Golden Triangle with Architecture & Backwater of South India

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Delhi
1 stop
1
New Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel check in. If you are arriving by morning flight, after relaxation you can take a short tour; otherwise rest time free & easy to relax.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Delhi
1 stop
2
Qutub Minar
Breakfast at hotel, explore the historic city Delhi. First visit Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Later in you opt cycle rickshaw ride past through the bustling and colorful bazaar of Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continue to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi include President House, the regal residence of British rulers, a palace built for British Viceroys. India gate, this monument was built to honour and tribute to the Indian soldiers, sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visiting Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by wealthiest Birla family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Delhi – Mathura/Vrindavan – Sikandra – Agra (210kms/ 4hrs)
2 stops
3
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra. Enroute visit Mathura & Vrindavan, the birth palace of Lord Krishna. Some of notable temples to visit are Bankey Bihari and Iskcon.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Agra
Continue drive to Agra, on the way visit ‘Sikandra, a marvelous mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar, spectacularly designed structure of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Afterwards proceed to Agra check in at hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (245kms/ 5hrs)
2 stops
5
Taj Mahal
Early morning visit Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, beautiful architectural monument among the 7 wonders of the world; this historical masterpiece is illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is crown of all the loveliest buildings in the world, a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues to visit Agra Fort, was built in 1576 AD., by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; in the fort you will find most splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj where from Emperor Shahjahan, prisoner of his son rebellious Aurangzeb, he put his father in the cell of Agra fort, where from he could see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his loveliest wife was cremated. Later visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, built by Empress Noorjehan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Fatehpur Sikri
After city tour drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Jaipur
3 stops
7
Amber Palace
Breakfast at hotel, explore the Pink City. Visit Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Jantar Mantar - Jaipur
Later drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur, the palace is a miraculous representation of the real Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Amongst the 5 observatories built by him, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of them. The splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ was built with a concept for the woman of royal families to speculate the royal ceremonies and festivals being hidden from the public eyes.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Jaipur
In the evening you can explore the bustling market of Jaipur by cycle rickshaw ride, which is paradise for shopping lovers, Jaipur is worldly famous for hand woven carpet, precious stones, handicraft, marble, textile, blue pottery, handmade papers.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Jaipur – Mumbai (Flight)
1 stop
10
Elephanta Caves
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later take a city tour covering Parliament House, CST, Flora Fountain. Halt at Gateway of India an architectural marvel that scores over other buildings in Mumbai. From there board a motor-boat famous Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday). A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. This island is home to a series of seven magnificent rocks cut caves which show various incidents in the life of lord Siva and other dramatic moments from Hindu myt your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. Almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. In the evening pass by Marine Drive fondly dubbed as the Queenhology. These are chiselled with immense artistic finesse. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India. After lunch (on your own), visit to Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect's Necklace, because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. You may halt at Chowpatty Beach one of Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset-watching spot.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Mumbai - Goa (Flight)
1 stop
11
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Goa. On arrival at Goa airport assistance and transfer to resort. Rest of the day is free and easy to relax on the beach.
Admission ticket free
Day 8
Goa
1 stop
12
Breakfast at hotel, take a city tour of Goa, famously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise". Goa is famous for its magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses. Visit to Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and housing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and on the fort stands a 4-storey Portuguese lighthouse and the oldest of its kind in Asia. In the evening enjoy Cruise over Mondovi River.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Goa - Hubli - Badami (184kms/ 4hrs)
2 stops
13
Badami Cave Temples
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Badami the capital of the early Chalukyas. Badami is a picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. On arrival check in at hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Badami visiting - Rock-cut cave temples, Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out on sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Three are four caves here belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
14
The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half - Vishnu.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Badami - visit Pattadakal & Aihole
2 stops
15
Breakfast at hotel, visit Pattadakal, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture of the 8th Century. It has a cluster of 10 beautifully chiselled Jain temples at the entrance of the site Virupaksha temple and Mallikarjuna Temple being the most famous.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Also visit Aihole acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. Other worth seeing temples include The Lad Khan Temple, The Huchimalli Temple, Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and the two storied Buddhist Temple. Return to the hotel in Badami for overnight stay.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Badami - Gadag - Lakkundi - Hampi (180kms/ 4hrs approx)
2 stops
17
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi. Enroute visit Gadag Trikuteshwara temple a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The carved temple is dedicated to Shiva and has three lingas mounted on the same stone. There is a shrine dedicated to Saraswathi in this temple and it has carved columns.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
18
Further drive to Lakkundi full of ruined temples like Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, Nilakanteshwara and many more. Continue drive to Hampi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 12
Hampi
1 stop
19
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Hampi, the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory). It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape. You may opt to see the early morning sunrise at Matunga Hill, the highest point of Hampi as well as the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi which was once greater than Rome and had palaces; Vijaynagar ruins spread over an area of more than 26 sq. kms. The superb ruins are set in a strong and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, which has an almost magical quality. Then visit some of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples, huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple & Lotus Mahal.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 13
Hampi - Belur - Halebid - Hassan (170kms/ 4hrs)
2 stops
20
Hoysaleswara Temple
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi en route visit the temples of Halebid and Belur which bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. In Halebid visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple. Dating back to the 21th century this temple is well known for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
21
Beluru Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple
After visit we proceed to Belur, the once capital of the Hoysala Empire. In Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. Proceed to Mysore for overnight stay at the hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 14
Hassan - Sravanbengola - Mysore (140kms/ 3hrs)
2 stops
22
Breakfast at hotel drive to Mysore. Enroute visit Sravanabelagola one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre. Visible from a distance of 25 kms and 27 metres high, the world's tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali is situated here. After visit proceed to Mysore, check in at hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
23
Later city tour of Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Visit Maharaja Palace built in 1911-1912, the architecture of the palace blends the Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore. Later drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi Bull. In the evening visit to the Brindavan gardens famous for its well planned and well maintained lawns, innumerable pools, fountains.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 15
Mysore - Srirangapatna - Bangalore (140kms/ 3hrs)
2 stops
24
Breakfast at hotel drive to Bangalore. Enroute visit to Srirangapatna, this town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
25
Later take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple famous for the idol of Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha reclining on the serpent Ade Shesha. After visit proceed to Bangalore. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 16
Bangalore
1 stop
26
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Bangalore one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. It is also known as the Silicon Valley of India. Visit Lal Bagh - Regarded as one of the most richly diverse Botanical Garden's in South Asia; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park - Named after Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest-serving commissioner, this beautifully laid out park spreads over 300 acres in the heart of the city. The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock, Tipu's Palace - The summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is carved out of a monolithic stone. Iskcon Temple - located on a seven-acre hillock, known as the 'Hare Krishna Hill', the gorgeous deities of the lord Sri Radha Krishna and the pure spiritual atmosphere make the pilgrimage a lasting memory.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 17
Bangalore - Cochin (flight)
1 stop
27
Fort Kochi
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. On arrival at Cochin airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later city tour of Cochin The Gateway of South India. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Cochin has been ruled by the Dutch, British and the Portuguese. Hence you will find here a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle. Sightseeing tour includes visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. Also famous in Cochin are the Chinese fishing nets, which dominate part of the seafront and attract tourists in large numbers, These nets suspended in the mid air all along the coast and are set up on bamboo or teak poles giving an appearance of huge hammock. If you wish you may opt from a variety boat trips offered like Backwater Canal Tour, the sunset cruise, and so on. In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Presentation, a traditional dance form of Kerala with Lavish Costumes, Exotic makeup, Masks etc. This is considered to be the King of theater performances.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 18
Cochin - Munnar (130kms/ 4hrs)
1 stop
28
Munnar
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Munnar check in at hotel. This luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, is derived from the three mountain streams; Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala which join together in Munnar. Enjoy the tea estates, hills, lakes and forests of Munnar. Visit to the Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar,) This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhar's, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Munnar
1 stop
29
After breakfast visit to Mattupetty (cattle village), the Swiss Livestock Project is a highly specialized dairy farm where over a hundred breeds of highly yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. The panoramic view of greenish tea, coffee and cardamom plantation and the cloud kissing mountain is exciting one. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks. Later visit Devikulam famous for its breath-taking locales, scenic spots and for its unique flora and fauna. Right in the heart of this landscape is Sita Devi Lake. The lake, with its picturesque surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing and adventure sports facilities, is a favorite tourist destination. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 20
Munnar - Periyar (110kms/ 3hrs)
1 stop
30
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Periyar, check in at hotel. Later visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries, which is an example of nature's bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 sq .kms, the animals found here include Elephant, Aur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and birds like Ibis and Grey Heron. A boat ride through the waters of the man made Periyar Lake around which the wild - life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can enjoy wildlife viewing at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the Lake. At Periyar you can see, herds of elephants bathing and playing on the Periyar Lake. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 21
Periyar - Alleppey (130kms/ 3hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom
1 stop
31
Alleppey Backwaters
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver).
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 22
Kumarakom - Kovalam (160kms/ 3hrs)
1 stop
32
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. After visit drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in at hotel. Kovalam is a small village on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. Rest of the day is free for leisure at the beach.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 23
Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (Excursion 90 kms: 2 hrs)
2 stops
33
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Trivandrum city, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. Visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
34
Then drive to Kanyakumari referred to by the British as Cape Commorin is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Later take a sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari visiting Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. Watching sun set from here is the big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon. Later drive back to Kovalam for overnight stay.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 24
Kovalam
1 stop
35
Breakfast at hotel, rest of the day is free for individual activities such as kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. You may also enjoy the herbal or body toning massage (for any service you have to pay directly).
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 25
Kovalam - Trivandrum (16kms/ 30 Min) (Flight)
1 stop
36
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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