Invited by Wendy Wu Tours, three of our Designer Travel agents – Lindy, Emma and Zoe – set off to discover India's famous Golden Triangle, alongside 12 fellow travel agents. Six days of incredible sights, fascinating culture, wonderful food and experiences that will stay with us for a very long time.
There are some trips that remind you exactly why you work in travel. And this was definitely one of them!
The three of us were lucky enough to be invited by Wendy Wu Tours to experience India's Golden Triangle. We travelled with 12 other agents, and what started as a work trip quickly became a brilliant shared adventure.
We discovered new places, learnt so much about a country that is utterly fascinating, enjoyed some fabulous experiences and, importantly, bonded along the way.
India certainly didn't disappoint!

For anyone visiting India for the first time, the Golden Triangle is the perfect introduction.
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form this famous touring route, taking in some of India's most iconic sights. Many itineraries also include Ranthambore National Park, giving you the opportunity to look for the magnificent Bengal tiger.
Our itinerary was a slightly shorter version, with two nights in Delhi on arrival, two nights in Jaipur, one night in Agra and a final night back in Delhi.
Six days, plenty of travelling and an enormous amount to see!
We flew direct with British Airways into Delhi. There are also options to connect from regional airports such as Manchester and Edinburgh, making India more accessible than you might think.

We travelled with Wendy Wu Tours, a specialist touring company that I have always been keen to experience first-hand.
And I wasn't disappointed.
If you love discovering somewhere new but don't necessarily want to organise every little detail yourself, this style of holiday is brilliant.
Our tour included our hotels, transport, sightseeing, entrance fees and all meals. Everything was organised, so we could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about what came next.
We had 14 people in our group, with a maximum group size of 28.
Our local guide was fantastic. Knowledgeable, approachable and incredibly patient with our endless questions!
And that is one of the things I particularly love about touring. You aren't just looking at a building or visiting a temple. You have someone there to explain the history, the traditions, the culture and the little details you would almost certainly miss travelling independently.

Delhi is full-on!
The sights, sounds, colours, smells and sheer energy of the city are something else.
One of our favourite experiences was a rickshaw ride through the markets. You are suddenly immersed in everyday Indian life, weaving through busy streets, colourful stalls and tiny shops.
It's chaotic, fascinating and great fun!
We also visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a magnificent Sikh temple.
Here we learnt about the incredible community kitchen, where thousands of people are fed every day. All the food is donated and prepared by volunteers, and everyone is welcome, regardless of background or religion.
We were genuinely amazed by the scale of it all.
Another particularly interesting encounter was seeing a group of Jain monks walking through the streets with an escort. Our guide sensitively explained their beliefs and traditions, giving us a fascinating insight into another of India's religions.
India really is a melting pot of different faiths, cultures and traditions.
And these are the moments when having a local guide really comes into its own. You learn so much more than you ever could simply wandering around independently.

Travelling between Jaipur and Agra, we stopped at one of the most extraordinary places on our itinerary.
Chand Baori Stepwell, in the village of Abhaneri.
Imagine a huge ancient well, with thousands of perfectly arranged steps descending down into its depths.
The geometric patterns are incredible. Built over a thousand years ago, these stepwells were designed to provide access to water, even during periods of drought.
It's quite breathtaking and one of those places you might never think to visit independently.
Another reminder that sometimes the unexpected stops are just as memorable as the headline attractions!

I know that escorted touring isn't for everyone, but if you've never considered it, I'd really encourage you to take a look.
There are some huge advantages.

No stress.
Your transport, hotels, sightseeing and itinerary are organised. You can simply enjoy the experience.

Local knowledge.
Having a local guide makes an enormous difference. They know the history, the culture, the little details and the stories you would probably never discover on your own.

Authentic experiences.
You get to see more than just the famous landmarks. You visit local communities, learn about traditions and discover places you might otherwise miss.

Supporting local businesses.
We visited traditional workshops and watched local artisans practising their crafts. It's lovely to know that your visits and purchases help support local skills and livelihoods.

Like-minded travellers.
This was a real highlight for us. We had a brilliant group, and the conversation, laughter and banter were all part of the experience. We arrived as a group of travel agents and left with some lovely new friendships.

And, of course, Emma, Zoe and I shared the whole experience. It's lovely to have people alongside you who are just as enthusiastic about discovering somewhere new. We have plenty of memories, photographs and stories to look back on!

Excellent value.
With so much included, touring can offer fantastic value, particularly when you consider the guides, transport, accommodation, meals and experiences involved.
And you don't need to be an experienced traveller or particularly adventurous. You just need to be curious about the world!

Would we recommend Wendy Wu?

Absolutely!

We were really impressed with the organisation, the quality of the hotels and, most importantly, the people who looked after us throughout the journey.

Our local guide was exceptional. Knowledgeable, patient, approachable and happy to answer our endless questions!

We also value working with companies that take responsible tourism seriously, support local communities and make ethical animal experiences a priority.

Wendy Wu delivered a wonderful introduction to India and gave us plenty of inspiration for future adventures.

Without hesitation!
But next time we'd love to dig a little deeper.
There is so much more to discover beyond the Golden Triangle. We'd love to explore Lucknow, visit Shimla and discover more of southern India, including its beautiful tea plantations.
India is enormous, incredibly diverse and full of places still waiting to be discovered.
The Golden Triangle is just the beginning.

Our answer is a very definite YES!
Whether you're looking for an introduction to India, a more adventurous journey, wildlife, culture, history or something completely different, there is a tour to suit you.
And there are touring companies and itineraries for different budgets, styles and levels of adventure.
You don't need to be an intrepid traveller. You just need a little curiosity and a willingness to embrace somewhere completely different.
For the three of us, this was a fabulous experience. We came away with a much greater understanding of India, some wonderful memories and, of course, plenty more destinations to add to our travel wish lists!

Three Designer Travel agents.
One incredible adventure. And a destination we'd all recommend without hesitation.

If India has been on your wish list for a while, perhaps it's time to make it happen.
We'd love to help you discover it!

We work with specialist touring companies, including Wendy Wu Tours, to find the right holiday for you.
Whether you're looking for the classic Golden Triangle, a wildlife adventure or a longer journey exploring more of this incredible country, we can help you find your perfect itinerary.
Get in touch with Lindy, Emma or Zoe at Designer Travel and let's start planning your next adventure!