NORTH INDIA

Highlights of North India and Nepal

This epic journey includes the major cultural highlights of northern India and provides an insight into the varied wildlife, stunning mountains and unique culture of Nepal. This tour features Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho in northern India with overland drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Buddha, the Royal Chitwan National Park and the scenic Pokhara valley on the lap of the magnificent Annapurna massif.

Delhi is India’s spacious capital city with rich legacy of its past and present. The elegant results of the Lutyen’s urban planning and colonial buildings marked the transfer of capital to New Delhi from Calcutta in 1931 by the British while Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and the 19th centuries. Jaipur, the princely state capital, is famous for its heritage, colorful people, culture and trade. Agra was the centre of the medieval Mughal Empire with the gem of Indian architecture – the Taj Mahal, an acclaimed architectural masterpiece and one the seven wonders in the world. Exploring world famous Khajuraho temples built between 10th & 11th centuries, we move to Varanasi for the excursion on the holy river Ganges by boat to witness the religious activities on the ghats along this sacred river. Discovering the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini with its ancient ruins and monasteries, we drive on through the plains of Nepal’s Terai to the wilderness of Chitwan National park famous for the one horned Rhinoceros and the royal Bengal Tiger. On the lap of Annapurnas, we visit Pokhara famous for it’s scenic beauty and finally the tour ends visiting the ancient temples and Stupas in the historic city of Kathmandu.

Day 01: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Full day visit of Delhi including Red Fort, Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, drive past Parliament house, President’s house, Qutub Minar (Delhi’s oldest monument) and Bahai Lotus temple.

Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur (258 kms/ 5 hrs), the pink capital of Rajasthan. Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur includes the visit to city palace and the observatory (Jantar Mantar).

Day 04: Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, located on the rugged hills, including elephant ride up to the Fort with photo stop en route at Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). Evening at leisure.

Day 05: Jaipur - Agra
Drive to Agra (236 Kms/ 5 hrs) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient dream capital city of the Great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Evening visit Red Fort and the world famous Taj Mahal by sunset and (Friday closed).

Day 06: Agra – Gwalior – Datia - Orchha
In the morning, proceed to Gwalior by train (110 Kms/2 hrs). After arrival in Gwalior, visit Gwalior Fort (referred as the pearl amongst the forts of India), Man Mandir palace and then drive to Orchha (125 kms/ 4 hrs) en route visiting Sachkhanda Mahal in Datia.

Day 07: Orchha - Khajuraho
Orchha, set on an island in the Betwa river amid the beautiful forested surroundings, was founded in the 16th Century by Rajput ruler, Rudra Pratap, the King of Bundela dynasty. Morning visit the well preserved Jehangir Mahal in Orchha and then drive to Khajuraho (160 kms/ 5 hrs).

Day 08: Khajuraho - Varanasi
In Khajuraho, we visit the unique temples famous for its intricately carved erotic carvings scattered over a rural tranquil landscape. Fly to Varanasi in the afternoon (40 minutes). In the late afternoon, proceed on a city tour of this eternal city served as a holy centre of pilgrimage. Visit Bharat Mata temple and drive past Benaras Hindu University.

Day 09: Varanasi - Lumbini
Early morning excursion to the holy river Ganges by boat and witness the morning rituals and religious activities on the cremation ghats. Return to hotel for breakfast and then drive to India/Nepal border at Sunauli (215 Kms/ 5-6 hrs). Our representative from Nepal will welcome us at the border. A change of vehicles and proceed to the hotel in Lumbini (26 Kms/ 1 hr).

Day 10: Lumbini - Chitwan
Morning visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha including the Ashoka pillar of the Maurya period, Maya Devi Temple and the ruins of the monasteries etc. Proceed to Royal Chitwan National Park (140 Kms/5 hrs).

Day 11: Chitwan
Full day jungle activities inside the park including Elephant safari, Canoe ride, Jungle walk to observe the flora, fauna of the park which is famous for one horned Asian rhinos, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, different species of Deer and birds.

Day 12: Chitwan - Pokhara
Early morning go on for activity inside the park. After breakfast, drive to Pokhara (165 Kms/5-6 hrs), the beautiful valley on the foothills of the Annapurnas.

Day 13: Pokhara
Morning tour of Pokhara city, which includes Devi’s fall, Tibetan Village, Bindyabasini Temple.
Afternoon, possibility of optional hiking tours around Pokhara.

Day 14: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Early morning, we go on a boat-ride on Phewa Lake to enjoy the magnificient view of the Annapurnas reflecting on the lake. Proceed to Kathmandu by surface. (200 Kms /6 hrs).

Day 15: Kathmandu
Full day visit of Kathmandu valley including its ancient Durbar square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and the Patan city, the city of fine arts.

Day 16: Kathmandu - Departure
Transfer to the airport to connect outbound flight.