Tour Route
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Cochin - Backwaters - Mararikulam - Cochin
Overview
India's Golden Triangle comprises of the three most visited cities in the country's north-west - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.On the map, these form a roughly equilateral triangle, some 200-250 km along each side. This triangle has been dubbed "golden" for the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendour on offer in each of the three cities. Kerala Travel Centre now gives you a tour that combines the fascinating Golden Triangle with a tour of Kerala.
DAY 01- ARRIVE DELHI
Welcomed by an India Travel Centre representative at the Delhi International airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind on your first day in Delhi. Overnight at the Claridges. (Vehicle at Disposal)
Day 02 – DELHI
Today you can go for a sightseeing of both the old and new parts of Delhi. Rightly chosen as the capital of India, the city has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties namely the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Moghuls, who continued their imperial line until the British. First, visit Old Delhi which has some dramatic remnants of the Moghul Empire. Drive past the Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, both built by Emperor Shahjahan. Ride tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) through the narrow lanes of colorful and bustling 'Chandni Chowk,' culminating the tour with a visit to Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi's Cremation. Later (if time permits) drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1920. Lutyens' Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house, the India gate and "Rashtrapati Bhawan" - the presidential palace. Also visit the 234-foot high Qutab Minar and Humayun's tomb, which was built in the 16th century by the second Mughal emperor and is an early example of Mughal architecture. Overnight at The Claridges. (Vehicle for sightseeing)
Day 03 – DELHI - AGRA (205 Km / 4.5 h)
This morning, after breakfast drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra check into your hotel and unwind.Spend the afternoon at leisure.Overnight at ITC Mughal. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 04 – AGRA
Enjoy a sunrise visit to the awe inspiring Taj Mahal. Considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as the lights and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dusk glow. Later visit the Agra Fort, built between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shahjahan upgraded it to a palace and later it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. Later this afternoon visit Mehtab Bagh and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, lyrically described as a “jewel box in marble”. It is the small, yet elegant, garden tomb of the “Lord Treasurer” of the Mughal empire, built by his daughter Nur Jahan, the favourite wife of Emperor Jehangir.Overnight at ITC Mughal. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 05– AGRA- JAIPUR (221 Km / 5.5 h)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri was the 16th century capital of the Mughal rulers which was later abandoned due to water scarcity in the area. Built entirely of red sandstone this was Akbar’s capital for 15 years before it was abandoned after his death in 1585.Upon arrival at Jaipur check in at hotel Tree of Life. A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and historic sights, Jaipur is often called the ‘Pink City’ because of its prominent buildings are washed in this color. Tradition and modernity exist side by side here. Spend the day at leisure.Overnight at Tree of Life (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 06–JAIPUR
After breakfast this morning visit Amber Fort, superbly located and protected by wild Aravali Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th Century, it was extended by Raja Mansingh 1 in the late 16th Century. Enjoy a jeep ride upto the magnificent Amber fort.Spend the afternoon at leisure.Overnight at Tree of Life. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 09– COCHIN
Today you can go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit an auditorium to watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Old Harbour.(Vehicle at disposal)
Day 10– COCHIN- HOUSEBOAT (65 Km / 2 h)
Drive to Alleppey to embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ are converted rice barges with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it’s the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience.The locals’ travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight on board. (Full Board)(Vehicle for Transfer)
Day 08 - JAIPUR- MUMBAI- COCHIN
Departure transfer to Jaipur airport for onward flight to Cochin in Kerala.On arrival in Cochin, you will be welcomed by a Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture.Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening you can go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Old Harbour.(Vehicle at disposal)
Day 11– HOUSEBOAT - MARARI (25 Km / ½ h)
Disembark form the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to the picturesque fishermen’s village of Mararikulam and check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves the resorts set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari offer you unparalleled quite in astoundingly beautiful settings. Day is leisure on the beach resort. Enjoy a general ayurvedic full-body massage in the evening at the resort. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.(Vehicle for Transfer)
Day 12–MARARI
Day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.(No Vehicle)
Day 13–MARARI
Day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.(No Vehicle)
Day 14–MARARI -COCHIN (95 Km / 2 ½ h)
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight (Vehicle for Transfer)
| Place | Nts | Resort | Room Type |
|
| Delhi | 2 | Claridges | Deluxe Room |
| Agra | 2 | ITC Mughal | Chamber of Emperors |
| Jaipur | 3 | Tree of Life | Luxury Garden Villa |
| Cochin | 2 | The Old Harbour | Garden Cottage |
| Alleppey | 1 | Muthoot River Escapes | 01 bedroom deluxe ac boat |
| Mararikulam | 3 | Marari Beach | Garden Villa |
| Tour | 1 May 11-30 Sep 11 | 1 Oct 11-19 Dec 11 | 20 Dec 11-15 Jan 12 | 16 Jan 12-31 Jan 12 | 1 Feb 12-29 Feb 12 | 1 Mar 12-30 Apr 12 |
| Standard | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Superior | £ 2070 | £ 2160 | £ 2434 | £ 2160 | £ 2196 | £ 2160 |
| Deluxe | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, sunset cruise, Kathakali performance, Ayurveda massage, all entrance fees, guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International & Internal Flights - Please contact Kerala Travel Centre for booking flights. |
Kerala Climate and Weather
Being a coastal state surrounded by the Arabian Sea and because of its proximity to the equator, Kerala has a more or less consistent temperature pattern in the summers and the monsoons alike. The temperature hovers around 29�32 degrees (Celsius) throughout the year with varying levels of humidity.
Best months for travel to Kerala:
The months of October through to March are considered to be the most favourable months to travel to Kerala when the weather is sunny and pleasant.
The months of April and May are also favourable for travel but the humidity tends to be comparatively higher.
August and September are also good months for travel.
Monsoon Months in Kerala:
June and July are monsoon months in Kerala, the showers being heavy at first and then easing off gradually. Whilst these are not the best months for tours, interestingly, this happens to the best time for travellers seeking the therapeutic Ayurveda treatment which is said to be most effective in these months.
Special Experiences
This tour has been designed such that you can see the best of all the regions you are visiting and therefore includes all the major highlights in each area.
Apart from these, Kerala offers a myriad of delightful, lesser known experiences. At the Kerala Travel Centre we have always been keen to showcase these little, special and off-the-beaten-track experiences that will make your Kerala holiday a memorable experience like no other.
We have compiled a partial list experiences which you could choose to enjoy on this tour. When in doubt, just ask your Kerala Travel Centre driver and he will point you the right direction.
Cochin
- Stroll down the beach in Fort Cochin to see the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. Whilst they are not as frequently used as before, you can see a demonstration of how the fishermen use these gigantic nets. It is also possible to take part in this experience along with the fishermen.
- The bustling fish markets adjacent to the fishing nets also make for an interesting visit.
- The sunset cruise in Cochin along the harbour is also a great experience where you pass other ships and boats of all sizes and can see the Cochin skyline and the Cochin shipyard which is more than 200 years old.
- Fort Cochin has a number of seafood restaurants ranging from the high end 'History' restaurant at the Brunton Boatyard to the all vegetarian 'Roti Dal' restaurant where you can try the mouth watering fish food.
- Enjoy an enthralling Kathakali dance performance while you are in Cochin. Watching the dancers put on make up before the show is also quite a fascinating experience.
- Your sightseeing excursion in Cochin includes several fascinating highlights including the Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and others. Apart from this, you could also try exploring the streets with their many shops both in Fort Cochin and in the bustling Ernakulam part of Cochin. Cochin is great for shopping especially for jewellery and garments. (Our drivers should be able to point you to select shops that do not hassle customers). If you are a cigar aficionado don't miss the 100 year old R.Baliga & Sons who stocks cigars of all types.
- If Henna and bangles are of interest to you, you can pay a visit to a small, yet vibrant shop selling bangles and other ornaments in Cochin.
Mararikulam - While in Mararikulam, you can hire bikes and go cycling along the coastal roads.
- You could take a tuk tuk into the Allepey town and visit its bustling bazaars.
- The fishermen's village has a boat landing area where one can see the fresh catch being brought in. You can also participate in the fish auctions that are held here by the local fishermen.
