 |
 |
 |
| With so much to offer, there is something for all tastes. India takes pride in its rich cultural heritage characterised by its magnificent temples and the historic forts and palaces |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
This tour combines the sites of North India and Nepal. You will discover the city of Udaipur with shimmering lakes and marble palaces,
the beauty of the pink city of Jaipur. Visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the modern wonders of the world, the Indo-Aryan architecture in
Khajuraho temples with 1000 year old erotic stone carvings. In Varanasi you will see 5000 years old Hindu rituals on the holy Ganges and
visit to Sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermon and where his mortal remains lay buried in Stupa. In Nepal you will see the
pagoda style architecture in three ancient cities, the Hinduism and the Buddhism co-existing side by side and the breath taking panoramic
views of the mighty Himalayas.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Delhi ~ Udaipur ~ Jaipur ~ Agra
Khajuraho ~ Varanasi ~ Kathmandu ~ Nagarkot
|
 |
| |
|
|
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace Hotel.
Day 2 Delhi
Tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi built by the
Emperor Shahjahan is a bustling city of crowded
markets and winding alleys teeming with life. New
Delhi, designed by British architects Lutyens and
Herbert Baker, with wide avenues, landscaped
gardens and stately monuments. Visit the Red
Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, Chandni chowk
market. India Gate, Humayun’s tomb, Qutb Minar
and drive past President’s Palace and the
diplomatic enclave.
Day 3 Delhi to Udaipur
Morning flight to Udaipur. Described as the most
romantic city, Udaipur is interspersed with
shimmering lakes, marble palaces and beautifully
laid gardens. Afternoon city tour includes visit to
the City Palace complex, a marvel of marble and
granite with ornate windows and craftsmanship
in glass, overlooking lake Pichola. The museum
inside has an extensive collection. Also visit
Jagdish Temple built in 1651 and the Saheliyon-ki-
Bari (Garden of the Maids of honour), once used
for enjoyment by the royal ladies. Overnight at
the Fateh Prakesh Palace.
|
 |
|
| |
 |
Day 4 Udaipur
Morning drive outside of the city to visit Eklingji,
a complex of 108 temples chiseled out of
sandstone and marble and enclosed by high
walls. Built in 725 A.D, this temple is devoted to
the family deity of the rulers of Mewar. Visit
nearby Nagda which has ancient Jain temples,
including the Saas Bahu temple (Mother and
Daughter in law) with interesting architecture
and carvings. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 5 Udaipur to Jaipur
Morning flight to Jaipur also known as the, Pink
city, Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of
Rajasthan. Built in 1722 according to the Shilpa
Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture
and sculpture. The city is divided into seven
rectangular blocks with seven gates. Afternoon
city tour visiting the City Palace, Museum, Hawa
Mahal (Palace of the winds) from where the royal
ladies could watch the life on the streets without
being seen and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace.
Day 6 Jaipur
After breakfast drive outside of the city to visit
Amber Fort and Palace. A decorated elephant will
take you up to the fort. Here you will see the
marble Palace, temple of victory, hall of mirrors,
which are excellent examples of ancient Rajput
architecture. The afternoon is at leisure. Evening
cultural program and dinner in a traditional
setting (Optional).
|
| |
|
Day 7 Jaipur to Agra
Leave Jaipur in the morning. Lunch at the
Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Continue on to Agra
visiting en route the deserted city of Fatehpur
Sikri. Built by the Mughal King Akbar only to be
abandoned 14 years later due to the shortage of
water. Now a world heritage site, this is perhaps
the best-preserved Mughal city of all. Visit the Taj
Mahal at Sunset. Overnight at the Taj View Hotel.
Day 8 Agra
Morning city tour visiting the Taj Mahal built by
the Mughal king Sheh Jahan in the loving
memory of his wife, the elegant Fort and the
tomb of Itmad-ud-daula. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 9 Agra to Khajuraho
Fly to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit the famous
Chandela rock cut temples built between 950 to
1050 A.D, depicting erotic themes. These
magnificent temples were discovered by Captain
T S Burt in 1838. You will visit some of the most
prominent temples including the Kandariya Mahadev,
Chaunsat Yogini, Devi Jagadamba, and Laxmana
temples. These temples are in cluster built from
east to west. Overnight at the Taj Chandela.
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
 |
Day 10 Khajuraho to Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi, one of the worlds most ancient
cities and the oldest living city in India. Also known
as Benaras and Kashi, Varanasi is the most sacred
Hindu pilgrimage. Afternoon tour of this great
city visiting the narrow streets winding between
carved and painted buildings with overhanging
galleries. Also visit the temples in the Old city and
the Aurangzeb mosque. Overnight at the Taj Ganges.
Day 11 Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the
Sunrise and the rituals on the Ghats (waterside
steps), where pilgrims bath in the holy waters.
Later visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered
his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Here Dhameka Satupa (28.5 meters in diameter and
33.5 meters in height) contains the mortal remains
of Lord Buddha. Remainder of the day at leisure.
|
|
| |
Day 12 Varanasi to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu via Delhi, the
capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. It is
a city of temples, shrines and living Gods, where
worship of Gods and Goddesses is a part of
public life. Afternoon city tour visiting the Durbar
Square noted for its temples, shrines and palaces
including the Khasta Mandap, the wooden
temple which gave Kathmandu it’s name, and the
temple of Living Goddess or Kumari. You will see
much evidence of Pagoda style of architecture
that Nepalese claim to have been originated.
Nearby on a hill, visit Syambunath Stupa with all
seeing eyes of Buddha overlooking the valley.
Overnight at the Yak and Yeti.
Day 13 Kathmandu to Nagarkot
After breakfast visit Bodhnath, one of the world’s
largest stupa and the most important Tibetan
Buddhist monument outside Tibet. Pashupatinath,
a pagoda style temple, on the banks of sacred
Baghmati River. Also visit the medieval city of
Bhadgaon, one of the ancient cities of Nepal, noted
for wooden carved buildings. The main city square
contains many temples including the five-storied
Nyatapole Pagoda and Golden Gate. Continue on
to Nagarkot (7200ft), which offers a complete
panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas from
Mount Everest in the east to Dhaulagiri in the
west. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at
the Club Himalaya Hotel.
|
 |
| |
|
|
Day 14 Nagarkot to Kathmandu
Early in the morning view the Sunrise over the
Himalayas. On a clear day you can see Mount
Everest from here. Return to Kathmandu visiting en
route the city of Patan, one of the three ancient
cities. Visit the Durbar Square, built by Malla King
in 1917 where most of the buildings have intricate
woodwork, and the Tibetan refugee centre.
Remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening a
Farewell dinner in a traditional setting with
Nepalese folk dances. Overnight at the Yak and Yeti.
Day 15 Depart Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your International
flight.
International Flights: We would be pleased
to assist you in arranging very competitive flights
from the UK including regional airports.
|
|
Mountain Flight
The Mountain flight gives a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayan panorama. This is one-hour flight cruising at 25,000 feet and going within 5 nautical miles of Everest. Along with Everest you can also view host of other giant peaks including
Shisha, Pangma, Choyu, Pumori and Makalu. Operational daily between September and May in the early morning. A must for those visitors to Kathmandu who do not have the time to trek in the Himalaya. The success of the flight depends on the weather conditions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
