Golden Triangle Tour with Oberoi Hotels

I’d never been to India and knew that I would love to go and see the Taj Mahal but even though the flight time is so short from Dubai, we had never got around to it. I even knew that I wanted to stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra as I’d seen pictures in brochures and online showing the view of the iconic building from your own balcony. Therefore I couldn’t believe it when a Fam trip came up to stay at the Oberoi properties in what is called the ‘Golden Triangle’ staying In Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I knew I had to go. I had clients who have been to these hotels and told me how amazing they were and so I wanted to experience this for myself.

We departed from Dubai on an overnight flight into Delhi. We arrived at our first hotel, the Oberoi in Gurgaon just near the airport at 5am, and even though we were all really tired the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. They were there helping us with our bags and a refreshing welcome drink as we were swiftly escorted to our rooms. After a few hours sleep I woke up to fully appreciate the room and a thoughtful personalized chocolate gift! The room overlooked the gardens and pool, an oasis in the middle of a busy area near the airport. You wouldn’t know that though. Breakfast was incredible, choices of traditional British and Indian dishes. My only complaint is that we didn’t spend enough time at this lovely hotel as after a show around we were off to the next Oberoi in New Delhi. On the way there we saw the President’s palace, India Gate and the Lotus temple. I found that Delhi was different to what I was expecting, it was quieter but also cleaner. I think the government have been trying to clean up the cities recently and this really shows. Before arriving in Delhi I was a bit worried to the air quality, but the Oberoi New Delhi is proud that it has installed an air cleaning system that keeps the hotel at excellent air quality levels. Again my premier room overlooked a lush green golf course and the city in the distance and the breakfast was sumptuous.

Then it was on our way to Agra, the place I was so excited about. When we got to the Oberoi Amarvilas the welcome by the staff was nothing I had experienced before. The staff were all underneath the porticos greeting our arrival. I was led into the hotel with a member of staff and my mouth dropped to the floor. Nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal as soon as you walk into the lobby. It doesn’t look real. I wanted to cry! After a welcome drink I was shown to my room that overlooked the monument. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. In the afternoon we visited the Red fort, the main residence of the emperors. In the evening we had sundowners overlooking the silhouette of the Taj and then a traditional Indian meal with a musician. Bed was early that night as we had to be up at 4am to get to the Taj Mahal when it opened, before the crowds arrived. The Oberoi Amarvilas provide a buggy service from the hotel directly to the ticket office. We arrived at the entrance to the monument and you can see a peek of the white marble through an alcove. Walking through the alcove the full magnificence and beauty of the building can be seen. Again it took my breath away for the second time. We were so lucky as there weren’t many people around so we were able to take unobstructed views of the building. After appreciating the building at a distance, we then went inside and up close. The detail on the building is incredible. It really is a masterpiece. I can honestly say it lived up to my expectations.

The hotel picked us up in the buggy to get back to breakfast. After breakfast we had a tour of the beautiful hotel and then boarded our coach for the journey to Jaipur. We arrived in Jaipur early afternoon. The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur is a beautiful single story hotel with clusters of rooms around the 37 acres. Wandering around the grounds are the Indian national bird, the peacock. Beautiful creatures but not so much when they call out to each other at 6am! The hospitality and food were incredible again. We were staying for two nights here, which was lovely as we could fully appreciate this stunning hotel. From this hotel we went to the famous Amber Fort, which is well worth a visit and the palace.

On the second night we decided to buy some material for a sari and the hotel staff kindly dressed us for dinner! We also had a blessing in the insight Temple and watched an entertaining puppet show! Sadly it was time to leave India and head back to Dubai. I had such an amazing time, a trip I will never forget. It has definitely secured a special place in my heart.