Golden Triangle And Kerala Houseboats Itinerary
The 14-day classic route to the two gems of India
This is India's classic twin-centre itinerary, calling at the country's two standout experiences: touring the Golden Triangle by railway followed by the Kerala backwaters by houseboat.
Start your journey in Delhi, exploring the Old Town's historic architecture and trying some street food on Chandni Chowk. Travel by train to Agra to see the famous Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this monument to love is dedicated to his wife Mumtaz. While in Agra, visit the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri before heading into Rajasthan and the arty city of Jaipur. Here, you can explore Rajasthan's arts and crafts, alongside its many palaces and mansions.
Next, fly – or better, take the train – to Kochi, where to enjoy Keralan cuisine and explore Fort Kochi's many cultural influences. Head into the jungle and Periyar National Park, home to tigers and elephants before ending your trip on a houseboat trip in Kumarakom.
Extend your itinerary with visits to Ranthambore National Park, and linger a while longer in Kerala to enjoy some of the country's best beaches.
Key information
| Destinations | Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Delhi's historic Old Town
Day 1–2 in Delhi
Start your Indian adventure in capital city Delhi. Your guide will introduce you to the sights of this grand city, starting with the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi’s eternal flame and the imposing India Gate, a memorial to 82,000 soldiers who died during World War One.
Make sure to explore the narrow streets of Old Delhi, founded in 1639 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who moved the Mughal capital here from Agra. Try street food, marvel at the architecture and absorb your surroundings – it’s crowded and chaotic, but this is the real India.
Don't miss
Get lost in old Delhi in the Chandni Chowk
Visit Old Delhi, the symbolic heart of India’s capital, and get lost in one of its oldest and busiest markets, the Chandni Chowk. Explore its fascinating history, temples and famous colourful bazaars, selling everything from sweets and saris to jewellery and the delicious jalebis.
Agra beyond the Taj Mahal
Day 3–4 in Agra
Your arrival into Agra will give you your first glimpse of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Spend a couple of days exploring this monument to love (Emperor Shah Jahan built it to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal), as well as Agra Fort and Chandni Bazaar. If time allows, visit the ancient ruins of the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Don't miss
Visit India’s most impressive fort in Agra
Agra may be more famous for a certain monument to love (hint: the Taj Mahal), but it is also home to the imposing, red sandstone Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century, it was once the residence of the Mughal emperors.
Jaipur's amazing architecture
Day 5–6 in Jaipur
Known as the pink city, Jaipur is a Rajasthani royal city that offers spellbinding sights and sounds. Its palaces, observatories and merchant buildings are painted in hues of red and pink, but its crowning jewel is the spectacular Amer Fort which towers over the city on a hillside a short drive from the city. Spend a couple of days exploring Jaipur, including its rich arts and crafts scene, before flying back to Delhi to connect with your international flight.
Don't miss
Marvel at the architecture of Jaipur's Amber Fort
Perhaps Rajasthan’s best known city, Jaipur is renowned for its stunning architecture. From the imposing Amber Fort to the Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal palaces, the city oozes history. Jaipur is also Rajasthan’s cultural centre, making it a great place to take in traditional folkloric dance and music.
Tour historial Jodhpur
Bizarrely overlooked by mainstream tourists, Jodhpur is the blue sapphire to Jaipur’s ruby. The beautifully preserved Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1460, is a magnificent sight and an architectural triumph. Surrounding it is a bite-sized old city enclosed by massive walls with squares and step wells all waiting to be discovered on foot.
Experience rural Rajasthan
100kms from Jaipur nestled in the Aravelli Hills is the tiny village of Ajabgarh where life hasn’t changed for generations, tribesmen tend their goats and the sight of a foreigner is certain to raise a wave and a smile from local children. If there’s such a thing as ‘real’ India, this must be pretty close.
Kochi's culture and cuisine
Day 7–9 in Kochi
The port city of Kochi (also known as Cochin) is Kerala's biggest conurbation, but is actually made up of a collection of tiny islands and outcrops. Visit Fort Kochi island for Chinese fishing nets and the Jewish Quarter, or head inland for cultural Kathakali performances and delicious Keralan food. This is a great place to begin your Keralan adventure.
Tigers in Periyar National Park
Day 10–11 in Periyar National Park
Found near Thekkady in the Western Ghat mountains, Periyar National Park is home to sought after populations of elephants and tigers. Take a bamboo raft trip on Periyar Lake to remote wildlife-watching places, or take a jeep to the top of the Cardamom Hills for views over the park.
Houseboat trips from Kumarakom
Day 12–14 in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is the perfect jumping off place for houseboat tour in Kerala. From here, you can explore the canals and waterways around Lake Vembanad. Kumarakom is also a centre of holistic Ayurvedic treatments and is known for its yoga centres, making it a perfect place to relax from the stresses of your trip.
Don't miss
Sail Kerala's waterways on a houseboat
Explore Kerala's canals and waterways onboard with an authentic houseboat adventure, starting from rural Alleppey.
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