Compare India Encompassed by G Adventures vs 13 Days Golden Triangle with Kerala Tour by HolidaysAt
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 28 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,319 | $ 1,190 |
| Price Per Day | $ 83 | $ 92 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
12 Breakfasts at Hotel, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner at Houseboat |
| Description |
From the white marble of the Taj Mahal to the unforgettable backwaters of Kerala, your camera's shutter will be snapping nonstop throughout this comprehensive Indian journey. Sail along the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi and explore Abhaneri’s carved stepwells in the North before flying south to search for tigers in the wild and exotic spices in relaxed hill stations. With an intriguing combination of included activities and free time, city streets, and rural spirit, you're sure to gain an understanding of the people and some insight into this fascinating land. |
Uncover the delights of India’s most visited Golden Triangle - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. Visit historic Fort Kochi and the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters. |
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Day 2 Delhi
Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.
Day 3 Delhi/Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and start exploring the Pink City. Opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.
Day 4 Jaipur
Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.
Opt to see the city on bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour.
Day 5 Jaipur/Dhula Village
Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.
Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Day 6 Dhula Village/Āgra
Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Day 7 Āgra
Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
Day 8 Āgra/Alīpura
Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you'll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.
Day 9 Alīpura
Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India's largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. After, opt to visit a nearby waterfall or watch an evening dance performance.
Day 10 Alīpura/Orchha
En route to Orchha, visit a unique paper making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Continue on to Orchha and embark on an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Day 11 Orchha/Varanasi
Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.
Day 12 Varanasi
Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi - the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.
Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Day 13 Varanasi
Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
Day 14 Varanasi/Delhi
Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.
Day 15 Delhi/Kochi
Fly to the port city of Kochi. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax the rest of the day. Opt to catch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, framed by hundreds of boats and fishing nets.
In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting for new travellers joining the group.
You may have one CEO for the North and one for the South. In this case you will be transferred to the airport in Delhi and fly unescorted to Kochi -- either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the south portion of the tour. Upon arrival to Kochi, there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Day 16 Kochi/Sultan Bathery
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district.
Day 17 Sultan Bathery
Walk the nature trails through the farm area in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.
Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations and is known to produce some of the finest teas.
Day 18 Sultan Bathery/Mysore
Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.
Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.
Day 19 Mysore
Explore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.
Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below. In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes. Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.
Day 20 Mysore/Māmallapuram
Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.
Day 21 Māmallapuram
Visit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
In the morning, visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 22 Māmallapuram/Puducherry
Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.
Day 23 Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 24 Madurai
Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.
Day 25 Madurai/Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory. Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
Day 26 Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
Travel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.
Day 27 Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 28 Kochi
Depart at any time.
Day 1: Arrival at New Delhi
On the day of arrival at New Delhi airport, Holidays At representative will assist you at airport and later transfer to your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at The Hotel.
Day 2: At New Delhi
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour to New Delhi & Old Delhi, visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple (Bhai’s Temple) and Qutub Minar. After lunch at local city restaurant, later proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing tour, visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and Red Fort also take a short rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk spice market and huge market for clothes.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3: New Delhi - Agra (220 Km / 3:30 Hrs)
After breakfast at hotel, check out from the hotel in New Delhi and drive to Agra “City of Love”. Upon arrival at Agra, check in your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel, later proceed for a half day guided city tour of Agra, visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Octagonal Tower, Jahangir's Palace, Chini ka Rauza and Sikandra Fort. In the evening, enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj - the saga of love”, in Agra.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (238 Km / 5 Hrs)
Early morning before breakfast Sunrise, visit the world’s most popular and beautiful monument Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. After finishing your guided tour to Taj Mahal, drive back to your hotel and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur via en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the oldest deserted town built by Mughal Kingdom in 1571 and built by red stone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti, also visit Diwane-e-Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After finishing your sightseeing tour at Fatehpur Sikri, later drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in to your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: At Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for a full day guided tour of Jaipur, visit Amber Fort with elephant ride, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple, Central Museum and Laxmi Narayan Temple. After finish your sightseeing tour to Jaipur, later drive back to your hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur - Cochin (By Flight)
After breakfast at the hotel, Holidays At representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Jaipur airport to board the flight for Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin airport, our representative will assist you at the airport and later transfer to your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel, later proceed for a half day guided tour at Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, St.Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Pallipuram Fort, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, Indo Portuguese Museum. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7: Cochin - Munnar (130 Km / 4 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar “Scenic hills of Kerala” and en-route enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls of Kerala, with high mountains and the low flying clouds passing by. Upon arrival at Munnar, check in to your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8: At Munnar
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour to Munnar visiting the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Old Munnar Town and the town market. In the evening, enjoy the walk at Tea Estate or free for own activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: Munnar - Periyar (98 Kms / 3.30 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India's which covers 777 Sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) for a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival at Periyar check in your hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: At Periyar
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar enjoy the Bamboo Rafting & Border Hiking are a unique program available in Periyar, elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also visit Kumily, Mangala and Devi Temple.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11: Periyar - Kumarakom (113 Km / 3 Hrs)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom check in your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel, later proceed for Kumarakom sightseeing tour, visit Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Island, Juma Masjid and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey (32 Km / 1 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey for day and night. Upon arrival at Alleppey check in your houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, later lunch at houseboat. Enjoy the evening with dinner at the houseboat and rest of the day and night at the houseboat.
Overnight at the Houseboat.
Day 13: Alleppey - Cochin (60 Km / 1:30 Hrs) and Departure
After breakfast at the houseboat, check out from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport to board the flight to your home.
