India
Explore the Golden Triangle and fly to Kochi and enjoy the delights of Kerala
Golden Tour - 18 Night Itinerary
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, explore Rajasthan, take 4 x 4 safaris in Ranthambore National Park and head south to Kerala visiting Kochi, tea and spice plantations, a beautiful backwaters cruise and relax at a beachside resort.
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Travel Highlights
- Discover north and south of India in one seamless journey.
- Explore Delhi including the Red Fort, colourful bazaars and India gate.
- Visit Agra Fort and the mesmerising Taj Mahal.
- Admire Fathepur Sikri, another incredible world heritage site.
- Enjoy 4 x 4 safaris in Ranthambore National Park in search of the Bengal Tiger.
- Visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur including the imposing Amber Fort.
- Explore Kochi and experience an authentic Kathakali dance performance.
- Visit a colonial tea plantation in Munnar.
- Explore the wildlife and nature in beautiful Periyar National Park.
- Take a cruise on Kerala's famous backwaters.
- Relax in a beautiful beach resort at the end of your tour.
Tour Route
- Delhi - 2 Nights
- Agra & the Taj Mahal - 1 Night
- Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore National Park - 2 Nights
- Drive to Jaipur - 2 Nights
- Fly to Kochi - 2 Nights
- Munnar and Periyar - 4 Nights
- Kumarakom & backwaters cruise - 2 Nights
- Kerala beach resort - 3 Nights
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
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Tour Itinerary
Delhi
2 NightsDay 1 - Depart the UK on overnight flight to Delhi
Day 2 - Arrive in Delhi
Day 3 - Guided city tour of Delhi
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Depart the UK to Delhi
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.
Thursday, 04 June 2026
Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Airport where you will be met by our local Veloso guide and taken to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure. Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre–British control and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India. However as we explore the city you will see that these demarcations are fluid with an intermixing of the old and new Delhi’s produce a fascinating city life.
Friday, 05 June 2026
Guided tour of Delhi
Your guide will show you the city today visiting Chandini Chowk in Old Delhi, a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items. Continue to India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid.
Your next stop is the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the followers of the Sikh religion. In the afternoon we visit Humayun’s Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. From here we drive to the Qutub Minar complex, the first mosque in India which established the political victory of Islam in northern India.
Anurag Srivastava
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
Located in the centre of New Delhi, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms and an excellent choice of restaurants.
There are 220 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each with private bathroom, hair dyer, minibar, bottled water, coffee and tea maker, safe and sitting area. Rooms have panoramic views of the city.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, gym…
Maidens Hotel, New Delhi
The Maidens Hotel was established in 1903 and remains a stately survivor of the golden age - the sweeping driveway and the grand façade give an inkling of its star-studded past. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. A stay at Maidens Hotel is a historically and…
The Oberoi, New Delhi
The Oberoi, New Delhi is located in the centre of New Delhi, close to the major attractions including India Gate.
The hotel has 220 air-conditioned and spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, teak floors and oak desks. Each room has a safe, FREE Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, 24 hour butler service, goose pillows (with choice), Nespresso…
Agra & the Taj Mahal
1 NightDay 4 - Drive to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Agra & the Taj Mahal
We drive to Agra for a 1-night stay including breakfast. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. In the afternoon we visit Agra Fort which also has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.
After High Tea at Taj Khema, we drive to the Taj Mahal, aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr.
Tajview - IHCL SeleQtions, Agra
Spread over six acres of manicured gardens, the Tajview, Agra is a relaxing base to explore and sightsee. For those who want the best vantage point, some with direct views of the Taj Mahal.
The rooms are a combination of superior, deluxe, Premium and suites. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, hair…
The Grand Imperial, Agra
The Grand Imperial Hotel was built in the early 1900s by the British. It remains the only grand heritage boutique Hotel in Agra and as such will add a sense of occasion to your stay here. The hotel is central Agra with views, from the rooftop bar and cafe, of the Taj Mahal, Red Fort…
ITC Mughal, Agra
The ITC Mughal, Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. With 23 acres of luxurious gardens and located close to the Taj Mahal, it is the only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. You will feel this as…
Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore National Park
2 NightsDay 5 - Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore National Park
Day 6 - 4 x 4 games drives in Ranthambore National Park
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore National Park
This morning we visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. Visit the remarkably well-preserved Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces. In the afternoon, take the train to Sawai Madhopur (our base for Ranthambore National Park) where we stay for 2-nights at your chosen hotel including breakfast.
Monday, 08 June 2026
4 x 4 games drives in Ranthambore National Park
This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, seeing a tiger is partly a matter of luck. However, there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds.
The morning safari starts early and enjoy an afternoon safari after lunch.
Sher Bagh by SUJÁN, Ranthambore National Park
Sher Bagh by SUJÁN is one of the first ever Relais & Chateaux's in India and acknowledged as the most charming and authentic place to stay in Ranthambore. The SUJÁN family has played an active part in the conservation effort at Ranthambore since 1974 and included in the rates is a 'Conservation Contribution' that helps…
Drive to Jaipur
2 NightsDay 7 - Drive to Jaipur
Day 8 - Guided tour of Jaipur
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive to Jaipur
This morning we drive to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’, because of the terra cotta coloured lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's walls, buildings and temples. The reasons for painting the town pink are unknown; some say it is because Maharaja Jai Singh II was a devotee of Lord Shiva and pink was his favourite colour. We check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Guided Tour of Jaipur
Today enjoy a guided tour visiting Hawa Mahal with its the ornate pink façade, Jantar Mantar - the world’s largest observatory carved in stone and marble.
Continue to the Maharaja's City Palace, a marriage of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection. In the afternoon we visit Agra Fort.
Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed that “a fort is the strength of a king”. They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts.
Charles Ganaraj
Trident Hotel, Jaipur
The Trident Hotel is an excellent tourist class hotel in Jaipur with views of Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. Ideal for couples and families.
The 132 air conditioned rooms and suites are well appointed, including private bathroom, TV, minibar, FREE Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the lake or the landscaped gardens, with the Aravalli mountain range…
Diggi Palace, Jaipur
Diggi Palace was built in 1860 by Shri Thakur Saheb Pratap Singh Ji Diggi of the then ruling family of Diggi principality. In 1991, the palace was converted to a heritage hotel. It is a wonderful place to stay for an authentic experience of Jaipur, set in large grounds away from the hustle and bustle…
Rajmahal Palace RAAS, Jaipur
The Sujan Rajmahal Palace is located in the centre of Jaipur and recognised as one of the best boutique hotels in the in the city, even the whole of India. Built in 1729 by the Maharaja of Jaipur, the hotel was originally the private residence of a British Resident in 1821 and later by Mahataja…
Fly to Kochi
2 NightsDay 9 - Fly to Kochi
Day 10 - Guided tour of Kochi & Kathakali performance
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive to Delhi and fly to Kochi
This morning we return to Delhi airport and fly to Kochi. On arrival, you will be met by our Veloso Tours guide and take to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Friday, 12 June 2026
Guided tour of Kochi and Kathakali performance
This morning enjoy a tour of Kochi visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. We also observe the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings.
In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made-up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.
Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Brunton Boatyard is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Located in Fort Cochin, it’s an inspiring place to explore Kochi. The hotel was a boatyard under the British Raj, now beautifully converted and restored to a luxury hotel.
Twenty two rooms overlook the sea, each…
Munnar and Periyar
4 NightsDay 11 - Drive to Munnar
Day 12 - Explore the tea plantations
Day 13 - Drive to Periyar
Day 14 - Periyar Lake and wildlife sanctuary
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive to Munnar
This morning we drive inland through rolling hills to Munnar, our base for exploring the famous tea plantations. Check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Sunday, 14 June 2026
Explore the tea plantations
This morning we visit a tea Museum in a classic bungalow with old furniture, typewriters, a wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and 1909 telephone system. Those eager to understand the nuances of tea processing can do so at the tea-manufacturing unit at the museum. We then continue to a tea plantation for a walk where you will meet tea pickers plucking the tea and enjoy a a tea tasting session.
After lunch we process the tea you have observed in one of the oldest factory in this region.
Monday, 15 June 2026
Drive to Periyar
This morning we leave Munnar and drive to Periyar where we check-in at your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Periyar National Park
Today enjoy an early morning guided nature walk in Periyar National Park, observing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.
In the afternoon, we take a wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake, observing elephants, wild boar, bison, sambar and water birds perched on tree stumps with their wings spread.
Shalimar Spice Garden, near Periyar
Nestling in the heart of the spice area in the low hills of the Southern Ghats and surrounded by tropical jungle, this rustic retreat is ideal for visiting nearby Periyar. It is the only boutique Hotel in the area and comprises of a main lodge, dining room, snug sitting room and a hall.
Sprawling up the…
Kumarakom & backwaters cruise
2 NightsDay 15 - Kerala backwaters cruise
Day 16 - Kumarakom village visit
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Kerala backwaters cruise
Morning visit to a Spice garden to discover different varieties of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, vanilla, ginger, tea and coffee growing in their natural environment.
We then drive to Kumarakom via a day cruise on the Kerala Backwaters in Alleppey including lunch. The houseboat cruise takes you through the intricate maze of beautiful backwaters. Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best.
After the cruise, check-in to your chosen hotel in Kumarakom for a 2- night including breakfast.
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Kumarakom village visit
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad (‘granary’ of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets. After breakfast, visit a local village where the local community weaves coconut leaves, make ropes and local fishermen cast their nets.
This is a true insight into the local life.
Xandari Riverscapes, Kerala Backwaters
Houseboats, also called as Kettuvallams, were traditionally used as rice boats with their construction based on binding wood with knots or 'kettu' and hence the name. Not a single nail is used while making them.
Xandari Riverscapes has a fleet of 9 sustainably crafted houseboats with all modern amenities and facilities including ensuite bathrooms attached…
Kerala beach resort
3 NightsDay 17 - Transfer to your beach resort at Marari
Day 18 - At leisure
Day 19 - At leisure
Day 20 - Fly back to the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Transfer to your beach resort at Marari
After breakfast, drive to Marari. On arrival, check-in to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Saturday, 20 June 2026
At leisure
Enjoy the facilities of your luxury resort or relax on the stunning white sandy beach.
Sunday, 21 June 2026
At leisure
Relax and enjoy your last night in Kerala with the most amazing sunsets.
Monday, 22 June 2026
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport and fly on a daytime flight back to the UK, arriving in the evening.
Marari Beach Resort
The Marari Resort offers a relaxing seaside village experience, set in 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm.
The cottages echo the style of local fisherfolk with a simplicity, beauty and harmony that underlie Malabar’s coastal cultures. Nature and wellness are omnipresent at Marari as well as the…
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | October - March | |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £4,395 | £5,765 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £5,995 | £7,632 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- Guidelines prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room
- 20 Days / 18 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Domestic flight from Delhi to Kochi
- 18 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees
- National Park entrance fees and three 4 x 4 game drives
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
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