India15 days
India's Golden Triangle and Kerala Backwaters — 15 Days
Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur followed by Kerala's tea plantations, wildlife sanctuary, and lagoon systems
This 15-day itinerary moves through India's northern heritage corridor before transitioning south to Kerala's layered geography of high-altitude plantations, forested reserve land, and lagoon-based accommodation. The northern section covers three centuries of Mughal and later architecture across Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—the historical anchor of the subcontinent. A mid-journey flight bridges to Kerala, where the landscape shifts abruptly from urban and monumental to agricultural and aquatic. The second half emphasizes transition and stillness: three nights in Munnar's tea country at elevation, a day-use stay in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a multi-day stationary base on the Alleppey backwaters, and a final stretch on Kovalam's beach. The pacing is deliberate—each region receives dedicated time rather than rapid transit.
Highlights
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra
- Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
- Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
- Fatehpur Sikri, Mughal city
- Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture, Kochi
- Tea Museum and Mattupetty Lake, Munnar's tea belt
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and lake, home to Asian elephants and tigers
- Vembanad Lake and backwater lagoons, Alleppey
- Kovalam's crescent beach and Ayurvedic wellness treatments
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi airport · the hotel
On arrival at Delhi airport, a representative assists with transfer to the hotel and check-in. The remainder of the day is unscheduled.
2Delhi's Mughal and Colonial MonumentsRed Fort · Humayun's Tomb · India Gate · Qutub Minar · Lotus Temple · Agra · Delhi to Agra
The morning includes a guided tour of Delhi's principal monuments: the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple. By midday, transfer begins toward Agra—a 200-kilometer journey of approximately 3 hours by car. Evening arrival and overnight stay in Agra.
3Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Transfer to JaipurTaj Mahal · Jaipur · Agra Fort · Fatehpur Sikri
An early departure allows arrival at the Taj Mahal during sunrise, the optimal time for light and reduced crowds. After viewing, return to the hotel for breakfast, then proceed to Agra Fort. The afternoon drive toward Jaipur includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a Mughal city. Arrival in Jaipur by evening. Overnight stay.
4Jaipur's Palace, Fort, and Water WorksAmber Fort · Jal Mahal · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar · City Palace · Jaipur's local markets
A guided morning tour covers Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace. The afternoon is free. An optional evening visit to Jaipur's local markets or further time at the hotel is available. Overnight stay.
5Flight to Cochin and ArrivalCochin · Birla Temple · Monkey Temple · Jaipur Airport
Morning sightseeing in Jaipur continues with visits to Birla Temple and Monkey Temple before the drive to Jaipur Airport as per flight schedule. On arrival in Cochin, a representative meets at the airport and transfers to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Cochin.
6Kochi's Portuguese and Jewish HeritageKochi Fort · Saint Francis Church · Santa Cruz Basilica · Chinese fishing nets · Jew Street · Jewish Synagogue · Dutch Palace · Kochi Harbour
A guided morning tour of Kochi encompasses the colonial quarter: Kochi Fort, Saint Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The Chinese fishing nets—still in active use—line the harbor; visitors may observe or attempt to operate them. Jew Street, lined with antiques and spice shops, leads to the Jewish Synagogue. The Dutch Palace displays Kerala's layered trading history. The heritage district is notably intact for a city of Kochi's size. An optional boat ride on Kochi Harbour is available in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.
7Cochin to Munnar: Ascent into the Western GhatsCochin to Munnar · Munnar · spice plantations
After breakfast, the drive to Munnar covers 140 kilometers over approximately 4 hours, ascending into Kerala's tea-growing highlands within the Western Ghats range. En route, optional stops include spice plantations and Valara. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. Overnight stay.
8Munnar's Tea Estates and Mountain LakesTata Tea Museum · Mattupetty Lake and Dam · Echo Point · Kundale Lake · Rajmalai
The day includes visits to the Tata Tea Museum (documenting local tea production), Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, and Rajmalai. The landscape consists of continuous tea plantations at elevation, interspersed with forested valleys and mountain views. The evening is free. Overnight stay.
9Munnar to Periyar Wildlife SanctuaryMunnar to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary · Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, the drive to Periyar covers 112 kilometers over approximately 3 hours. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. Overnight stay.
10Periyar: Optional Wildlife and Nature ActivitiesPeriyar Lake
The day is unscheduled. Periyar Lake offers optional activities including boat rides on Periyar Lake, trekking, bullock-cart rides, elephant rides, nature walks, and night patrols accompanied by naturalists. Overnight stay.
11Transfer to Alleppey BackwatersAlleppey Backwaters · backwaters resort
After breakfast, transfer to the backwaters resort covers 145 kilometers over approximately 5 hours by road. The resort sits on abandoned coconut plantation land within Kerala's lagoon system along Vembanad Lake. Alleppey, set on the lake's banks, functions as the primary hub for backwater tourism in Kerala and is often compared to Venice for its network of waterways and lagoons. The resort is accessible by boat. The day's activities are at the guest's discretion. Water sports and Ayurvedic massages are available at additional cost. Overnight stay at the resort.
12Alleppey Backwaters: Leisure Daythe hotel · the resort
Begin with breakfast at the hotel. The day remains unscheduled for your own pursuits. Overnight at the resort.
13Alleppey to Kovalam BeachAlleppey to Kovalam Beach · the resort · the beach resort
After breakfast and check-out from the resort, the drive to Kovalam covers 160 kilometers over approximately 4 hours. On arrival, check-in at the beach resort. The day is unscheduled. An optional Ayurveda massage course is available. Overnight stay.
14Kovalam: Leisure at the Resortthe resort · the beach · your resort
Begin with breakfast at the resort. The day is yours to spend as you wish along the beach. Overnight at your resort.
15Kovalam to Trivandrum Airport DepartureTrivandrum International Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport, located 14 kilometers away and roughly 25 minutes by car, for your flight home.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Agra
- 3Taj Mahal
- 4Jaipur
- 5Agra Fort
- 6Fatehpur Sikri
- 7Amber Fort
- 8Hawa Mahal
- 9Jantar Mantar
- 10City Palace