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-: North india and Nepal Tour :-
Duration of Trip -::- 14 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi , Jaipur , Agra , Jhansi
, Khajuraho , Varanasi , Katmandu , Pokhra , Katmandu.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 : 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 2 : 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 3 : 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 4: 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 6: 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.
By Air Flight
|
9W 724 |
| Airlines |
Jet Airways |
| Departure |
1300 hr |
| Arrival |
1410 hr |
Day 8: Khajuraho - Varanasi
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 (a short flight)
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.
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.
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