Fascinating North India and Nepal Tour
Duration of Kerala Trip: 13 Night/ 14 Days
(Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Katmandu - Pokhra
- Katmandu)
Day 01 : Delhi : Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your
hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with
a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.Start with
the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat,
a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to
the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent
Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48
when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid,
one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People
stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby
bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old
Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects
the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi
is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively.
The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the
life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean
a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast,
is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Imperial
Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The
tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building
and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. Overnight will be at
Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
By Road
260 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of the
state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses
and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique
part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely
independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them
realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient
to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged
position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that
the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur
is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings.
This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856,
when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince
Albert. This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty)
and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways
include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony,
which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur. Overnight will
be in Jaipur.
Day
04 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow
but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured
fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the
lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture,
the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It
houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory
consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is
a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping
is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery,
tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets. Overnight
will be at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra
By Road
221 km/6 hr
Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route after breakfast. Fatehpur Sikri
is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed
the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity
was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din
Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a
male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568.
The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great
mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect
to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various
secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's
house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal. Continue your drive to Agra and
on arrival check-in at Hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 06 : Agra
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is
always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and
perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is
predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl
Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. After Agra Fort we will visit
BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 07 : Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No. : 2002
Departure : 0800 hr
Arrival : 1024 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to
Jhansi. Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away.
It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples
of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught
of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory
of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA. Proceed for sightseeing
of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha. Continue
drive to Khajuraho. Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho
is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival.
The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which
is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to
a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic
architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup,
combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed,
charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured
details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from
ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven. Reach Khajuraho.
Transferred to hotel and relax. Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the WESTERN
SET OF TEMPLES.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day
08 : Khajuraho - Varanasi
By Air
Flight : 9W 724
Airlines : Jet Airways
Departure : 1300 hr
Arrival : 1410 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the exotic and erotic
temples of Khajuraho. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Picturesquely
situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi,
one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of
the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the
north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted,
in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was
changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably
one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has
been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places
of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor
Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering
across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks
bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the
fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy
waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience
and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its
rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned
exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural
ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic
work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk
brocades which are cherished as collector's items across the world today.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590
BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner
peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing
Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent
collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. Enjoy the evening
AARTI CEREMONY from the boat - this is a ceremony where the 7 BRAHMINS offer
prayers to River ganges and then put her to sleep. Make a wish during the
ceremony and float a DIYA in the river. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 09 : Varanasi
Drive to Daswamedh Ghat very early in the morning and take a boat ride on
the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living
traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To
start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate
this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges
before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle
of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of
faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background,
temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk
through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops
are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are
coming and going. Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for day
guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a
big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century
Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population
of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble
which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the
BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University
Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Roam
the streets of the city or take a rickshaw ride today. You could also retire
early as this would be a long day. Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day
10 : Varanasi - Katmandu
By Air
Flight : F5 622
Airlines : Cosmic Air
Departure : 1355 hr
Arrival : 1455 hr
Enjoy the morning at the hotel. Have a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the
airport for flight to Kathmandu. Reach Katmandu. The Katmandu Valley, the
political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first for the majority
of visitors to Nepal. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three
fabled cities - Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition
of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets.
There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the valley. Visit the Katmandu
Durbar Square - This complex of places, country yards, and temples built between
the 12th and 18th used to be the seat of ancient malla kings of Katmandu.
An interesting object here is the 17th century stone inscription set into
the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The durbar square protected
as a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the social, religious and urban focal
point of city. There are also museums inside the palace building. Relax for
the rest of the day. Overnight will be at Katmandu.
Day 11 : Katmandu
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the three cities and the famous World
heritage temple Sites:
DURBAR SQUARE in Kathmandu It is the historic seat of royalty. It, with its
old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the
people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized.
Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla
in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar,
Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla,
the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous
gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra
Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum
inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside
the museum. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government
holidays.
Kumari (Vestal virgin), or the Living Goddess, who represent a very ancient
Hindu Deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple
of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building
has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges
greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival,
the King of Nepal sKeeks the Kumari's blessing.
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square
miles. Bhaktapur or the city of Devotees still retains a medieval charm and
visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and
artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be
reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving, the Bhadgaolen topi (cap) and curd. The
city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport.
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as
the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindus temples and Buddhist monuments
.The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism
to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city
for today's visitors. The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath situated on the
top of a hill west of the city is on the most popular and instantly recognisable
symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially know as the 'monkey templ' after
the large tribe of handsome monkeys which guards the hill and amuses visitors
and devotees with tricks, including slinding gracefully down the double banisters
of the main stairway to the temple. The roving monkeys quickly snatch up any
offerings of food made by devotes and will just as quickly grab anything you
may be carrying. The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This
ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center
of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple
of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door
is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindu. It is Top Hindu temple
of the world. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors
can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises
from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. Overnight will be at Katmandu.
Day 12 : Katmandu - Pokhra
By local airline (a short flight)
Breakfast
will be at hotel. Proceed to the tranquil valley - Pokhara.
Reach Pokhara, transfer to hotel, refresh & relax with the spectacular
panorama of Annapurna range forming the backdrop. Stretching from the east
to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South.
Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8091m), it is Machhapuchhre
(the fishtail), which dominates all others in this neighborhood. Boastfully
levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped,
needle-pointed mountain.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of
827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known
as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around
95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of
Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas
rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. It is part of a
once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule
trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to
trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and
Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide
fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here,
are known for their entrepreneurship. The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer
than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius
in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June
to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall
in the country. The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around
two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali,
respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants,
are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar. Take a HELICOPTER
(if weather permits and if not then a small eight seater aircraft which handles
the wind better) ride around the Mount Everest. Overnight will be in Pokhara.
Day 13 : Pokhra
We start our day with the early morning visit to Sarangkot for the fabulous
sunrise. After the spectacular sunrise, we drive back to our hotel to start
our remaining activities for the day with the breakfast at the hotel.
Today, we take you to the famous Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's or David's)
locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), an awesome waterfall lying
about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend
has it that a trekker (Devin, David…) was washed away by the Pardi Khola
and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the
fall.
Bindhyabasubu Temple at the old bazaar, Seti Gandaki, the boisterous river
running completely underground at the places, Mahendra cave (House of Bats),
the natures' wonder at Pokhara & Pokhara Museum.
After lunch, start exploring the city by driving to the Begnas Lake &
Rupa Lake located 15 Km from Pokhara divided by a forested hillock called
Panchabhaiya Danda, offering the perfect nature retreat with their relative
seclusion.
End your trip by visiting the Tibetan Monastery. Overnight will be in Pokhara.
Day 14 : Pokhra - Katmandu
By Local airline
Katmandu - Delhi - Next Destination:
By Air
Flight : To be announced
Leave after a leisurely breakfast and proceed to Katmandu by flight. Take
connecting flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi and take connecting flight home with
sweet memories of North India and Everest.
TOUR ENDS :
THE TOUR INCLUDES:
a) ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) ALL TRANSFERS FROM STATIONS AND AIRPORTS,
d) PRIVATE AC SUV WITH DRIVER,
e) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
f) RICKSHAW RIDE AT OLD DELHI,
g) ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
h) ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
i) ASSISTANCE AT STATIONS ON DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL,
j) TRAIN FARE IN AC FIRST CLASS BETWEEN AGRA - JHANSI,
k) SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
l) LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
m) EVENING AARTI AT VARANASI GHATS,
n) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
o) ACTIVITIES IN POKHRA LIKE BOATING, JUNGLE WALK,
p) LOCAL FLIGHTS BETWEEN KATHMANDU AND POKHRA,
q) MOUNT EVEREST FLIGHT / HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE,
r) MINERAL WATER ON LONG DRIVES (BOTTLED WATER),
s) CULTURAL DINNER & DANCE IN KATHMANDU,
t) RECONFIRMATION OF RETURN INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS,
u) ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
v) BOAT RIDE FOR AN HOUR AT LAKE IN POKHRA,
w) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
x) BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI.
Hotels :
| Destination |
Deluxe & Luxury Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
Claridges |
Imperial / Taj Mahal |
02 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rajvilas |
02 |
| Agra |
Taj View |
Amarvilas |
02 |
| Khajuraho |
Radisson |
Taj Chandela |
01 |
| Varanasi |
Radisson |
Ramada / Taj Ganges |
02 |
| Katmandu |
Hyatt Regency |
Dwarikas |
02 |
| Pokhra |
Tiger Mountain |
Phulbari Resort |
02 |
Full Tour Price : (Per Person in US$)
Occupancy
|
Tour with Deluxe Hotels |
Tour with Luxury Hotels |
Current Airfare (Y)
|
| Twin Sharing |
2666 |
3999 |
540 |
Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included along with personal
expenses and camera, etc. fees, tips, porter charges (if any) at places where
applicable. All twin sharing prices are for minimum two people traveling together
sharing a room while the single person price would be quoted on request. All
airfare indicated are in "Y" class, separate to the tour cost and
are subject to change. You could opt for "J" class airfare also
which is equivalent to international business class and available on request.
All hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of quotation.
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