GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH VARANASI AND KERALA

Namaste and welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day/evening is at leisure.

Delhi - India's capital and major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold, the ancient and the modern. Delhi unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and the New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Delhi is a bliss for history lovers.

Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing with the first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk – oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th-century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, you will head to Agra, which is a beautiful city situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel.

Optionally, in the evening, attend Mohabbat-e-Taj show, a musical dance drama.
Overnight at hotel in Agra

Early in the morning, proceed to visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. The most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity, it took almost 22 years to build the monument. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching the this iconic monument during sunrise is truly a sight to behold.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed to visit Agra Fort, that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) are must-see attractions here.

Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed the ‘Baby Taj,’ on the banks of the River Yamuna. A precursor to the Taj dating from 1628, this exquisite mausoleum was built by the Empress Nur Jahan for her father, and is filled with artistic detail. Explore the beautiful rooms, adorned with trellises and precious stones, and hear how their design reflects Persian influences.
Overnight at hotel in Agra

Post breakfast and check out, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era, which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to the extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort, falling on the Maota Lake, is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, head to Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-story palace built-in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, the afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs.

Overnight at hotel in Jaipur

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Jaipur Airport to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, our company representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure.

Varanasi: It is a city located on the banks of River Ganga that is the 2nd largest river in India. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year, Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the River Ganga that is said to wash away all the sins.
Overnight at hotel in Varanasi

Your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise view and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you’re a devout follower of Buddha then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the “Birla Mandir”. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). It took around 35 years to build this temple. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic “Ramcharitramanas”. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily evening ceremony that has been practiced for thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges.
Overnight at hotel in Varanasi

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Varanasi Airport to board the connecting flight to Kochi. On reaching, check-in at the hotel.
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carry stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of God's own country – Kerala

Overnight at hotel in Kochi

Today, go for the Kochi sightseeing tour that begins with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in this city. Visit the St. Francis Church within the middle of the forts complex. Built-in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, and rare antiques, etc. and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with a visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark of the Fort Kochi, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of these fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teakwood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click a few candids. End your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show in Kochin.
Overnight at hotel in Kochi

After breakfast, drive to Munnar.

A beautiful hill station named after three rivers: Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala that offers spellbinding views of vast spice and tea plantations. It also boasts the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled Giant Squirrel, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat). Also, a blue flower "Neelakurinji" grows here in every 12 years.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight at hotel in Munnar

After breakfast, head for sightseeing tour of Munnar with the first visit to the Munnar Tea Estates. Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walkthrough these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge machinery that has been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first-hand experience of how tea is processed. Explore the Eravikulam National Park, a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. It's the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Also, visit the Mattupetty Dam: a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflection of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam.
Overnight at hotel in Munnar

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to Periyar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
It is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm.
Visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has an around 100-years old artificial water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and a couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you will go for a Boat Ride (Optional) at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee, and spice plantations, etc.
Overnight at hotel in Thekkady

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. On arrival, check-in at the houseboat and enjoy dinner. This will be followed by a pleasant overnight stay in the houseboat in Alleppey.
Also called the 'Venice of India', Alleppey is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Here you can hire a houseboat to stay and explore the tropical village life, tea and spice plantations and pristine beauty of Kerala. On arrival, board the Houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam. Cruise around backwaters of Alleppey to observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, get transferred to Kochi Airport to board your flight for your onward journey. Hope you had a wonderful time exploring with us. Have a pleasant flight.