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Heritage & Serenity: The Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters

5/5
Duration

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the essence of India on a captivating journey through its historic heart and serene landscapes with the “Heritage & Serenity: The Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters” tour. Begin in Delhi, where the majestic Red Fort and the grandeur of the Mughal architecture at Humayun’s Tomb set the stage for an enriching experience. Travel to Agra to marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal and explore the Agra Fort, before journeying to Jaipur, the Pink City, renowned for its royal palaces and vibrant bazaars. Fly south to Cochin, where colonial charm meets traditional heritage, and continue to the lush hill stations of Munnar. Conclude your adventure with tranquil boat rides through the picturesque backwaters of Thekkady and Kumarakom, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Kovalam. This tour offers a perfect blend of India’s rich cultural heritage and the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s landscapes.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 41.3%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.9%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 49.8%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.4%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 53.4%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 58.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrival at Delhi airport; transfer to hotel and check-in. Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Delhi. Experience a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli Spice Market, bustling areas filled with vibrant spices, dried fruits, and traditional Indian goods, where narrow lanes lead to a sensory overload of colors and aromas. Pay respects at Raj Gath, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, marked by a simple black marble platform and surrounded by tranquil gardens. Tour Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture with beautifully landscaped gardens, built by Humayun’s first wife, Empress Bega Begum, in 1569-70. The tomb is known for its symmetry and serene environment. Admire Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Qur'an, part of the Qutb complex and a fine example of Afghan architecture. Visit Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship with a distinctive lotus-shaped design and peaceful ambiance, promoting unity among all religions. Drive past President House, Parliament, and India Gate, significant landmarks showcasing India’s political history and architectural style. The President House is known for its grand façade, while India Gate is a war memorial with an eternal flame. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Agra and check-in at hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, renowned for its stunning symmetry, intricate inlay work, and lush surrounding gardens. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fort that served as the Mughal emperors' main residence until 1638. The fort features impressive courtyards, palaces, and gardens, with views of the Taj Mahal from certain vantage points. Discover Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, also known as the 'Baby Taj,' notable for its similar architectural style to the Taj Mahal, with intricate marble inlay work and a garden setting. The tomb is considered an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Agra - Jaipur (245km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Jaipur. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city built primarily from red sandstone, featuring structures like Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, and Buland Darwaza. The city was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period and is known for its grand architectural style and historical significance. Explore Abhaneri, a small village famous for its Chand Baori stepwell, one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India, as well as a nearby Hindu Temple with intricate carvings. Continue to Jaipur and check-in at hotel. In the evening, explore the local markets of Pink City, known for their vibrant textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Jaipur. Visit Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, known for its impressive architecture, including ornate courtyards, palaces, and intricate carvings. Explore Jaigarh Fort, home to the world’s largest cannon on wheels, with its massive walls and ancient armory offering panoramic views of Jaipur and its surroundings. Visit City Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, which houses the royal residence, museum, and various courtyards and gardens. Tour Jantar Mantar Observatory, an astronomical observatory with large instruments used for tracking celestial bodies, including the world’s largest stone sundial. Admire Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds,' with its unique façade featuring numerous windows and intricate lattice work, designed to allow royal women to observe street life without being seen. Explore Sisodia Rani Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden with fountains, pavilions, and terraced levels, built for Queen Sisodia. Visit Birla Temple, known for its white marble structure and serene environment, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Stroll through the bazaars of Pink City, rich in history and heritage, offering a mix of royal and artistic experiences. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur - Cochin

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Cochin. On arrival in Cochin, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Cochin

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Cochin. Visit Fort Cochin, a charming seaside area known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, including elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. Explore St. Francis Church, the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama, with its historic significance and simple architecture. Visit Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Dutch Palace, known for their historical importance and architectural styles. The synagogue features ancient Hebrew scrolls and the palace showcases traditional Kerala murals and artifacts. Enjoy a Kathakali Dance show in the evening, a traditional Kerala dance drama known for its elaborate costumes and expressive performances. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Cochin - Munnar (140km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Munnar and check-in at hotel. Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea estates, lush hills, and forests, was a summer retreat during British rule. The area offers stunning natural beauty, including rolling tea gardens and serene landscapes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Munnar

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Pothamedu, offering excellent views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations in Munnar, known for its panoramic vistas and lush greenery. Explore Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam surrounded by hills, used for water storage and hydroelectric projects, with boating facilities and scenic views. Visit Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, a hill station and natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. Tour Mattupedi Dairy Farm, part of the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, known for its advanced dairy farming practices and scenic location. Experience Echo Point, where you can hear your echo reverberate back from the surrounding hills. Visit Tea Museum to learn about the history and culture of tea in South India, showcasing the evolution of tea production and the region's tea heritage. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Munnar - Thekkady (110km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Thekkady. Visit Ramakkalmedu, one of Asia’s windiest places, featuring a wind farm that generates electricity, and attractions like Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and Kuravan & Kurathi twin statues. In the evening, watch a Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts) performance, showcasing traditional self-defense techniques, and a Kathakali Dance show, known for its elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Thekkady

Breakfast at hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat safari, observing a range of wildlife including elephants, bison, and various bird species in a tropical evergreen forest. Tour a spice plantation to see crops like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper, and visit a local market to buy fragrant spices. The plantation offers insights into spice cultivation and processing. Continue to Kumarakom and check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey (Backwater Cruise)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Alleppey. Board a houseboat for a backwater cruise through the scenic Kerala backwaters, enjoying the tranquil environment and lush landscapes. The cruise includes views of traditional Kerala life, including small villages and paddy fields. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay on the houseboat, with the opportunity to relax and take in the natural beauty of the backwaters

Day 13: Alleppey - Kovalam (200km)

Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembark and drive to Kovalam. Check-in at hotel. Rest time free and easy for personal activities and relaxation on the beach. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Trivandrum. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its gold-plated sanctum and intricate architecture, open only to Hindus, featuring detailed murals and carvings. Explore Attukal Temple, renowned for its Tamil architectural style and cultural significance, known for its annual Pongala festival. Visit Napier Museum, housing a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments, with its unique 19th-century architecture. Discover Kuthira Malika, built in the 1840s, showcasing artifacts like ethnic jewelry, wooden paintings, and carvings, reflecting the history of Kerala’s royal families. Tour Sri Chitra Art Gallery, showcasing works by Raja Ravi Verma and other prominent artists, with a focus on traditional and contemporary Indian art. Drive through popular beaches including Shankumugham Beach, known for its wide sandy stretch; Kovalam Beach, famous for its crescent-shaped coastline; Vizhinjam Beach, known for its serene environment; and Light House Beach Road, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. Day free for personal activities and relaxation on the beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, or explore local shops and cafes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Kovalam - Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 15 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast & meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Jaipur - Cochin flight fare approx. INR 9,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation 4 Star Hotels Delhi x 2 nights: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza Agra x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn Jaipur x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Premier/ The Fern An Ecotel Hotel Cochin x 2 nights: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC) Kovalam x 3 nights: Estuary Sarovar Portico/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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Heritage & Serenity: The Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters
✏ Reminder: Transfer NoTH93. GET > https://telegra.ph/Go-to-your-personal-cabinet-08-25?hs=a42c3ef323b7b4bc8d7707986775d1b7& ✏
10/20/2024

skewc7

t6dm27
Heritage & Serenity: The Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters
Isidra
10/09/2024

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