Compare Cycling Kerala's Backroads by SpiceRoads Cycling vs India in 7 days - The Golden Triangle - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,300 | $ 1,599 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 228 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts. |
| Description | Kerala, a narrow Indian state sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mountainous Western Ghats, is known for its tropical greenery, backwaters, wildlife reserves, and tea and spice plantations. Along the way, you will be staying at beautiful heritage hotels, eco-lodges as well as a rice barge converted to a luxurious accommodation. We'll have our fill of ethnic and delicious food, seasoned by local spices. Then the climbing begins as we head up to areas known for its tea plantations and spice estates. |
The mythical land of a thousand colors is now within your reach with our epic Golden Triangle tour! A trio of India's most appealing destinations and a healthy dose of culture will open your eyes to the heart of this beautiful country. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the pink city of Jaipur and romantic Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, it's never been easier to fall in love with India. |
Day 1
Arrive in Kochi, a vibrant seaport town that is the perfect jumping off point for our exploration of Kerala.
Day 2
We ride into the countryside, passing a temple, crossing the Periyar River, where we may see elephants bathing. We head to the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary and overnight in deluxe and unique house tents.
Day 3
Bird watchers rise early to see as many bird species as they can. Cycling from the hotel, we follow the Periyar River to the Valara forest reserve, as we gradually climb to our hotel.
Day 4
A morning climb takes us to Munnar Hill Station. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests, and several tea plantations carpeting the hillsides. The afternoon is free for exploring the town and bazaar.
Day 5
Ride to Top Station for panoramic views after climbing 500 m gradually through little traffic. Then there's the downhill.
Day 6
Today's stunning ride out of Munnar on an undulating country road goes through small villages with wonderful views to Kattapana town. We overnight at a tranquil resort set in a spice plantation.
Day 7
The ride to Periyar National Park, a rich bio-diversity spot and sanctuary for more than 40 tigers, is on small roads through deciduous forests all the way to our resort at the park’s edge.
Day 8
Have a free day to relax or go on one of the treks or boat safaris at the park.
Day 9
From the hotel, we descend on a scenic road through cardamom and tea estates, stopping to visit the Connemara Tea Factory. We overnight at an old plantation.
Day 10
Stunning views with a major descent makes this probably the best ride of the trip. We ride through rubber and spice plantations to India's second largest lake.
Day 11
The morning is free before we board our houseboat, a converted rice barge, for a splendid backwater cruise.
Day 12
We disembark at Alleppey and ride along an old canal road, passing his-toric buildings. We take the beach road north to Marari Beach for a sea-food lunch and relax by the sea. The afternoon ride ends at Fort Cochin.
Day 13
There is an optional morning cycle ride around old Cochin. The afternoon is free to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner.
Day 14
Onward travel.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Are you ready to experience the land of a thousand colors? Pack your bags and set off to your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight * to Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Delhi
Touch down in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Get ready to explore the city and all it has to offer you, intrepid traveler! From the cacophony of sounds to the dizzying aromas and rainbow palette of colors, Delhi is the gateway to your India adventure! Be sure to explore its historic center, filled with the relics of its past under Islamic conquerors. Spend the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll explore the treasures of Old Delhi such as the majestic Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and lively Chandi Chow Street, for your first taste of Indian culture. Make like a local and embark on a rickshaw ride around the Red Fort, former residence of the Imperial Family. Next, admire Raj Ghat, where the legendary Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, see a different side of the city in sparkling New Delhi, passing by the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 4: Delhi - Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your Rajasthan adventure and set off to Jaipur, the so-called Pink City. It's the capital of Rajasthan known for its fusion of Hindu, Jain and Mughal culture. Enjoy your first glimpse of the Rajasthani landscape as you travel through local villages and countryside. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. You will enjoy some free time in the afternoon to get to know the city or to simply relax. Be sure to capture the evening light, where the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, complemented by the colorfully dressed Rajasthanis. You're likely to spot camel-drawn carts, characteristic of Jaipur's street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. The first order of the day is a visit to the much-photographed Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, one of India's most beloved historic buildings with a fascinating past. Next up, feel like a true adventurer as you embark on an exciting Jeep transfer to the atmospheric Amber Fort; have you ever felt more like Indiana Jones? Here you can see the palace of Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautiful, bright pieces of mirror, all the while imagining the glamorous lives of the Maharajas. In the afternoon, it's back to Jaipur for a city tour, including the illustrious Palace of the Maharaja, home to an informative museum that brings this era to life. Afterwards, get to know a little about India's scientific achievements at the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world. Imagine star-gazing from here! Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 6: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. You're getting closer to iconic Agra as you set off, once again, into the dusty landscapes of Rajasthan. Stop in the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where time stands still, and pass through the Bulund Darwaza gateway, the highest gateway in the world and a monument of Mughal might! Arrive in Agra, Rajasthan's most romantic city, and you'll notice the contrasts between red sandstone and white marble in the city's buildings and feel its tantalising charms. Transfer to the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Agra Fort, a formidable structure which houses the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Just walking through the main gate, you'll feel like Mughal royalty! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.
Day 7: Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. It's finally here, the day you tick the legendary Taj Mahal off of your bucket list! The ivory-white marble mausoleum, the brilliant domes, the fountain and that famous bench where everyone has their photo taken; today you'll experience it all for yourself! Home to the tomb of a Mughal Emperors beloved wife, both the story and the beauty of the structure itself may well leave you feeling teary-eyed and filled with a warm fuzzy feeling. Take some time to soak it all up and take the perfect photo, one you'll treasure for a lifetime. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic afternoon drive back to Delhi, where you can spend the remainder of the day reminiscing about your journey and all the wonderful, soul-stirring sights you've seen as well as the warm people who've shared their culture with you along the way. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 8: Delhi - US
Breakfast * at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to head back home, but you'll keep the colors and atmosphere of India close to your heart as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive back home and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
