Golden Triangle With God's Own Country - Kerala

After breakfast; embark on a sightseeing tour of Cochin, which includes a visit to the Dutch Palace Museum also called Mattancherry Palace, a traditional Kerala-styled edifice, which was gifted to the King of Cochin by the Portuguese in 1555. Next, visit the St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church built in 1503 by the Portuguese; it draws a large number of tourists and once marked as the burial site of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (the first European to reach India), before being moved to Lisbon.

Now arrive at the Hill Palace Museum, Kerala’s first-ever heritage museum exhibiting oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Your next trip is to the Jewish Synagogue, India’s oldest active synagogue built-in 1568, with antiques adorning its interiors. Lastly, proceed to Cochin’s landmark - the giant Chinese Fishing Nets.

In the evening we will witness the tradition and culture through the famous Kathakali performance in an auditorium. Kathakali is a classical Indian dance where the character wears elaborate costumes and makeup. It is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a scenic drive to enchanting Munnar (approx. 1530 ft. above sea level). En-route to Munnar, treat your eyes to the panoramic views of the Cardamom Hills and vast green carpets of tea plantations. Upon arrival in Munnar, check into the hotel/resort. You may choose to relax in your room awhile and then start trekking around the estate.

Post breakfast in the morning; embark on a sightseeing tour of Munnar which includes a visit to Kundala Lake (approx. 1700 m above sea level) - located amid absolutely picturesque surrounding of green valleys and majestic landscapes, Shooting Point - one of the most photogenic places near Munnar, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam - beautifully reflecting the nearby tea gardens, and Eravikulam National Park (spread over 97 sq. km) - home to the rare and endangered goat species, Nilgiri Tahr; the park is also famous for the unique and rare blue Neela Kurinji Flowers which blossoms only once in 12 years.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks.It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar is embellished by the presence of endangered species including White Tigers. Upon arrival at Periyar you will check in at a hotel and relax. Thereafter you are at leisure for your own activities.

After breakfast, visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Take a boat ride on the man-made Periyar Lake, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The variety of animals here, include Elephants, Sambar, Gaur, Wild boars and birds like Ibis and Grey Heron. With a bit of extra luck, you may spot Tigers as well. Head for a Spice Plantation Tour. Spices have always been an important part of life in Kerala. Here the masters of Ayurveda, the science of life, discovered the use of spices for medicinal purposes.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Kumarakom. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. This city fascinates its visitors with the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the eastern bank of the Vembanad Lake. It is a 14-acre natural habitat to an interesting variety of migratory birds like Liberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal that visit here in flocks. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to Alleppey. It is a hub of backwaters in Kerala, home to a number of waterways and thousands of houseboats for you to explore. On arrival, board a traditional houseboat. While enjoying a houseboat ride on the backwaters here, witness the tropical village life. A houseboat ride on the backwaters in Alleppey is a must-have experience, when in Kerala. After registering, customers will receive refreshing coconut water as a welcome drink. Later in the afternoon, the boat will be anchored near rice paddies for lunch. Then resume cruise in some time. In the evening, tea/coffee and snacks will be served. The boat will be anchored near a village for the night. Settle in for dinner at night. Note: Cruising is not possible during the night as it is during this time that local fishermen put their nets.

After breakfast, you will disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will check in at a hotel and relax. Rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Popularly known as the “Pink City of India”, Jaipur is home to many historical places and deeply steeped in culture. It is also famous for its Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. In the evening drive to Chokhi Dhani – the Rajasthani theme village. Enjoy the Rajasthani village ambience. The Folk dance, Folk music, the village hut and enjoy the Traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

After breakfast you will enjoy a full-day city visit of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’...Visit the Amber Fort... a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on elephant back. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone. Visit the City Palace... again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri; Which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architectural. Later, drive to Agra. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Later, visit the Agra Fort - one of the finest Mughal forts in India. This palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress houses many courtyards, a palace of Mirrors, private and public halls and Masjids (Mosques). 

Day begins with an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - a white marble edifice symbolic of the love of Emperor Shahjahan for his beloved wife. Take a dip into the saga of ‘The Taj’ and unfurl the grace and grandeur of this purest symbol of love ever built. The splendid sunrise views over this monument is the biggest tourist draw. Later return to hotel for breakfast. Later check out form hotel and drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Evening is at leisure.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for a half-day tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit India Gate, Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Enjoy a walk in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi. Drive past Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate. Visit Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Later, visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. Later, our representative will transfer you to Delhi airport to board flight for onward destination. Henceforth your journey ends with sweet memories.