Exploring the Golden Triangle
Here’s a glimpse into my 5-night journey through India, where I attended inspiring sessions, connected with global changemakers, and experienced the country's rich culture and history.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Immersive Cultural Tour I arrived in Delhi and was greeted warmly by the Women with Wheels team at the airport, who drove me to my hotel. After settling in, I embarked on an immersive walking tour of the city, led by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a youth-led initiative. Exploring the hidden gems of Old Delhi was a great way to kick off my trip, with the narrow lanes, bustling markets, and vibrant street life creating an unforgettable first impression.
Day 2: The Taj Mahal in Agra and Transfer to Jaipur Today, we visited one of the world’s most breathtaking landmarks: the Taj Mahal. After breakfast, I caught a train to Agra, arriving in time to witness the beauty of this iconic monument. Standing before the Taj Mahal at sunrise is an experience like no other—the white marble shimmering in the early light, the intricate details revealing themselves up close. It truly lives up to its reputation as a wonder of the world. After soaking in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, our group continued the journey to Jaipur by train, with lunch on board.
Day 3: Exploring Jaipur’s Heritage and Amber Fort The main highlight of the day was the Amber Fort, an awe-inspiring palace that blends Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort, perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, was nothing short of spectacular. Walking through its grand courtyards and intricate halls, I marvelled at the craftsmanship and scale of this historical wonder.
Later in the day, I visited a Planeterra project, where I got a firsthand look at how travel can empower local communities. The evening wrapped up with a tour of Jaipur's old city, followed by another group dinner at the hotel, preparing us for the next day’s big event.
Day 4: World Community Tourism Summit. September 27 was World Tourism Day, and the excitement was tangible. The World Community Tourism Summit, led by the inspiring Bruce Poon Tip, focused on the transformative power of community tourism. Attending this summit was a pivotal experience, as it opened my eyes to how travel can truly make a difference—helping both the people who travel and the communities they visit.
Throughout the day, global industry leaders took the stage, discussing how we can reshape travel to be more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible. The day ended with an unforgettable after-party celebrating the impact of community tourism.
Day 5: Jaipur to Delhi – Farewell Dinner After one last breakfast in Jaipur, it was time to make the drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, we took a final walking tour of the Qutab area. The serene surroundings of the Qutub Minar provided the perfect setting to reflect on the past few days of learning, exploration, and cultural exchange.
In the evening, we capped off the trip with a farewell dinner in Delhi. It was bittersweet, knowing the adventure was coming to an end, but it was also heartwarming to celebrate with the new friends I had made along the way.
Day 6: Departure from Delhi Alas, it was time to say goodbye to India, with memories of the Golden Triangle still fresh in my mind. The event was a game-changer, leaving me with a deeper understanding of the positive impact travel can have on the world. As I headed to the airport, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this life-changing journey.
Final Thoughts on GX India 2024 Attending GX India 2024 was not only an opportunity to be part of an inspiring global event but also a chance to witness the beauty of India up close. From the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort to the vibrant streets of Delhi and Jaipur, every moment was a reminder of why travel matters.
