Golden Triangle & Coastal Vibes of South India | 17 Nights

Today arrive Delhi by flight (Flight Details Awaited), meeting and assistance at airport and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a curated sightseeing experience through the vibrant landscapes of Old and New Delhi."

This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandini Chowk. Today, it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth.

Here, you will enjoy the walking tour near Chandini Chowk. Also visit India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid. This mosque is the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

After your visit you board your waiting vehicle and drive to Raj Ghat A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notables like Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others.

Later visit Humayun’s Tomb.

Humayun’s Tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendor and the working fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.

Later you will drive past some famous landmarks; Rajpath (Kingsway), the imposing approach to New Delhi sets the venue for the Republic Day parade every January 26th for millions of people to gather and enjoy the spectacle. Among the buildings you drive past are the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace (Rashtrapathi Bhawan) and India Gate, a memorial to soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period between 1914 and 1921.

Overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Delhi for Agra by road. Upon reaching Agra, check in to your hotel and unwind. Evening visit world famous Taj Mahal by Sunset built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'.

Overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast leave Agra and drive to Bharatpur railway station(60 km/approx. 1 hrs 30 min) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

Post visiting Fatehpur Sikri, enjoy lunch at local restaurant and later transfer to Bharatpur railway station(60 km/approx. 1 hrs 30 min) to board the train to Sawai Madhopur 14:50 hrs: Depart by 12060 Kota Jan Shatabdi Express 17:13 hrs: Arrive Sawai Madhopur Meeting and assistance at railway station and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight stay.

Post breakfast at the hotel, set out for morning and afternoon shared canter safaris in Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and the chance to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, seeing a tiger (around 52 to 55 in 2016) is partly a matter of luck; leave time for two or three safaris to improve your chances. But remember there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds.

Overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast leave Ranthambhore and drive to Jaipur, upon arrival check in at hotelEvening Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur.

The Birla Mandir is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the temple was originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. The temple made of pure white marble is slightly deviated from the traditional ancient Hindu temples as it is built with a modern approach.

Overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast excursion to Amber fort. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Jag Mandir, the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. Enroute to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.

Morning sightseeing tour of city visiting Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons.

Visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Evening Visit Local Indian Family for dinner along with cooking demo.

Your Jaipur sojourn is near completed. You have seen the sights and sounds of the city, you have learned about the glorious past, you have experienced the unique character of its people. But isn't there something amiss? Probably a look into a very important part of the culture … food? Enjoy the cooking demo followed by dinner at the residence of Indian family.

Overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast leave Jaipur and drive to Delhi, upon arrival check in at hotel Overnight stay .

Overnight stay.

After breakfast today, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport in time to board your onward flight to Cochin.

Welcome to Kochi, one of Kerala’s most fascinating cities and featured in National Geographic Traveller’s ‘50 Greatest Places of a Lifetime.’ Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, our representative will meet and escort you to your hotel, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay.

Unlock Kochi’s rich history with a morning sightseeing tour that takes you into the heart of this magnificent and vibrant city. The Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese have all left remarkable architectural imprints that continue to define Kochi’s unique character.

Your tour begins with a visit to Fort Cochin, a cherished seaport for centuries, followed by Vasco da Gama Square and the splendid Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis Church, believed to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan friars. It was here that Vasco da Gama was originally buried before his remains were moved to Lisbon.

Next, proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue, and admire the exquisite murals of Mattancherry Palace, depicting episodes from the Ramayana and other Puranic legends.

Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence in Kochi are the iconic Chinese fishing nets, or cheenavala, dating back to around 1350. As the diplomat Ma Huan once observed, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them"; a sentiment that still holds true today.

Overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Munnar, passing over rugged hills and rolling seas of lush, green tea bushes. The journey takes you through verdant grasslands and past the Pallivasal tea estates, your first enchanting glimpse of Munnar. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
Situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres, in a region once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a thriving hub of tea plantations. Prepare to be mesmerized by its dense carpet of tea gardens, dotted with Acacia and Red Gum trees, and delighted by the aroma of freshly brewed tea.
En route to Munnar, take a break for a Spice Plantation tour. Known as a haven for spices, Munnar offers a sensory experience like no other. Wander through captivating farms and witness the cultivation of black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and more; an exploration sure to leave your senses tingling with joy.

Overnight stay.

Continue your exploration of Munnar with a full-day sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can observe the graceful mountain goats (Nilgiri Tahr) in their natural habitat.
Next, head to the Kannan Devan Hills, an idyllic retreat offering panoramic views of the sprawling Munnar tea estates and the shimmering lake.

After lunch, proceed to Mattupetty, where you may be lucky enough to spot a herd of wild elephants on the way to the scenic Mattupetty Dam.

Your tour then takes you to the Tea Museum, home to fascinating photographs and vintage machinery that trace the evolution of the tea industry including the original tea roller, the Rotovane, and the Pelton Wheel.
In the evening, enjoy captivating performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu (martial arts), offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural traditions.

Overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital, where you will check in to your next hotel. Along the way, enjoy a scenic journey as you make your way to Thekkady.
The afternoon is at leisure to take a relaxing stroll through the vibrant spice market in Kumily Village, and be sure to leave room in your suitcase for some of the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and mace!
In the evening, enjoy two remarkable cultural experiences.
First, witness Kathakali, an enthralling blend of art, music, dance, and drama, brought to life through majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological storytelling.
Then experience Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest martial arts, featuring dynamic movements and the thrilling sound of clashing swords.

Overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day surrounded by nature in this wildlife haven. Travelers from across the country flock to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush expanse of dense forests and misty mountains. Enjoy a boating experience on the lake, where you may spot a variety of fascinating wildlife species while taking in the serene beauty of Thekkady.
After spending quality time in nature, continue to the Tribal Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts depicting the culture, attire, rituals, and traditions of the Mannan tribal community.
Later, you may also visit the bustling spice market in Kumily Village, where you can pick up fresh, aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and mace.

Overnight stay at the backwater resort in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Alleppey via Kuttikanam, a serene hill station in the Idukki district known for its trekking trails and adventure activities. As you pass through, you may explore the lush cardamom and tea plantations that blanket the region.

Continue your journey to Alleppey, where you will enjoy a memorable cruise through Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is the most celebrated destination for backwater cruising. It is places like these that truly justify Kerala’s renowned title, ‘God’s Own Country,’ with their captivating beauty and charm.
Your comfortable and luxurious houseboat will glide past emerald-green paddy fields and rows of swaying coconut trees. On board, indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine, prepared with aromatic spices and rich flavours.
As you cruise along, marvel at Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic villages, paddy fields, and the scenic coconut-lined shores. After spending the night on the houseboat, you will have experienced the authentic Kerala vacation.

Overnight on The Houseboat.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out of your houseboat around 10:00 AM and proceed to Marari Beach. On the way, visit the Coir Village and Coir Factory, where you can learn about coir, the natural fibre made from coconut husks, which has been produced since the 1800s.

Next, visit St. Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal, Kerala’s 7th basilica and the first in Alleppey, making it the most renowned church in the Alappuzha district. Believed to have the power to heal mental and physical ailments, the church was originally constructed in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations over time.
Finally, continue to Marari Beach and check into your homestay, where you can relax and unwind.

Overnight at Marari Beach .

After breakfast, begin your day with some sightseeing. Your first stop is the Velorvattom Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to have been built around 700 years ago.
Next, visit the Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple, reputed to be the only temple in Kerala where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are seen sitting face to face. Devotees believe that a visit here can make their wishes come true.
Later, explore the local markets, or enjoy a relaxing stroll or bike ride through the charming fishing villages, before returning to your homestay for the evening.

Overnight at Marari Beach.

After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Kochi Airport to catch your flight home. We hope your journey through India has been truly memorable and filled with wonderful experiences!

Overnight in Poovar.