The short answer
- Must see monuments
- Golden Triangle
- Relaxing and green
- Kerala
- Best months for both
- November to February
- Both in one trip
- About 14 days
These are India's two most popular first trips, and they could hardly be more different. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is history, monuments and big city life. Kerala is nature, water and calm.
Side by side
| Golden Triangle | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | Taj Mahal, Mughal tombs, Rajput forts, bazaars | Houseboats, tea estates, spice gardens, beaches |
| Pace | Busy and stimulating | Slow and relaxing |
| Ideal length | 5 to 7 days | 6 to 8 days |
| Best months | October to March | September to March |
| Avoid | May and June (extreme heat) | June and July (heaviest rain) |
| Getting around | Car and driver, some trains | Car and driver, a houseboat |
| Good for | History lovers, first time visitors | Couples, families, nature lovers |
Choose the Golden Triangle if...
- Seeing the Taj Mahal is the reason you are going.
- You love history, architecture and markets.
- You only have a week and want India's most famous sights.
Choose Kerala if...
- You want a gentle introduction to India.
- Nature, food and relaxation matter more than monuments.
- You are travelling with young children or want a beach at the end.
Or do both in two weeks
Best for: A first trip with time to spare
| Days | Place | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | Agra and the Taj Mahal | Agra |
| 4 to 5 | Jaipur, via Fatehpur Sikri | Jaipur |
| 6 | Fly to Kochi (via Delhi or Mumbai) | Kochi |
| 7 | Fort Kochi | Kochi |
| 8 to 9 | Munnar tea hills | Munnar |
| 10 | Thekkady spice gardens | Thekkady |
| 11 | Houseboat on the backwaters | Houseboat |
| 12 to 13 | Beach at Marari or Varkala | Beach |
| 14 | Fly home from Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram |
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kerala or the Golden Triangle better for a first visit?
The Golden Triangle if you want India's famous monuments; Kerala if you want a relaxed, green introduction. With two weeks you can do both.
How do you get from the Golden Triangle to Kerala?
Fly. Delhi to Kochi takes about three hours; from Jaipur there are flights via Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
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