Golden Triangle And Kerala

Highlights

Golden Triangle And Kerala

Backwaters and Beaches holiday in Kerala - 12 nights/13 days Destinations of Golden Triangle and Kerala Tour Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Cochin - Kumarakom - Marari This 13 day tour is a perfect introduction to India for a first time visitor . The trip takes you through India’s famous and iconic Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and then to the area called “God’s own country”, Kerala in Southern India. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur offers an excellent introduction to India’s rich history, culture and heritage , while the time spent in tropical Kerala , lets you see the atmospheric city of Cochin, the back water resort of Kumarakom , spend overnight on a Houseboat, and then time to relax on the quiet unexplored beach in Marari.

• Tour Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
• Places Covered: Delhi(2) > Agra(1) > Jaipur(2) > Cochin(2) > Houseboat(1) > Kumarakom(2) > Marari(2)

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  Your Golden Triangle and Kerala tour begins in Delhi , where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 2: In Delhi

  A full day's sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan - the President's House; Humayun's Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple - beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. We will be happy to recommend restaurants and lovely places to stroll in Delhi in the evening. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 3: Drive Delhi-Agra (220 kms/ 04 hrs)

  Drive to Agra - City of the Taj Mahal, a great monument to love and one of the world's most beautiful buildings. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel and after a quick lunch head out to see the sights of Agra. Begin at the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls. Overnight stay in Agra.

• Day 4: Drive Agra-Jaipur (250 kms/ 05 hrs)

  Your drive to Jaipur takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. After the visit, continue to Jaipur, the next stop on your Golden Triangle and Kerala tour, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. On arrival, check in to your Jaipur hotel for a 2 night stay. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

• Day 5: In Jaipur

  A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

• Day 6: Fly Jaipur-Mumbai-Cochin

  Transfer to Jaipur Airport in time for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai. On arrival in Cochin you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. There will be some free time to enjoy the hotel or head out and explore your surrounds. Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 7: In Cochin

  Cochin's half day sight seeing includes Cochin Harbour where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church (built in 1510 Vasco Da Gama was originally burried here). In the evening you will be collected for a Kathakali Dance Show Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 8: Cochin – Kumarakom (70 kms/1 ½ hrs) and board your Houseboat

  Drive to Kumarakom and upon arrival, transfer to jetty to board your private house boat for an overnight stay. This cruise along the beautiful backwater canals of Kerala is a highlight of any holiday in Kerala. The converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew are loaded onto dugouts. You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets by bullock-cart, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making traditions. The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. Onboard the cuisine is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience. Overnight onboard Houseboat.

• Day 9: Houseboat-Kumarakom

  Disembark your Houseboat in Kumarakom, where you check in to your chosen retreat and enjoy the remainder of the day discovering nature's beauty at your own pace. Overnight in Kumarakom

• Day 10: In Kumarakom

  Day at leisure in Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into Lake Vembanad whose waters run into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. Set out to explore the area by boat or bicycle and enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna or relax in your hotel and treat yourself to delicious Keralan cuisine and pampering treatments. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

• Day 11: Kumarakom-Marari (50 kms/ 01 hr)

  Drive to Marari. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf. In addition, it gives an authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. Upon arrival check in to your chosen resort. Overnight stay in Marari.

• Day 12: In Marari

  Day at leisure in Marari Overnight stay in Marari

• Day 13: Marari-Cochin Airport (70 kms/ 2 ½ hrs)

  Your Golden Triangle and Kerala tour ends with drive back to Cochin Airport in time for your flight home.

Date & Price

Price

Accommodation

Important Information

• **Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December' and 05th January' and during the month of February’ .