Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters Special - Tour Itinerary

Fly from the UK to Delhi via Dubai.

We arrive in the capital, Delhi, and transfer to the colonial Maidens Hotel or similar where we stay for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today we enjoy a full days sightseeing tour of the historical city of Delhi, beginning in the wide avenues of New Delhi, built by the British as the then new seat of the government.

Our tour will take Lutyen’s buildings and the India gate memorial, along with the impressive tomb of Humayan, an early Mughal structure of red sandstone and white marble. 

The bustling and vibrant streets of Old Delhi are the focus of the afternoons’ activities. Visit the largest mosque in India known as the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of India’s favourite son, Mahatma Gandhi.

The days’ sightseeing ends with a rickshaw ride through the convergent bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the main trading centre of Old Delhi.

Travel by train from Delhi to Agra where you will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel. Stay overnight at the Gateway Hotel or similar. This afternoon a guided sightseeing tour of Agra including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Itmad-ud Daulah.

A full long drive takes us to Jaipur. En route we make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after just 14 years due to a lack of water.

In Jaipur we will stay at the Alsisar Haveli, a 19th century royal mansion with frescoed walls and ceilings or similar.

This morning we visit the Amber Fort which sits atop a hill on the edge of Jaipur. Subject to their availability this journey is on elephants. Returning to the city we visit the City Palace with its museums and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, an elaborate 5 storey facade.

We also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in the 18th century to map and gain further understanding of our galaxy and solar system.

Fly from Jaipur to Cochin via Mumbai. You will be met on arrival and driven to your hotel. Stay 2 nights at the characterful Tower House or similar. Remainder of day at leisure.

Visit the Dutch Palace, with its murals from the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and St Francis’ Church; this evening enjoy Kathakali, a traditional dance form.

Drive to Kumarakom in the backwaters. Stay two nights at Backwater Ripples or similar. Remainder of day free.

Day at leisure.

Drive to the inviting beach at Kovalam; stay at the Travancore Heritage or similar for 3 nights.

Day at leisure.

Day at leisure.

Transfer to the international airport at Trivandrum. Fly to UK via Dubai.