Golden Triangle and Kerala Highlights

Duration: 14 days

Location: Rajasthan & Kerala

Highlights: The Pink City, Taj Mahal, Cochin & Backwaters

Price: £2,662pp

An amazing contrast between the bustling cities, forts, palaces and deserts of Rajasthan with the tranquil backwaters and lush tea plantations of Kerala, this 14 day private tour of North and South India really shows off the diverse landscape, history & culture of this incredible country.

SPEAK TO THE SPECIALISTS

This is just one idea. We have lots more up our sleeve. So let’s talk India, call 01273 923100 now. Or if you are worried the boss will be listening in, drop us an email, holidays@sundownerholidays.co.uk

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Delhi
Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi (via Dubai).

Day 2: Delhi
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred in your private vehicle into New Delhi where you will spend 2 nights at The Colonel’s Retreat, an owner run guesthouse which offers a peaceful introduction to India with friendly staff, a private rooftop dining area and gorgeous views of the city.

Days 3: Delhi
This morning you will be collected by your driver and a specialist Delhi guide for your private tour of New and Old Delhi, including the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques in India), a rickshaw ride through the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk and the impressive Humayun’s Tomb.

Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Bidding farewell to the capital you will be driven south to Agra to spend 1 night at the friendly Coral Tree, an owner run guesthouse with lovely hosts and a great location only a few minutes from the Taj. This afternoon with your driver and a local specialist Agra guide you will visit Agra Fort, a 16th century Mughal fortress with stunning views across the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. You will then head into one of the most iconic monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal, to enjoy sunset.

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur
Today you will drive to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing to Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. You will spend 3 nights at Dera Mandawa, a converted Haveli with 9 beautiful suites offering wonderful Rajasthani hospitality from the owner, Thakur Durga Singh, and his family.

Day 6: Jaipur
This morning you will be collected by your driver and a specialist Jaipur guide for your private tour of Jaipur, including the City Palace, the fascinating observatory Jantar Mantar, the Hawa Mahal and one of the finest forts in Rajasthan, Amber Fort. There are plenty of wonderful sights in Jaipur. Talk to us about the different options.

Day 7: Jaipur
Full day at leisure to explore Rajasthan’s capital city. The markets of Jaipur are world renowned and we can also arrange some extra activities if you want to fill your time – perhaps a walking tour of Old Jaipur or perhaps attending a block printing workshop. Talk to us about the different options.

Day 8: Jaipur to Cochin
This morning you will be transferred to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Cochin, the Venice of the East (via Ahmedabad). On arrival you will be met and transferred in your private vehicle into the city to spend 2 nights at Hotel Arches, a small and friendly boutique property offering great value in the heart of Fort Cochin.

Day 9: Cochin
This morning you will be collected by your specialist Cochin guide for a private tour of Fort Cochin, including St Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. After a relaxing afternoon wandering the streets of Fort Cochin you will be taken to enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance performance.

Day 10: Cochin to Munnar
Heading into the hills you will climb the Western Ghats Mountain Range to the hill station of Munnar to spend 2 nights at Olive Brook, a charming owner run heritage bungalow just outside the town with a beautiful setting, numerous hiking trails and fun cooking demonstrations every evening.

Day 11: Munnar
Today you will have your driver at your disposal to visit the town and tea factory. We also recommend one of the hikes from Olive Brook to really appreciate this beautiful region of Kerala.

Day 12: Munnar to the Backwaters
Today you drop back down to sea level, heading to the tranquil Keralan backwaters to board your private houseboat and after meeting your crew you will begin your romantic 1 night cruise. A wonderful way to explore the backwaters you can sit back on your private deck and soak up local life in Kerala.

Day 13: Backwaters
After enjoying sunrise and a relaxing breakfast you will head back to dry land to end your backwaters adventure with 2 nights at the Olavipe Homestay. One of our favourite homestay properties in Kerala, Sumy and Anthony offer superb Keralan hospitality and the food is simply delicious!

Day 14: Backwaters
Spend your last day in rural Kerala enjoying the selection of activities at Olavipe– including village walks, bicycle tours, fishing, boat cruises, canoeing, market excursions or simply relaxing with a good book in one of the hammocks!

Day 15: Cochin to UK
Early this morning you will be transferred north to Cochin Airport for your flight back to the UK (via Dubai).

Welcome home…(how many photos!).

The iconic Taj Mahal

The stunning City Palace, Jaipur

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur

Flower seller, Old Jaipur

The stunning tea plantation of Munnar

Tea pickers, Munnar

Your private Houseboat on the Backwaters

The Keralan Backwaters

This India holiday idea costs from £2,662pp and includes – International flights (price based on London), all accommodation on a sharing basis, 10 nights B&B, 3 nights full-board, a private Toyota Innova vehicle with driver/guide, local specialist guides in each city, a private houseboat, internal flights and all entrance fees (as outlined above).

Now let’s make this holiday yours

Want to spend longer in Rajasthan? Perhaps stop in Mumbai en route? Want to add some beach time? Let us do the work. Call 01273 923100 now or complete an enquiry form.

Sundowner raw footage

The latest word on the street about India holidays:

Our tour of Kerala was perfect in every way, we decided to go with a private driver who stayed with us for the whole trip – we found this a more relaxed way to travel. We were so impressed with Periplus, efficient in every way, our driver, Sunil, was very polite, always on time and in many ways added to our holiday.

Gina Bushill Kerala

We travelled in India for 21 days and every guest house we were booked in was excellent. The cars which picked us up were nice and clean and drivers and guides were good. The Indian counter parts Periplus could not do enough and at every stage we were met with their representative who made double sure that all our needs were met. Highly satisfied.

Gary Singh India

Our first trip to India and it was perfect. Beautifully organised by you – well done. The Taj Mahal was the main reason for our visit and then to see as much as India as possible. The whole trip was more than expected. My husband who was not keen, loved it.

Henrietta Thomas India

James was flexible, patient and responsive. The trip was wonderful – Ramathra Fort and the visit to the local village was a brilliant experience – in fact the whole trip exceeded our expectations on every level.

Paul Davids India

We loved the personal service and the ability to personalise our trip. Your drivers and guides in India followed-up with the best service. This the best holiday we’ve had in the friendliest country we’ve been to. The whole trip was interesting and enjoyable.

Colin Phillips India

Thank you for all your organisation and communication. Your guides and drivers in India were 100% committed to ensure our busy itinerary ran smoothly. We enjoyed it all. Seeing the Taj Mahal, visiting Pushkar’s sacred lake & temple, the heritage village in Agra, Udaipur, 2 nights on the house boat. The trip of a lifetime!

Dean Chase India

The best possible mix of a real holiday with a true learning experience. We loved the sights, sounds and colours of Rajasthan. Thank you to James for listening so well to what we wanted and managing to fit our requirements into one holiday.

Lorraine Gunn India

Absolutely amazing trip of a lifetime, loved it. Mind blowing landmarks in the morning, relaxing by the pool in the afternoon. Fantastic drivers, guides and staff. The Taj Mahal lived up to the hype – one of the most beautiful buildings we have ever seen. The guide was brilliant with his historical and local knowledge, which just added to a great experience.

Linda Nicol India

Thanks so much for all you did to ensure that our trip was the very best and well organised trip we have all ever experienced. Every single tour guide was superb! Their knowledge was impeccable as was their manner! I can’t thank you enough. The guides and the drivers and all the hotels were beyond expectation.

James Envato India

Brilliant organisation. Fantastic guides and drivers. The guides were brilliant – charming and very knowledgable. The drivers amazed us with their ability to get around the Indian roads with such calm ease. You have the most impressive team working for you in India and our trip was seamless. Thank you.

Sandra Spearpoint India

Best and most well organised trip ever been on. Every tour guide was superb! Incredible hotels and incredible staff. Guides and drivers at all the hotels were beyond expectation. We will be in touch for our next trip!

Mr & Mrs Clare India

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