Golden Triangle & Kerala

Old & New Delhi

Old & New Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax. On  day  two you’ll meet the tour leader and the rest of the group. Setting  off,   begin  your sightseeing  of  Delhi –  the  nation’s  capital  and  India’s  third  largest city.  Old  Delhi  is  the  17th  century  walled city of Shahjahanabad (capital of Muslim India between  the  17th  and  19th  centuries)  with city  gates, narrow  alleyways,  bazaars,  many mosques, monuments, forts and other buildings relating  to  India’s  Muslim  history.  The  main street  in  Old  Delhi  is  Chandni  Chowk  –  a colourful,  if  hopelessly  congested  shopping bazaar. New  Delhi,  in  contrast  to  Old  Delhi  is  a  city of wide tree-lined streets, parks, fountains and roundabouts  –  designed  by  Edward  Lutyens and built as the imperial capital of India by the British. Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk) with its outer  circle  Connaught  Circus  (Indira  Chowk) forms  the  business  and  tourist  centre.  New Delhi also houses many government buildings including  Rashtrapati  Bhavan  –  the  official residence of the President of India which stands at  the  opposite  end  of  the  Rajpath  from  India Gate. This evening, enjoy a Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine. 

Jaipur

Jaipur

Today, drive to the Pink City of Jaipur - the vibrant capital of the state of Rajasthan. Sightseeing includes a tour of the City Palace which is a wonderful example of Rajput architecture and Jantar Mantar - the world’s largest stone astronomical observatory. On day four, early-risers can opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, and sail over hilltop forts, regal palaces, sleepy villages and stone carved temples. Today, travel beyond Jaipur to the beautiful 16th century Amber Fort. In true Indian style we take an elephant ride up to the entrance of the fort and tour the well-preserved interior and grounds. Then we stop at a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dying and block printing before returning to Jaipur. The evening is spent at your at leisure.

Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur

Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur

This incredible well has a staggering 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. Next, discover local life, traditions and visit the village school (if open) where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme. After hotel check-in at Bharatpur and time to freshen up, visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle rickshaw ride through the park.

Bharatpur - Agra

Bharatpur - Agra

Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols.

Agra - Delhi

Agra - Delhi

Spend the remains of the day at leisure in India’s bustling capital. 

Delhi - Kochi

Delhi - Kochi

Catch an early morning flight to Kochi today, in the beautiful southern state of Kerala. Long famed in the history books, Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) offered refuge to Jews more than 2,500 years ago. The Portuguese founded the first European colony in Kochi in the 16th century, then the Dutch quickly followed and eventually, the British. The cosmopolitan mix of cultures makes the city truly fascinating. This evening, watch a Kathakali performance. Kathakali is the fascinating traditional dance form of Kerala. 

Kochi - Munnar

Kochi - Munnar

On the morning of day nine, enjoy a guided tour of historic Fort Kochi. Watch the Chinese fishing nets and explore the winding streets of the old town, visiting St Francis’ Church, Parsi Synagogue (exterior only) and a Dutch palace. After sightseeing in Kochi, drive east to Munnar - a picturesque hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. On day 10, take a stroll through one of the many tea plantations with your guide, who will give you a brief explanation about the different varieties of tea and how they are processed. You'll then visit a local market before heading back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure. 

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters

Upon arrival, board a simply furnished private rice-boat for a journey through the lush backwaters. Your rice-boat takes you sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom

Perched sleepily amongst a tangle of lush tropical waterways known as the Keralan backwaters, Kumarakom is technically a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad - one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. This is an ideal place to relax for the next two days and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres, which is a favoured haunt of migratory birds and certainly worthy of a visit.

Kochi

Kochi

After breakfast, travel back to Kochi.