Overview
Duration- 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places-Delhi-Prayagraj-Ayodhya-Agra-Jaipur-Cochin-Munnar-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Alleppey-Kovalam-Tiruvananthapuram-Delhi
Mode of Transportation- Flight and Private Vehicle with English-speaking chauffer
Meals- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure
Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations
Inclusions- All-inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera
Hotel Category- Category of your choice.
Golden Triangle-India’s golden triangle is a tourist circuit that connects the national capital, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so named because of the triangular shape formed by their locations on a map and also because of the vast wealth of cultural and historic treasures to be found in these three cities The trips usually start in Delhi and move south to the site of the Taj Mahal at Agra then west, to Jaipur (the desert landscapes). It is normally possible to do the trip by road, train or plane. The Golden Triangle is now a well-travelled route, providing a good spectrum of the country’s different landscapes in short duration. The circuit is about 450 Miles by road. Each leg is about 4 to 5 hours of seamless driving with few short breaks en route to cover places of historical importance.
Kerala– Kerala – the ‘Queen of the Malabar Coast’, is indeed one of the most gorgeous and enticing holiday destinations in the entire country. Adorned by the enchanting charm of the Arabian Sea, guarded by the lofty Western Ghats, jotted with numerous lagoons, and strapped by a chain of canals, this picturesque holiday casts a magical spell on all its visitors! Fondly called ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala boasts of its bountiful beauty and prismatic offerings.
Itinerary:
Day 1– Arrival Delhi
A very warm welcome to India’s capital city!!! Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English- speaking tour manager and chauffer. Tour manager will help you with hotel check in and discuss the tour details. Depending upon your flight timings local excursions can be planned for the day.
Today’s Excursion- It can be discussed and planned as per your arrival in Delhi
Night Stay- Delhi
Day 2– Delhi
Post relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a full day city tour. We will cover / pass through all the below listed places of importance. You have option to add / omit places.
Today’s Excursion-
Qutub Minar- Built in 1193, it is the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound also has an iron pillar famous for the rust- resistant composition and is an excellent specimen of ancient metallurgy
Humayun Tomb- The tomb of Humayun construction was completed in 1572. The building was the first to use its unique combination of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agrasen Ki Baoli- Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter-wide historical stepwell built in 14th century.
Jama Masjid- It was built between 1650 and 1656.At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque predominantly uses red sandstone & Black marble. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
Red Fort- The Red Fort historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. It was completed in 1648. The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing “The Zenith of Mughal Creativity”
Raj Ghat- It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s Cremation. It is on the west bank of the Yamuna River
Rickshaw Ride- The Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour is special as it is royal and regal. Hop on board our cushy rickshaws and explore the Mughal-built Walled City in a comfortable, eco-friendly and adventurous way. This tour is a mix of Old Delhi Heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in this enigmatic experience and have the best of this Old City.
Drive through / Photo stop- President house / Parliament house / India Gate
Night Stay- Delhi
Day 3– Delhi to Prayagraj (Flight / 1:30 hours)
Post relaxing breakfast at hotel, we will embark on our journey to Pilgrimage site of Maha Kumbh-Prayagraj.
A very warm welcome to India’s Pilgrimage city!!! Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English- speaking tour manager and chauffer. Tour manager will help you with hotel check in and discuss the tour details. Depending upon your flight timings local excursions can be planned for the day.
On early arrival you can visit Bade Hanuman Temple, Akshayvat & participate in Ganga Aarti.
Today’s Excursion- It can be discussed and planned as per your arrival in Prayagraj
Night Stay- Prayagraj
Day 4– Prayagraj to Ayodhya (110 Miles / 3 hours)
In the morning take a Holy Dip in Triveni Sangam (Confluence point of Ganga, Yamuna & invisible Saraswati) and return back to camp for breakfast. Rest of time free to explore Kumbh Mela. Later we depart for Ayodhya by road.
Today’s Excursion-
Ram Janmabhoomi- The Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayan, Ram, Lord Vishnu’s seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya’s river Sarayu. It is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.
Hanuman Garhi- Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site guarding Ayodhya.
Kanak Bhawan- The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the northeastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.
Treta Ke Thakur- The Treta Ke Thakur Temple houses numerous idols including that of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat and Sugreev. These statues are said to have been sculpted out of a single black sandstone.
Choti Chawni- Also known as Valmiki Bhawan or Maniramdas Chawni, Choti Chawni is a magnificent structure completely crafted out of white marble.
Sita ki Rasoi- Sita ki Rasoi is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels.
Night stay- Ayodhya
Day 5– Ayodhya to Delhi (Flight / 1 hour) to Agra (130 miles- 3 hours)
Post breakfast at your hotel, we will leave for Airport to board flight to Delhi for your onward journey. Straight from Delhi Airport we will leave for Agra by road.
Today’s Excursion-
Sikandra- The four-storied tomb combines both marble and sandstone in its exterior. The construction of Sikandra was completed in 1613. The tomb with is set amidst a large garden and is enclosed by four battlemented walls, each with a large gateway. The 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on the tomb.
Night stay- Agra
Day 6– Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (150 miles- 5 hours)
Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will drive to Jaipur, visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.
Upon arrival at Jaipur check in and relax for a while before we embark on half day city tour.
Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. During the year 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). It is also known as the Paris of India, and it was founded in 1727 UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the Pink City of India & among its World Heritage Sites. It is among the top 10 places of tourist attraction in Asia.
Today’s Excursion-
Fatehpur Sikri- It is an abandoned palace city which sits on rocky ridge, 1.9 miles in length and 0.62 miles wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Some of the important buildings in this city holds both religious and secular importance. The city was built massively and preferably with red sandstone.
Agra Fort- Also known as Agra’s Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor in 1573.It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The 40-hectare fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river Yamuna and its walls are seventy feet high.
Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which currently would be approximately USD $1 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Night stay- Jaipur
Day 7– Jaipur
Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our full day local tour of Jaipur.
Today’s Excursion-
Amer Fort- Amer Fort is great example of architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Its construction ensured that a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jaigarh Fort- The Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Hill of Eagles. The Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort
Nahargarh Fort- Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. Nahar in local language means abode of tigers. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for the kind named Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name
Hawa Mahal- The structure was built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 highly decorated small windows. The original intent of this design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer
City Palace- The City Palace, Jaipur was established in 1727. It now houses the Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family has around 500 personal servants The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices
Jantar Mantar- A Jantar Mantar is an assembly of stone-built astronomical instruments, designed to be used with the naked eye. The instrument can be used with an accuracy of about 20 seconds by a skilled observer & to measure the time of day, and the declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. It is the world’s largest stone sundial. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Optional Activity (At extra charge)
1. Elephant Ride to Amer Fort
2. Jeep Ride to Amer fort
3. Hot Air balloon – Jaipur City view from the top
Night stay- Jaipur
Day 8– Jaipur to Cochin (Flight / 5 hours)
Post breakfast at hotel, pack your baggage for the next destination “Kerala”.
Cochin popularly known as “THE QUEEN OF ARABIAN SEA” is a major port city, situated on the west coast of Peninsular India. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Western Ghats on the east. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the breathtaking scenic beauty and age-old charm of Kerala. Kerala is hailed as a “Gods own country”.
Post arrival at Cochin, check in and day at leisure
Night stay- Cochin
Day 9– Cochin to Munnar (90 miles / 4 hours)
After early breakfast at hotel, we will spend half day touring Cochin and later move ahead on our scenic tour to Munnar. It’s a beautiful drive through lush green hills and tea gardens. The scenery is spectacular and you can linger awhile at the Neriamangalam bridge for a view of the Periyar River and also at the waterfalls at Cheeyappara and Valara (seasonal).
Munnar- Munnar is a hill station which sits on the confluence of three mountain streams surrounded by dense greenery. Munnar was the summer resort of the British full of rolling hills, stunning tea plantations, spice plantations and much more. It is the ideal holiday destination to unwind all your stress.
Today’s Excursion- At Cochin
Chinese Fishing Net- The Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi are often regarded as one of the most picturesque sights in Kochi. Legends say that these nets were originally brought down from the royal courts of Kublai Khan, the great Chinese emperor and introduced in 14th century.
Fort Kochi- The ancient Fort Kochi exhibits the traits of the different cultures of English, Dutch and Portuguese infused in its age-old architecture
Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue was originally built in 1568 and later restored by the Dutch. The synagogue has a gold pulpit as well as hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles that were imported from China. An exquisitely beautiful Belgian chandelier illuminates the synagogue and the unique clock tower further adds to its charm.
Night stay- Munnar
Day 10– Munnar
Start the day with refreshing sunrise and relaxing breakfast before embarking on day long local tour of Munnar.
Today’s Excursion-
Eravikulam National Park- Located in the hills of Munnar, this national park is famous for endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The forest spread over an area of 60 square miles is divided into; core area, buffer area and tourism area. Core area and buffer area is not open to the public. (Note: Eravikulam National Park will be closed from Feb to Mar every year for the two months due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.)
Kundala Lake- Kundala dam is an artificial dam, Asia’s first arch dam. Though it pulls with its serenity and beauty, you could be lucky to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which blossom once in 12 years in the adjacent hills and valleys of Kundala Lake. Boating in Kundala offers options of pedal boating, row boating and shikara rides.
Mattupetty Dam- Mattupetty Dam and the lake are beautiful scenic spots of Munnar, located near peak and surrounded by tea plantations, spice gardens and rolling hills. The dam area is also an ideal picnic spot and a lovely trekking path. It offers boating facilities by speedboats and motorboats.
Carmelagiri Elephant Park- Enjoy short elephant safari, that too in the rocky topography of Munnar.
Blossom Park- This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies. The facilities offered here are adventure trails, boating, nature walks, bird watching, roller skating, badminton, etc.
Night stay- Munnar
Day 11– Munnar to Thekkady (75 miles / 3 hours)
After relishing relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will drive towards next highly picturesque destination Thekkady. As we move, the wooded terrain clears to reveal a breathtaking plantation, filling our lungs with fresh mountain air and rich fragrance of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.
Thekkady is a small town near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.
Today’s Excursion-
Spice Plantation- One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. Kerala contributes about 70 percent of the national production of cardamom with the major chunk coming from the plantations in this region. The pepper plantations are something else that are worth seeing. The sunlight seeping through the shapely leaves of the pepper plants is an alluring sight.
Cultural Show- In the evening enjoy martial arts and Kathalkali performances
Night stay- Thekkady
Day 12– Thekkady to Kumarakom (100 miles / 4 hours)
Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for next destination Kumarakom after spending half day exploring Periyar.
Kumarakom is popularly known as the ‘Venice of East’ is a popular destination famous for its backwater tourism. This exotic backwater village consists of a cluster of island villages in and around the Vembanad Lake.
Today’s Excursion-
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed by trekking, boating or jeep safari.
Elephant Junction- Enjoy Elephant ride and sight of bathing Elephant
Bamboo Rafting for adventurers- By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.
Boat Ride– Enjoy sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom
Night stay- Kumarakom
Day 13– Kumarakom to Alleppey (2 miles / 30 minutes)
Post relaxing breakfast at hotel proceed to board your houseboat.
Houseboat- A houseboat is about 100 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are local and ecofriendly, bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. These houseboats are fully furnished single room, double room, and triple rooms.
Today’s Excursion-
Houseboat Tour- You will be on houseboat for next 22-24hours. Cruise through the backwater, discover the swaying beauty of the narrow canals, verdant paddy fields, coconut
lagoons and coir villages; overnight stay will be in the houseboat.
Night stay- Houseboat
Day 14– Alleppey to Kovalam (100 miles / 4 hours)
Post breakfast on the houseboat you will disembark, and we will proceed for beach location Kovalam. It’s a beach location where there is no activity planned for the day. You are free to explore beaches which are near your hotel.
Kovalam is a small beach town, there are three large beaches at Kovalam divided by rocky outcrops providing distinct bays which you can choose to explore. Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and Samudra the most peaceful and private. Swim in the azure waters of the Arabian sea, sunbathe, play beach cricket or enjoy a calming Indian massage. The beach is well serviced with amenities but they are not overpowering and do not disrupt the gentle ambience of the palm-fringed golden shores.
Today’s Excursion-
Beaches- We will cover Lighthouse beach and Samudra beach
Optional Activity-
Water sports- The water activities which are offered include parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and backwater cruise.
Ayurvedic Massage / Spa
Night stay- Kovalam
Day 15– Kovalam
Post breakfast at your hotel whole day is at leisure to explore beach and indulge in ayurvedic massage or you can opt for the optional tour.
Optional Activity-
Tour of Kanyakumari (50 miles / 2 hours)- This is the farthest land point of India. With your entry in Kanyakumari, you can see the charming excellence wherein the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal converge with one another. Following this, you will be taken for a pontoon ride to the prestigious Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Vellayani Lake- This freshwater lake also serves as a host to Snake Boat Races in Kerala.
Night stay- Kovalam
Day 16– Kovalam to Delhi (Flight / 3.30 hours)
Post breakfast at your hotel we will proceed to Airport for our onward journey to Delhi.
Night stay- Delhi (Depending upon your onward journey)
Note: This is just a time bound sample itinerary indicative of how and what all could be explored. We can customise the tour as per your requirements. Set your expectations and we will offer memorable experience. Please reach out to us for personalised holiday experience.
Inclusions-
All Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation for 15 Nights / 16 Days
All mode of domestic transportation
Jungle safari / Elephant ride
Houseboat
All the entry tickets
English speaking tour guide at all the locations
Exclusions-
International flight
Travel insurance
Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary
Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera
Optional tours / activities
Water sports activities