Golden Triangle 3-Days Tour—New Delhi 金三角包车游—新德里
March 14, 2025
Our 3-day Golden Triangle tour began with a morning pickup from our hotel by a private driver, arranged through Viator. After picking us up, the driver met with our local guide, who stayed with us throughout the day. Due to the Holi celebration, some monuments were closed, but we still managed to explore several of Delhi’s iconic landmarks, making the most of our time in the capital.
Our first stop was Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The grand red sandstone structure is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and continues to be an active place of worship. Like many religious sites in India, we were required to remove our shoes before entering. To avoid walking barefoot, we paid 200 rupees to borrow thin slippers. The mosque was nearly empty, with workers rolling out carpets in preparation for upcoming prayers. Through an open side gate, we caught a glimpse of Chandni Chowk Market, which our guide jokingly referred to as the “thief market.” The usually bustling market was quiet, closed in observance of Holi.
Next, we stopped for photos at India Gate, a war memorial honoring the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other conflicts.
Due to the Holi holiday closures, our guide suggested an alternative site: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a stunning Sikh temple with a golden dome and a peaceful Sarovar (holy pond), which was under renovation. Both of us had to remove our shoes and cover our heads with scarves before entering. It was our first time inside a Sikh temple, and we were fascinated by the worship rituals. We also visited the temple’s langar, the community kitchen that serves over 20,000 free meals daily. While photography was not allowed inside the temple itself—preserving the sacred atmosphere—we were permitted to take photos in the kitchen area. The atmosphere there was truly humbling. People from all walks of life worked side by side, chopping vegetables, washing dishes, baking bread, and serving food. Witnessing this spirit of selfless service was deeply inspiring, and the sheer scale of the operation left a lasting impression.
We then visited Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built in the 12th century, the towering structure is covered in intricate carvings and Arabic inscriptions from the Delhi Sultanate period. Remnants of an earlier Hindu temple stand beside the mosque, reflecting a history of religious transitions—a pattern we observed throughout India.
Our final stop in Delhi was the Lotus Temple, a Baha’i House of Worship known for its lotus flower-like architecture. Open to people of all faiths, the temple offers a serene space for silent reflection. We waited briefly before entering and sat quietly inside for a few minutes to absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding gardens were beautifully maintained.
Given the general concerns about hygiene among foreign visitors, our driver took us to a trusted restaurant catering to tourists. It offered both Indian and Chinese dishes. The clientele was entirely foreign, and we ordered butter chicken and Chinese noodles, both of which were satisfying.
Our local guide was knowledgeable and engaging, offering detailed insights into the history and cultural significance of each site. He also served as our photographer, which meant we didn’t have to rely on selfies—a thoughtful touch that made the experience even more enjoyable.
After lunch, we began the 3-hour drive to Agra. That night, we checked into the Holiday Inn, where dinner was included in our package. The buffet-style meal was decent and convenient after a long day of travel and sightseeing.
金三角包车游—新德里
2025年3月14日
我们从Viator订了三日金三角包车游，配一位私人司机和三位当地导游。今天是第一天，主要是在新德里转转。早餐之后司机先从酒店接上我们俩，再前往接当天陪同我们的当地导游。由于今天仍是洒红节（Holi Festival），一些景点关闭，但我们仍然游览了多个标志性景点，充分利用了在印度首都的时间。
我们的导游详细讲解了每个景点的历史和文化背景，使我们能够按照自己的节奏慢慢探索。他还兼职摄影师，帮我们拍下了许多美照，无需自拍，令旅程更加愉快。
新德里游览景点
贾玛清真寺（Jama Masjid）—— 印度最大的清真寺之一，这座 红砂岩建筑是莫卧儿建筑的杰作，至今仍是重要的宗教场所。打开侧门时，我们远望一处被导游称为 “小偷市场”的Chandni Chowk 市场。
印度门（India Gate） —— 印度战士纪念碑，矗立在新德里市中心，以纪念在战争中牺牲的印度士兵。P?锡克庙（Gurdwara Bangla Sahib） —— 一座宏伟的锡克教寺庙，金色圆顶在阳光下熠熠生辉。我们按照规定包上头巾，脱掉鞋袜，淌过水进入寺中，圣徒们坐在地上聆听颂经。里面不允许拍照。我们还参观了免费施食厨房（Langar），这里每天为2万人提供餐食，体现了锡克教的博爱精神。
古塔（Qutub Minar） —— 联合国教科文组织世界文化遗产，世界上最高的砖砌宣礼塔。
莲花寺（Lotus Temple） —— 巴哈伊教礼拜堂，以莲花造型闻名。这里的宁静氛围为游客提供了一个静思冥想的空间，对所有信仰的人开放。
在一天的游览结束后，我们享用了一顿美味的午餐，包括奶油黄油鸡（Butter Chicken） 和 中式炒面（Chinese Noodles），为这趟充满文化与历史的旅程增添了一份美食的满足感。
告别新德里及当地导游，司机载着我们前往三日游的下一站Agra。