The Golden Triangle & Kerala - India

The Golden Triangle is teeming with the sights, sounds and experiences that make India such a mesmerizing place from the forts and palaces to the local markets. Continue to Kerala, a land of backwaters, palm fringed beaches and boutique accommodation.

This snapshot into India offers the perfect introduction to the country. Delhi is unique; a patchwork of changing architectural delights from the Mughal heart of Old Delhi where the Red Fort dominated an area of medieval streets and markets. The British built their capital to the south, in ‘New Delhi’ and Lutyen’s grand plans offer an insight into imperialistic thinking and Rajesque grandeur. What strikes you about Delhi is how easily you can glimpse and embellish yourself in a particular segment of its colourful history, yet feel its modern dynamism at the same time. It is a truly memorising city.

Agra is home to the immortal Taj Mahal, built as a monument of love by the Mughal Emporor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1653. Seen at sunrise, this grand edifice of architectural radiance seeps its time old story that is always reminisced and enjoyed time and time again. Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and locked in the Agra Fort in 1658. Its red sandstone exterior is always worth a visit, as too the Itimad-Ud-Daulah or ‘Baby Taj’.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and so called the ‘Pink City’ due to the painting of the city to welcome the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1876. There is plenty to see and do in Jaipur, from the stunning fort at Amber to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), City Palace and Jantar Mahar (Royal Observatory). The endless shopping opportunities in Jaipur warrants an afternoon’s gander through the shops.

Fly from Jaipur via Mumbai to Cochin, and you will feel like you have landed in a different country. Cochin, or Kochi as it is now called, was the former hub of the spice trade and has witnessed Portuguese, Dutch and British influences over its long and colourful history. We prefer the more boutique options in Kerala, and Malabar House is right in the centre of Fort Cochin meaning you can walk out at night for a walk along the harbour.

Drive south to Allepey and board your own private houseboat, spending the day passing local villages and smiling people. Your chef will prepare a raft of delicious meals whilst you are on board before you dock for the night in a quiet corner of the backwaters.

Your final three nights are at Coconut Lagoon, set on the banks of Lake Vembenad and a delight for those wanting a chance to sit back and enjoy for ebbing moments in the subcontinent.

This itinerary can of course be extended or shortened. Some guests like to add Udaipur in Rajasthan to the itinerary, or possibly extend their time in Kerala with a few days on the beach. Others have then gone onto the Maldives or Sri Lanka, and some have worked their way into Tamil Nadu, Northern Kerala or Karnataka. The options are of course endless, and we can create your own bespoke itinerary just for you.

A suggested itinerary