North India & Nepal
14 Days / 13 Nights
New Delhi | Jaipur | Fatehpur Sikri | Agra | Khajuraho | Varanasi | Kathmandu
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi International airport. You will be welcomed by our representative & transferred to hotel. The city of Delhi actually consists of two parts. Old Delhi, was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th Centuries. In Old Delhi you will find many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India’s Muslim history. The other is New Delhi, the imperial capital city created by the British. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02 : Tour Old & New Delhi
After breakfast proceed on sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Visit Red fort - Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad and laid the foundation of Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, on 16th April 1639. It took nine years to build this mighty citadel and it got completed on 16th April 1648. Lotus temple - One of the most beautiful temples in India, the 40 m high Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai Temple, and is built in the shape of a half-opened Lotus flower. Situated near Bahapur village, it is the seventh Baha'i House of Worship in the world. Qutab minar - Qutubuddin Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar, as a victory tower, in 1199 AD. Originally, it rose to a height of 72.5 m. It is undoubtedly one of the finest stone towers in India and one of the most important landmarks of Delhi. Iltutmish, the son-in-law and successor of Qutubuddin, completed its construction. Nearby, one can also see the ruins of the Tomb of Iltutmish. Rajghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Raj Ghat is situated to the south of Red Fort and is very peaceful. jama masjid - Shah Jahan, as his final architectural extravagance, built one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid. It is situated in Old Delhi area of the capital. Owing to its huge size, it took six years to be fully complete. Situated on a high platform, the austere, yet beautiful, building was built in red sandstone, with extensive use of white marble. Chandni chowk - The antiquity of the main market area of Chandni Chowk has rendered it a venerated place in the markets of Delhi. Followed by tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb & Qutab Minar. Evening is free for shopping. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 03 : Drive to Jaipur (05 hrs)
This morning drive to Jaipur : The capital city of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ of the terra-cotta-colored lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's walls, buildings, and temples. The reasons for painting the town pink are unknown, some say it is because Maharaja Jai Singh II's being a devotee of Lord Shiva and as pink was his favourite. The most popular reason is that pink is the traditional color of hospitality, and the old part of the city was freshly painted and paved with pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for his visit here in 1876. Today, Jaipur is a thriving world class economy that attracts more and more multinational enterprises to set up shop here than in any other city of prominence in North India. Check in & relax. Evening take a heritage walk. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 04 : Tour Amber Palace & Jaipur City
Early today proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort, here you are transported back in time, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants to the mountain fortress of Amber - situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachwahas of Amber, before the capital was shifted to the plains, the present day Jaipur. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking vista.
Afternoon proceed on city tour. Visit Palace of Winds - The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this Palace of winds. This is easily the most well-known landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. Located in the City Palace complex, it is best viewed from the road outside. Jantar Mantar - Across the road from the palaces is the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This is one of the largest and the best preserved. The king was passionate about astronomy and numerology – small wonder then that it led to the setting up of the observatory. City Palace & Observatory - Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace. Evening is free to relax. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 05 : Drive to Agra (04 hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Agra - In the 16th and 17th Centuries, was the capital of Moghul India and its superb monuments date from that era. It has a magnificent fort and the building which so many people come to India solely to see - the Taj Mahal. Enroute visiting Emperor Akbar’s 16th century abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This ghost town is remarkably well preserved and presents a perfect synthesis of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. The sculptured columns bear mute testimony to this gallant experiment to unite Hindus and Muslims. Late evening check in & relax. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 06 : Tour Agra
Early today on sun rise visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. Generally considered the finest example of Mughal architecture - a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic elements - the Taj complex comprises a forecourt, lofty entrance and charming formal Mughal garden with canal and a central tank with a series of fountains. The tomb proper has an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportions and rich pietra dura. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least 22 years to build. Return to hotel for breakfast. visit Agra fort - The magnificent towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways of the Agra Fort symbolize the stature and power of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Agra fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone with several buildings inside. Part of the Agra fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public, but there's still enough left to get an insight on the way the Mughals lived in the 16th century. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 07 : Train Agra – Jhansi & drive to Khajuraho
Early today we transfer to railway station for train to Jhansi (0815 – 1050 hrs). On arrival visit Orchha group of temples – its grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Later we continue our drive to Khajuraho – here you will discover a quiet little village with 100 year old temples that are living testimony to the brilliance of Indo-Aryan architecture. Built by Chandela dynasty, these temples are liberally embellished with artistic stonework, prominent among which the erotic sculptures that portray heavenly pleasures on the earth. Upon arrival we will transfer you to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.
Day 08 : Tour Khajuraho
After leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Khajuraho : The creators claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Explore the Eastern & Westen group of temples. Reflecting the exotic architectural splendor of the Chandela kings. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.
Day 09 : Fly to Varanasi
Today we will transfer you to Khajuraho airport for flight to Varanasi - the Eternal city on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Considered to be among the ancient cities of the world, Varanasi has been a centre of learning & civilisation for over 2000 years. Upon arrival we will transfer you to the hotel. Later proceed on a half day guided excursion to Sarnath – where Lord Buddha gave his first discourse after attaining enlightenment. Return to your hotel late evening & relax. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 10 : Tour Varanasi
Start the day with a boat ride on the river Ganges at sunrise, presents a as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later proceed on a guided city tour of Varanasi visit Vishwanath temple, the Bharat Mata temple & Banaras Hindu University. Evening is free for leisure / scroll on local markets. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 11 : Fly Varanasi - Kathmandu
This morning transfer to Varanasi airport for flight to Kathmandu - the capital of Nepal, connected most of the part of the world by air. It is a valley surrounded by hills and snow capped mountains. There are seven World Heritage Sites including temples, monuments and stupas. Transfer to hotel & check into. Rest of the day is free to scroll on local market. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 12 : Kathmandu tour
Today after breakfast proceed on full day sightseeing covering: Pashupatinath temple - a reincarnation of Lord Shiv, highly regarded by all Hindus & it is among the five principal pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. Inner side of the temple is allowed only for Hindus. The temple lies at the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Boudhnath stupa - situated approx 3 km from Pashupatinath temple. The area is full of Tibetan re-settlers, so can find a number of Tibetan Monasteries around. After lunch continue 2nd half day sightseeing covering Durbar Square / Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari - a Living Goddess monastery, Kasthamandap temple, Basantapur Palace, and Swayambhunath Stupa. Durbar Square - is a Royal Palace built by Malla Dynasty in 16th century also called Hanuman Dhoka as there is a statue of Lord Hanuman who as per the Hindu belief wards off evil spirits & bring them victories in war. A multi roofed pagoda Kasthamandap - was built during Malla period, made by a single tree from which the capital city has derived its name as Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 13 : Excursion to Bhaktapur & Patan
After relaxed breakfast proceed on excursion to Bhaktapur - located 14 km east of Kathmandu valley at an elevation of 1402 mts above the sea level. This is where one genuinely feels that one is back in time, and the city as a whole gives a glimpse of what it was in the Middle Ages. It has retained its Middle Ages character and has not been corrupted by modernity. Wandering around city can be a pleasant experience with numerous temples and limited vehicular traffic which make walk enjoyable. Pottery, weaving, farming, craftsmanship are the typical industries still practiced with the traditional methods passed through generations. Bhaktapur is also known by its old name of Bhadgaon means “Rice Village”. The most spectacular places are: Durbar Chowk, The Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 Windows, Pashupati temple, Vatsala & Durga temple, Nyatpol temple, Dattatraya temple, Bhairava Nath temple, Chhangu Narayan. Also visit Patan - a city with nearly two hundred beautiful temples and artisans skilled craftsmanship. Located 3 km from Kathmandu across the river Bagmati, the city encompasses Buddhist monastries & Hindu temples with superbly crafted metal gateways and exquisite carvings. It is said that Indian Emperor Ashok visited this place with his daughter Charumati. Evening return to hotel & over night stay in Kathmandu.
Day 14 : Departure
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi & connect to onward destination.
End of a memorable tour !!!