India’s Golden Triangle refers to three prestigious points in Northern India: New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which do indeed form a triangle on the map. Flying into New Delhi, the capital, then to Agra in Uttar Pradesh state, and onto Jaipur in Rajasthan. This is a country that certainly is far from ‘grim up North’: the majesty of Mughal architecture, from the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi, to the palatial prettiness of the Rajput in Jaipur is inimitable. You can hardly move for UNESCO World Heritage Sites although taking trains, rickshaws and even cycling between them is a great way to move through them. The ultimate Grrrrrreat thing to do, of course, is to see tigers in the wild en route. Because this Golden Triangle isn’t short on karats.

India can be overwhelming, but the Golden Triangle is a perfect introduction to its magical menagerie. Don’t be put off by the notion of ‘tick box’ tourism, because it all lives up to expectations. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, the pink city of Jaipur, palaces, desert forts... the Golden Triangle is like picking out the favourites from an exquisite box of handmade chocolates. You can’t eat them all at once anyway, and there’s a reason why certain ones are always in there. Because they are irresistible. Responsible vacation companies always find ways to take you to the next layer anyway, with local flavours and spices unexpected delights.