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Golden Triangle & Kerala Car & Driver Holiday

HOME > India > Car & Driver > Golden Triangle & Kerala

Follow 5 nights exploring the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur by flying south to beautiful Kerala - spend two nights in historic Kochi (Cochin) a night on a traditional house boat and four nights on the beach in Kovalam.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart

Fly from Heathrow to Delhi, arriving the next day. Other departure points including Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow are also available.

Day 2- Delhi

Welcomed by your representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, visit Old Delhi and New Delhi, starting at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Here you will also enjoy Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial market of City. Drive past from the magnificent Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Continue visiting New Delhi - make a photo stop at the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of the Indian soldiers), and drive past Government buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's house) - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat Buildings, an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli Stepwell and The Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple. Overnight at your chosen hotel.

Day 3 - Delhi to Agra

Drive from Delhi to Agra (approx 220 km / 4 hours). Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire, giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat - seat of the Emperor. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. In the late afternoon visit Mehtab Gardens for a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal, from across the River Yamuna. Overnight at your chosen hotel.

Day 4 - Agra to Jaipur

In the early morning visit the mesmerizing Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World heritage site. The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem, created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. It is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage (Please note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday).

Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques. The fort presents a good sampling of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Continue your journey to Jaipur (approx 260 km / 5 hours). Overnight at your hotel.

Day 5 - Jaipur

Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-coloured terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Visit Amber Fort, superbly located and protected by wild Aravali Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th Century, it was extended by Raja Mansingh I in the late 16th Century. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century.

Visit a local school, interact with kids and perhaps do some charitable work. Later visit the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. The sprawling City Palace was an integral part of Raja Sawai Jai Singh II’s new city of Jaipur. Today it is a museum that displays some of the finest collection of paintings, costumes, carpets and armoury of that period. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is a delightfully idiosyncratic five-tier composition of arches and balconies. The opportunity to wander about a local market famous for cotton. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 6 - Jaipur to Delhi

Today after a relaxed breakfast drive to Delhi (approx 250 km / 6 hours). On arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 7 – Cochin  
Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight to Cochin (Kochi), via Mumbai. You’ll be welcomed on arrival at Cochin airport and transferred to your hotel. Kochi, as it is called now, offers you the best of history and culture anywhere in the state. A port town since early centuries Cochin attracted traders and invaders from the world over. One can see snippets of the different eras and influences in the many attractions in Cochin. The place is broadly divided into two areas – Ernakulam, which is a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis, and Fort Cochin, which is the cultural hub where many of the hotels are located. Step out of your hotel and you are within walking distance of other attractions like the Chinese fishing nets, said to have been left behind by Chinese traders in the 15th century. In the evening you can go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at your hotel (vehicle at disposal).

Day 8 – Cochin

Today you can go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders.  

In the evening, visit the GRENIX Theatre to watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at your hotel (vehicle at disposal).

Day 9 – Cochin to Houseboat (65 Km / 1 ½ h)

Drive to Alleppey to embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it’s the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience.

The locals’ travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. Overnight on board (Full Board) (vehicle for Transfer).

Day 10 – Alleppey  to Kovalam (175 Km / 4 h)

Drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala and check in to your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands, of which the southernmost Lighthouse beach is the most famous. The Azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. Overnight at your hotel (vehicle for transfers).

Days 11 to 13 – Kovalam

Days at leisure on the beach. Overnight at your hotel (no vehicle).

Day 14  –  Departure (25 Km / 1 h)

Departure transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.

2023/24 package holidays India Car & Driver holidays Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing.

Prices include flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.

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