At SA Expeditions, our team is always on the move. In this edition of Explorer’s Journal, Destination Expert Jackie Becker embarks on an enchanting journey through India’s Golden Triangle, roaming the vibrant bustling markets, exploring Indian cuisine, meeting rescued elephants, and beholding the World Wonder of the Taj Mahal.

Greetings from SA Destination Expert Jackie! Come with me on a magical two-week adventure through India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Capture a glimpse of the best of India.

Exploring the lively capital of Delhi

In Delhi, India's pulsating capital, I dove into the famous, bustling markets of Old Delhi, surrounded by a burst of colors, motorcycles, and exotic fruits. And who could forget the adrenaline rush of riding a traditional Rickshaw through the bustling streets!

I marveled at the grandeur of Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. All guests must remove their shoes to enter (don’t worry, someone keeps watch of all the shoes!). I was amazed that so many worshipers come to this mosque that there are “prayer squares” on the ground, to allot space so that as many people pray together as possible.

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Standing before the greatness of Jama Masjid!

After immersing myself in Old Delhi, I couldn't wait to explore the wonders of New Delhi, starting with one of the city's crown jewels: Humayun's Tomb. This Mughal architectural masterpiece, surrounded by lush gardens, is believed to have inspired the iconic Taj Mahal!

One of the most fascinating tales from Humayun's Tomb revolves around the Barbers' Tomb, a smaller yet equally exquisite structure adjacent to the main tomb. Legend has it that the King's barber, a trusted confidant to the King as he could easily have harmed him but never did, earned the honor of a tomb next to his master as a tribute to his unwavering devotion.

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After visiting Humayun’s Tomb (left), dinner at The Spice Route (right) was the most delicious cherry on top.

As the sun set, we savored a delicious dinner at The Spice Route – in that moment, my newfound passion for Indian food was born! Every single dish was delicious. Trust me, The Spice Route (and Indian food in general!) is an experience not to be missed.

Next stop: Jaipur!

The historic city of Jaipur is bursting with architectural wonders, including the iconic "Wind Palace" where royal women once observed processions in secrecy.

Jaipur also has a stunning City Palace filled with breathtaking artistry, like the mesmerizing seasonal symbolism adorning its courtyard doors – the pink, southwest Lotus Gate represents summer, whereas the Peacock Gate represents autumn. The attention to detail was just gorgeous.

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We couldn’t fathom how gorgeous the Wind Palace looked in person!

Yet, what truly stole my heart was Jaipur’s living art and culture. We were able to visit a Silk-Weaving Rug workshop, and witnessing the artisans' dedication was truly awe-inspiring. These masters create about 2-4 inches of rug per day – a true labor of love, and the results are stunning!

And let's not forget our spicy adventure at an Indian cooking class! Let me tell you, preparing Indian food is no easy feat. But with patient instructors guiding us through the flavors of India, we savored every bite of our delicious meal.

Moving moments at the Elephant Sanctuary

My adventure in Jaipur took me to the enchanting Amber Palace, a mesmerizing and elegant blend of pale yellow and pink sandstone. The palace walls are filled with beautiful vegetable dye paintings, an ancient Indian practice used for art, fabrics, and more. The colors were incredibly vibrant and rich!

But the pinnacle of my time in Jaipur? A soul-stirring visit to Dera Amer, a sanctuary for rescued elephants. Here, these majestic creatures find solace after years of toil in the tourism industry.

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Commercial Manager, Staci Steele (left) and me (right). What an honor to connect with such majestic creatures!

Each elephant at Dera Amer is cared for by their devoted Mahout, who is with their elephant 24/7. This extensive time spent together forms an unbreakable bond built on trust and love. As I walked alongside these gentle giants, I witnessed firsthand the magic of their connection with their caretakers.

From heartwarming interactions to insightful learning sessions about elephant welfare, my time at Dera Amer was nothing short of extraordinary.

Agra: Red Fort & the Taj Mahal

I kicked off my Agra adventure at the majestic Red Fort, and I was awestruck by its grandeur! Built centuries ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a palace, military stronghold, and seat of government. Did you know Emperor Humayun was also crowned here? (Yep, the same Humayun whose tomb we saw in New Delhi!)

Fun fact: the Red Fort was crafted with elephants in mind! The towering arches were designed to accommodate the Emperor's elephant as he rode to his throne, and even the walkways were tailored with extra traction to be elephant-friendly.

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The beautiful gate of Baby Taj welcoming its admirers.

Our next stop was the "Baby Taj". Shah Jahan's tribute to his beloved wife is a mesmerizing masterpiece of marble inlay. The intricate designs, adorned with precious stones, left me in awe. I was truly amazed by the marble artisans and their exquisite artistry.

Finally, it was time to see the crown jewel of India – the Taj Mahal. Waking up early the next morning, there was a buzz of anticipation in the air as we headed to the Taj Mahal. We tried to beat the crowd by getting in line before sunrise, and even then, there was already a large number of people at the gate. Moral of the story – be prepared to share this World Wonder no matter what time you visit!

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SA Expeditions Destination Expert Jackie Becker sitting at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India

As the doors swung open, I felt like I was stepping into a dream as I finally set eyes on the Taj Mahal. Every inch of this iconic World Wonder is built with white marble, inlayed with precious stones such as coral, turquoise, and bloodstone. With the intricate details such as floral designs and calligraphed Quran verses inlayed with black marble, it’s no wonder this structure took 20 years to build.

As we say at SA Expeditions: Be Moved. And Moved, I was.

About the Author: Growing up in Texas, Jackie’s heart longed to venture beyond borders. After doing volunteer work in Peru and Brazil, she took her explorations further around South America, Asia, and more. Armed with extensive travel knowledge, she now works as an SA Destination Expert, enabling others to embark on their own dream trips.