Golden Triangle & Kerala - 15 days

Saturday. Namaste! Welcome to Delhi! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in India’s capital. In Old Delhi we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - the largest and oldest mosque in India. Continue to Raj Ghat, the site of Gandhi’s cremation and enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar. In New Delhi we stroll down the ceremonial Rajpath and see the India Gate monument. This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner at our hotel.

Delhi - Jaipur. On day 3 we leave Delhi and travel to the UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur. Explore highlights of the city including the impressive City Palace and UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, home to the world’s largest stone sundial.



On the morning of day 4 you may wish to join our Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Climb into a hot air balloon and sail over forts, temples and palaces with Jaipur in the background. Later we take a jeep ride up to the 16th century Amber Fort, a well-preserved fortress laid out over four levels and set on the shore of the shimmering Maota Lake. Enjoy a guided tour of the fortress before we continue to a local cotton weaving house on our way back to Jaipur.

Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. In the morning, we will make our way to the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.

Continue to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route.

In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).





Please Note: For departures from 01 September 2024, we will visit Agra Fort on day 3.

Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur. Leave Jaipur today as we discover the remarkable Chand Baori step well in Abhaneri, where 13 stories climb down to the water’s edge. The well also featured in the hit movie ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Rises’.



We then visit a local school (if open) to meet the pupils and teachers. We operate our Change for Children programme here and any donations you make are greatly appreciated. You may also wish to bring some educational gifts from home to give to the pupils (see trip notes). Continue to Bharatpur and check in to our hotel before we visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride around this bird-watchers paradise and important wetland reserve. We'll be escorted by a knowledgeable guide who will be able to identify the species you spot. After our visit, we return to the hotel.

Bharatpur - Agra. Our first stop of today is the former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was abandoned more than 400 years ago but remains fantastically preserved. Continue to Agra and visit striking Agra Fort before we arrive at the most famous site in India - the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a guided tour of this legendary white mausoleum, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century to commemorate his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most extravagant monument to love ever built and remains in all its glory.

Agra - Delhi. We return to Delhi this morning where the rest of the day is at leisure. You may wish to visit Red Fort and enjoy its famous Sound and Light Show this evening.

Delhi - Kochi. This morning we fly to Kochi, on the Arabian Sea coast. The afternoon is free to relax before we enjoy an entertaining Kathakali dance show this evening. Admire the colourful costumes and extensive use of make-up as we watch this traditional Keralan performance.

Munnar - Alleppey - Keralan backwaters. Today we embark on a picturesque 4-5 hour drive to Alleppey and board our deluxe furnished rice boat. Enjoy a cruise through the famous Kerala Backwaters, a chain of lakes and rivers which run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Pass bustling local villages and green vegetation on either side as we sail. We watch the beautiful sunset onboard and all of your meals will be prepared with fresh local produce by our chef.

Munnar – Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where we'll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you for the remainder of the day.





On day 4 we will enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants, spending the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on own. You can opt for an optional visit to explore the spice plantation or enjoy a kalaripayattu dance performance Periyar.

Kumarakom - Kochi. Friday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. We leave Kumarakom and transfer to the airport in Kochi - flights from Kochi should depart after 2pm.

Keralan Backwaters - Kumarakom. On day 12 we arrive in the village of Kumarakom and disembark our rice boat. Kumarakom is built on a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad - the longest lake in India. Spend two days relaxing or exploring the charming surroundings at leisure. Take a boat ride on the lake if you wish and perhaps visit the local bird sanctuary, which is a famous stopover for migratory birds and home to species including eagles, owls and storks.

Kumarakom - Alleppey - Keralan Backwaters. On day 13, we will take a scenic drive to Alleppey. Here we board our private rice boat for a voyage through the famous Kerala backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce.

Keralan Backwaters – Kochi. This morning, we disembark our rice boat and head for Kochi. Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The rest of the day is at leisure exploring Kochi on its own. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and makeup, and they always put on a fantastic show.

Saturday. Our South India adventure comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to Kochi airport.