Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour
15 Day – Group tour with air-conditioned vehicle and guide
This popular India tour combines the best of North and South India. The Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist destination in India, followed closely by Kerala. The contrasting landscapes, cultures and cuisines offer a wholesome Indian experience. Start in Delhi, one of the oldest inhabited cities and one of the longest-serving capitals in the world; travel to Agra, home of Taj Mahal and on to Jaipur, the most vibrant Rajasthani city before flying south to Kerala. The diverse heritage of Cochin (Kochi), rich flora and fauna of Periyar Wildlife Reserve, the backwaters of Alleppey and beaches of Kerala offer a myriad of unforgettable experiences. The internal travel is in a private air-conditioned vehicle and a flight between Jaipur & Cochin. The accommodation is a mix of authentic, characterful hotels including a private air-conditioned houseboat!
Highlights of Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour
Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Sightseeing tour of Delhi including rickshaw ride in Chandani Chowk market of old Delhi
Taj Mahal at sunset
Sightseeing tour of Jaipur iclduing Amer Fort
Traditional meal with a local family
Sighseeig tour of Cochin with sunset cruise and Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake
Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake
Overnight stay on a private houseboat cruising the backwaters
Day of leisure Mararikulam Beach
Day 1
Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to The Claridges for a two-night stay. That evening a welcome dinner is arranged in a traditional setting. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Delhi
Your morning tour of old Delhi includes Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat – a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. After lunch you will experience New Delhi, including the Lutyens buildings and India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Delhi – Agra
Today you head to Agra in time for an afternoon visit to Agra Fort before arriving at the Taj Mahal by sunset when it is particularly beautiful. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Agra – Jaipur
Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar is the first place you visit today before proceeding to Jaipur. On route there is a lunch stop at Bharatpur and a visit to the 9th century stepwells at Abhaneri. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5
Jaipur
This morning’s tour starts at Hawa Mahal before visiting the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. Here you can explore the Fort’s extensive apartments decorated with murals and mosaics. The afternoon sightseeing includes Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and the Museum. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Jaipur
A free day to explore Jaipur’s colourful markets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal with a local family.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7
Jaipur – Cochin (Kochi)
Fly to Cochin (Kochi) this morning and transfer to your hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Cochin (Kochi)
Explore the heritage quarters of Fort Cochin this morning visiting St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace). In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance – the traditional dance drama of Kerala. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
Cochin – Periyar National Park
Drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary, stopping en route at a plantation bungalow for a meal with a local family. Indian Cusine Cooking class. Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10
Periyar National Park
In the morning, enjoy a bamboo rafting on the lake and gentle trekking through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to see some of the rare birds endemic to this sanctuary. There is a good chance to spot some wildlife including Indian Bison and wild elephants. In the afternoon, visit the nearby spice plantations to learn more about the spices grown in this area. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
Periyar – Kumarakom
Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills of Western Ghats visiting tea and rubber plantations on the way, before arriving at the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12
Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Cruise
After a leisurely morning, board your private houseboat for a cruise through the famous Kerala Backwaters. Travel across the Vembanad Lake, passing through narrow canals while observing fascinating life by the backwaters. Stop en route to visit churches, temples, local schools or wander around the paddy field. The meals are served on board and cooked using fresh local ingredients. The night is spent on the houseboat.
Accommodation: Private Houseboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13
Alleppey – Mararikulam Beach
Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and drive for an hour to the coastal town of Mararikulam, one of Kerala’s best beach destinations. . Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Mararikulam Beach
Day at leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15
Cochin – Back to Home
You will be transferred to Cochin airport for your flight back to home or onward destination. Meals Included: Breakfast
Special Remarks
*Tour starting 7 November 2023 – Diwali Special – Diwali in Jaipur with special dinner
**Tour starting 21 March 2024 – Holi Special – Holi in Jaipur with special lunch
Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast, lunch on days 4, 9 & 12, dinner on days 1, 6 & 12.
Best Season: October to April.
Clothes: Cottons with light woollen for mid-winter in the north.
* Alternative accommodation of a similar standard may be offered to the hotels listed.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation for 13 nights in hotel and 1 night on houseboat
- All internal road travel by an air-conditioned vehicle, driver and guide
- All scheduled sightseeing with an Englishspeaking guide
- Entrance fees at the monuments
- Jaipur – Cochin flight tickets in economy class
- Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake
Not included in price:
- International flights
- India visa
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not included in the meal plan
- Expenses of personal nature (like room service, laundry, drinks, phone calls etc)
- Camera fees at the monuments
This tour can also be taken privately on a date of your choice. Please contact us for more details.
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