India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018

Tripoto
29th Nov 2018
Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 by Aashu Jha
Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 1/2 by Aashu Jha
The Crazy Route- The Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist route in India,which connects the national capital Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so called because of the triangular shape formed by the locations of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan on a map.
Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 2/2 by Aashu Jha
Yamuna Expressway, approx 165 km long Expressway, connecting Greater Noida with Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The route was : Agra - Bharatpur - Menhdipur - Dausa - Jaipur

Wayside eateries are good and not so expensive ,I can say It was Pleasurable ride with memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit the Hawa Mahal-The Hawa Mahal can be visited any time of the day.However it is advisable to visit Rajasthan during winter as the temperature is the most pleasant then.

Magnificent Amer Fort-located in Amer, Rajasthan

Photo of Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

While returning to Delhi the route was -Jaipur-Shahpura-Neemrana-Bhiwadi-Manesar-Gurgaon-Delhi.

The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow,Have fun, be active. Ride a bike.

Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 by Aashu Jha

Now before reaching to the end , there is something i wanted to share with all of you who wanted to attempt similar ride very first time , hope it would be helpful to some extent in your riding .

5 Valuable lessons i’ve learned from my mistakes while i was on my first long ride:-

1.Safety comes first- You must have everything in your safety gear, always wear full protective clothing, pants, boots, gloves, eye protection, a helmet and a jacket.For maximum protection consider a full-face helmet only. i went on with my open face helmet, of course it was totally silly decision, don't ever think to do this , it will kill your fun , invest some good amount in your riding gear .

2.Saddlebags vs. Tank Bag- The decision of a saddlebag or a tank bag totally depends on the type of your bike and duration of your journey. If possible and you can choose one from the two options- always go for saddlebags. you will have more fun while riding with saddlebags than tank bag.

3.Practice Riding- If you haven’t been on a bike in years, the first step you should take before riding around is simply getting comfortable on your bike.

4.Plan ahead- I completed my first long ride without proper initial planning , i made my all the decisions while i was on the road, it didn't workout properly. Its always better to have a plan well ahead of your ride- workout on everything- on your route , your stay ,place to visit in advance, it will help you to save not only your hard earned money but your time also.

5.Find somebody to ride with- The truth is that solo traveling Isn’t For everyone specially if you are going out very first time on your bike.Riding with an experienced rider can be a great way to deal with unfortunate events , if any,let them lead the way, so you can just focus on getting comfortable.

Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while..

Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 by Aashu Jha

it's like I'm on some big roller coaster not knowing what's happening next, i loved every minute of it..

Photo of India's Golden Triangle Ride 2018 by Aashu Jha
Day 1

Have you been feeling tired, over-worked and stressed out about life,love and your career? In my case i was going through more or less with same situation in my life ,whether you are fizzling out or not, one thing that is never a bad idea, is a good old dose of what’s called a “Road Trip”.Yes by going on a Road Trip you have the opportunity to see more, experience more and appreciate more.

Yamuna Expressway -Enjoy yourself, go slow and steady,never try doing a time trial,biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it.

Photo of Delhi, India by Aashu Jha

Lunch time

Photo of Delhi, India by Aashu Jha

The another year was ending , the world was preparing for Christmas and New Year on the another hand i was stuck with same unvarying routine of my life ,I get up at the same time, commute by the same mode of transport along the same route to the same office where i spend eight or nine hours doing the same kind of work each day.It's hard not to get bored and frustrated by a life where each day is the same as the last. Anyhow i wanted to break this monotonous routine and rejuvenate myself. One fine day i told myself -Enough is enough, Do it now! it can affect every phase of your life. So on last Saturday of December 2018, I Packed my bags up , took my all riding gears and accessories that are reinforced with Armour to protect in the event of a fall when riding & started my solo Golden Triangle Ride. It was the first time I was taking my bike out for a long ride ever since I got it , i was just praying that my first long ride could be a memorable one and trust me while on road trip one thing you can be certain of is this: you will make memories and you will make lots of them.

Backside Of Taj -This is the best place to see the beauty of the Taj without having to deal with the crowd and the lines and guides.Go at sunset so that you get to see the Taj in that special light.

Photo of Delhi, India by Aashu Jha

I left Delhi early morning ,took Yamuna Expressway and and was hoping to reach Agra in next few hours. Riding on Yamuna Expressway is totally thrilling experience itself,there are many fantastic driving roads spread through the length and width of our beautiful country.I have been fortunate enough to experience one of them.I must tell you one thing ,you can go on yamuna expressway by bike but always remember to take precaution about your speed limit as its a free way. Yamuna Expressway journey is undoubtedly quicker. Downside is that there aren't as many food and fuel stops along the way also Toll charges are expensive, probably the highest in the whole country. Even two-wheeler,s are charged on this route and a biker can expect to shell out about Rs 200 for a one-way journey.

Sunset for the best views

Photo of Yamuna Expressway, E Block, Sector 6, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India by Aashu Jha

The first leg of my journey got me to Agra ,I am one of those people who continuously struggle with navigation, out of all the travelling apps available today I never used any, I realized my mistake , for the next two hours in Agra was painful , I was riding my bike in brand new city for me, without proper direction and without reaching to anywhere , took wrong roads many times , done lots of U Turn, however it helped me to realize before you pack your bags and see the world, get some good travel apps that should anticipate all your on-the-road needs and to make sure your traveling is as seamless as possible. Anyhow I managed to check in, time was always a limited factor for me so without wasting any more time , I went to the Taj straight away , highlight of the Agra was it has been said that the colors of Taj change with the sun hence I visited it at the time of sunrise & sunset both , however I couldn’t see a lot of difference between am and pm colors of the Taj. The first day was completed it was time to take rest I got a long journey ahead of me.

Hawa Mahal-is a palace in Jaipur, India It is constructed of red and pink sandstone in 1799 with its 953 small windows.

Photo of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India by Aashu Jha
Day 2

Now it’s time for second leg of my journey – Jaipur (the "Pink City") Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state, I started late from Agra , after initial approx 15 km road condition was fairly good without any heavy traffic. With a tea break of 15–20 minutes, you can easily cover the distance within 5 to 6 hours without rushing.

I reached Jaipur almost late in evening, got some much needed rest after tiring long ride, it was already almost 8 PM , I couldn’t do much today, just managed to explore some famous shopping complex and night life of Jaipur .

One of the most colourful states in India, Rajasthan.

Photo of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Kid in traditional costume of rajasthan, It includes angrakha, dhoti and its rajasthani style turbun, It is very easy to wear and lite in weight.

Photo of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha
Day 3

So many places to go...so little time, this is my third trip to Rajasthan, first while riding , every person I’ve met so far has been incredibly kind and welcoming, and I can already feel myself falling in love with the culture. I started my third day with Hawa Mahal- the most recognizable monument of Jaipur built in 1799, the timing is 9.00 AM to 4.30 PM every day, Entry Fee- Just Rs. 10.00 per person, one can easily cover this place in one hours.

I had always wished to visit Amer Fort finally this time I visited this famous Fort, it has been incredibly built .You can ride an elephant up to the fort and it would be totally fun or you can walk up the fort that barely takes 20 minutes ,if possible attend evening light and sound show, It tells you the history of the place. The fort is opened to public from 9.00 in the morning till 6.00 in the evening every day. Elephant ride is available from morning 9.30 till afternoon - Entry Fees -Indians Rs. 100.00 per person and Foreigner Rs. 550.00 per person and Elephant Ride – Rs. 1100.00 Single or per couple.

Best Time to Visit Amer Fort -Better book your trip in between October and March to avoid scorching heat of Rajasthan.

Inside The Amer Fort- it is a top rate tourist attraction of Jaipur.

Photo of Amer Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Nahargarh Fort-it stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills,You can get a view of whole Jaipur from this place.

Photo of Amer Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Nahargarh Fort-the main attraction is the breath taking view of Jaipur city offered by this fort.Definitely recommended, the view from the top of the fort is what you should travelling to this fort for.Only complaint- no proper arrangement of transportation ,Nahargarh fort is difficult to reach. The fort is opened to public from 10.00 in the morning till 6.00 in the evening everyday. Entry Fees- Indians Rs. 50.00 per person and Foreigner Rs. 200.00 per person.

Best Time to Visit the Nahargarh Fort- The best time to visit this fort is during winter when the weather is pleasant,It is advisable to visit Nahargarh fort later in evening , will get an awesome view of the city.

Nahargarh Fort-This place is best to enjoy sunset and provides you the best view of Jaipur City from top.

Photo of Nahargarh Fort, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Inside The Nahargarh Fort

Photo of Nahargarh Fort, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Jaigarh Fort-Jaivana cannon- The Jaigarh Fort, located on one of the peaks of the Aravalli range of hills.

Photo of Nahargarh Fort, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Jaigarh Fort- Made with the purpose of protecting Amer Fort, Jaigarh fort is considered as the strongest monument of Jaipur. It was considered as a storehouse of all the war amours, cannons, arms and ammunition's.They have a huge collection of weapons for war used in historical times. The main attraction of the fort is Jaivana, world's largest cannon. The Jaivana cannon is the largest wheeled cannon ever constructed,weighing 250 tonnes and once required 6 elephants to turn it.The fort is opened to public from 9.00 in the morning till 5.00 in the evening everyday. Entry Fees- Indians Rs. 70.00 per person and Foreigner Rs. 150.00 per person

Best Time to Visit Jaigarh Fort- The best time to visit the fort is between October and March. The weather becomes quite pleasant during this time.

Inside The Jaigarh Fort

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

Inside The Jaigarh Fort

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

Tradional Music -The Sarangi is the most important folk musical instrument and is found in various forms in Rajasthan.

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

Stained glass windows- Forts of Rajasthan

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

Rajasthan as everyone known is a colorful, The Rajasthani crafts are liked and sought by most markets across world

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

The camel is part of the landscape of Rajasthan; the icon of the desert state.in Rajasthan peoples keep camels as domestic animals and earn their livelihood through this animal.

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha

The Royal touch Rajasthani crafts- Colourful traditional Rajasthani Jutti - mojari footwear.

Photo of Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan by Aashu Jha
Day 4

I ended yesterday at Nahargarh Fort- On this trip it was my last day in Jaipur no matter how hard you try, you cant cover everything, there are so many places around that I wanted to go but that seems impossible to visit all in a last day, i just thought don’t always be on the run after things you desire, instead appreciate what i have, i missed Chokhi Dhani this time to attend new year party, i also missed City Palace however i am glad that i managed to visit World Trade Park Jaipur , Jal Mahal ,Jawahar Circle and some other local markets. At the end of the day i was smiling .

Let’s face it,travel gives you cool stories.

Photo of Markets View, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Wherever you go, go with all your heart, i had some of the best day of my life till date , i did what i always wanted to do , i rode , i expressed my emotions completely , i made memories.

Photo of Markets View, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha
Day 5

Nothing is too big or too small for this trip,It's sad to know I'm done, my ride was getting over but looking back, I've got a lot of great memories, memories that will last a lifetime.

You don't know how good you are until you actually get out on a bike and get riding.

Photo of Jaipur - Delhi Expressway, Bagwara, Rajasthan, India by Aashu Jha

Its time to end my story here...The journey is never ending...You got to keep going!!! There are too many roads less traveled, oceans not yet seen, forests not yet explored and people not yet met...

continue to live in the moment!!

Ashu!!