The Danes’ Soulful Journey Through the Golden Triangle

Part 2: When Denmark met India, it wasn’t just travel — it was friendship, laughter, and soulful connection.

In my previous article, I shared how we curate tours for foreign guests in India. This time, a lively mix of Indian and Danish travellers explored the Golden Triangle. After experiencing Delhi’s vibrance and the Taj Mahal’s timeless beauty, we headed to Ranthambore — a thrilling encounter with the wild.

It took about six hours to reach our resort. Night had fallen, but its rustic architecture, merging with the jungle, instantly charmed us. Despite the late hour, the staff greeted us warmly and served a hearty dinner. After the long drive, everyone rested, eager for the morning safari.

At dawn, we set off in open jeeps, filled with anticipation. The jungle’s silence was magical — deer grazed, monkeys leapt, and birds filled the air with song. Then came the moment we hoped for: a tiger resting by the riverbank. Seeing it in the wild felt almost sacred. Ranthambore’s wilderness left us awestruck, our hearts filled with peace and wonder.

Back at the resort, a local musician in traditional Rajasthani attire welcomed us with soulful folk tunes that captured the essence of the place. After a tasty local lunch, we drove to Jaipur, stopping at a handloom factory where our Danish friends admired Jaipur cotton and traditional designs. By nightfall, the glowing lights of the Pink City embraced us.

In Jaipur, we stayed at a magnificent heritage hotel, once a royal fortress. Each room exuded regal charm with antique décor and peaceful courtyards. The gentle strains of tabla and flute at dinner made the evening truly enchanting.

The next morning, we set out to explore Jaipur — a vibrant blend of history, art, and colour. Our journey began at the majestic Amber Fort, built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, renowned for its grand courtyards and the dazzling Sheesh Mahal, where a single candle can illuminate the mirrored walls. We also visited the iconic Hawa Mahal, the royal City Palace, and the fascinating Jantar Mantar, the astronomical wonder created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

Each monument reflected Jaipur’s royal heritage and artistic brilliance.

We then had lunch at an authentic Rajasthani restaurant, where the group experienced true Rajput hospitality through delicious food, lively music, and warm smiles. It was a perfect way to feel the city’s royal spirit.

Later, we visited Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village), a community devoted to caring for elephants and their keepers. Riding in jeeps through the area, we met herds ranging from playful calves to gentle elders. For our Danish guests, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — feeding the elephants, painting them with organic colours, and walking beside them while embracing the caretakers’ message of love and compassion. The bathing session, where everyone helped wash the elephants with water hoses, was pure joy and laughter.

For me, the experience felt spiritual. Elephants have long symbolised Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Before leaving, I bowed silently in gratitude for the chance to be near these gentle, divine beings.

A traditional lunch followed in the village — freshly made chapatis, dal, and vegetables served with heartfelt warmth by the locals. Our Danish friends could not stop praising the hospitality and authenticity of this wonderful experience.

We spent another night at the heritage hotel, enjoying a leisurely day before boarding the overnight train to Amritsar — an exciting new adventure for our guests. By morning, we reached the sacred Golden Temple, glowing in the soft sunlight. Its reflection shimmering in the Amrit Sarovar, accompanied by gentle chants, created a serene atmosphere of peace and devotion.

We offered seva and shared a meal at the Langar, where thousands are fed each day with love and equality. The spirit of service deeply moved our Danish guests. Later, they explored Amritsar’s vibrant markets, bought phulkari dupattas, and even tried tying Punjabi turbans — wearing them proudly all day with joyful smiles.

Finally, we flew back to Delhi. The farewell was emotional — filled with hugs, tears, and promises to meet again. I invited my Danish friends to return to India so I could share more of our beautiful country with them.

In that moment, I felt proud to be part of tourism — a profession that connects cultures and hearts. Our guests did not just see India’s monuments; they felt its spirit — a land where people live with faith, warmth, and unwavering smiles despite challenges.

As our Danish and Indian friends departed, they carried home more than souvenirs — they carried memories of friendship, love, and soulful connections. This journey across India’s Golden Triangle was not just about travel; it was about discovering hearts, sharing cultures, and realising that when Denmark met India, it became a journey to remember forever.

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