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Holidays to Kerala India Cochin Periyar Houseboat Packages Kovalam

Holiday: Kerala Houseboat, India + Taj Mahal + Rajasthan + Golden Triangle

India: Golden Triangle + Ranthambore + Kerala
Holiday Kerala Houseboat India Taj Mahal Rajasthan Golden Triangle
17 NIGHTS FROM:
$3,824
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
IPP17D
• Holiday, Kerala Houseboat
• Golden Triangle
• Delhi
• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Jaipur
• Rajasthan
• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
• Kerala Houseboat, India
• Kovalam Beach

This holiday combines an overnight stay on a Kerala houseboat in India, with a private tour to view the stunning  Taj Mahal and many cultural treasures of Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur). Visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, before boarding on a traditional Rice Houseboat & relaxing on stunning Kovalam Beach. English driver & city guides, private tiger safari & specified sightseeing included.

Day 1
You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient capital of kingdoms and empires that is now a sprawling metropolis.
 
Delhi's strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power and today it is a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old walled city and New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles, with the old city retaining its past traditions whilst New Delhi strives to match the pace of the 21st century.
Day 2
Today enjoy a full day private tour of modern New Delhi and the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi, which came to prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital here from Agra.
 
In Old Delhi enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through 300-year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with noisy shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and foods, and past the Jama Masjid (or Friday Mosque), the largest in India, and drive past the imposing walls & battlements of the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace in the Mughal Empire. We continue to the Raj Ghat - the simple but moving memorial on the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
 
In the afternoon our tour of New Delhi starts with a visit to the Qutub Minar, an ancient victory tower built of red sandstone and marble in 1199 and still the tallest minaret in India. With its imposing cylindrical towers and surrounding ruins, it is today a World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, that inspired the Taj Mahal.
 
We drive along the Rajpath - the capital's broadest avenue - where you will see the imposing arch of the India Gate war memorial, Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence built for the Viceroy of India, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill.
 
Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Day 3
This morning we drive 3.5-hours from Delhi to the ancient city of Agra, set along the banks of the Yamuna River and originally the capital of the Mughal Empire.
 
Along the way we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre. This facility provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears.
 
Afterwards we continue to Agra, which is world renowned as the home of the Taj Mahal - that great symbol of love built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century as a memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
 
In the late afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh Gardens that are located across the river from the Taj Mahal, to enjoys your first views of this magnificent edifice at sunset.
Day 4
Rise early this morning to visit the stunning Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit and see the dome subtly change its colour.
 
After returning to your hotel for breakfast, later in the day we visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long that encompasses an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort where he remained until his death - spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting place of his beloved wife.
 
Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You are allowed a maximum of 3-hours at the monument and cannot take in anything except your camera, water and essential medicine. From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.
Day 5
This morning we leave Agra and travel 1-hour to the magnificent red sandstone royal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the emperor Mohammad Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city was abandoned due to water shortage, when the capital was moved north to Delhi, and in more recent years the fort has provided a dramatic backdrop to several famous films.
 
We then drive 15-minutes to Bharatpur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) travelling for 2.15-hours to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.
 
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel situated near Ranthambore National Park. This world famous tiger sanctuary was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India, covering an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).
 
Note: At Fatehpur Sikri there is a short transfer from the car park in a local bus, that will be very full and will not be air-conditioned.
 
When you board the train take only a small day pack, as your main luggage will remain with your driver. To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children, where a road transfer will be substituted. This will also be done during adverse weather conditions.
Day 6
This morning enjoy a private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.
 
Early morning is the best time to see tigers, but be aware that it is extremely difficult to find them in the jungle and sightings are never guaranteed. Best viewings are generally at the end of the dry season (March to May, although it is extremely hot from April onwards), when the tigers search out the waterholes - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.
 
Other animals you can hope to see include leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, caracal, civet, desert cat, mongoose, ratel, sloth bear, langur & macaque monkeys, wild boar, palm squirrel, flying fox, porcupine, long-eared hedgehog, marsh crocodile, tortoise and softshell turtle. Also antelope such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and black buck.
 
In the afternoon return to the park for another game drive. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, there are over 270 bird species - including eagles, falcons, owls, greylag geese, flamingos, parakeets, fly catchers, bee-eaters, grebe, terns, woodpeckers, hornbills and kingfishers.
 
Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year
 
You will need to take a copy of your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.
Day 7
Today we drive 4-hours from Ranthambore National Park to the chaotic and colourful "Pink City" of Jaipur that is home to over 3 million people.
 
On arrival enjoy a tour of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage. Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.
 
We then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
 
Our day finishes with a visit to the nearby City Palace, the former Royal Residence part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.
Day 8
This morning we visit the imposing Amber Fort - another World Heritage Site.
 
This magnificent royal palace was built from pale yellow & pink sandstone and white marble and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You will enter via the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where returning armies would display their war booty and women could view them from the veiled windows of the palace. Once inside explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.
 
After lunch (own account) enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can touch and feed him, and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.
 
In the evening enjoy the unique experience of dining with a local family, where you will taste spicy Rajasthan food and gain insight into their lifestyle, with different generations living under the same roof.
 
Note: If you would like to take a gift for your hosts, we suggest flowers. Avoid edible items, because of varying religious and dietary restrictions.
Day 9
At leisure to explore more of the city of Jaipur with your driver providing your transport. You can walk through the old walled city, explore its many bazaars and shop for textiles.
 
Alternatively enjoy an optional Market Tour with a cooking demonstration by a local chef, or an optional elephant interaction.
 
You can also take an optional morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its leopards, or visit the town of Sanganer known for its textiles and paper prints (pay entrance fees locally).
Day 10
Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai and onward connecting flight to Kochi in the beautiful southern state of Kerala - fondly called "God's own Country".
 
On arrival you will be met at Kochi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this Arabian seaport, that was at the centre of the spice trade for many centuries.
 
In the evening a special treat awaits - a performance of the famous Kathakali classical dance.
 
Note: The Kathakali dance show starts at 18.30, but the face painting of the artists starts at 17.30.
 
Kerala is a 'dry' state. All 5-star hotels have alcohol licences and restricted items (eg wine & beer) are served in some mid-range properties, but this does vary by hotel & you will not find any beach bars serving alcohol. You therefore need to ask your driver to stop at a liquor store before arriving at your hotel, so you can purchase your preferred drink, to enjoy in the privacy of your room before dinner.
Day 11
This morning your driver will collect you from your hotel in Kochi and introduce you to the beauty of rural Kerala, as you travel 2.5-hours to the small town of Kumarakom, situated on Vembanad Lake - the largest backwater in India.
 
Check into your hotel and relax surrounded by these tranquil waters.
Day 12
Today is free to relax and enjoy the leisurely lifestyle and wonderful food of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake - an important habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and shrimps.
 
Kerala is renowned for its yoga and Ayurvedic spa treatments. Bird watching is also outstanding, with nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offering a safe refuge for many migratory birds. Sunset boat rides, pedal boats and fishing are available from some hotels (pay locally).
Day 13
This morning board your private air-conditioned Rice Houseboat set on Vembanad Lake. This network of backwaters, lakes and rivers stretches over 930 miles (1,500 km) and provides a vital waterway for transporting people and their produce, once used to transport goods from isolated interior villages to the larger towns but now largely used for pleasure.
 
As the water is level with the land here, spend the afternoon relaxing and watching the agricultural lives of the people who live along the canals and work in the rice paddy fields, as you cruise through the Kerala Backwaters.
 
In the evening see the sun setting over the tranquil backwaters and enjoy dining on delicious local Kerala cuisine prepared by your chef.
 
Note: No alcohol is served on the houseboat, but you can buy beer at the jetty before boarding.
Day 14
After breakfast disembark at the merchant town of Alleppey and transfer 5-hours to Kovalam (meaning "a grove of coconut trees").
 
Check into your beach hotel and relax on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
 
Note: If preferred, you can travel to nearby Trivandrum by train.
Days 15 To 17
At leisure to relax at your resort in quiet and conservative Kovalam on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
 
The three beautiful beaches here form a crescent, separated by rocky outcrops - popular Lighthouse Beach, Howah Beach (also known as Eve’s Beach) frequented by fishermen and the much quieter Samudra Beach.
 
You can also shop for local handcrafts, enjoy Ayurvedic spa treatments for which this region is renowned, participate in daily yoga sessions and dine on delicious (but spicy) southern Indian cuisine.
Day 18
In the early hours, transfer 30-minutes to Trivandrum Airport for your flight home.