CURATED JOURNEY · HERITAGE & BACKWATERS

Golden Triangle with Kerala Backwaters

Combine the heritage of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with Cochin’s cultural character and an overnight journey through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat.

8-10 days 4★ / 5★ stays

Plan this trip

Your Journey. Your Pace. Your Story.

We design every detail around what matters to you.

Your Interests
Your Pace
Your Comfort
Your Experiences

Overview

The Golden Triangle & Kerala Backwaters tour brings together two of India’s most rewarding regions in one thoughtfully designed journey. Discover Delhi’s historic contrasts, Jaipur’s royal heritage and the Taj Mahal in Agra before flying south to tropical Kerala. Explore the cultural character of Cochin, then slow the pace aboard a traditional houseboat as you glide through Alleppey’s palm-lined canals, lagoons and village landscapes. With private touring, handpicked stays and support from Distant India Journeys throughout, this 8-day itinerary offers an inspiring introduction to both North and South India.

Journey Highlights

✓

Private touring through Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Cochin

✓

Amber Fort, City Palace and Jaipur’s living heritage

✓

Morning visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal

✓

Cultural exploration of historic Fort Kochi

✓

Traditional overnight houseboat experience in Alleppey

✓

Cruise through Kerala’s palm-fringed backwaters

✓

A rewarding combination of North and South India

✓

Personalized assistance throughout the journey

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

Tap a day to preview the pace and experiences. Your final route is always tailored to you.

Day 1

Arrive in Delhi | Your India Journey Begins

Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where a Distant India Journeys representative will welcome you and assist with your arrival.
Private transfer to your selected hotel.
Take time to settle in and recover from your international journey.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to the capital or simply relax at your hotel.

Day 3

Jaipur | Forts, Palaces & Living Traditions

Begin with a privately guided exploration of magnificent Amber Fort.
Pause at the iconic façade of Hawa Mahal before continuing into the heart of the Pink City.
Discover the City Palace and Jaipur’s fascinating royal heritage.
Spend time among colourful bazaars, artisans and traditional crafts according to your interests.
Return to your hotel with the evening free for relaxation or an optional local experience.

Day 5

Agra to Delhi & Fly to Cochin | From the Taj to Tropical Kerala

Begin early with a memorable visit to the Taj Mahal, beautifully illuminated by the softer morning light.
Return to your hotel for breakfast before checking out.
Travel by private vehicle from Agra to Delhi Airport for your onward flight to Cochin.
Fly from North India to Kerala, where the scenery and atmosphere shift dramatically from historic cities to the tropical south.
On arrival at Cochin Airport, a Distant India Journeys representative will receive you and assist with your private transfer to the hotel.
Check in and relax after the day’s journey.

Day 6

Cochin | Cultures of the Malabar Coast

Explore historic Fort Kochi with your private local guide.
Discover neighbourhoods shaped over centuries by Indian, Arab, Chinese and European influences.
Visit selected heritage landmarks and walk through atmospheric streets lined with colonial-era architecture.
See Cochin’s distinctive Chinese fishing nets and discover the character of the old waterfront.
If available, the evening can include a traditional cultural performance for an introduction to Kerala’s performing arts.

Day 7

Cochin to Alleppey | Life Along the Backwaters

Leave Cochin after breakfast and travel privately through Kerala’s lush countryside towards Alleppey.
Board your carefully selected traditional houseboat and settle into the slower rhythm of the backwaters.
Cruise past coconut palms, narrow waterways, rice fields and villages where daily life unfolds beside the water.
Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board while watching Kerala’s landscapes drift quietly past.
Spend the night aboard your houseboat for one of the journey’s most distinctive experiences.

Before you travel

Good To Know

Every itinerary can be personalized around your interests and preferred pace
The number of nights in the Golden Triangle and Kerala can be adjusted
Domestic flight arrangements between North India and Cochin depend on the most suitable schedules available
Houseboats vary in style and comfort and are carefully selected according to your chosen travel category
Backwater cruising routes and timings may vary according to local and seasonal conditions
Hotels can be upgraded or changed according to your preferred style of stay
Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice
Additional nights in Kerala can be added for beaches, wellness, wildlife or hill-country experiences
Your final journey is refined with you before arrangements are confirmed