Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: yes, you can combine the Golden Triangle with Kerala in twelve days. See Delhi, Agra and Jaipur by car, fly from Delhi to Kochi (about three hours and a quarter), then spend three days in Kochi, Munnar and a houseboat in the backwaters. It is one flight and two very different Indias.
North and South India feel like two different countries: monuments and palaces on one side, tea hills, palm-lined water and spice country on the other. This journey joins them. You see Delhi, Agra and Jaipur by car, fly south from Delhi to Kochi, and finish with Munnar and a night on a private houseboat.
It works because of what each half gives the other. After days of forts and cities, Kerala slows the trip down, and the contrast is part of the pleasure. The only flight is the long one from Delhi to Kochi, about three hours and a quarter, and we can book it for you.
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel to rest.
A full day with a licensed guide: Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and India Gate. The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Drive about 230 km (145 miles) to Agra (three and a half to four hours). Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal in the afternoon light with a licensed guide.
Drive about 240 km (150 miles) to Jaipur (five to six hours), stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive in the late afternoon.
Amber Fort (by jeep or on foot), the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and a photo stop at Hawa Mahal with a guide, then free time in the bazaars.
Drive about 280 km (175 miles) to Delhi (five to six hours). Rest at your hotel, ready for the flight south.
Transfer to Delhi airport for the flight to Kochi (about three hours and a quarter, flight not included). Met on arrival and taken to Fort Kochi. In the late afternoon, walk the old quarter with a local guide.
Drive about 130 km (80 miles) to Munnar (four to five hours), through rubber, spice and tea country. Arrive in the afternoon.
Visit a tea estate and factory, the Tea Museum and, if open, Eravikulam National Park. The rest of the day is yours.
Drive about 170 km (105 miles) to Alleppey (five hours) and board your private houseboat in the afternoon. Cruise through the canals, with dinner on board.
Disembark after breakfast, around 9 am, and drive about 60 km (35 miles) to Kochi (one and a half to two hours). Free afternoon.
Transfer to Kochi airport for your onward journey.
Two very different halves of India need careful joins. Here is what we manage.
Only one flight, and it is placed after a rest night in Delhi so you do not arrive tired.
We plan the Taj Mahal around the best light and never on a Friday, when it is closed.
We choose well-kept houseboats with their own crew and meals, and time the boarding so you cruise in the best light.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Agra | about 230 km (145 miles) | 3.5 to 4 hours | Yamuna Expressway, comfort stop |
| Agra to Jaipur | about 240 km (150 miles) | 5 to 6 hours | Stop at Fatehpur Sikri |
| Jaipur to Delhi | about 280 km (175 miles) | 5 to 6 hours | Break on the way |
| Delhi to Kochi | flight | about 3 hours 15 minutes | Flight not included |
| Kochi to Munnar | about 130 km (80 miles) | 4 to 5 hours | Waterfall stop on the way |
| Munnar to Alleppey | about 170 km (105 miles) | 5 hours | Board the houseboat in the afternoon |
| Alleppey to Kochi | about 60 km (35 miles) | 1.5 to 2 hours | After houseboat check-out |
A clear overview of what is included, how you are met, and what to expect. Tap a card to open it.
What is included in your journey
What is not included
Where and how your journey begins
Season, timing and what to pack
“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“A dream come true! Bobby’s expertise and warm hospitality made my Agra trip seamless and perfect. The Taj Mahal was beyond words especially with his talented photography skills.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
The right route depends on your time and how much you want to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days Kerala Backwater Tour | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Backwaters and a houseboat night |
| 7 Days Kerala Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Hills, tea, wildlife and backwaters |
| Golden Triangle with Kerala | 12 days / 11 nights | Car, plus one flight | North and South India in one journey |
Cannot find your answer? Write to us and a specialist will reply personally.
Yes. After the Golden Triangle, fly from Delhi to Kochi, about three hours and a quarter, and continue to Munnar and the Alleppey backwaters. Twelve days gives each half its time.
October to March suits both: comfortable in the north and drier in Kerala. April to June is very hot in the north, and the Kerala monsoon is from June to September.
The distance is more than 2,000 km (1245 miles) by road, so flying is the only practical way. The flight takes about three hours and a quarter, and we can book it for you.
Yes. Our 7 Day Golden Triangle and 5 Day Kerala Backwater journeys can be combined in a shorter form. Tell us how many days you have.
One full day in Delhi helps with the flight and the pace, but we can reshape it if you have already seen the city.
A private houseboat with a crew, meals and a cabin, cruising the backwaters in daylight. It is simple but comfortable, and one night is plenty for most travellers.
Yes. You have your own luxury cars, drivers and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
Send your dates through the form on this page. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
Share when you plan to travel and what matters to you. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal.
Your driver meets you at Delhi airport arrivals, and another meets you at Kochi. Share your flight details and we confirm everything the day before.
12 days / 11 nights. Starts in Delhi and ends in Kochi, with private luxury cars and licensed local guides.
The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays, so we plan Agra on any other day of the week. Please tell us your dates early.
A private houseboat has its own crew and meals. Check-in is usually around midday and check-out about 9 am, and cruising is limited to daylight hours. Cabins are simple but comfortable, and air-conditioning usually runs only part of the night. Houseboat rules and timings follow local regulations and can change.
October to March suits both halves of the trip: comfortable in the north and drier in Kerala. April to June is very hot in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and the Kerala monsoon runs from June to September.
