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16 Day itinerary in India, Asia

Golden Triangle & Kerala

If you're travelling to India for the first time, this trip is perhaps the best experience of India. Golden Triangle is the name given to the most famous trinity of Indian tourism - Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. This trip takes you through the Golden Triangle along with a wildlife treat (Ranthambore Tiger R... Read More

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HimashuCharlie

By Himashu and Charlie

Overview

Physical Difficulty

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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Delhi

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Rafting

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Outdoors & Nature

Culture & Arts

Adventure

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World the “Taj Mahal”

2

Join in 2 Jungle Safaris at Ranthambore National Park, one of the finest tiger reserves in India

3

Visit the tea plantations and picturesque town of Munnar

4

Discover the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey, world-famous for its vast mesmerizing backwaters

Itinerary

Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay) expand_more

Day 1

place Airport Transfer and Delhi Sightseeing

Welcome to the beautiful chaos of Delhi! Upon arrival, jump-in right into the hustle and bustle of the capital of India and its second most populous city. Considered as one of the oldest existing cities in the world, Delhi’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. A private car with a driver will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After refreshing, head out for Delhi sightseeing. Start with a visit to the famous Lotus Temple. Notable for its flower-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Baháʼí Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification. Afterwards drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (the residence of President of India), and visit India Gate (a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War).

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, Contemporary Business Hotel
Day 2

place Sightseeing of Delhi

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast to start your day of sightseeing in Delhi. A mixture of history with a taste of everyday Delhi, today’s itinerary covers all aspects of this former capital of the Mughal Empire. Stop off at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb. Built in 1570, it is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Then visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. After that, visit the bustling Chandni Chowk – one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk. Later visit the towering Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 73-metre (239.5 feet) tall tapering tower of five storeys. Qutb ud Din Aibak, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, started construction of the Qutb Minar's first storey around 1192. Afterwards visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh temples, or Sikh house of worship in Delhi and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. There is also a sacred pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar." Have dinner at a nice restaurant and then reach back at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, Contemporary Business Hotel
Day 3

place Transfer to Agra

After a nice breakfast, check out from the hotel and head towards Agra. Welcome to the Agra city of Wonderful Taj Mahal. Agra is blessed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World the “Taj Mahal”. The city with its rich culture, history and architectural work stands in the top of the tourist destination in India. Reach Agra by noon. Have lunch at a nice restaurant. Then check-in at your hotel. In the late afternoon head out to visit Agra Fort, a historical fort, which remained the main residence of the Mughal emperors till 1638. In the evening stroll in the local market area - the best place to see shades of India. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Agra.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra
Day 4

place Visit to Taj Mahal and transfer to Ranthambore National Park

Early in the morning at sunrise visit the spectacular Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check-out from hotel and head towards Ranthambore. Once a private game reserve of the royal House of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas. Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Reach Ranthambore by evening & check-in at the hotel on arrival. The evening is at your leisure. Enjoy your time watching the sunset over Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges. Dinner & overnight stay will at the hotel in Ranthambore.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Clarks Resort Abhyaran Ranthambore
Day 5

place Jungle Safaris at Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy the early morning tea and snacks and then head out for jungle safari at 6:00am. Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in India. It is in every sense a perfect place for wildlife photography. Later come back to the hotel, have breakfast and relax. Rest of the morning is at your leisure. Have lunch at the hotel. In the late afternoon head out for another jungle safari at 3:00pm, this time on a different path. Maybe you get a good chance of sighting the Indian tigers. Spend some time watching the peacocks and other animals in their natural habitat. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Kings of Jaipur. The evening is at your leisure. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Ranthambore.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Clarks Resort Abhyaran Ranthambore
Day 6

place Transfer to Jaipur and Jaipur Walking Tour

After breakfast check out from hotel, and head towards the Pink City - Jaipur, famous for its broad avenues, massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and royal culture. It will be around 04 hours drive. You'll drive through the countryside of Rajasthan, thus a good way of seeing the culture of the region. On the way you'll be seeing many cows, the traffic will surprise you. Reach Jaipur by afternoon. Check-in at your hotel on arrival. In the evening head out for a guided walk-tour of Pink City market. Jaipur is also known as the shopper’s paradise. Jaipur's colorful markets offer a great break to stop and shop on your tour. Take in the glint and sparkle of the rows of shops selling hand-crafted bangles and other decoration items. While moving through the markets, you will come across the vivacious culture of this region. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Jaipur.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Radisson Jaipur City Center
Day 7

place Local sightseeing in Jaipur

Have a sumptuous breakfast and then set out for exploring the best attractions of Jaipur. Visit Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"), a high screen wall built, so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while unseen from the outside. Then visit Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1738 CE. After that, visit the City Palace. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings and gardens. In the afternoon stop by Jal Mahal, a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. It was built in the 17th century. Then visit the grand Amer Fort (or Amber Fort), also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur and the current structure was built during the late 16th century by Rajput Kings. This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. In the evening visit Nahargarh Fort, which provides a beautiful bird's eye view of the entire Jaipur city. Later in the evening enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant and then return to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Jaipur.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Radisson Jaipur City Center
Day 8

place Transfer to Kochi & local sightseeing in Kochi

After breakfast check-out from hotel and transfer to Jaipur Airport. Board the flight for Kochi (not included). Arrive by flight at Kochi by noon. The serene Kochi (a.k.a. Cochin) has been drawing traders and explorers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix of giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The private car will pick you up from the Kochi airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kochi. In the afternoon head out for a local sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Old Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. Constructed in 1567, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Then visit Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. After that visit Cochin Spice Market & Chinese fishing nets. Later reach back at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kochi.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Dutch Bungalow - Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi
Day 9

place Transfer to Munnar

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and head straight to Munnar. The rolling hills around Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. One of the biggest tea-plantation regions of South India, Munnar is also one of the most beautiful and popular hill-stations of Kerala. Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is also blessed with natural view-points apart from the tea-plantations. After around 5 hours journey reach Munnar by afternoon. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. In the evening head out to see Kalaripayattu Show. Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art, which originated as a style in Kerala. Later reach back at the hotel and have dinner. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Munnar.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Mistletoe Homestay & Art Gallery Cafe
Day 10

place Munnar sightseeing

After breakfast head out for sightseeing. Visit Munnar Tea Museum. The tea museum preserves the aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's mountain region of the Western Ghats. Then go for a Jeep ride, enjoy the ride to Mankulam and Anakulam villages surrounded by tea gardens and dense forest. On this ride, you will get a chance to see high-altitude tea gardens, waterfalls, tribal areas, organic villages and possibly wild elephants. On the way back to Munnar visit spice plantations. The spice plantation in Munnar is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. Later enjoy a tea plantation walk tour. Reach back at the hotel by evening and have dinner. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Munnar.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Mistletoe Homestay & Art Gallery Cafe
Day 11

place Transfer to Periyar (Thekkady)

After breakfast check-out from hotel & head towards Periyar (Thekkady). The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Reach Thekkady by afternoon and check-in at the hotel upon arrival. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thekkady.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): The Elephant Court
Day 12

place Jungle walk tour and Boat safari at Periyar National Park

Early in the morning, set out for half-day guided jungle walk tour and Boat ride/ Bamboo rafting safari at Periyar National Park. This activity takes close to 6 hrs. The wildlife sanctuary is also famous for its tiger reserve and elephant reserve. Visiting the sanctuary will be like exploring the nature around, enjoying the pristine and peaceful atmosphere around and getting relaxed from your busy schedules. There are bright chances to spot the elephant herd in the jungle while you are walking through the trails. Reach back at the hotel by noon. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening head out to see Kathakali show (a very popular Indian classical dance form). Later reach back at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thekkady.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): The Elephant Court
Day 13

place Transfer to Kollam

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and head towards Kollam, the southern approach to Kerala’s backwaters, surrounded by the calm waterways of Ashtamudi Lake, fringed with coconut palms, cashew plantations and traditional villages – a great place to get a feel for the backwaters without the crowds. A treasure trove of natural wonders and historical edifices, Kollam is an enchanting town with backwaters and picturesque landscapes. Reach Kollam by evening. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kollam.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Fragrant Nature Paravur
Day 14

place Varkala Beach tour

After breakfast head out for a sightseeing tour to Varkala Beach. Varkala is an amazing place where you see sea coast along with cliffs. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. Varkala Beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. In the afternoon reach back Kollam and enjoy a boat ride at the backwaters & mangroves of Paravur Lake. Later reach back at the hotel. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kollam.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Fragrant Nature Paravur
Day 15

place Transfer to Alleppey

After breakfast check-out from the hotel & head towards Alleppey (a.k.a. Alappuzha). Welcome to the “Venice of the East”. Alleppey, world-famous for its vast mesmerizing backwaters. This charming place is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters and is home to a huge network of backwaters and more than a thousand houseboats. Reach Alleppey by noon. Check-in at a private AC houseboat. Have lunch on the houseboat. Enjoy a boat cruise through the magnificent Vembanad lake for an unforgettable experience of backwater cruising. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the houseboat in Alleppey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort Level Accommodation (4-5 star hotels/ homestay): Southern Panorama Cruises - Premium Luxury Houseboats in Alleppey | kumarakom | Kerala|
Day 16

place Transfer back to Kochi Airport

After breakfast check out from the houseboat, Private car will drop you at Kochi (Cochin) Airport by noon. Bid farewell with the memories of this amazing fun-filled 16 days trip through the Golden Triangle & God’s Own Country - Kerala, worth remembering for a lifetime!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Clarks Resort Abhyaran Ranthambore
  • The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, Contemporary Business Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra
  • Dutch Bungalow - Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi
  • Mistletoe Homestay & Art Gallery Cafe
  • The Elephant Court
  • Fragrant Nature Paravur
  • Southern Panorama Cruises - Premium Luxury Houseboats in Alleppey | kumarakom | Kerala|
  • Radisson Jaipur City Center

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (15)
  • Dinner (7)
  • Lunch (3)

Transport expand_less

  • As per itinerary on a private sedan car (Toyota Etios or similar) with driver.

Activities expand_less

  • 2 shared-jeep Jungle safaris (6:00am & 3:00pm) & entry fees included at Ranthambore National Park
  • A private jeep tour at Munnar
  • A boat ride at Kollam backwaters
  • Half day guided jungle walk tour and Boat ride/Bamboo raft safari at Periyar National Park
  • Rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk in Delhi
  • Guided walk tour of Pink City Market at Jaipur

Extras expand_less

  • Entry tickets for all monuments at Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Kochi
  • Entry passes for Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show at Munnar
  • Entry passes for Kathakali Dance Show at Periyar
  • Entry passes for Munnar Tea Museum
  • Entry passes for Tea plantation & Spice Plantation in Munnar
  • All tolls, parking charges & driver allowances included
  • All local taxes included

Not Included expand_less

  • Personal expenses like laundry, beverages, drinks, etc
  • Travel Insurance
  • International & Domestic Flights
  • Tourist Visa

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