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This 14-night Small Group Journey through India takes in the best of the Golden Triangle and Kerala.
Visit many of the country’s most iconic sights as you journey through India's famous Golden Triangle before heading south to explore ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala, where a tranquil cruise on a traditional houseboat is included. Led by local guides, you'll get a real insider's view of the places you visit with a unique glimpse into the people and culture of this fascinating country.
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Recommended itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, India’s exciting yet frenetic capital. A representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel, your base for the next couple of nights. Take the afternoon to relax, perhaps reviving in the outdoor pool. This evening you’ll visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh houses of worship. Learn about its community kitchen, where you’ll witness heart warming scenes of volunteers serving food to hundreds of worshippers. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, getting to know your tour companions over a glass of beer or local wine. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar). Welcome dinner.
Day 2
Delhi
Discover the highlights of India’s capital city on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest mosque in India built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan whose other architectural feats include the legendary Taj Mahal. Wander through the narrow and busy lanes of Chandni Chowk and hop on a rickshaw for a ride through the bazaar. Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main seat of the Mughal Empire for 200 years. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, including the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Humayun’s tomb. Your final stop is Qutab Minar where you can witness the illumination of its tower, which was built in the 12th century and is a prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 3
Delhi to Agra
Drive south to Agra (approximately 4 hours). The drive gives you the opportunity to chat to your tour guide and learn more about northern India’s culture and history. On arrival in Agra, visit the 16th century Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone monument that houses fairytale palaces, audience halls and two white marble mosques. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at Taj Agra (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 4
Agra to Jaipur
Rise early for the incredible highlight of your tour – the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the sunrise at the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the finest pieces of architecture in the world. Be mesmerised by the captivating beauty of this monument to love as it appears to change colour with the changing light and takes on an ethereal pink glow. After breakfast at the hotel, head west to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. Stop en route to see the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was founded in 1569 but was abandoned just 16 years later due to a lack of water supply. Approximate journey time is 6 hours. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 5
Jaipur
This morning explore Jaipur on a sightseeing tour. Visit the City Palace – an exquisite complex of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that also houses a museum and art gallery. Stop to take a photo of the picturesque Palace of the Winds. You’ll also get to visit the Royal Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts the world’s largest stone sundial. In the afternoon, travel by Jeep to discover the ancient and imposing Amber Fort which sits on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. Wander through its palatial grounds. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 6
Jaipur to Delhi
The morning is free for optional activities before heading back to Delhi (approximately 5.5 hours’ drive). Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon to enjoy a different perspective of the city, high up away from the hustle and bustle below. Alternatively, join a walking tour to discover the architecture of the walled city with a local expert, or explore the temples and havelis of Old Jaipur. Overnight at Hyatt Regency (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 7
Delhi to Kochi
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Kochi. On arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel where you’ll spend two nights. This evening, there is a welcome to Kerala dinner. You may also wish to experience the culture of the state of Kerala, taking in an optional Kathakali dance performance. Witness the elaborate makeup and costumes in these traditional and beautiful dances. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Kochi (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 8
Kochi
Your first full day in Kochi includes a half day sightseeing tour of Kochi. Included in the tour is the Paradesi Synagogue, located in the Jewish quarter of the city and the oldest surviving Synagogue in India. You will also visit the Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese in the early decades of the 16th Century and you'll see the iconic Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi. In the evening you will take a cruise around Kochi Harbour, where the lagoon opens out into the Arabian Sea. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Kochi (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 9
Kochi to Munnar
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before driving to Munnar (approximately 4 hours). Sitting at 1600 metres above sea level, Munnar was once a southern India summer resort of the British government. It is surrounded by sprawling tea plantations, one of which you will explore tomorrow. Relax in the afternoon or if you wish you can visit the Srishti Foundation, a charitable trust aiming to improve life for people with special needs and their families in Munnar. Please note the foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) so may be closed at short notice due to operational reasons. There is no cost to visit but any donations are appreciated. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Munnar (or similar). Breakfast and buffet dinner.
Day 10
Munnar
Tea has played an integral part in the history of Munnar, which you will learn all about today. Start by visiting a plantation where you will learn how leaves are plucked and speak to the local tea pickers who may offer insight into their daily routine. Later, return to the town and visit the Tea Museum, which chronicles the growth of India's national drink and Munnar's role in this global industry. Various stages of tea processing can be seen, including the making of black tea. Your final stop today is for a tea tasting session at a local café. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Munnar (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 11
Munnar to Thekkady
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving to Thekkady, a small town in the shadow of the Western Ghats and the gateway to Periyar National Park (approximately 4 hours). This evening before dinner, visit a local theatre to watch a Kalaripayattu show, an ancient martial art form, that is indigenous to Kerala. It amalgamates body control, treatment, and armed as well as unarmed combat and is closely entwined with the region's cultural history. Overnight at Cardamom County (or similar). Breakfast and buffet dinner.
Day 12
Thekkady
Today the focus is on the region’s wildlife and natural landscapes. The morning begins early with a gentle walk (3 hours) along the nature trails in Periyar National Park. You’ll be accompanied by a trained guide who will point out various bird and wildlife species. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, a local naturalist will accompany you through a local spice plantation. The tour is an opportunity to meander through cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and many other varieties of spices and medicinal plants and gives you an insight into how these are grown, harvested and processed. The late afternoon and evening are free to relax at the pool or discover the local area further. Overnight at Cardamom County (or similar). Breakfast and lunch at Spice Plantation.
Day 13
Thekkady to Kumarakom
Undoubtedly a highlight of a trip to Kerala is the opportunity to cruise the famous backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey (approximately 4 hours) to board the boat. Wind your way through the maze of waterways and enjoy this truly relaxing mode of travel, including lunch on board. Continue to Kumarakom, your base for the next two nights (approximately 1 hour drive). Overnight at Zuri Kumarakom (or similar). Breakfast and lunch on houseboat.
Day 14
Kumarakom
Today is a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort. Perhaps head to the Ayurveda Centre for a rejuvenating treatment, before coming together for a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Zuri Kumarakom (or similar). Breakfast and farewell dinner.
Day 15
Depart
After breakfast, drive back to Kochi airport (approximately 1.5 hours) for your flight or onward travel. Breakfast.
Extend your holiday
Option 1: Kerala Beach
If you're not tight on time, why not extend your stay with a few night relaxing on Kerala's beaches? From quiet stretches like Marari to vibrant spots such as Kovalam, these coastal havens combine natural beauty with opportunities for relaxation, Ayurveda wellness and stunning sunsets.
Extend your holiday
Option 2: The Maldives
You could decide to continue your holiday with a few days or more on one of the Maldives paradise islands. This is the perfect addition to your heritage-packed tour.
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Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed