11-Day India Tour: Golden Triangle & Kerala from Delhi Tour Code: 300-20002 TUI Group 35664

After breakfast, go out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting highlights of Old & New Delhi. Start the tour by visiting the largest monument of Old Delhi, the imposing Red Fort. Very near the fort is the 17th-century Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Walk through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk to experience the hustle and bustle of a crowded oriental bazaar. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. In New Delhi, visit the India Gate, and the road that leads from there to the President House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building followed by the Humayun’s Tomb. End your tour, before your return to the hotel, by visiting Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret of its kind in the world. 

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Jaipur. Food fit for royalty, stunning historical monuments, a merry shopping scene and legendary Rajput hospitality: Jaipur offers all this and more. Jaipur is affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its numerous pink-coloured buildings; at sunset, the mellow golden rays bathe the pink façades in an indescribably beautiful way. Check-in on arrival at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning tour of Amber Fort. Be dazzled by Sheesh Mahal, a room with all four walls and the ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Admire the frescoes of the Ganesh Pol gate and the colonnade of the Diwan-i-Aam. Return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful palaces within, such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. Also of interest is the Armoury Museum.  Continue to Jantar Mantar, the astonishing largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. End your tour by making a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal (photo stop) and the famous Johari bazaar famous for its jewels and saris, the Tripolia bazaar with bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware, the Bapu bazaar renowned for its perfumes and textiles, and Chandpol bazaar for pottery and bracelets.

After replenishing your energy with breakfast at the hotel, take to the road and drive to Agra on the banks of the River Yamuna. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. On arrival check-in at your hotel. 

Begin the day with one breakfast at the hotel before a sightseeing tour of Agra, which includes the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. During the visit, admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument (closed on Fridays). Continue the tour and visit the Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide a number of majestic Mughal palaces. Explore the delightful Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) where the emperor once sat on his throne to address his people and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where he hosted kings and foreign dignitaries. The white marble Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) stands in contrast to the rest of the Red Fort. Afterwards, drive back to Delhi.

An early morning start (packed breakfast may be provided) to Delhi airport to board a flight for Kochi (not included). Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, meet your chauffeur and transfer to Periyar, a name synonymous with wildlife and rolling hills of spice-scented plantations. After a scenic drive, arrive in Thekkady and check in with the evening is at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a nature walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with an expert naturalist. Periyar offers an incredible experience, with its rich flora and fauna making the sanctuary truly captivating. As you walk along the dense forest trails, discover the diverse plant species and immerse yourself in the region's rich biodiversity. While spotting many wild animals can be challenging, trekkers are likely to see a variety of birds, butterflies, and perhaps a few mammals. The trail winds through evergreen and moist deciduous forests, punctuated by marshy grasslands. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing morning. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation where you can inhale the fragrant aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, and vanilla, as well as tea and coffee. Afterward, enjoy a mesmerizing performance of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala.

Relax over breakfast at the hotel before departing by road for Kumarakom on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad. On arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore this backwaters town and its bird sanctuary on your own terms.

Bid farewell to Kumarakom after breakfast and journey by road to Kochi. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace. Next, explore the nearby Paradesi Synagogue, located at the end of a charming lane in the historic Jew Town district. Continue your tour with visits to two of Kochi's most significant Christian landmarks: St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, with its striking cream-colored neo-Gothic exterior and interior adorned with frescoed arches and vibrant multi-colored floor tiles. As you drive along the coast, stop to view the rare, still-operating Chinese fishing nets at the mouth of the harbor. The tour concludes in the heart of the well-preserved Fort Kochi area, where you can stroll through historic streets and alleys lined with Dutch and Portuguese architecture, including David Hall, Thakur House, and Bastion Bungalow. After the tour, check-in at your hotel. Later in the afternoon, head to the Centre for Performing Arts to experience a captivating Kathakali dance performance, showcasing this traditional dance form.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Kochi airport to board your flight back to Delhi or another destination. Recommended return flight from Kochi airport not before 11 am.