Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour

15 Day – Group tour with air-conditioned vehicle and guide
Price Guide: £2895 per person
ABTA and ATOL protected holidays

This popular India tour combines the best of North and South India. The Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist destination in India, followed closely by Kerala. The contrasting landscapes, cultures and cuisines offer a wholesome Indian experience. Start in Delhi, one of the oldest inhabited cities and one of the longest-serving capitals in the world; travel to Agra, home of Taj Mahal and on to Jaipur, the most vibrant Rajasthani city before flying south to Kerala. The diverse heritage of Cochin (Kochi), rich flora and fauna of Periyar Wildlife Reserve, the backwaters of Alleppey and beaches of Kerala offer a myriad of unforgettable experiences. The internal travel is in a private air-conditioned vehicle and a flight between Jaipur & Cochin. The accommodation is a mix of authentic, characterful hotels including a private air-conditioned houseboat!

Highlights of Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour

Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Sightseeing tour of Delhi including rickshaw ride in Chandani Chowk market of old Delhi
  • Taj Mahal at sunset
  • Sightseeing tour of Jaipur including Amer Fort
  • Traditional meal with a local family
  • Sighseeing tour of Cochin with sunset cruise and Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
  • Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake
  • Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake
  • Overnight stay on a private houseboat cruising the backwaters
  • Day of leisure Mararikulam Beach

Golden Triangle and Kerala Itinerary

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

Sights to enjoy at the Golden Triangle and Kerala Tour

Humayuns Tomb, Delhi
Jama Masjid, Delhi
India Gate, Delhi
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Rajghat Resting Place of Mahatma Gandhi, Delhi
Colourful Spice Powder at Street Market, Delhi
Chandini Chowk Ricksaw Ride, Delhi
Streets of Old Delhi
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Taj Mahal Sunset View, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Entrance to Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Hawah Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur, Rajasthan
Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Womens at Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
City traffic, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Street Scene, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Womens Carying Water at Stepwell, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Kathakali Performance, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Fishing Boats, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Shopping in Jew Street, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Jewish Synagogue, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Street Vendor, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Bamboo Rafting, Periyar National Park, Periyar, Kerala
Cardamon Selection, Periyar, Kerala
Cardamom Plantation Worker, Periyar, Kerala
Periyar National Park, Periyar, Kerala
Serene Lake Vernadamen, Kumarakom, Kerala
Back Waters House Boat, Kumarakom
Evening Chai on Boat, Kumarakom, Kerala
House Boat, Kumarakom, Kerala
Canal Boat Ride, Kumarakom, Kerala
Private House Boat, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala
Typical Houseboat Bedroom, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala
Village Life, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala
Coconut Groves, Mararikulam, Kerala
Marari Beach, Mararikulam, Kerala
Fishermen, Mararikulam. Kerala
Mararikulam, Kerala

Humayuns Tomb, Delhi

Jama Masjid, Delhi

India Gate, Delhi

Qutub Minar, Delhi

Rajghat Resting Place of Mahatma Gandhi, Delhi

Colourful Spice Powder at Street Market, Delhi

Chandini Chowk Ricksaw Ride, Delhi

Streets of Old Delhi

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal Sunset View, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Entrance to Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Hawah Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur, Rajasthan

Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Womens at Amer (Amber) Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan

City traffic, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Street Scene, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Womens Carying Water at Stepwell, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Kathakali Performance, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Fishing Boats, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Shopping in Jew Street, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Jewish Synagogue, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Street Vendor, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Bamboo Rafting, Periyar National Park, Kerala

Cardamon Selection, Periyar, Kerala

Cardamom Plantation Worker, Periyar, Kerala

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Serene Lake Vernadamen, Kumarakom, Kerala

Back Waters House Boat, Kumarakom

Evening Chai, Kumarakom, Kerala

House Boat, Kumarakom, Kerala

Canal Boat Ride, Kumarakom, Kerala

Private House Boat, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala

Typical Houseboat Bedroom, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala

Village Life, Kerala Backwaters, Kerala

Coconut Groves, Mararikulam, Kerala

Marari Beach, Mararikulam, Kerala

Fishermen, Mararikulam. Kerala

Mararikulam, Kerala

Places on the Golden Triangle and Kerala Group Tour

Group Golden Triangle and Kerala India Tour Hotels

Below are the hotels we plan to use on the tour but they are subject to availabilty. If they are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be chosen.

Dates, Pricing and Inclusions

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

Tour starts Tour ends Price Single Room
10 September 2023 Sun Delhi 24 September 2023 Sun Cochin £2,895 £1,195
15 October 2023 Sun Delhi 29 October 2023 Sun Cochin £3,125 £1,295
7 November 2023 Tue Delhi 21 November 2023 Tue Cochin £3,155* £1,295
3 December 2023 Sun Delhi 17 December 2023 Sun Cochin £3,125 £1,295
28 January 2024 Sun Delhi 11 February 2024 Sun Cochin £3,195 £1,325
18 February 2024 Sun Delhi 3 March 2024 Sun Cochin £3,195 £1,325
21 March 2024 Thu Delhi 4 April 2024 Thu Cochin £3,225** £1,295
7 April 2024 Sun Delhi 21 April 2024 Sun Cochin £3,125 £1,195
Private Travel Supplement: £295 (minimum 2 persons traveling together)
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 English speaking 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.