Golden Triangle And Kerala 11-Day Trip

Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi – is a palimpsest, bearing the complexities, the contradictions, the beauty and the dynamism of a city where the past coexists with the present. many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character. Meet & greet by Culture Holidays representative at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi
After relaxed breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit Humayun Tomb – The importance of Humayun’s Tomb in the evolution of Mughal architecture is great. It is the first of a long series of dynastic tombs and innovative in a number of ways, notably by virtue of the fact that it introduced the garden tomb to the subcontinent.Qutab Minar – The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India. A rickshaw ride in Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s Shahjahanabad city (old Delhi) is one of the prime attractions of Delhi. Chandni Chowk is a place to be explored and savoured by all those who do not fear crowds and have always been attracted by mixed sounds.India Gate, and the Grand Government Buildings, the President’s House, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial or Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru – the first Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Also visit Laxmi Narayan Temple popularly known as Birla Temple – Birla temple patronized by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated this temple in 1938 after Raja Baldev Birla constructed it, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is close to Connaught Place and is frequented by many devotees regularly. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all strata of society be allowed to offer prayers there on account of the large scale prevalence of untouchability at that time. Night stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra (By superfast air-conditioned train Gatimaan Express Dep. 08:10 hrs. Arr. 09:50 hrs.)
Early morning pick up from hotel & transfer to railway station to board the superfast air-conditioned train to Agra. Breakfast in the train. Arrive Agra in approx 02 hours & transfer to hotel. Arrive & proceed to visit magnificent Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world surely the most extravagant _expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. Sikandra -It is home to Akbar’s tomb. This grand monument was started by Akbar and completed by his son Jahangir. The mausoleum was started by Akbar in the Spartan style of Timurid architecture. Akbar’s son Jahangir added more decorative designs to the mausoleum. Agra Fort – the rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcoveof inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. Night stay in Agra.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur ( By road approx 235kms/04hrs drive ) enroute visit Abhaneri Stepwell & Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute visiting Abhaneri , a small town village, near Agra . The place is popular for the amazing ‘Baoris’ (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by the King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name. Then visit Fatehpur Sikri -a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Jaipur & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur sightseeing – Delhi ( By air-conditioned train Dep 1745hrs Arrv 2240hrs )
After breakfast checkout from hotel & visit the majestic Amber Fort – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression. Ride up on Elephants to the former capital of the royals set against the backdrop of the wooded hills. Continue sight-seeing. City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Jantar Mantar – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Evening transfer to railway station to board train to Delhi. Arrive, meet with our representative & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.

Day 6: Delhi – Cochin ( By Flight )
Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Arrive Cochin – is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Meet and assistance at the airport & transfer to hotel. Later proceed to visit Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays). The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the centre for Spice & Handicraft shops.Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on Fridays). Return to hotel rest of the day free/ shopping at Ernakulam. Evening witness Kathakali the famous dance drama of kerala. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Start early to see the artist preparing themselves for the show (5 PM ). Watch in detail the ritual worth seeing hour long process of make-up as part of our daily Kathakali performance. After the Performance, you will have a unique opportunity to take photographs along with the artists in colorful costumes as a souvenir. Entire performance will be supported with commentary in English. Night stay in Cochin.

Day 7: Cochin – Kumarakom ( By road approx 65kms/01 & half hrs drive )
Breakfast at hotel then drive to Kumarakom – Kumarakom is also one of the enchanting backwater regions of Kerala. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary located on the banks of the backwaters and renowned for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as Waterfowls, Cuckoos and Owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. Day excursion to the bird sanctuary. Arrive & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Kumarakom.

Day 8: Kumarakom – Alleppey ( By road approx 40kms/01hr drive)
After breakfast drive to Alleppey. On arrival transfer to Kettuvallam (House Boat). Cruise start after Lunch on board. Houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. 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. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places. Night stay onboard houseboat.

Day 9: Alleppey – Kovalam ( By road approx 160kms/03hrs drive )
Breakfast at hotel the drive to Kovalam – Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll, a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the “Paradise of the South”. Night stay in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Night stay in Kovalam.

Day 11: Kovalam – Trivandrum ( By road approx 15kms/30 minutes drive )- Departure
After breakfast, then transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the onward flight.