Golden Triangle, Goa & South India
New
Kick off in Delhi on an 18–day journey blending iconic sights, beach time and Kerala backwaters. In the north you’ll explore Old and New Delhi, marvel at the Taj Mahal and roam Jaipur’s forts and bazaars. Fly to Goa for Portuguese era churches, a sunset cruise and golden shores. Venture inland to Badami and Pattadakal, then evocative Hampi – a UNESCO treasure set among giant boulders. Explore Cochin’s historic quarters and a Kathakali show, head for Munnar’s tea hills and Eravikulam National Park. At Thekkady spot wildlife on Periyar Lake and tour spice plantations, before drifting by houseboat to Alleppey.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
18 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
DelhiEnds
KochiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
€3,575.00
€1,931.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
New Delhi
Delhi
Agra
Jaipur
Fatehpur Sikri
Abhaneri
Goa
Ponda
Badami
Pattadakal
Aihole
Bagalkot
Gadag
Lakkundi
Hampi
Hubli
Cochin
New Hubli
Kochi (Cochin)
Munnar
Thekkady
Ramakkalmedu
Alleppey
Alappuzha
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Hotel check-in and check-out are from 12:00 – early check-in is subject to availability. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. You may choose to go out for dinner with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, we visit the Red Fort – residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years until 1857 – and Jama Masjid, one of the world’s largest mosques built by Shah Jahan. We take a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk and the Khari Baoli spice market – a bustling maze of stalls selling spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery, vivid saris, essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets – and we visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at his cremation site. In New Delhi, we explore Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in 1569–70 – and Qutab Minar, a 73 metres tall minaret within the Qutb complex noted for its Afghan-style architecture. We also visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship open to all, and drive through the government district, passing the President’s House, Parliament and India Gate. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore independently. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Delhi to Agra – approximately 210 kilometres – around 4 hours – and check in on arrival. Later, we tour Agra’s highlights: the Taj Mahal, an ivory–white marble mausoleum on the Yamuna River commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and also his own resting place; Agra Fort, the main Mughal residence until 1638; and the refined Itmad–ud–Daula, a Mughal tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Agra - Abhaneri
Agra – Jaipur (245 kilometres – 5 hours approx). After breakfast we drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri en route. Founded in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and abandoned about 15 years later due to water scarcity, Fatehpur Sikri is a vast red sandstone complex blending Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. We visit the Diwan–i–Khas, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and the Buland Darwaza. We then continue to Abhaneri, a small village known for the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple. We continue to Jaipur and check in at the hotel. In the evening we explore the Pink City’s colourful bazaars; you can also visit the Albert Hall Museum, which displays metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones, ivory goods and miniatures from the Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools. If you wish, you can end the day with a Bollywood film at the opulent Rajmandir Cinema. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Jaipur
JaipurAfter breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full-day tour of Jaipur, India’s first planned city, established in 1727 by Jai Singh II and designed according to Vastu Shastra. The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales – a tradition that still defines its old quarters. In the morning we visit Amber Fort, followed by Jaigarh Fort and the terraced Sisodia Rani Garden. In the afternoon we continue to the City Palace, the Observatory and the iconic Hawa Mahal. You can spend time in the Pink City’s bustling bazaars, browsing for textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. In the evening we attend the aarti ceremony at Birla Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Jaipur
After breakfast, we transfer you to Jaipur airport for your flight to Goa. On arrival, we meet you and drive to your resort. The rest of the day is yours to unwind – you can relax on the beach or take it easy at the resort. Overnight at the resort.
Day 7 - Goa
Goa After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a city tour introducing Goa’s architectural highlights and heritage. In Old Goa – about 10 km from Panjim – we visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the tomb of St Francis Xavier. We also see nearby sites including the Cathedral with its vaulted interior, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Nunnery of St Monica. We continue to Fort Aguada, built by the Portuguese to command the mouth of the Mandovi River, where a four storey Portuguese lighthouse stands – the oldest of its kind in Asia. In the evening, we enjoy a cruise on the Mandovi River. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Goa
Goa – Badami (184 km – approx. 4 hours). After breakfast we drive to Badami, once the capital of the early Chalukyas, set at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. On arrival we check in, then explore the rock–cut cave complex with its gateways, fort, inscriptions and sculptures. We climb the steps to the sandstone caves on the hillside, visiting four in total – three dedicated to Hindu deities and a fourth that is Badami’s only Jain temple. In the first cave we see Shiva as Nataraja with eighteen arms depicting 81 dance poses, while the largest, the third cave, is dedicated to Vishnu and features carvings including Narasimha and Harihara. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole - Bagalkot
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out from Badami to explore Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River that showcases the richness of Chalukyan architecture from the 8th century. The complex features a cluster of finely carved temples, with Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna among the highlights. We then continue to Aihole, often called the cradle of Hindu temple architecture, where hundreds of temples stand in the surrounding villages and fields. Notable sights include the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum, as well as Lad Khan Temple, Huchimalli Temple, Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple complex, Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple and a two storey Buddhist temple. We return to Badami for the night. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Badami - Hampi
After breakfast, we drive from Badami to Hampi – about 180 km, around 4 hours – visiting key sites en route. At Gadag, we explore the Trikuteshwara Temple, a carved complex dedicated to Shiva with three lingas set on a single stone and a Saraswathi shrine with sculpted columns. We then continue to Lakkundi to see its ruined temples, including Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara and Nilakanteshwara. On arrival in Hampi, we check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Hampi
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a city tour of Hampi – the medieval capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of rocky hills and the Tungabhadra River frames extensive ruins spread over more than 26 square kilometres. You can choose to start early with sunrise at Matunga Hill – the highest point in Hampi and an excellent vantage for panoramic views. We visit key sites including the Hazara Rama Temple, the monolithic Ganesha and Narasimha images, the Elephant Stables, the Queen’s Bath, and the intricately carved Ramachandra Temple and Lotus Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Hampi - Kochi
After breakfast we drive from Hampi to Hubli airport (about 170 km – around four hours) for the flight to Cochin. On arrival we’re met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Later we take a city tour of Cochin – the Gateway of South India – a seaside city shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British influence and framed by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. We visit Fort Cochin and St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Dutch Palace, and see the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront. If you wish, you can opt for a boat trip such as a backwater canal tour or a sunset cruise. In the evening we enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form of Kerala known for its lavish costumes, elaborate makeup and masks. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 - Kochi
After breakfast in Cochin, we drive 130 kilometres – around four hours – to Munnar and check in at the hotel. During British rule, Munnar served as a summer retreat for government officials, and today its tea estates, hills, lakes and forests define the area’s cool, tranquil character. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 - Munnar
Munnar After breakfast, we head to Pothamedu for sweeping views of Munnar’s tea, coffee and cardamom plantations – a good spot for a short walk if you wish. We continue to Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir – a concrete gravity dam between the hills used mainly for hydroelectric water storage. Next, we visit Eravikulam National Park – established to protect the Nilgiri tahr – where this endangered mountain goat can sometimes be seen at close quarters. We then stop at Mattupetty Dairy Farm – a specialised facility under the Indo–Swiss Livestock Project. We finish at Echo Point, where you can try the natural echo across the water. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - Munnar
After breakfast, we drive 110 kilometres – approximately 2 hours – from Munnar to Thekkady, stopping en route at Ramakkalmedu. The site takes its name from rock impressions believed to be those of Rama from the Ramayana and is noted for its hills, panoramic views across villages in neighbouring Tamil Nadu to the east of the Western Ghats, and a tall, pillar shaped rocky formation about 300 metres high facing east. It is among the windiest places in Asia and features a government wind farm – other nearby landmarks include Frog Rock, Turtle Rock and Kerala’s highest twin statue, Kuravan and Kurathi. We continue to Thekkady and check in at the hotel, then visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea. You can browse the local market to buy spices, and you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 16 - Thekkady
Thekkady – After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat, gliding across the lake at its heart. The tropical evergreen and deciduous forests here are home to elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers and wild boar, along with snakes such as cobras, vipers and kraits. Birdlife is abundant too – look out for grey junglefowl, Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers and bulbuls. In the afternoon we visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea growing – you can stop at the local market to pick up fresh spices. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 - Thekkady
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive about 130 km – roughly 3 hours – from Thekkady to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a leisurely backwaters cruise. We glide along narrow canals lined with palms, past wide paddy fields and tidy hamlets on either bank, with chances to spot Chinese fishing nets – reminders of historic trade links – as well as ducks and small birds along the water’s edge. You can try your hand at fishing from the houseboat, and in the evening we take in the sunset from the sundeck. The houseboat has generated electricity, a sitting cum dining area, a separate bedroom with attached English toilets, a sun deck and a fully loaded kitchen with a chef and driver. Lunch and dinner are served on board, and we spend the night on the houseboat.
Day 18 - Alleppey - Kochi
After breakfast, we disembark from the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kochi (Cochin) – approximately 60 km, taking about 1.3 hours. On arrival, we drop you at your hotel or at the airport for your onward journey.
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Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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