Golden Triangle & Kerala
Highlights
Some of the highlights included are:
- Old and New Delhi - the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat
- The Pink City of Jaipur - the lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar
- An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
- Agra - the beautiful Agra Fort and the Mughal mausoleum known as Baby Taj
- The spectacular Taj Mahal - India's most famous monument in all its glory at sunset
- Fatehpur Sikri - an ancient abandoned Mughal city
- Abhaneri - the iconic Chand Baori 9th century step well - the deepest in the world
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park - UNESCO site and home to some 300 migratory birds
- Kochi - the beautiful St Francis’ Church, the white washed Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi and the iconic Chinese Fishing nets on the waterfront
- Lake Vembanad - Asia’s largest freshwater lake
- Cruise through Kerala's famous tropical backwaters on a rice boat
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What's included
- International and internal flights
- 12 nights 3-4* hotels and heritage hotels
- 1 night onboard a deluxe houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala
- 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur
- Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Chand Baori Step Well and Fort Kochi
- Kathakali dance show
- Airport transfers
- Tour leader throughout and local guides
Need to know
- Single supplement applies
- Speak to your travel consultant about extending your trip pre or post tour
Your route
Itinerary
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.