The Golden Triangle is India’s most popular tourist route. Not surprisingly, the journey encapsulates three major sites. The route generally starts at Delhi, a street photographers dream and a city steeped in history, myth and architectural beauty. From Delhi you head to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and numerous lesser-known heritage sites. The final destination is Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.

Taj Mahal

Despite living in India for the last two and a half years, this was the first time I explored the Golden Triangle. The route has been photographed by millions, and on a short 5 day trip I was going to struggle in terms of getting the images I sought. The Taj itself must be one of the most photographed buildings in the world and I was fortunate that only a small part of it was in scaffold!

The Baby Taj

The Itimad-ud Daulah, is more conveniently referred to as the Baby Taj. I arrived here close to mid-day, so shooting conditions were poor. However, the site is much less crowded than the Taj itself.

Jaipur

Jaipur is a place I wish to return to for more photography, and to stop by as a gateway to Rajasthan; an area I would dearly like to further explore. If you enjoy wandering around ancient Forts, then this is the place for you. However, what really captured my imagination were the massive astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar. As you can see below, the potential for some interesting architectural photography is huge.

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Delhi

I did not take many pictures in Delhi, and some of the more interesting places to see did not allow any photography (such as the past residence of Indira Gandhi). However, phots taken earlier this year can be seen here.

Planning a Trip?

If you are planning a trip it is well worth doing your research first. For instance, tripods are often not allowed in many of the venues. Secondly, it is worth finding the best time of day for capturing the light in each location, with mornings and evenings obviously being best. As yet I feel I have only just scraped the surface of the potential each location has for photography and I plan to return at some point.

That’s all for today folks, keep clicking, Chris x