Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour

On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to The Claridges for a two-night stay. That evening a welcome dinner is arranged in a traditional setting.

Accommodation: The Claridges*, Delhi

Meals Included: Dinner

Your morning tour of old Delhi includes Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat – a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. After lunch you will experience New Delhi, including the Lutyens buildings and India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Accommodation: The Claridges, Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you head to Agra in time for an afternoon visit to Agra Fort before arriving at the Taj Mahal by sunset when it is particularly beautiful.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal*, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar is the first place you visit today before proceeding to Jaipur. On route there is a lunch stop at Bharatpur and a visit to the 9th century stepwells at Abhaneri.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli*, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning’s tour starts at Hawa Mahal before visiting the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. Here you can explore the Fort’s extensive apartments decorated with murals and mosaics. The afternoon sightseeing includes Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and the Museum.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli*, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day to explore Jaipur’s colourful markets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal with a local family.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli*, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Fly to Cochin (Kochi) this morning and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Eighth Bastion*, Cochin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the heritage quarters of Fort Cochin this morning visiting St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace). In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance – the traditional dance drama of Kerala.

Accommodation: Eighth Bastion*, Cochin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary, stopping en route at a plantation bungalow for a meal with a local family.  Stay for two nights at Spice Village*.

Accommodation: Spice Village*, Periyar

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, enjoy a bamboo rafting on the lake and gentle trekking through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to see some of the rare birds endemic to this sanctuary. There is a good chance to spot some wildlife including Indian Bison and wild elephants. In the afternoon, visit the nearby spice plantations to learn more about the spices grown in this area.

Accommodation: Spice Village*, Periyar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills of Western Ghats visiting tea and rubber plantations on the way, before arriving at the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. Stay overnight at Coconut Lagoon*. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon*, Kumarakom

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a leisurely morning, board your private houseboat for a cruise through the famous Kerala Backwaters. Travel across the Vembanad Lake, passing through narrow canals while observing fascinating life by the backwaters. Stop en route to visit churches, temples, local schools or wander around the paddy field. The meals are served on board and cooked using fresh local ingredients. The night is spent on the houseboat.

Accommodation: Private Houseboat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and drive for an hour to the coastal town of Mararikulam, one of Kerala’s best beach destinations. .

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Marari

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Marari

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will be transferred to Cochin airport for your flight back to the UK or onward destination.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dates, Pricing and Inclusions

This Golden Triangle and Kerala Group Tour is available from Delhi on the following dates (prices per person):

Special Remarks

*Tour starting 7 November 2023 – Diwali Special – Diwali in Jaipur with special dinner

**Tour starting 21 March 2024 – Holi Special – Holi in Jaipur with special lunch

Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast, lunch on days 4, 9 & 12, dinner on days 1, 6 & 12.

Best Season: October to April.

Clothes: Cottons with light woollen for mid-winter in the north.

* Alternative accommodation of a similar standard may be offered to the hotels listed.

Included in the price:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in hotel and 1 night on houseboat
• All internal road travel by an air-conditioned vehicle, driver and guide
• All scheduled sightseeing with an Englishspeaking guide
• Entrance fees at the monuments
• Jaipur – Cochin flight tickets in economy class
• Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake

Not included in price:

• International flights
• India visa
• Travel Insurance
• Meals not included in the meal plan
• Expenses of personal nature (like room service, laundry, drinks, phone calls etc)
• Camera fees at the monuments

This tour can also be taken privately on a date of your choice. Please contact us for more details.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.