The Golden Triangle is a classic introduction to India. If you have never been to the subcontinent before, this 11 day tour is the perfect introduction. The three Indian cities - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra - speak history like no other book can. See with your own eyes the glory of the iconic yesteryear, giving a sense of nostalgia and a sense of belonging. Delhi has the influence of Moghul and British architecture, whereas Jaipur is known for being India’s first planned city where Rajputana architecture shines with its parks, gardens, monuments and palaces-turned-hotels beautifully laid out. While Agra, once the heart of the Moghul Empire, boasts the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal which adorns the banks of the Yamuna River. Once the main tour is complete, enjoy an extension to the region of Kerala, on the southwestern coast of India, famous for its backwaters. This exotic area combines beautiful national parks, bird sanctuaries and fragrant spice gardens, creating an unforgettable adventure.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: Old and New Delhi come to life during visits to the Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar and the grandiose colonial district
Jaipur: Admire the amazing Amber Fort, visit the dazzling City Palace and see the romantic Palace of the Winds
Agra: Behold the love poem written in stone that is the Taj Mahal and explore the city’s imposing Red Fort
Kochi: Admire the Dutch influence in monuments such as the Mattancherry Palace, the religious mix with the city’s synagogue, St Francis’s Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, along with the landmark Chinese fishing nets
Periyar National Park: Come face to face with the wildlife of Kerala and enjoy a visit to fragrant spice gardens
Kumarakom: Located on Lake Vembanad in the backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is laced with canals where houseboats glide over its waters. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many species including cuckoos and Siberian storks
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Once you arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a representative will meet and greet you, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Delhi encapsulates two very different worlds, the ‘old’ and the ‘new’, each presenting deliciously different experiences. Rambunctious Old Delhi, the Muslim Indian capital between the 17th and 19th century, has many mosques, monuments, forts and bazaars with a distinctive mediaeval flavour. New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British, flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments reflecting the glory of the Mughal, Turk, Persian and ultimately the British rulers. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing session with the tour manager.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI SIGHTSEEING TOUR
After breakfast, go out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting highlights of Old & New Delhi. Start the tour by visiting the largest monument of Old Delhi, the imposing Red Fort (Closed on Mondays). Very near the fort is the 17th-century Jama Masjid (‘Friday Mosque’), the largest mosque in India. Walk through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk to experience the hustle and bustle of a crowded oriental bazaar. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. In New Delhi, visit the India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to the President House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building followed by the Humayun’s Tomb, also known as the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. End your tour, before your return to the hotel, by visiting Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret of its kind in the world.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: DELHI – JAIPUR (235km – 5.5 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Jaipur. Food fit for royalty, stunning historical monuments, a merry shopping scene and legendary Rajput hospitality: Jaipur offers all this and more. Jaipur is affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its numerous pink-coloured buildings; at sunset, the mellow golden rays bathe the pink façades in an indescribably beautiful way. Check in on arrival at your new hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning tour of Amber Fort. Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by Sheesh Mahal, a room with all four walls and the ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Admire the frescoes of the Ganesh Pol gate and the colonnade of the Diwan-i-Aam. Return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful palaces within, such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. Also of interest is the Armoury Museum, which houses an impressive collection of antique weapons such as blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers, which belonged to the royals. Continue to Jantar Mantar, the astonishing largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Consisting of 14 major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declination of planets and determining the celestial altitudes, the observatory is a major attraction in Jaipur. End your tour by making a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds (photo stop) and the famous Johari bazaar famous for its jewels and saris, the Tripolia bazaar with bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware, the Bapu bazaar renowned for its perfumes and textiles, and Chandpol bazaar for pottery and bracelets.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5: JAIPUR – AGRA (250km – 6 hrs)
After replenishing your energy with breakfast at the hotel, take to the road and drive to Agra on the banks of the River Yamuna. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. On arrival check in at your new hotel.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 6: AGRA – DELHI (200km – 3 hrs)
Begin the day with one last breakfast at the hotel before a sightseeing tour of Agra, which includes the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th century by the heartbroken Shah Jahan following the death in childbirth of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument. (Closed on Fridays). Continue the tour and visit the Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide a number of majestic Mughal palaces. Explore the delightful Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) where the emperor once sat on his throne to address his people and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where he hosted kings and foreign dignitaries. The white marble Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) stands in contrast to the rest of the Red Fort. Afterwards, drive back to Delhi, and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 7: DELHI – KOCHI – THEKKADY (3 hrs flight/140km – 4 hrs drive)
An early morning start (packed breakfast may be provided) to Delhi airport to board a flight for Kochi (not included). Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, meet your chauffeur and transfer to Periyar, a name synonymous with wildlife and rolling hills of spice-scented plantations. After a scenic drive, arrive in Thekkady and check in with the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 8: THEKKADY
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a nature walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with an expert naturalist. Periyar offers an incredible experience, with its rich flora and fauna making the sanctuary truly captivating. As you walk along the dense forest trails, discover the diverse plant species and immerse yourself in the region's rich biodiversity. While spotting many wild animals can be challenging, trekkers are likely to see a variety of birds, butterflies, and perhaps a few mammals. The trail winds through evergreen and moist deciduous forests, punctuated by marshy grasslands. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing morning. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation where you can inhale the fragrant aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, and vanilla, as well as tea and coffee. Afterward, enjoy a mesmerizing performance of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala.
Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 9: THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM (140km – 4 hrs)
Relax over breakfast at the hotel before departing by road for Kumarakom on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad. On arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore this backwaters town and its bird sanctuary on your own terms.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 10: KUMARAKOM – KOCHI (50km – 1.5hrs)
Bid farewell to Kumarakom after breakfast and journey by road to Kochi. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. Next, explore the nearby Paradesi Synagogue, located at the end of a charming lane in the historic Jew Town district. Continue your tour with visits to two of Kochi’s most significant Christian landmarks: St. Francis Church, dating back to the Portuguese era, and Santa Cruz Basilica, with its striking cream-colored neo-Gothic exterior and interior adorned with frescoed arches and vibrant multi-colored floor tiles. As you drive along the coast, stop to view the rare, still-operating Chinese fishing nets at the mouth of the harbor. The tour concludes in the heart of the well-preserved Fort Kochi area, where you can stroll through historic streets and alleys lined with Dutch and Portuguese architecture, including David Hall, Thakur House, and Bastion Bungalow. After the tour, check-in at your hotel. Later in the afternoon, head to the Centre for Performing Arts to experience a captivating Kathakali dance performance, showcasing this traditional dance form.
Overnight in Kochi.
Day 11: DEPARTURE KOCHI
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Kochi airport to board your flight back to Delhi or another destination (flights are not included).
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
