sense of humour are essential travel companions in India.
Agra: Wonders of the Taj Mahal
Our next stop was Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. After the chaos of Vrindavan, the grandeur of this monument was a welcome pause. We hired a guide, which I highly recommend - it brought the history and symbolism of the Taj to life in a way we’d never have grasped on our own.
Our guide also introduced us to the artistry behind Agra’s crafts. We visited a workshop where artisans demonstrated the delicate marble inlay process - the same technique used in the Taj Mahal itself - embedding gemstones into white marble. We also witnessed the intricate hand-knotting of rugs, another centuries-old tradition still alive in Agra.
Of course, Agra wasn’t without its challenges. The streets were crowded with relentless traffic, we witnessed a car accident, and we had our share of questionable meals (imagine hair in the food and unclean cups). But this is India: every breathtaking moment comes with a dash of chaos.
Travel Tips from Delhi to Agra
Our first leg of the Golden Triangle was filled with lessons. Here are some of the top tips I’d share with anyone planning this journey:
-Stay hydrated: Always carry bottled water and add electrolyte sachets (like Hydralyte) to avoid dehydration in the heat.
-Food safety: Stick to reputable restaurants and cafés, avoid street food, and peel fruit where possible.
-Hygiene: Carry tissues or toilet paper for public restrooms, plus hand sanitizer or wipes to stay germ-free.
-Politeness goes a long way: I found that using “sir” or “madam” with staff or service people made interactions friendlier and warmer. A little respect goes a long way.
-Be prepared for monkeys: Especially in Vrindavan, keep glasses, hats, and food tucked away. They’re cheeky thieves.
-Hire a guide at the Taj Mahal: It’s worth it for the history, storytelling, and hidden insights you’d otherwise miss.
-Expect chaos: Roads may close suddenly, traffic can be overwhelming and plans often change at the last minute. Flexibility is essential.
Final Thoughts
From Delhi’s hidden gems to Vrindavan’s monkey mayhem and the wonder of the Taj Mahal in Agra, this first stretch of the Golden Triangle has been unforgettable. India is chaotic, yes, but also deeply rich in culture, tradition, and beauty.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where I’ll take you deeper into the Golden Triangle as we journey from Agra through Jaipur, Alwar, and back to Delhi.