Exciting Karnataka & Kerala with Golden Triangle Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, assistance on arrival, our representative escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. After relaxation in the evening witness Light and Sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Also stop over at Abhaneri near Jaipur, and visit Step Well, it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

06 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

07 Day: Jaipur – Bangalore (By Air)

Today morning after an early breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight for Banglore. Assistance on arrival at airport and transfer to the hotel, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beauliful and well laid out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools. Cubbon Park, Bull temple, Mysore arts & crafts centre are worth visiting.

08 Day: Bangalore:

Today morning after breafkast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting ISKCON Temple, Hare Krishna Hill is the hillock on which this temple is situated. Lal Baugh– One of the main gardens in the city; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park– a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple – The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock. Later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit, Vishweshwaraiah Technological Museum, Vidhana Soudha. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Bangalore – Srirangapatnam – Mysore (140 kms: 4 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mysore. Enroute visit the Srirangapatna (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and The Ranganathaswamy temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Ranganatha, a manifestation of the god Vishnu. It is one of the five important pilgrimage sites along the river Kaveri for devotees of Ranganatha. These five sacred sites are together known as Pancharanga Kshetrams in Southern India. After visit continue drive to Mysore, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation visit Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains, followed by flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Srirangapatnam: Srirangapatnam is the biggest of the three islands in the river Kaveri. The island, five kilometers long and two kilometers wide, derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side. The island has something for everyone. For those who are turned on by history, there are many monuments here spanning a thousand years. All the major dynasties of the South have left their relics and monuments here-the Hoysalas of the 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri in the 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan that came after them, and finally the French & the british.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid–out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo–headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyars rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.

10 Day: Mysore:

After breakfast visit the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 – 1912. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. Also visit the St. Philomenas cathedral followed by a drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Evening is free for leisure, or you may opt to visit the local market to enjoy shopping and the local food, offered by various restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

11 Day: Mysore – Ooty (130 kms: 3 - 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ooty, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment take a sightseeing tour of this picturesque hill station visiting Botanical Gardens, a wealth of variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, Ooty Lake : is surrounded by green hills and huge trees. The sight of lake from the shores is mesmerizing. The Fern hill Palace: was the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The first Fern hills bungalow was built in 1844 as a private The palace resembles a Swiss Chalet, Ooty Golf Links: The golf course is set at an altitude of 7200 feet. The course extends over 193.56 acres and comprises 18 holes. Dodabetta Peak: highest point in South India, Pine Forest: a scenic canvas to the valleys and the vast landscapes of the Nilgiris. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.

12 Day: Ooty – Coonoor – Ooty (20 kms: 1 ½ hr)

Today morning after breakfast, take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor- this train runs between Metupalaiyam-Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. The track is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, and passes over 26 viaducts, and through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges. This railway is particularly picturesque because of the surrounding rocky terrain, tea plantations, and forested hills. Coonoor, with its worldly famous tea, is a tourist destination in itself. On arrival explore the surrounding places: Ketti Valley –the second largest valley in the world is best viewed if you walk in the railway tracks from Ketti to Aravangadu, Coonoor Golf Links, Wellington Army Barracks (Need Prior Permission for a full tour), SIMS Park, a 12-hectare park exhibiting over 1000 species of plants, Visit Lambs nose followed by Dolphins Nose (10 km. away from Coonoor) offering an excellent view. It encompasses the Catherine Falls (250 feet). Afterwards return back to Ooty by car. Evening is free to enjoy the natural surroundings of the hill stations. Overnight at the hotel.

Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty ), Kotagiri and Coonoor - that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it's on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. (The suffix, 'oor', means village) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it's only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you'll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.

13 Day: Ooty – Guruvayur – Cochin (280 kms: 7 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Cochin, enroute visit the Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the most popular pilgrim centers of India, followed by visit to Punnathur Kotta, where 44 elephants belong to the Guruvayur Krishna Temple are fenced and fed in the Punnathur Kotta. Later, drive to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala also called '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. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin.

14 Day: Cochin

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Cochin, visit Fort Cochin & St. Francis Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday afternoons and all Saturdays & all Passover Days & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace (closed on Fridays & Saturdays). Enjoy the Kathakali Dance, one of India's most famous Classical dances with lavish Costumes, exotic makeup & Masks intensifying the beauty of the dancer’s intricate moments. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

15 Day: Cochin – Munnar (130 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

Today morning check out the hotel and drive to Munnar, The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range expose its beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which look like a wide green carpet. You can take a short tour visiting Munnar Tea Factory & Museum (closed on Monday). Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Munnar: the one-time 'summer capital of the British rulers', over the years now became the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala. It is the abundant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000 feet above sea level. Intense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and major tea, coffee and spices plantations sprawled over this region. Munnar abounds in animals like wild elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. An ideal hill destination to enjoy the sheer nature.

16 Day: Munnar

Today morning after breakfast explore this panoramic hill station- visit Pothamedu to enjoy picturesque view of the coffee, tea, cardamom and other spices plantations in Munnar, Devikulam (7 km from Munnar), this tranquil hill station with its velvet lawns, vibrant flora and fauna with picturesque mountains, a rare experience. Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty is also known for the Indo-Swiss Farm and a dairy farm, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. In the evening you can take a tea and coffee and spices plantation tour visiting tea museum. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

17 Day: Munnar – Alleppey (165 kms: 5 hrs) - Backwaters tours through sailing boat:

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive for Alleppey, on arrival check in to the houseboat and journey begins to explore backwaters world though sailing boat passing thorough tropical countryside, enjoying view of palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights. On the way one can see The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, groups of duck swimming around and colourful birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures treasured in our memories, you can try your hands in fishing from the houseboats. In the evening enjoy beautiful sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. Enjoy the dinner of your choice cooked and served by the Chef. Dinner and overnight at the houseboat.

Alleppey: a calm backwater town is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of water canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. Alleppy is also famous for Speculative Nehru Trophy Boat Race, celebrated every year- in month of August, the most colourful and exotic snake boat race in Kerala. The city is known for coir products.

Houseboat: Generated through electricity; with sitting cum dining area, private bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver).

Backwaters Tours: The mystifying intricate of forty-five rivers that creates around 900 km roundabout lakes, lagoons, canals, estuaries and deltas in the South Indian state of Kerala, This topographical persona blessed the God's Own Country with elaborate water worlds, commonly known as 'backwaters'. Cruising all along the backwaters of Kerala is an ultimate way to discern its implausible foliage, bona fide, affluent ethnicity and wildlife. The tranquil, steep and Sluggish backwaters tour is like inspiring depictions of nature’s beauty witnessed by the tourists.

18 Day: Alleppey – Kovalam (160 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to the beach resort. Kovalam is the most picturesque beach of Kerala and just 16 kms away from - Trivandrum; Kovalam is quite famous for Ayurveda treatment and massage. After some relaxation you can enjoy beach activities on Kovalam beach with - surfing skiing and kayaking. Enjoy the sunbathing and Ayurveda massage under the tropical sun. Overnight stay at the beach resort at Kovalam.

Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.

19 Day: Kovalam

Today morning after breakfast you can enjoy the day on the sandy beach – may opt for water sports and wellness: Sunbathing, water skiing, Angling, Para- sailing, surfing etc…you may experience renown Ayurveda massage, herbal body toning, treatment offered at most of resorts, this will not give you just relaxation, in fact rejuvenates your body, mind and soul. You can also enjoy special cultural programme and catamaran cruising. Overnight stay at the resort at Kovalam.

Ayurveda, means the science of healthy living, derives its name from the Sanskrit words, AYUSH (LIFE) and VEDA (KNOWLEDGE). It looks at healing in a holistic fashion. The physical treatment has overtones of philosophical and psychological approaches too. Any ailment in the body is viewed as a result of a combination of factors with special reference to the components of diet. It is here that Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is different and so treatment too should be customized. The Ayurvedic principles are found in detail in Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas of Hinduism.

20 Day: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (90 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out the beach resort and drive to Kanyakumari, on arrival check into the hotel. After relaxation visit: Kumari Amman Devi Temple- dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati. Gandhi Mandapam - Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi- The father of Nation. Then early evening boat cruise to Swami Vivekananda Memorial - where Swami Vivekananda meditated and decided to carry his message of peace across the world. Thiruvalluvar Statue- is the land mark of the Kanyakumari. In the evening enjoy the amazing sunset from Murugan Kundram hills, also rising sun on the same horizon, one of the phenomenal and rare experience in Kanyakumari. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamilnadu is located at the southernmost tip of the peninsular Indian. It derives its name from the small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) located on the city’s shore. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.

21 Day: Kanyakumari – Trivandrum (95 kms: 3 hrs) – Hometown

After enjoying the charismatic sunrise and breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Trivandrum, and explor Horse Palace, The Napier Museum & Sree Chitra Art Gallery and Padmatheertha Kulam (Temple Pond). After visit continue drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for onward journey. On departure the trip get over with happy memories.