Day 1

Arrive Delhi

 

Traditional welcome – Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is god) by garlanding on arrival at Delhi international airport by Our company representative. Transferred in your private air-conditioned car to your hotel.

 

Day 2

New Delhi – The capital city

 

Breakfast at hotel. Then a guided tour of the historic city of Delhi. The city where one can experience the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, a city built and destroyed and re-built over seven times. The guided tour takes you to the monuments that depict the different eras. The tour includes visit to the magnificent Red Fort(exterior), the Jama Masjid – one of the Asia’s largest mosque, rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi passing through Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar etc, Humanyun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar – the 73m tall minaret, India Gate war memorial, President’s House and drive through Connaught Place.

 

Day 3

Delhi – Kathmandu (By air)

 

After breakfast, Our company representative will transfer you to airport to connect flight to Kathmandu. On arrival met & transferred to hotel for check-in. After freshening up day free for leisure activities.

 

Day 4

Kathmandu

 

After breakfast at hotel, a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city – known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence Kashtamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty; Swyambhunath – Buddhist Stupais said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples &Pashupatinath temple - one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors.

 

Day 5

Kathmandu

 

After breakfast, guided sightseeing tour of Bhadgaon and Bodhanath - one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior 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 inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest. Evening free for shopping.

 

Day 6

Kathmandu – Varanasi (By air)

 

This morning our company India representative will transfer you to Kathmandu airport to connect flight for Varanasi. On arrival you will meet & transfer to hotel for check in. In the evening visit river Ganges with the guide by cycle rickshaws to witness the evening Aarti – worship of holy Ganges with lit oil lamps accompanied by holy chants and music.

 

Day 7

Varanasi

 

Early morning, we take a Boat Ride on the River Ganga with our guide to observe the riverside activities at the time including the famous Manikarnika Ghat where Hindus cremate their dead bodies round the clock. On the way back, walk with our guide to your car through the narrow lanes of Kashi - the oldest part of Varanasi or also the other name of this ancient Hindu city. Later a guided excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, 2,500 years ago. Buddha came here after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya (in eastern India). A visit to the famous Benares Hindu University, It is the largest residential university in Asia, with over 12,000 students living on its campus. BHU was founded in 1916. The campus spread over 1350 acres (5.5 km) was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras. Spend the evening on the Ghats of the Ganges.

 

Day 8

Varanasi – Khajuraho (By air)

 

Breakfast at hotel followed by transfer to Varanasi airport to board a short flight at 1215 hrs to arrive Khajuraho at 1255 hrs. On arrival met & transferred to hotel. Post lunch met & introduced with your guide for a tour of Chandela dynasty temples famous for their spectacular sculptures and carvings. Visit the Northern, Eastern and Southern group of temples. Evening, enjoy the Sound and Light show - history depicted beautifully on Khajuraho temples.

 

Day 9

Khajuraho – Orchha

 

After breakfast, drive to Orchha which was the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steped in history and is famous for it’s palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. On arrival transfer to hotel for check-in. Later enjoy a guided programme of Orchha Visit Jahangir Mahal, Rajmahal and Phool Bagh. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10

Orchha – Jhansi – Agra (by train)

 

Breakfast at hotel. Later driven to Jhansi and visit Jhansi Fort - built by Raja Vir Singh Judeo in 1613, the Jhansi Fort played a major role during the first war of Indian Independence. The huge fort is built on a hilltop called Bangra. The Fort is an architectural delight to eyes, due to its size and beauty. The fort was a residence of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, who fought British army and attained martyrdom. During the rule of the Peshwas, the Jhansi fort was the capital of the area. Further transfer to Jhansi railway station to board express train at 1200 hrs to arrive Agra at 1600 hrs. Met on arrival and sunset-view visit of Taj Mahal to witness the wonder marble seems to change colors due to the rising sunlight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal is best viewed & enjoyed in the non-chaotic and less crowded time of the day.

 

Day 11

Agra – Jaipur

 

Breakfast at hotel. Later meet you guide in Agra in the hotel lobby for visiting Red Fort - built in red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Visit the halls of private and public; Itimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) described as a ‘Jewel Box’ and often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. It was built between 1622 and 1628 and also visit to a local marble factory to witness the inlay work of precious stones also known as Pietra dura. It is the same art of stone work which is illustrated on the Taj Mahal & Baby Taj. It is a learning experience and a treat to eyes to see the art. There is no compulsion to buy any item. Later drive to Jaipur En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, The erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See Darbar-e-Aam, Palaces, Panch Mahal and Taansen Seat. On arrival at Jaipur met & assisted to check in hotel room.

 

Day 12

Jaipur

 

A fairly early breakfast (0730 hrs) at the hotel and then a small excursion to the grand Amer Fort. Ascend the fort on a gaily-decorated elephant back. Experience the kingly palace buildings. Later visit (1030 hrs) the City Palace museum compound visiting the halls containing textiles, arms & weapons, antiques of the Royal family of Jaipur amidst their private residence overlooking the compound. Enjoy lunch at the City Palace cafe. Continue your tour to Jantar Mantar - the Royal Astronomical Observatory having instruments from 1728 AD for measuring celestial planet & star positions. Towards evening (1700 hrs) you will visit the hand block printing factory to witness the famous skill of the people of Jaipur. You can enjoy shopping around the famous bazaars of Jaipur city where one can choose from precious gems to variety of handicrafts etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13

Jaipur-Samode-Delhi

 

Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Delhi via Samode village to visit the Samode Palace - The Palace has been transformed into one the country’s premium palace hotels, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. The Samode Palace maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators. Enjoy lunch at one of the best known palaces (Please be informed that the Palace charges and entrance fees which is adjustable against the lunch or refreshments at the Palace). On arrival in Delhi, met and transfer to Delhi international airport for onward destination.