Best of India & Nepal - 15N/16D

Arrive at Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Room will be available form 1400 hrs onwards)

DELHI - It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

Later in afternoon enjoy half day Delhi sightseeing as per following.

Photo stop at India Gate - At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triumph" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Drive past Govt. Buildings - New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter, the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles.

Humayun Tomb - Humayun's Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast enjoy visit of Delhi including following:

Red Fort - The Red Fort, Shah Jahan's elegant citadel in red sandstone, was built on the western bank of the river Yamuna. Shahjahan, started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, when he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort rise 33-m above the clamor of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color. (It remains closed on Mondays).

Jama Masjid - This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.

Rickshaw ride (Paddy cab) around Jama Masjid and in the streets of Old Delhi - Enjoy Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi, The humble cycle rickshaw is not only the common man’s beast of burden, but it also serves to generate considerable employment. Most of all however, in an age when our cities are beset by the pollution menace of the automobile, it provides perhaps the only viable alternative for the short-haul.

Raj Ghat - Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial.

Bangla Sahib – Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pond inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar", whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and is known as "Amrit". It was first built as a small temple by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR - The fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan.

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There are innumerable sagas and stories of culture, traditions, practices and valour. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world.

On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.

In Evening enjoy Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple - The Lakshmi - Narayan Temple known as Birla Mandir is situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. The Birlas (industrialists who have also built several temples in India) built this temple. The temple has been constructed in white marble. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of the Hindu Trinity Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and good fortune.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast enjoy visit of Jaipur including following:

Hawa Mahal Palace (Photo stop) - 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. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.

Amber Fort with Jeep ride - 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. 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. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.

City Palace - 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.

Jantar Mantar - The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the one that he had built for him at Delhi. He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World Heritage List as "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period".

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Agra

AGRA - The city of the inimitable “TAJ MAHAL”
The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

On arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel

Later enjoy Sunset visit of Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal or Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone but in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays).

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Agra Fort

Agra Fort - The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.

After sightseeing continue drive to Delhi.

On arrival Delhi transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight for Kathmandu. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 14:00 hrs)

Kathmandu – It is the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is a valley surrounded by four hills- Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri and Nagarjun. Kathmandu valley has three major cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan. Situated at the altitude of 4500 feet above sea level. Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites- Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa and Bouddhananth Stupa. Before the unification of Nepal in the 18th Century, the three cities were independent states ruled by the Malla Kings.

On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy visit of Kathmandu including following:

Kathmandu Durbar Square - Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient residence of the Nepalese Royalty. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, or the Temple of the Living Goddess.

Swayambhunath - Located approximately 3km from the center of Kathmandu, this Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of gilt copper. Painted on the four sided base below the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The whole area around the Stupa contains an array of small stupas and temples. This is one of the best places from which to view the Kathmandu valley, as it is situated on a small hillock.

Patan - Patan as it is known today is located on the southern banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the three main cities in Kathmandu Valley. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and was established by the Kirat dynasty who ruled for more than 1200 years from the 3rd century BC. Patan is famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples, palace courtyards, water spouts, public baths and houses with their equally elaborate wood, stone and metal carvings under the patronages of the Kirat, Lichivi and Malla kings. Patan has more than a 1000 temples and monuments dedicated to the uniquely Nepali mix of Buddhist and Hindu gods, chief among which are the mounds erected by the great Indian Emperor Asoka in the four corners of the city when he visited Nepal in 250 BC. Patan Durbar square is one of the seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Chitwan.

Chitwan – Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 km2 (360 sq mi) and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan District. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills.

In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements. Adjacent to the east of Chitwan National Park is Parsa Wildlife Reserve; contiguous in the south is the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park. The coherent protected area of 2,075 km2 (801 sq mi) represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, which covers a 3,549 km2 (1,370 sq mi) huge block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.

On arrival in Chitwan, transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy full day jungle activities in Chitwan.

Today you will have a full day of jungle activities as per the resort’s itinerary. Jungle activities include elephant safari, canoeing, nature walk, village tour, bird watching, cultural dance, etc.

Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Pokhara.

Pokhara – Pokhara is a remarkable place for natural beauty at an altitude of 827 m above mean sea level & 200 km west of Kathmandu. This city is ever known as a real paradise in Earth. The Valley is filled with swift flowing river and dotted with clear gleaming lakes. It is blessed with the back drop is the most dramatic sceneries in world. A 140km of panoramic Himalayan ranges seem close enough to be touched. But also can be felt. The magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind the lake create an ambience of peace & magic, popular for water rafting, Kayaking and trekking expeditions.

On arrival in Pokhara, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

World Peace Stupa: Morning; cross the lake by boat and commence uphill walk for approx. 1.5 hrs. After spending some time walk down to vehicle waiting point.

Later drive back to the hotel.

In afternoon enjoy the visit of Mountain museum - The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara has a stunning collection of artifacts, gears, stories and photographs of the mountains, their inhabitants' and the explorers. There is everything to motivate the adventurer hidden inside of everybody and to pay tribute to the daredevils who triumphed in reaching some of the highest peaks in the world. The museum gives you description of the people living in the Himalayas and the 14 highest peaks and their most famous expeditions. It also includes some exhibits from other mountain areas such as Slovenia and Japan.

Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy early morning excursion to Sarangkot - This place is very famous to see sunrise & sunset views. It is a short hike of around 30 – 45 Min. up to Sarangkot. On clear day panoramic view of Himalaya could be seen from here. Now, some hotels & restaurants are also open in this area. (Subject to weather)

After the visit, return to the hotel for breakfast, also you will visit the Bindebasini temple en-route.

After breakfast, enjoy visit of Pokhara including the following:

Seti George - The roaring Seti River passes right through Pokhara, but you won’t see it unless you go looking. The river has carved a deep, narrow chasm through the middle of town, turning the water milky white in the process.

Davis falls - Witness a unique waterfall that lies 2 Km from central Pokhara City. The water fall directly goes into a deep and narrow canal with no ends. It is believed that this deadly waterfall took the life of a tourist named David, who fell down into the cannel and was never found, and hence the name David waterfall, named in his memory by the people of Pokhara. This place has many nick names like Davy's fall, David's fall or Davis's fall, all mean the same thing `The Davis Water Fall'.

Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave - Gupteshwar Mahadev cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal. On the way to cave, there are shining stones seen everywhere and in the temple is big stone that looks like snake's head and tortoise which is consider as the image of the lord Shiva. Second part is very beautiful and you see shining stones and different types of rocks like bee hives. Later visit Tibetan Refugee Camp.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Bandipur.

Bandipur – Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in Taanhu District, of Nepal. It has miraculously preserved its old time cultural atmosphere with passage of time. It is also regarded as national treasure. Draped like a silk scarf along a high ridge above Dumre, the town is a living museum of Newari culture. People here seem to live centuries apart from the rest of the country and more than 70% of the buildings are traditional Newari houses, with carved wooden windows and overhanging slate roofs. It's hard to believe that somewhere so delightful has managed to escape the ravages of tourist development.

On arrival in Bandipur, transfer to the hotel.

In the evening explore the town and enjoy Bandipur Walk - The best way to experience typical Newari town, it is 40 – 45 minutes’ walk around the town where you will experience the local life and a close look of their culture. Small kids playing in the groups gives you a very positive vibes, you can always try some hands playing with them. The town itself gives a feel of a Heritage town having number of typical Newari houses with carved wooden windows, you will get to know how the locals have preserved their old culture in this fast commercialization era.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.

Later enjoy the visit of Kathmandu including following:

Pashupatinath - Lying 6 Km from central Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple, which was built in pagoda style, has a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day Shivaratri, which falls in February or March. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds.

Boudhnath - This stupa, situated 11 Km. from the center of Kathmandu, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping a lookout for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base and is contains inset prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by the homes of Lamas, or Buddhist priests.

Afternoon at leisure to be on their own.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast in time transfer to the Airport to board a flight for your destination / back home. (Room will be available till 12:00 hrs)