Day 01
Arrive Delhi (flight)On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time to relax.Overnight at hotel.
India · Culture
Golden Triangle & Kerala Backwater (16 Days)
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Explore Old and New Delhi, including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, and India Gate
- 02 Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah in Agra
- 03 Discover Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple, and local markets
- 04 Stop at Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri village en route to Jaipur
- 05 Enjoy a full-day city tour of Cochin and an evening Kathakali dance show
- 06 Visit tea estates and a tea factory in Munnar
- 07 Take a boat safari in Periyar National Park and look out for elephants and other wildlife
- 08 Cruise the Alleppey backwaters on a houseboat and relax on Kovalam’s beaches
Discover two very different sides of India on this 16-day journey, combining the iconic sights of the Golden Triangle with the lush landscapes and relaxed pace of Kerala. Explore Delhi’s historic landmarks, visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and continue to Jaipur for forts, palaces, markets, and classic Pink City atmosphere.
Then fly south to Kerala to experience Cochin’s cultural heritage, the tea-growing hills of Munnar, the wildlife-rich landscapes of Thekkady, and a traditional houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey. The journey ends with time to unwind on the beaches of Kovalam, creating a well-rounded trip of history, culture, nature, and relaxation.
Although a tiger reserve, the star of the show in Periyar is the herd of elephants that descend down to the lake.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
16 Days
Tour type
Private
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
No
Cities
Delhi, Kochi, Alappuzha, Jaipur, Agra, Munnar, Fatehpur Sikri, Thekkady, Kovalam, Periyar National Park
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
DelhiBreakfast at hotel proceed for full day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. In Old Delhi visit Red Fort, Jama Masjid & rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk. In New Delhi visit Humayun tomb, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple & drive past thru VVIP area of Rajpath which includes president house, parliament & India Gate.Overnight at hotel.
Day 03
Delhi - Agra (204kms/ 4hrs approx)Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.Build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace.Built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, boasts of marble trellis work and inlaid with-precious stones, this mausoleum on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj, exhibits a strong Persian influence.Overnight at hotel.
Day 04
Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245kms/ 5hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri & Abhaneri village famous for step well and a Hindu temple. Arrive Jaipur check in at hotel. Rest time free for visiting the colorful market with your driver.Overnight at hotel.
Day 05
JaipurBreakfast at hotel full city tour of Jaipur visiting Amber fort and Jeep ride, Jaigarh Fort, city palace & museum, observatory, Palace of winds, Birla temple and local market.Overnight at hotel.
Day 06
Jaipur - Cochin (flight)Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. On arrival at Cochin airport assistance and transfer to hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 07
CochinBreakfast at hotel full day city tour of Cochin. Visit Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church & Chinese Fishing Nets etc. Evening Kathakali dance show.Overnight at hotel.
Day 08
Cochin - Munnar (140kms/ 3hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel, drive to Munnar check in at hotel. Rest me to relax and visit the surrounding with your driver.Overnight at hotel.
Day 09
MunnarBreakfast at hotel full day city tour of Munnar visit Devikulam National Park, tea estate & tea factory.Overnight at hotel.
Day 10
Munnar - Thekkady (110kms/ 2hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel drive to Thekkady check in at hotel. Later spice plantation tour and visit Mangala Devi Temple.Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
ThekkadyBreakfast at hotel boat safari to visit the Periyar national park. Although a tiger reserve, the star of the show in Periyar is the herd of elephants that descend down to the lake. Other intriguing and rare species of animals dwelling in the sanctuary include the Sambar Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Nilgiri Langur, the highly endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque, Small Travancore Flying Squirrel, Stripe-Necked Mongoose, Nilgiri Marten and many more.Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Thekkady - Alleppey (130kms/ 3hrs approx)Breaakfast at hotel drive to Alleppey. Board a houseboat & enjoy the Backwater cruise. All meals & overnight on board.Overnight on board.
Day 13
Alleppey – Kovalam (200kms/ 4hrs approx)After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Kovalam check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy for personal activities relax on the beach.Overnight at hotel.
Day 14
KovalamBreakfast at hotel day free and easy for personal activities & relax on the beach. (Transport not included this day)Overnight at hotel.
Day 15
KovalamBreakfast at hotel day free and easy for personal activities & relax on the beach. (Transport not included this day)Overnight at hotel.
Day 16
Kovalam - DepartureBreakfast at hotel as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
End of our services
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Assistance on arrival at the airport.
- 15 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
- Boat safari on Pariyar River in Thekkady.
- Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- Government taxes.
What's Not Included
- Any flight ticket.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
Know before you go
- STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Hotels used or similar
Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott
Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur
Cochin x 2 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien
Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County
Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County
Alleppey x 1 night
3* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
4* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
5* - Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons/ Spice Route Premium
Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Pickup service provided in New Delhi.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in New Delhi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 16 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in New Delhi..
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.
- Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
- Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
- Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Say goodbye to travel stress.