Kerala Holidays with Golden Triangle

Your journey of a lifetime begins in New Delhi. Arrive at the international airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. It is recommended that you spend your first evening at leisure in your hotel to recuperate from your international journey. Few places on earth combine beauty, history and escapism to such dazzling effect as the great city of Delhi- the sprawling and fascinating capital of India. The title “A Tale of Two Cities” is apt as Delhi bridges together two different worlds. The Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, contrasts with the British-built centre of New Delhi. On this journey you will scratch the surface and discover a land sprinkled with dazzling gems of India’s “golden” legacy.

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

After breakfast, your visit will include a tour of Old Delhi and the immense Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India. You will also see the legendary Red Fort and Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Finally, awaken the senses with a thrilling rickshaw ride through the busy markets of Chandni Chowk.

Also visit Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & go on a rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandni Chowk. New Delhi offers a fascinating contrast: here, you will walk the wide, straight boulevards and pass the monuments of the Empire. Walking the imperial residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, to the mighty arch of India Gate, designed by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, the eternal flame burns day and night to remember the soldiers in the Indo-Pakistan war. Continue to the Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Another highlight is the Bahai Temple with its lotus dome.

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

Today you’ll drive to the Mughal city Agra through Yamuna Expressway which is a 6-lane, 205 km long, controlled-access expressway. In the afternoon visit the beautiful Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar.

Evening will be at leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN AGRA

After a delicious breakfast, visit the beautiful Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monuments and one of the wonders of the world. It is also synonymous to love and romance.

Later you’ll drive to the Pink City of Jaipur and check in to your next hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

Today you’ll really get to experience the magic of Jaipur to the maximum during a full day sightseeing tour. You’ll drive past the Hawa Mahal and in the afternoon you’ll explore the city palace and museum and walk adjacent the astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar.

In the evening, you’ll visit the Amer Fort for an incredible light and sound show.

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

After breakfast, you will head towards Delhi. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to
Kochi. On arrival in Kochi you
will be met by another representative & will be transferred to your
hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour
that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful
city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their
outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort
Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da
Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon.

Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged
hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be
your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metre, set amidst mountains once known as the
High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea
plantations. Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea,
sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its
freshly brewed cuppas.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajmalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to
Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants
on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajmalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajmalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Post breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart to Alleppey via Kuttikanam which is a hill station in Idukki district and is best known for trekking and adventure sports.

You can explore the cardamom and tea plantations which surround the entire place. Later head to Alleppey and experience the memorable cruise through the iconic backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is the most popular backwater cruising destination in Kerala and is termed as “Venice of the East”. Kerala claims its title as ‘God’s Own Country’ due to its captivating charm and wonder.

Your comfortable and luxurious house boat will take you through paddy fields and lined up coconut trees. Indulge in some traditional Kerala cuisines served on board made with various tasty spices and flavours.

Marvel the Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic buildings, paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along the coastline. Having experienced an overnight stay in a houseboat, you have lived a perfect vacation in Kerala

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After a mesmerising stay in the houseboat, it’s time to check out and proceed to the hotel in Poovar (Enroute to Poovar visit Hawa Beach in Kovalam).

Ever imagined ending your holiday on an island paradise of your own? Here in Poovar that is exactly what you will find. This nirvana is tipped as one of the ‘50 must visit’ places in India by ‘National Geographic Traveler’, with its coconut trees and endless golden sands. Shrouded in pristine Kerala backwaters, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the East and the enchanting towering Ghats to the West, along with a heavenly beach, Poovar Island is your very own Indian Idyll. How about reclining on the gorgeous nearby beach, swimming in translucent waters or simply unwinding with a relaxing body massage? Your perfect end to India!.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR
Afterwards, make your way to the St Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal – Kerala’s 7th basilica and the first ever in Alleppey, making it the most popular church in the Alappuzha district. Believed to possess the power to heal mental and physical disorders, the church was first constructed in the 16th century but has been renovated several times.

You’ll then continue to Marari Beach and check into the beach resort.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

Spend a full day at leisure sunbathing on the golden sands of Poovar Beach. The estuary shimmers in spades of wow factor where the river, sea and lake meet the land.

A complimentary hour long boat can be organised at Poovar Lake, where you can find golden sandy beaches meeting the estuaries and mangroves.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage, where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Included is a full body session at the hotel or a nearby spa. Please book your slot.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories.

BOARD YOUR RETURN FLIGHT HOME

For 5 nights the Golden Triangle circuit, comprised of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, will be your home. All three of these spellbinding cities bring something different to the circuit and you’ll hop from one to the other via dedicated vehicle for our passengers, safe from the glare of the Indian sun. Delhi, the Indian Capital, is home to three World Heritage Sites, the Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, as well as the India Gate and Lotus Temple, most of which will feature on your itinerary. Its bustling streets and lively ambiance will mean there’s never a dull moment, but if you’re set on experiencing life like a true Delhite, be sure to hitch a ride on a rickshaw during your stay.

Your next stop is Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan and a vibrant hub of art and flamboyancy. The honey-colored Hawa Mahal, the impressive astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar and the World Heritage Site of Amer Fort are three important landmarks which perhaps helped Jaipur gain the status of number one Indian destination in 2015 by Trip Advisor. Then, swap the “Pink City” for Agra and it’s Mughal-era architecture, containing tombs and mausoleums left behind by the Mughal empire. Located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Agra Fort , however its most noteworthy definitely has to be the phenomenal Taj Mahal, a veritable symbol of India which is breathtaking to behold.

The next leg of your trip will be spent in Kerala for 11 days. When you find yourself in the backwaters of Kerala, in southern India, you'll be astounded at how appropriate that saying is with the scenery before you. It’s not without reason that Kerala is known as‘God’s own country’. A paradise, nestled between the Western Ghats and the overwhelmingly beautiful Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, Kerala has a little bit of everything that India has to offer.

For many travellers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. Besides its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger, while vibrant traditions such as Kathakali plays, temple festivals and snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest villages to life.

And when you can do all of this for as little as only £2899 per person, you surely need no reason to pack your bags and find yourself on the ultimate holiday.

• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities / Highlights
• Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included

• We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
• Accommodation will be on double sharing basis unless otherwise stated.
• The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken.
• Anything not included in the package will be charged separately.
• Sequence of itinerary can be changed depending on various factors such as flight timings, weather conditions, availability, Taj visit etc.
• EXCLUSIONS
• Tips, bar, laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenses not specified above.
• Early Check in / Late Check out