Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and receive a warm welcome from our representative at the airport, followed by a smooth transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Delhi’s vibrant scenes. Optional: Take an evening stroll around India Gate, a majestic war memorial, or explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market, famous for its street food, handicrafts, and lively ambiance.

Day 2: Delhi Exploration

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent symbol of India’s history and architecture, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan with intricate marble inlays and splendid gardens. Experience a rickshaw ride through the vibrant streets of Chandni Chowk market, offering a rich sensory experience with its lively scenes. Continue to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, featuring grand minarets, a spacious courtyard, and a central hall with beautiful arches, built in 1656. Pay respects at Raj Ghat, a serene memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, set amidst lush gardens with a black marble platform marking the spot where he was cremated. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO site and one of the earliest examples of Mughal garden tombs, renowned for its Persian-influenced architecture that inspired the Taj Mahal’s design. Enjoy a walk around India Gate, a 42-meter-high archway dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I, surrounded by beautifully landscaped lawns. Admire Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret at 73 meters, a UNESCO site with intricate carvings and the historic Iron Pillar in its courtyard. Pass by the Parliament House and President’s House to glimpse the impressive architecture of Lutyens’ Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (210km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Upon arrival in Agra, marvel at the Taj Mahal during sunset, where this iconic monument, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of love, shines with intricate marble inlay work and stunning symmetry, enhanced by the soft glow of the setting sun.Discover Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, where its towering red sandstone walls, beautiful courtyards, and Islamic-Hindu design elements reveal the grandeur of the Mughal empire.If time permits, visit Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River for a unique view of the Taj Mahal as dusk falls.

Day 4: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (245km)

Breakfast at the hotel. En route to Jaipur, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the UNESCO-listed ghost city and former capital of Emperor Akbar, where you’ll admire Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world, and the beautiful tomb of Salim Chishti, made of white marble with delicate lattice work. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. The evening offers a chance to explore the vibrant bazaars, known for traditional handicrafts and jewelry, or enjoy a cultural show featuring Rajasthani folk music and dance.

Day 5: Jaipur City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your tour with a visit to Amber Fort, a hilltop fortress blending Rajput and Mughal architecture, where you can take an elephant ride to its grand entrance and explore mirror-studded halls, expansive courtyards, and stunning views of Maota Lake.Visit City Palace, the residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and explore its courtyards, museums, and halls displaying artifacts, royal attire, and weaponry, reflecting a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani design. Discover Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO site and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, featuring enormous instruments used for studying the stars.Admire the intricate latticework of Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, where royal women once observed street life from behind small windows. Spend your evening exploring local markets known for their colorful textiles, handicrafts, and semi-precious stones unique to Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur to Cochin (by flight)

Breakfast at the hotelTransfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Optional: Explore Cochin’s colonial architecture, with influences from Dutch, Portuguese, and British eras, or enjoy a Kathakali performance, watching the traditional dancers prepare with elaborate costumes and makeup.

Day 7: Cochin Exploration

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, showcasing vibrant murals that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Explore the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, adorned with intricate Belgian glass chandeliers and ornate floor tiles.Stop by Cochin’s iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique aspect of the city’s landscape, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago.

Day 8: Cochin to Munnar (140km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, Kerala’s picturesque hill station famous for its tea plantations and cool, misty mountains. Take a refreshing stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, where cascading streams and scenic greenery provide a delightful break along the way. Arrive in Munnar, check into your hotel, and spend the day at leisure, admiring panoramic views of tea-covered hills.

Day 9: Munnar Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and intricate process of tea production, integral to Munnar’s heritage. Admire the serene beauty of Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot surrounded by rolling hills and boating facilities on the reservoir. Experience the natural echo phenomenon at Echo Point, a scenic spot along the lake with views of the hills, and interact with locals at this lively area.Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and take in breathtaking views from the rolling grasslands and unique flora and fauna found here.

Day 10: Munnar to Thekkady (110km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary awaits, with a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake offering opportunities to spot elephants, sambar deer, and numerous bird species.Visit a spice plantation and learn about Kerala’s prized spices like cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, used both locally and globally.In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, showcasing Kerala’s ancient martial traditions.

Day 11: Thekkady Adventures

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a guided nature walk through Periyar’s dense forests, offering a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna in a pristine setting. Opt for a bamboo rafting experience on Periyar Lake, immersing yourself in tranquil surroundings and enjoying scenic views as you glide across the water.

Day 12: Thekkady to Alleppey (130km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat, gliding through tranquil backwaters and passing picturesque villages, lush paddy fields, and peaceful lagoons.Savor freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard and enjoy a restful evening on the water, lulled by the gentle waves of Alleppey’s backwaters.

Day 13: Alleppey to Kovalam (200km)

Breakfast on the houseboat. Arrive in Kovalam, a coastal retreat, where you can unwind on its sandy shores or relax with an Ayurvedic spa treatment at a wellness center. Take a stroll along Kovalam Beach promenade in the evening, exploring local eateries and shops.

Day 14: Kovalam and Trivandrum Excursion

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, famous for its blend of Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles, and known for its gold-plated sanctum. Explore Napier Museum, housing a collection of rare artifacts and artworks representing Kerala’s history and cultural diversity. Discover local treasures at Chalai Market, where stalls brim with spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods reflecting Kerala’s vibrant heritage.

Day 15: Kovalam Leisure

Breakfast at the hotel. Climb the Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and take in the scenic surroundings. Visit the traditional Vizhinjam fishing village, observing the local fishing practices and enjoying the coastal views. Take a scenic day trip to either Poovar or Varkala Beach, where you can unwind by the serene waters and explore quaint coastal towns.

Day 16: Departure from Kovalam

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Trivandrum airport, bidding farewell to Kerala’s lush landscapes and the unforgettable experiences gathered throughout your journey in India’s Golden Triangle and Backwaters.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 15 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodations

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

Cochin x 2 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
4* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
5* - Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons/ Spice Route Premium

Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

- Jaipur - Cochin flight fare approx INR 9,500 per person in economy class.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.