The Golden Triangle & Kerala

This trip combines some of the most famous sites of northern India with some time in the beautiful southern state of Kerala. It is ideal for a first trip to the sub-continent as we visit all the well known places of the ‘Golden Triangle’, that’s Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, as well as including Cochin in the south, time on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala, and a couple of days relaxation on the beach.

Trip information

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Included

Accommodation in double/twin room on a bed and breakfast basis; all transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle; guided tour of Delhi, Agra, Fathepur Sikri, Jaipur and Cochin; entrances fees on tours; train tickets Delhi-Agra; economy class air-fare Jaipur-Kochi.

Not included

International flights; visas; tips; entrance fees at sights; optional activities at Marari Beach Resort.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip that does not require any particular special fitness. You stay in good hotels and should find this an in-depth and comprehensive itinerary at a relaxing pace.

Best time

The best time to travel is around October to mid-April. The monsoon season is normally from June to September. The temperature should range from a low of about 22°C to a high of 32°C.

Getting there

International flights from the UK into Delhi and out of Kochin cost from around £500 per person.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Rain
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny

Min Temp

- 7
- 9
- 14
- 20
- 26
- 28
- 27
- 26
- 24
- 18
- 11
- 8

Max Temp

- 21
- 24
- 31
- 36
- 41
- 39
- 36
- 34
- 34
- 34
- 29
- 23

The Taj Mahal at Agra
The Pink City of Jaipur
Historic city of Cochin
Backwater houseboat trip
Southern beaches

Itinerary

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Duration: 13 days

Day 1:
Arrive in Delhi. Met and transferred to Claridges Hotel.
Day 2:
Day for sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Overnight at Claridges Hotel. (B)
Day 3:
Transfer to station. Fast train to Agra, guided tour of Agra. Overnight at The Trident. (B)
Day 4:
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Drive to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Samode Haveli. (B)
Day 5:
Full day guided tour of Jaipur including Amber Fort. Overnight at Samode Haveli. (B)
Day 6:
Flight to Cochin. Afternoon city tour of Cochin. Evening Kathakali Dance show. Overnight at Brunton Boatyard. (B)
Day 7:
Drive to Alleppy and board the houseboat. Overnight onboard. (FB)
Day 8:
Transfer to Marari Beach at Mararikulam and relax! (B)
Day 9:
Day on the beach. (B)
Day 10:
Day on the beach. (B)
Day 11:
Day on the beach. (B)
Day 12:
Drive to Cochin. Free afternoon in Cochin. Overnight at Brunton Boatyard. (B)
Day 13:
Transfer to the airport to connect with onward flight home. (B)

Pricing guidelines for India

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £450 to £700 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). India combines well with Nepal.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week Golden Triangle holidayBetween £800 and £2000
2 weeks in northern IndiaFrom about £1500+
2 weeks in southern IndiaBetween £2000 and £3000
11 day wildlife safari (including tigers)From about £1250+

India