Golden Triangle with Kerala

Duration of Tours – 14 Days

Namaste! Welcome to India! Arrive Delhi after clearing all immigration and customs formalities, our representative will meet you in the arrival hall & assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.A Arrive Hotel and rest of the day will be free for independent activities.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi

DAY 02 :Delhi Sightseeing

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later wewalk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar,built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight Stay in Delhi

DAY 03-04 : Delhi Jaipur (260 KMS, 05- HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur The capital city of the state of Rajasthan also known as "Pink City" owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls. Upon arrival, check-in to your Hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities.

After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness the of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799. Arrive Amber Fort We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Amber Fort - The ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of Kali. Visit the Jantar Mantar the observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728; the City Palace which is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Evening Dinner at Chokhi Dhani followed by Rajasthani Dances Puppet Shows, magic Shows and much for entertainment

Overnight stay in Jaipur

DAY 05-06 : Jaipur- Fatehpur Sikri Agra (240 KMS, 05 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, you will proceed for Agra. Enroute visiting (Ghost Capital) Fatehpur Sikri , the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Agra. First stop at Taj Mahal which built by the Moghul Emperor Shah-jehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Visit Afternoon, leave for Delhi enroute visit Sikandra - Mughal Emperor Akbar's Mausoleum. Continue drive to Delhi. Arrive and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 07: Delhi- Cochin by Flight

After Breakfast you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival meet and greet our representative would receive you and transfer to the hotel. Check into the hotel and get ready to explore Cochin. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'.

Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. A few popular attractions of Cochin are the Santa Cruz Basilica, The Dutch palace at Mattancherry and St. Francis' Church. Return back to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 08: Cochin - Munnar Tour (130Km 4 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast checkout from hotel and Proceed to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India. This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. On arrival check in to the hotel & Rest of the day at Leisure.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 09: Cochin- Munnar

After morning breakfast start for full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Here visit to Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, Tea Plantation and Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy and relax near the tea gardens and appreciated the beauty of nature as you share romantic talks. Later return back on time to the hotel and enjoy the stimulating hot tea sitting outside in the garden. Rest of the day free at leisure.

One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar - Thekkady (120 km-4 hrs)

Morning after breakfast check out from hotel and depart for Thekkady by road. En route visit the panoramic Western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations and an occasional view of waterfalls and streams, several types of spice plantations like cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove.

Thekkady in India's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. On arrival at Thekkady, check into hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 11: Thekkady - Houseboat - Alleppey

Morning after breakfast check out from hotel & process to Alleppey. Alleppey or Alappuzha is the Venice of the East; It is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Enjoy the magic of backwater by going on a Houseboat (Kettuvallam) cruise across the backwaters. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight stay at House Boat.

Day 12: Alleppey - Kovalam (180 Km-5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast check out from hotel and transfer you to Kovalam. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favorite haunt of tourists, Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmers and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, and convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

On arrival at Kovalam check into Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach at Kovalam enjoy the scene of Arabian waves embracing virgin sands in Kerala -Gods own country. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

Day 13: Kovalam - Trivendrum - Kovalam

Morning after breakfast we take you for a day sightseeing of Trivandrum. Trivandrum is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The name is derived from 'Tiru Ananta Puram', the abode of the Sacred serpent Ananta, upon whose coils Vishnu lies in the main temple. It is a peaceful attractive city built across seven hills; the city's old quarter clusters around the temple, while along the busy Mahatma Gamdhi Road are colonial mansions, churches and modern high-rises. Thiruvananthapuram had managed to retain some of the ambience characteristics of Kerala

such as red tiled roofs, narrow winding lanes and intimate corner cafes.

Visit: The Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Museum, Sri Padmanabha Temple afternoon go to the beach for relaxation. Return back to the hotel and rest of the day free at lesuire.

Overnight stay at Hotel, Kovalam.

Day 14: Kovalam - Trivandrum (30 kms-1 hrs)-Departure

Morning drive back to Delhi (220 kms / 04 hrs.).Upon arrival in Delhi check-in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to either relax, or explore the city on your own, or perhaps indulge in some last minute shopping.