From the Golden Triangle to the Tropical Keralan Backwaters

LONDON, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Exotic group holidays to India

From the palm fringed beaches of Kerala to the mighty Rajasthani forts and ancient temples, India is a melting pot of intriguing attractions. Its abundant beauty makes India a terrific destination for a fun-filled group holiday with friends, or to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones. With a variety of tours on offer choosing what to do in India can be troublesome, even for the most organised traveller! Without reaching for the guidebook luxury group holidays experts, Cox & Kings, highlight some of the best tours in India so you can get the most out of your holiday.

Situated in the northern state of Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle is one of the most fascinating areas in India. Boasting some of India's greatest cities, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the Golden Triangle explores India's cultural relics and imperialistic past. Marvel at Rajpath in Delhi, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and admire the exquisite beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of India's most iconic buildings. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marbled mausoleum was constructed as a symbol of his everlasting love^[1]. West of Agra lays Jaipur; nicknamed the 'pink city', which was painted pink in 1853 to welcome the Prince of Wales^[2]. From Jaipur head to the ancient Amber Fort, the former home for Rajput royalty. Don't forget to visit the City Palace with its range of ancient royal costumes and Indian weapons^[3]. For shopaholics, Jaipur has a multitude of bazaars and boutiques to purchase gorgeous gifts for family and friends back home.

If cultural relics, monuments and cities leave you exhausted, a tour to Kerala in southern India might be the perfect way to recharge your batteries. Stretched along the coastline of Arabian Sea, the state of Kerala is a tropical paradise with its luscious landscapes and Kochi backwaters. The Western Ghats to Thekkady boasts a variety of tea gardens, rubber estates and coffee and pepper plantations. Visit a spice garden to see how some of the exotic spices are grown or take a romantic boat trip along Lake Vembanad at sunset. While away the holiday sipping cocktails, eating delicious dosas and sunbathing at the picture perfect Kovalam beach.    

Cox & Kings, the luxury holidays specialist, was established in 1758 and is built on high quality service and attention to detail that enables the company to continue to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises tours to India, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and the Caribbean.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British Empire and by the early 20^th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

1. http://www.tajmahal.org.uk/history.html

2. http://www.jaipurthepinkcity.com/

3. http://goindia.about.com/od/cities/tp/jaipur-attractions.htm

SOURCE Cox & Kings