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Peregrine Travel Centre

India’s Golden Triangle & Southern Highlights

India’s Golden Triangle & Southern Highlights

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Description

Join a 16-day adventure that kicks off with north India’s must-sees before taking you through this magnificent country’s south. Follow the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – go on a rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk marketplace, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amber Fort and visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Then, with your bucket list already considerably shorter, fly to Goa to experience the warm hospitality, rich history and mouth-wateringly spicy cuisine of the south. Have dinner with a local family in Kochi and take a traditional houseboat through Kerala’s backwaters – this trip covers the highlights without missing out on authentic experiences.

Trip Name
India's Golden Triangle & Southern Highlights
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
16
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience the character of Old Delhi on a rickshaw and walking tour, weaving through the narrow alleyways and exploring Delhi’s oldest mosque.
  • See the Taj Mahal up close and wonder at the intricate optical illusions that decorate the marble on this masterpiece of Indian architecture.
  • Take a break from bustling cities in rural Rajasthan, where you can catch your breath and spend the night in the faded opulence of your heritage stay.
  • Cruise the Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Float past palm-lined canals and quiet villages while enjoying a Kerala meal and learning about the region’s network of waterways, originally used for the transportation of goods.
  • Share a traditional Kochi dinner with a welcoming local family in their home. Enjoy authentic flavours and conversations as you gain insight into the daily lives of the people of Kerala.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – India’s thriving capital city – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with hours (or days) to spare, consider heading out on your own, maybe to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb. If you’ve got the time, explore some Delhi sights and join in on an Urban Adventure. After the welcome meeting, maybe head out for an optional meal with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Delhi
Join your local leader on an excursion through Old Delhi. Ride the city’s metro system, then hop in a rickshaw to the busy marketplaces of Chandni Chowk. See the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, before learning about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara. Ask your trip leader for their recommendation on where to go for dinner.
Day 3 - Jaipur
Drive into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’. Take your time to explore this busy city filled with palaces and bazaars selling everything from jewellery and textiles to tea and spices. You might like to stop by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Later, discover one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
Day 4 - Jaipur
This morning, you might want to take an optional early morning hot air balloon experience. Cruising through the air overlooking the countryside is often a highlight of visiting Jaipur. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.
Day 5 - Karauli
Leave the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur behind and drive to the Lotwara Village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. This town, founded in the 17th century retains its traditional temples and is known as the ‘Peacock Town’ of Rajasthan due to the dense population of peacocks. Take a guided walk around the Old Quarter, learning about rural Indian life off the tourist trail. Be sure to visit the local stalls along the way and sample seasonal local sweets made from Indian ingredients, including petha (pumpkin), jaggery (organic sugar) and gazak (sesame seeds). Tonight, you’ll stay in a restored heritage property where dinner is included.
Day 6 - Agra
On the journey to Agra, stop at the one-time capital of the Mughal empire, Fatehpur Sikri. Its stunning mosque displays both Persian and Hindu designs and is secured by a 54-m-high entrance. Once in Agra, you have the option to visit the marble tomb that was saved for the greatest of the Mughal Emperors – Akbar's Mausoleum. End your day at the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this opulent monument was built in the 1640s as a memorial to Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife.
Day 7 - Delhi
In the morning, take a guided tour along the banks of the Yamuna River to the iconic Agra Fort. Originally designed by Emperor Akbar in 1565 to be a military structure, it was converted into a palace during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign and later became his prison. You might like to stop for lunch at Sheroes Hangout – a vegetarian and vegan cafe and social enterprise providing employment and opportunities for victims of acid attacks. In the early afternoon, journey back to Delhi by private bus, arriving back at the hotel with enough time to freshen up and decide where to enjoy one final dinner with the group.
Day 8 - Goa
Say goodbye to Delhi this morning and board a flight to Goa, known for its beaches, rich traditions, UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture and mouth-watering cuisine. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new trip leader and the travellers joining you for the next leg of your trip. After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your group and get to know your new travel friends – your leader will have the best recommendations for where to eat.
Day 9 - Goa
Immerse yourself in Old Goa on today’s guided tour where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then head to the Spice Plantation. Here, you’ll tour the plantation and enjoy a Goan lunch, maybe trying dishes like Vindaloo or Caldin curry. This afternoon is for you to spend how you like. Maybe head to the beach and relax in the sun, enjoy a swim or simply take in the sea breeze and surrounding landscape.
Day 10 - Hampi
This morning, travel by private transfer from Goa to Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and historical ruins. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, spend some time settling into your accommodation or maybe head on a sunset hike to Anjanadri Hill – a Hindu God also known as the monkey god and a symbol of strength, devotion and loyalty.
Day 11 - Hampi
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Hampi, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the Vijayanagara Empire as you explore Hampi’s historical and architecture wonders as you visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal and Sanapur Lake. Later this afternoon, head back to your accommodation in Hampi.
Day 12 - Chikmangluru
Embrace an early start this morning as you travel from Hampi to Chikkamagaluru – a hill station in Karnataka. When you arrive in the afternoon, walk through Chikkamagaluru’s coffee plantations, learn about the region’s farming heritage and maybe buy some fresh coffee beans to take home. Tonight perhaps enjoy dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation in Chikkamagaluru.
Day 13 - Nileshwar
After breakfast, say goodbye to Chikkamagalur as you drive to Nileshwar. Along the way, watch as the landscape changes from mountains and farmlands to beaches and palm trees. When you arrive this afternoon, opt to visit Bekal Fort – a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650. Or spend the afternoon walking around the beach before heading back to Nileshwar for the night.
Day 14 - Nileshwar
Start today off at a slower pace, spending the morning how you like. Then come together and set off on a village walking tour. Explore the Kerela Backwaters (a network of brackish lagoons and canals) on a houseboat, originally used for transporting goods. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal as you glide through scenic, palm-lined waterways and discover the region’s history. Later, you’ll return to your day-use rooms and get ready to leave for the station for the overnight journey from Kasaragod to Kochi.
Day 15 - Kochi
Wake up in Kochi as the train pulls into the station early this morning. When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll have time for a shower in your day rooms or maybe drop your luggage off and visit the Dutch Palace. This afternoon, head out for a walking tour around Fort Kochi, known for its architecture and huge bamboo fishing nets fixed to the Fort Kochi Beach shoreline. In the evening consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance show before wrapping up your trip with a farewell dinner with a local family.
Day 16 - Kochi
Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 3,135-
14-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 3,135-
28-01-202712-02-2027AUD $ 3,135-
11-02-202726-02-2027AUD $ 3,230-
27-02-202714-03-2027AUD $ 3,230-
13-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 3,135-
25-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 3,135-
09-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 3,135-
02-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 3,230-
15-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,230-
28-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 3,230-
13-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 3,135-
27-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 3,135-
09-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 3,135-
23-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 3,135-
06-01-202821-01-2028AUD $ 3,290-
13-01-202828-01-2028AUD $ 3,290-
27-01-202811-02-2028AUD $ 3,290-
10-02-202825-02-2028AUD $ 3,390-
26-02-202812-03-2028AUD $ 3,390-
11-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 3,290-
23-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 3,290-
07-09-202822-09-2028AUD $ 3,290-
30-09-202815-10-2028AUD $ 3,290-
13-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 3,390-
26-10-202810-11-2028AUD $ 3,390-
11-11-202826-11-2028AUD $ 3,390-
25-11-202810-12-2028AUD $ 3,290-
07-12-202822-12-2028AUD $ 3,290-
21-12-202805-01-2029AUD $ 3,290-

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Heritage Property (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Metro, Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle

Map

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