Golden Triangle with Mumbai, Cochin & Kumarakom

Duration: 12 Nights & 13 Days
Destinations: Delhi (2n) – Agra (2n) – Jaipur (2n) –Mumbai(2N)– Cochin(2N)- Kumarakom(2N)

Gems of India

From the bustling streets of Delhi and Mumbai, culture, heritage and romance of Agra and Jaipur, to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India is a country that will enchant your sights, sound, and soul. This fulfilling experience will take you to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Cochin and Kumarakom. Delhi is the capital city of India, rich with cultural heritage and history that represents the country. Agra is home to the most popular Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, a testament of a King’s everlasting love. Jaipur also known as “The Pink City”, this flamboyant state’s capital, with magnificent forts, palaces and perfectly designed architectural splendour that is the jewel of Rajasthan. Mumbai, the gateway of India is the defining landmark of the last of colonialism in India. Cochin is a charming seaside city flanked by the Western Ghats, is a rich fusion of cultural heritage from and unlikely blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialism. Kumarakom, set on the bank of the serene Vembanad Lake, where its emerald, green backwaters is a favourite haunt for migratory birds and a haven for its permanent dwellers.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01 – ARRIVE in DELHI:
 Upon arrival, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) ceremony, Caper Travel's representative will assist you at Delhi Airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi

DAY 02 – DELHI:

• After breakfast we go for a guided city tour. Old Delhi a walled city of Shahjahanabad, built in the 17th century, starting with the great Jama Masjid, the largest mosques in all of India and remains as one of Delhi’s most beautiful architectures.
• Explore Chandni Chowk, also known as the Moonlight Square, designed by Princess Jahanara Begum originally containing 1,560 shops, the bazaar was 40 yards wide by 1,520 yards long is one of India's largest wholesale markets, filled with vibrant culture, and mouth-watering street foods.
• Next, we will visit the Red Fort, the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, the zenith of Mughal creativity.
• Move on to to the New Delhi the capital of India. It has significant importance in commercial, historical, as well as being the cultural and political hub of India.
• Visit the Raj Ghat, a memorial samadhi dedicated, Mahatma Gandhi where it marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
• Drive by India Gate, a monumental arch built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the WW1& the Afghan Wars.
• President's House, Rashtrapati Bhavan or until 1950s was known as Viceroy's House when it served as the residence of the Governor General of British India.
• Visit the Humayun's Tomb, a World Heritage Site mausoleum built in the year 1562.
• Stopover the Qutub Minar, built in 1206, another of World Heritage site, it’s the tallest brick minaret in the world, symbolizes India's rich cultural and religious history.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (Breakfast)

DAY 03 – DELHI to AGRA (Car/Coach: 265 kms / 5 hrs):

• After breakfast we’ll be on our journey to Agra. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort. Agra reflect the legacy of the golden age of the Mughals empire from 1526 to 1628 and it breathes history, culture, and everlasting romance.

Overnight Hotel - Agra (Breakfast)

DAY 4 – AGRA:
“A Tear on the Face of Eternity” –Rabindranath Tagore describing the Taj Mahal–

• The day everyone’s been waiting for, a visit to the great Taj Mahal. The beauty of this monument bathe in a warm glow of sunrise and morning mist, is a romantic and emotional sight. It’s a symbol of love build by the emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 grieving after his beloved wife. No cost was spared as dazzling white marble, jasper, opal, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones were used to create this epic shrine. The main gateway’s 22 white towers represent the number of years it took to build it and engraved with a concluding passage in Arabic reading “Enter my paradise”.
• Next, we’ll visit Agra Fort, Sheesh Mahal and Kash Mahal. These are the great combination of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and South-Asian architectures, a heritage legacy of the Mughal dynasty.
• Drop by a nearby village to visit The Parchinkari craftsmen of Agra at work, who are believed to be descendants of the same craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal.

Overnight Hotel - Agra (Breakfast)

DAY 05 –AGRA to JAIPUR (Car/Coach: 240 kms / 5 hrs):

• A picturesque drive to the city of Jaipur, popularly known as ‘The Pink City’, this colorful city is the capital of Rajasthan and the most important city of heritage in India. Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, it’s the only city in the world sub-divided into nine rectangular sectors, symbolising nine divisions of the universe, instilling sense of quite calm and space.
• En route we will visit Chand Baori, known as one of the largest and the most beautiful Step wells in the world. It consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 storeys, extending approximately 30m(100 ft) into the ground. Built in the 8th century, the upper storey’s were expanded by the Mughals in the 18th century.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (Breakfast)

DAY 06 – JAIPUR:

• Take a trip to the magnificent Amber Fort. Overlooking the Maota Lake, this palace was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. It is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with five other remarkable 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan’.

**As a responsible travel company, we don’t include or encourage Elephant rides to the Fort’s palace entrance due to the ethical concerns over animal welfare. Return transfer to the palace entrance will be made via a jeep**

• In the Afternoon, we’ll visit the City Palace which remains one of the finest, most opulent, and well-maintained palaces. Occupying its centre is a seven-storeys citadel called Chandra Palace, with its unrivalled picturesque view of Jaipur.
• Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an iconic five-storeys structure of pink sandstone built in the year 1799 for royal ladies to peer down the busy street market through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows), unseen by the world.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (Breakfast)

DAY 07 –JAIPUR to MUMBAI:
(FLIGHT:UK-562 @14:20 – 16:20)

• Today we’ll drive to Jodhpur, known as the “Gateway to Thar”and the“Blue City”. this bustling desert city is shadowed by the mighty Mehrangarh Fort,standing proudly on its sheer rocky ridge. With its dominating landscape, medieval streets embellished with glaring blue houses,palaces and havelis, culture and tradition, Jodhpur is a treat for the eyes and soul.

Overnight Hotel - Mumbai (Breakfast)

DAY 08 – MUMBAI:

• After breakfast we will explore the city of Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, the name was changed to Mumbai in 1995, home to the glittering Bollywood film industry.
• Visit The Gateway of India, arch monument where the last British troops passed through the Gateway with a 21-gun salute, signalling the end of the British Raj.
• Prince of Wales Museum, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), housing over 70,000 Indus Valley civilization artefacts dating 2000 BC and priceless Tibetan & Nepali Art.
• Catch a ferry boat (not available in monsoon season) from Gateway of India to visit Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday), located on Elephanta Island, 10km offshore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collection of rock-cut temples and shrines dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
• Ride along the Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s pearl necklace, from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill.

Overnight Hotel –Mumbai (Breakfast)

DAY 09 – MUMBAI to COCHIN (FLIGHT: AI-681 @ 17:15 – 19:15):

• Transfer to airport to board a flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, our representatives will greet you and take you to your hotel to check-in.

Overnight Hotel –Cochin (Breakfast)

DAY 10 –COCHIN:

• After breakfast, we proceed to visiting St. Francis' Church, the oldest European church in India where Vasco da Gama's remains were buried before it was moved to Lisbon.
• We then visit Dutch Palace, a Portuguese palace gifted to the Raja of Cochin for some fine collections of paintings from scenes of Hindu epics, Mahabharata & Ramayana.
• Stop at the Paradesi Synagogue located in the Jew Town where four scrolls of Torah from the Old Testament are kept.
• Explore the Spice market, a colorful paradise, and a scented memory.
• Head to the Fort Kochi beach to watch the Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala)
• In the evening, join us to watch the Kathakali, Kerala's classical dance.

Overnight Hotel -Cochin (Breakfast)

DAY 11–COCHIN to KUMARAKOM:
(Car/Coach: 75 kms / 1hr 30 mins):

• After breakfast, we drive to Kumarakom. The stunning cluster of islands on the majestic Vembanad Lake where its backwaters is home to a varied range of flora and fauna, peculiar and rare local and migratory birds, and various species marine life. Check in the hotel and spend the day at leisure.

Overnight Hotel - Kumarakom (Breakfast)

DAY 12 –KUMARAKOM:

• Start an early morning bird watching tours with a naturalist and return to hotel for Breakfast.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely backwater lunch cruise on one a houseboat.

Overnight Hotel –Kumarakom (Breakfast, Lunch at the houseboat)

DAY 13 –KUMARAKOM:
After Breakfast, we will transfer you to Cochin International Airport (car/coach: 90mins) to board your flight for your onward journey and conclude your tour.
We Thank you for travelling with Caper Travel and letting us be part of your journey. We hope to see you again soon!
Departure (Breakfast)

PACKAGE RATES INCLUDES:

• 12 x Nights’ Accommodation.
• Total of 12xBreakfasts per person (one/day at each hotel – excluding arrival day) & 1 x Lunch per person at the houseboat in Kumarakom.
• Entry fee (Single visit) to all Monuments will be visited in the itineraries.
• Transportation – Air condition Toyota Crysta car (min 2 pax) OR an Air condition 9seaters Mini coach (min 4-6 pax) with driver.
• Services of an English-speaking guide (excluding ‘leisure’ intervals).
• Additional transportation – 40mins Rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk Old Delhi Tour Day2, Return Jeep transfers at Amber Fort, Ferry boat transfer to Elephanta Island, Shared Houseboat cruise at Kumarakom.

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

• Flights (local and international) or any mode of transportation not mentioned in the package.
• Any personal expenses e.g: alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephones, tips, meal not stated as ‘included’, Camera fee, etc.
• Any items/destinations/tours not stated as ‘included’ in this package.
• Additional Experiences Tours are priced separately and will be charged accordingly.

HOTELS UTILISED:

*subject to availability and changes to a similar category*: