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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Kaleidoscope

A woman shows her hands, painted in tricolour to celebrate the 77th Republic Day in Amritsar on Sunday. A woman offers prayers at the Sangam on the occasion of 'Achala Saptami' in Prayagraj on Sunday. Women celebrate by holding Indian national flags on the eve of Republic Day, at the Taj Mahal, on Sunday. An Army officer keeps vigil near the Line of Control (LoC) amid heightened security ahead of Republic Day in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. School students perform during a...

Kaleidoscope

A woman shows her hands, painted in tricolour to celebrate the 77th Republic Day in Amritsar on Sunday. A woman offers prayers at the Sangam on the occasion of 'Achala Saptami' in Prayagraj on Sunday. Women celebrate by holding Indian national flags on the eve of Republic Day, at the Taj Mahal, on Sunday. An Army officer keeps vigil near the Line of Control (LoC) amid heightened security ahead of Republic Day in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. School students perform during a cultural programme as part of Republic Day 2026 celebrations in New Delhi on Sunday.

The Danes’ Soulful Journey Through the Golden Triangle

Part 1 - What began as a holiday soon became a story of friendship, laughter, and discovery — where Denmark met the soul of India.

At Global Voyages, we not only curate journeys for Indian travellers exploring the world but also host foreign guests eager to experience the soul of India. Over time, our presence in the European market has connected us with many wonderful travellers, one such group being from Denmark.


This Danish family was visiting India for the first time, curious to discover its culture, colours, and traditions. Together, we designed an unforgettable journey through the Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — along with Ranthambore and Amritsar.


Before the tour began, we welcomed them with hand-painted Madhubani bags filled with traditional Indian gifts — each bag painted by me, symbolising India’s artistic heritage. The guests were touched by this gesture and excited for the adventure ahead.


Our journey began in Delhi, where we stayed at a comfortable 4* hotel near Karol Bagh. The city, a lively blend of ancient and modern, became our first window into India’s heart.


We started with the magnificent Akshardham Temple, a true wonder of modern craftsmanship, followed by the serene Lotus Temple — calm and pure in its white marble form. The Danish guests admired India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the towering Qutub Minar, amazed by their grandeur and symmetry.


A brief visit to Humayun’s Tomb revealed the Mughal beauty that later inspired the Taj Mahal. In Old Delhi, we explored Jama Masjid and took a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk — a colourful maze of life, laughter, and aromas.


For lunch, we introduced our guests to North Indian delicacies — soft naan, fragrant biryani, dal makhani, and butter chicken. They loved the burst of flavours and warmth of Indian hospitality. Dinner was a traditional affair at a heritage restaurant, with live ghazals adding a soulful touch to their first night in India.


Before leaving Delhi, we paused at Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi rests — a simple yet powerful reminder of peace and humanity.


Leaving Delhi, we drove toward Agra, passing through green fields and small villages that offered glimpses of rural India. We stopped for lunch at a traditional dhaba-style restaurant, where the Danish family enjoyed thalis filled with paneer curry, roti, rice, and sweet jalebi — a perfect countryside experience.


Further ahead, we visited Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s red sandstone city. Though our stop was brief, the Buland Darwaza and Jodha Bai Palace reflected Mughal elegance and timeless imagination.


Our driver, Subhash ji — a cheerful Rajput from Rajasthan — kept the journey lively with stories, music, and smiles. His light-hearted interactions with the Danish guests created unforgettable moments of laughter and connection.


By evening, we reached Agra and checked into a cosy four-star hotel. Dinner featured a spread of North Indian dishes — tandoori kebabs, aromatic curries, and freshly made breads. The Danish guests were fascinated by how each spice told a story and each meal reflected warmth.


Over dinner, we decided to make our visit to The Taj Mahal extra special — I came up with an idea that everyone would wear traditional Indian attire. So, early next morning, before sunrise, the group gathered in sarees, kurtas, and Indian jewellery, ready for the magical experience ahead.


As the first light touched the Taj Mahal, silence fell. There it stood — pure white, glowing softly under the rising sun — a timeless symbol of love and beauty. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, the monument’s perfect symmetry and delicate inlay work left everyone in awe.


We walked through the gardens, watching their reflections shimmer in the water. From the rear, along the Yamuna River, the Taj looked like a dream floating on water—a vision of peace and eternal love.


Beyond Agra

After this soulful experience, we left Agra with hearts full of gratitude and wonder. Ahead awaited Ranthambore with its wild beauty, Jaipur’s royal charm, and finally Amritsar — the city of divine light and the Golden Temple.


This journey became more than sightseeing. It turned into a story of friendship, flavours, laughter, and discovery — a meeting of two cultures bound by warmth and shared humanity.


So stay tuned for the next part of this travel story—coming next Friday—where I’ll share our experiences through Ranthambore, Jaipur, and Amritsar. It’s a journey that celebrates India’s wild spirit, royal grace, and spiritual depth—and the unforgettable bond formed when Denmark met India.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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