A Treat for Travellers

Hotel Review: Trident, Agra

Having flown to Delhi, from the south, and a long car journey later, all we wanted to do was some ‘walking’. Yep, that’s what we did after reaching Agra, India’s jewel on the monument map! My cousin sisters and I walked around the city, explored the sandstone and marble Agra Fort, ate street food and enjoyed the evening sights and sounds of a city made famous by the Taj Mahal.

We reached our hotel for the night - Trident, Agra. The vast expanse and the hotel’s greenery in the middle of the city surprised us, and soothed us, too. The tall palms, gardens and fountains caught our eye as we walked around the central courtyard to get to our rooms. Ah, the rooms – exquisite but simple. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but that’s the truth. Delicate curtains, white and purple linen and an aptly furnished study area. Not to forget the all-white restrooms, with the lingering smell of tea tree accessories. We went out to the lush gardens for a late evening stroll and were greeted by an in-house group of performing desert musicians and a largish gang of puppet show artistes.

After a long night’s sleep, we woke up to the thought of breakfast. The regional and international dishes spread out on the various counters beckoned us. The poolside setting, with wood fired ovens and live cooking areas, made the experience wholesome. From blueberry cheesecakes and apple pies to bacon-and-sausage-sandwiches and luncheon meat omelets, we tried our hands at everything.

The day’s options at Trident were golf, cooking sessions, musical performances, light-and-sound history shows, massage therapies, and more. But instead, off we went, to visit the Taj Mahal.