BEST OF INDIA AND NEPAL TOUR

13 Nights / 14 Days

A breathtaking journey by air to Kathmandu, Buddhist temples, banks of the River Ganges, ancient Jain architecture, the Taj, a Pink City, and a very cosmopolitan city...Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, panoramic valley views, rushing rivers in the Kathmandu Valley..it really is the best tour you could possibly choose.

Itinerary Route: Delhi - Kathmandu, Nepal - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 1: Delhi Arrival

You will be greeted at the airport by a Tour Packages India Representative and then escorted to your hotel by private AC car. As the check-in is facilitated by the desk staff you will be briefed on the tour program after which you'll be escorted to your room where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a day of sightseeing around Delhi. (See "Local Attractions" for a detailed list of Delhi highlights.) Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old - it is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times throughout its history. In spite of its rich historical heritage represented by it's innumerable monuments, Delhi's population is reputed for having little awareness of or pride in the city's history due to the simple reason that few Delhi residents actually belong to Delhi. The population of Delhi is a heterogeneous mix of people originating from every corner of India. Undoubtedly, this will become obvious during your tour through the city. Delhi is by far the most cosmopolitan city in India and a true traveler's delight.

Day 3: Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal (via Flight)

After breakfast you'll board a flight for Kathmandu - although the duration is short it's long on breathtaking views of the Himalayas....be sure to book a window seat. At the Kathmandu airport you'll be met by one of our Representatives and escorted to your hotel. After check-in, the day is yours to acclimatize, relax, stroll through the town.

Day 4 & Day 5: Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu and the surrounding countryside has several World Heritage UNESCO sites you may want to visit. Don't miss Durbar Square - the Old Royal Palace is inside the square along with some historically fascinating temples. You'll most certainly have the opportunity to take a trip to the Pashupatinath Temple - the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal. And don't miss Bhaktapur, home to the tallest pagoda. See a more detailed list of "Local Attractions".

Day 6: Kathmandu, Nepal to Varanasi (via Flight)

Board a morning flight to Varanasi where you'll be greeted upon arrival by one of our Respresentatives. After hotel check-in take an afternoon tour Sarnath Deer Park - where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and also where the original Sangha was formed. Within the complex is the large Dhamekha Stupa, constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, and several other Buddhist structures that were added between the 3rd century BCE and the 11th century BCE. Spend the evening relaxing.

Note: Flight operates Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun

Day 7: Varanasi

Board an early morning boat at the riverbanks for a cruise on the Ganges River. The western banks have a string of ghats which the pilgrims occupy during their stay. At dawn, the ghats are abuzz with activity as devotees offer prayers to the rising sun and perform religious rituals. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Bharat Mata Temple which has on display a giant bas relief map of India in marble. Take a drive through the largest residential university of Asia - Banaras Hindu University. Founded by Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya, the university houses an Art Gallery as well as the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Stop over at the Bharat Kala Bhavan where you can see some of the finest miniatures on display in India. In the afternoon, tour the Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century A.D.

Day 8: Varanasi to Khajuraho (via Flight)

After breakfast, board a flight to Khajuraho where, again, you'll be greeted by our Representative and escorted to your hotel.. The Jain temples of Khajuraho are known for the erotic content of the carvings as well as for their intricacy. The central complex which borders the edge of town occupies beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. Stroll, relax, gaze in awe at these unforgettable examples of Jain architecture from the 9th century.

Day 9: Khajuraho to Orchha (175 km / 4 hour drive)

Spend the morning in Khajuraho before taking the drive to Orchha - famous for it's ancient temples. Check-in to your hotel and later take in the sights. (See "Local Attractions")

Day 10: Orchha to Agra (via Rail)

Transfer to the railway station in Jhansi for the short train ride to Agra. Early evening is one of the favorite times to visit the Taj Mahal - it's cooler and the sunset casts spectacular colors across the entire monument and its surroundings.

Day 11: Agra

Most travellers start their day at the Taj Mahal - sometimes traveling by Horse Cart to the entrance. The rising sun reflecting on the Taj during the coolest period of the day makes it a favorite time to visit. It opens at 6:00 a.m. so breakfast usually takes place after your visit. Later, visit the Agra Fort. See "Local Attractions" for a more detailed list of things to do in Agra. Dine out as you like and spend the night.

Day 12: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (245 km / 5 hour drive)

On the way to Jaipur, stop off at Fatehpur Sikri - an old deserted town of the Mughal Dynasty, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to water scarcity. Later in the afternoon, check-in to your hotel in Jaipur.

** OPTIONAL STOP **

Rajasthani Dinner at Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic village resort 15kms from Jaipur. The village consists of mud huts, temples, wells, small tea stalls serving snacks and sweets. Along with a musician welcoming each guest with a short tune, additionally you'll be treated to folk dances, magic shows, puppet shows and a cultural tour of the village. Afterwards, continue on to the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 13: Jaipur

Spend the day sightseeing. Jaipur has many points of interest. Please visit "Local Attractions" to see a comprehensive list of activities. No doubt, you'll have lots of fun filling your day.

Day 14: Jaipur to Delhi (via Flight)

After breakfast you'll take a flight back to Delhi where you'll enjoy a special Farewell Dinner before transferring to your point of departure to continue your travels.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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