Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi –
Kathmandu (15 Nights / 16 Days)
Day 01 / Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi , meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 02 / Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar , India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House , Mahatama Gandhi Memorial . Also visit Laxmi Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 03 / Delhi – Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur & transfer to hotel. Later visit the City Palace – the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and is known for its stunning architecture, it also houses a museum later enjoy the dinner at Chokhi dani (an ethnic village resort) where you will have an idea of the village life of Rajasthan here you will also enjoy various traditional Rajasthani dances, puppet show and various other interesting activities. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 04 / Jaipur
After a leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the majestic Amber Fort where you ride upon Elephants back to the former capital of the royals set against the backdrop of the wooded hills. Post lunch tour of Palace of Winds also known as Hawa Mahal, this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Past, present and future merge at Jai Singh’s observatory, where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century. Evening free to explore the colourful bazaars where one can shop for various handicrafts. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 05 / Jaipur – Agra
Morning drive to Agra via Fatehpur sikri , a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Agra by lunch and transfer to hotel. After lunch visit Agra Fort- a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates. Evening free to explore the Agra’s rich heritage of handicrafts in its markets. Night stay in Agra.
Day 06 / Agra
Early morning visit the magnificient Taj Mahal at sunrise- one of the seven wonders of the world surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife continue visiting the Agra Fort- a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates. Night stay in Agra.
Day 07 / Agra – Gwalior (by train) Gwalior- Orchha (by surface)
Morning transfer to railway station to board the train to Gwalior, arrive Gwalior, meet at the railway station & proceed for sightseeing tour of Gwalior known for its spectacular hilltop citadel. Within walls lie Jain statues, Rajput Palaces, Hindu temples and a Victorian school. Later drive to Orchha , a historical site with magnificient temples and monuments. Some of the palaces were decorated with painted murals which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Night stay in Orchha.
Day 08 / Orchha – Khajuraho
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho Khajuraho- the legendary temples of khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders, these temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvings that are a paean to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th century temples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the present century. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. Arrive Khajuraho and transfer to hotel.Night stay in Khajuraho.
Day 09/ Khajuraho
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of khajuraho- famous for the legendary temples of khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. Night stay in Khajuraho.
Day 10/ Khajuraho – Varanasi (by flight)
After a relaxed breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi – said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is also the oldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city , sunrise on the river front as seen from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasi is the city which cannot be described, only experienced. Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Later half day sightseeing tour of varanasi visiting the temples and in the evening view “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. Night stay in Varanasi.
Day 11/ Varanasi
Morning boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Later excursion to Sarnath, 10kms. East of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhism’s major centers of India. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Visit the deer park and the museum and later back to Varanasi. Night stay in Varanasi.
Day 12/ Varanasi – Kathmandu (By flight)
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to connect flight for Kathmandu- the capital town of Nepal, the house of the highest mountains, kathmandu is as much steeped in beauty as in the history of this wonderland. The place has ever since been the center for art, crafts, culture and a rich heritage. Arrive Kathmandu, meet & assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Kathmandu.
Day 13 / Kathmandu
After breakfast Sightseeing tour of the KATHMANDU CITY – The Hanumandhoka – Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav – the God of destruction and the temple of Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess – represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessing. Kasthamandap – Located near the Kumari Temple is said to be built from the wood of a single tree from the city. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
BOUDDHANATH STUPA: The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
PASUPATINATH TEMPLE: This important Hindu temple is the temple of Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can witness the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Kathmandu.
Lumbini
Day 14/ Kathmandu
After breakfast visit SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA- the oldest Buddhist shrine. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all – seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Evening transfer to Nepalese Restaurant Bhanchaghar for a Traditional Nepali Welcome reception and dinner. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Nepalese Cultural programme performed by beautiful young girls dressed in ethnic traditional Nepalese costumes and jewelry representing various parts of Nepal. Dinner will follow this programme. Night stay in Kathmandu.
Day 15/ Kathmandu – Delhi
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi . Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Evening explore the local markets etc. for last minute shopping activities. Night stay in Delhi
Day 16 / Departure
Transfer in time to the airport to connect the flight back home.
Includes:
» 15 nights accommodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
» Train tickets for Agra-Jhansi in airconditioned chair car.
» Surface Travel by exclusive airconditioned car.
» All transfers, sightseeing as per the itinerary.
» Local English speaking guides.
» Elephant ride in Jaipur ( Subject to availability), Boat ride in Varanasi.
» All taxes, driver allowances, parking etc.
Does not include:
» Entrance fee to monuments.
» Any airfare.
» Any meals except breakfast.
» Tips, beverages, laundry etc.
» Any item not shown in cost Includes
INTERNAL FLIGHTS / COST PER PERSON
Khajuraho – Varanasi -Kathmandu-Delhi : USD 415 per person in economy class.
Airfares are subject to change any time without any prior notice.
Hotels Selected – Luxury (5* Deluxe)
Delhi : The Oberoi / The Imperial
Agra : The Oberoi Amarvilas
Jaipur : The Oberoi RajVilas
Orchha : Amar Mahal / Orchha Resort
Khajuraho : Taj Chandela / Jass Radisson
Varanasi : Taj Ganges / Radisson
Kathmandu : Hotel Dwarika’s
Hotels Selected – Royal (5* Deluxe)
Delhi : The Metropolitan / The Lalit / The Grand
Agra : Jay Pee Palace / Taj View / Trident
Jaipur : Hotel Trident / Le Meridien
Orchha : Amar Mahal / Orchha Resort
Khajuraho : Taj Chandela / Jass Radisson
Varanasi : Taj Ganges / Radisson
Kathmandu : Hotel Yak & Yeti
Hotels Selected – Classic (4*)
Delhi : The Connaught / Hotel City Park / De Marks
Agra : Clarks Shiraz / Holiday Inn
Jaipur : Hari Mahal Palace/ Wall Street / Hotel Clarks Amer / Ramada Plaza / Country Inn & Suits by Carlson
Orchha : Amar Mahal / Orchha Resort
Khajuraho : Clarks / Hotel Ramada Plaza
Varanasi : Clarks Varanasi / Ideal Tower
Kathmandu :Hotel Annapurna / Hotel Himalaya
Hotels Selected – Jewel (3* – 4* & Heritage)
Delhi : Hotel Gautam Deluxe / Hotel Sunstar
Agra : Hotel Amar / Hotel Usha Kiran
Jaipur : Hotel Jas Vilas / Nana ki Haveli / Dera Rawatsar
Orchha : Amar Mahal / Orchha Resort
Khajuraho : Clarks / Hotel Ramada Plaza
Varanasi : Hotel India/ Meraden Grand
Kathmandu :Hotel Grand or similar
Hotels Selected – Economy (2* Moderate)
Delhi : Hotel Blue Bell / Hotel De Gold
Agra : Royale Residency / Hotel Pushapvila
Jaipur : Hotel Vijay Niwas / Hotel Sarang Palace
Orchha : Amar Mahal / Orchha Resort
Khajuraho : Green wood or Similar
Varanasi : Hotel India/ Meraden Grand
Kathmandu :Hotel Grand or similar
