The Best of India & Nepal
The Best of India & Nepal
Itineraries
Day 01: New
Delhi » Traditional
welcome - Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is god) on arrival with garlanding at Delhi
international airport by Holiday India Travel’s executive. Transferred in your
exclusive air-conditioned deluxe car to your hotel. After that take tour of
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 tour takes you to the monuments that depict the different
eras. The tour includes visit to a Hindu temple of Goddess of wealth, Laxmi,
the magnificent Red Fort (exterior), the Jama Masjid - one of the Asia's
largest mosque, Rajghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of
the Nation". Afternoon tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun's Tomb, Qutab
Minar, India Gate, President's House and drive through Connaught Place.
Day 02: Delhi – Mandawa (Shekhawati
Region) - 5 Hrs Drive » Breakfast at hotel. Later drive south west of
Delhi to the town of Mandawa. Mandawa was founded in the mid-18th century and
has well decorated Havelis (Mansions) with Fresco Paintings. Upon arrival check
in heritage hotel. Post lunch, you may like to walk to the many painted
havelies of some of the leading business families of the country. Some of the
better known Havelies of Mandawa are Chowkhani Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Saraf
Haveli and Ladia Haveli etc. Overnight at stay in a heritage haveli.
Day 03: Mandawa – Bikaner - 3 Hrs Drive» Breakfast at
hotel and then driven 190 Kms west to Bikaner city. Founded in 1486 this fourth
largest city of Rajasthan is famous for its spicy snack besides its palaces,
handicrafts & leather articles. Wash n change at hotel. Then proceed for
half-day sightseeing of Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and Laxmi Nath Temple.
Later visit famoud Rat Temple in Deshnoke.
Day 04: Bikaner – Jaisalmer - 5 Hrs Drive
» Breakfast at hotel and then proceed to Jaisalmer.
Enjoy the drive viewing the lovely life of the deserted land, passing through
villages. On the way visit Ramdeora Temple. Arrive Jaisalmer by early evening. Evening,
enjoy camel ride & sunset view from Sam Sand Dunes (40 Kms west of
Jaisalmer). Optional dinner on sand dunes with folk dance. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day
05: Jaisalmer » Breakfast
followed by a tour of the city to visit the Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temple,
Gadsisar Tank, Folk Museum and various havelies such as Patwan Ki Haveli, Salim
Singh ki Haveli, Diwan Nathmal ki Haveli, Badal Vilas Palace and evening walk
through narrow cobbled streets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - 5 Hrs Drive
» Breakfast at hotel. Driven to Jodhpur - the city
founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. It is the second largest city in Rajasthan after
Jaipur. On arrival transferred to hotel for check-in, followed by a city
sightseeing tour including Mehrangarh Fort - one of the largest forts in India,
Umaid Bhawan Palace (now a grand heritage hotel) an architectural wonder,
Jaswant Thada - a 19th century royal cenotaph , Mandore Gardens - The beautiful
gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot. The garden has a
gate known as the Ajitpol, which is decorated with paintings of the gods and
goddesses of Indian mythology & walk through the Clock Tower - In the old
city, clock tower is a prominent land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar
Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 07: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – 3 Hrs Drive » On the way to Ranakpur, visit Bishnoi village to
see the hand pottery, Bishnoi huts and local handicrafts. Bishnois are the
famous community which is the protector of the wildlife. In afternoon Visit Unparallel Jain Temples of
Ranakpur (the temple here is the largest Jain temple in the world having 1444
carved pillars with no two pillars looking alike! It opens 12 to 5 pm). Overnight
at the hotel in Ranakpur.
Day 08: Ranakpur – Udaipur – 2-3 Hrs Drive
» Breakfast
at hotel and driven to Udaipur via visit of Kumbhalgarh Fort - compared to the
Great Wall of China for its immense stone boundary covering the village of
Kumbhalgarh over a hilltop.
Further driven to Udaipur via visit to Eklingji -
the famous temple of Lord Shiva in the state of Rajasthan. This is the only visited
Shiva temple by the present Maharaja of Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur, the city of
dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three
lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls,
gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
to have lovely views of the Jagmandir Palace (also known as the Lake Garden
Palace, is an exquisite palace placed in an estuary Island in Pichola Lake in
Udaipur, the Lake Palace hotel, City Palace, Shiw Niwas & Fateh Prakash
Palace hotel buildings.
Day 09: Udaipur » Relaxed
breakfast at hotel followed by a visit to the city's popular Jagdish Temple
with it's richly sculptured walls, further walk towards the City Palace
compound gates through the narrow street. Visit the City Palace museum. It is
located on the east bank of the Lake Pichola and has several palaces built
within its complex. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of
Mewar in the Rajputana Agency and its last capital.The City Palace in Udaipur
was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in
Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and was
built on a hill top that gives a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding,
including several historic monuments such as the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola,
the Jag Mandir on another island in the lake, the Jagdish Temple close to the
palace, the Monsoon Palace on top of an overlooking hillock nearby and the
Neemach Mata temple. You may like to enjoy a tea break or a quick sandwich
lunch at the City Palace cafe and further visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari - The
'garden of the maids of honour' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of
the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. You
may also like to visit the Crystal Gallery which is a fine collection of
crystals of every type & shape from the royal families of Udaipur over
generations.
Day
10: Udaipur – Pushkar - 5 Hrs Drive » On the way to
Pushkar, Take an excursion to Chittorgarh Fort. On the way to Pushkar, In Ajmer
visit Nasiya Golden Jain Temple, Chisti’s Mosque, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.
Afternoon visit Brahma Temples, Surya Temple and Take a Heritage walk to the
Ghats of this spiritual city. Later you can move around the beautiful markets
having lot of things for you to buy. In the evening, enjoy Sunset near the
hotel Pushkar Palace having great views to the holy lake.
Day 11: Pushkar
- Jaipur - 3 Hrs Drive » Proceed
for a short drive to Jaipur - the Pink city of India. Upon arrival in Jaipur
transfer to your hotel for wash 'n' change. Later take city tour of Jaipur
covering Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Royal
Astronomical Observatory).
Day 12: Jaipur » Breakfast at the hotel followed by excursion to the majestic Amber Fort
on elephant back - the erstwhile capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before they
moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur. This is the only fort where one
can still go by the elephant back even today like a Maharaja. Then visit
Jaigarh Fort & Tiger Fort. Then on the way visit Water Palace. Time at
leisure to do shopping in this famous city of gems & jewels or at leisure
to enjoy a walk in the local colourful bazaar. In the evening go to Birla
Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Jaipur – Agra - 5 Hrs Drive» Breakfast at the hotel. Driven to Agra - the city of world famous 'Taj
Mahal' - One of the Seven Wonders of the World. En-route visit of 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. Continue to Agra & check into hotel.
Later visit 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 visits to a local marble factory to witness the
inlay work of precious stones also known as Pietra dura. It's the same art of
stone work which is illustrated on the Taj Mahal & Baby Taj. It's a
learning experience and a treat to eyes to see the art.
Day 14: Agra
– Orccha – 4 Hrs Drive »
Dawn-view visit of Taj Mahal to witness the wonder marble seems to change
colours 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. Taj
Mahal is closed on every Friday. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later drive to
Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time & a
rich legacy to the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has
rested lightly: the palaces and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the
16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine glory. Jahangir Mahal, a
tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris has a spectacular view of soaring
temple spires & cenotaphs. Overnight Orchha.
Day 15: Orchha-Khajuraho--4 Hrs Drive » Morning
drive to Khajuraho. A The world famous Khajuraho temples were built by the
Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the
Kamasurtra Temple, Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The
Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed
Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva,
which is the largest & most typical of temples. Visit the Eastern group of
temples that consist of the Parasvanath Temple - the only Jain Temple surviving
at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum,
the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu. The other temples in this group are
those dedicated to Brahma, Yamuna and Adinath. Overnight Khajuraho.
Day 16: Khajuraho – Flight - Varanasi » Transfer to airport to board
flight for Varanasi. At Varanasi Airport you will be received by the driver and
escorted to the hotel in Varanasi. In the evening take a boat ride at the holy
river Ganges. Also in the evening attend the Aarti Ceremony at the Ghats of
Varanasi.
Day 17: Varanasi
» Morning boat excursion on the river Ganges. People bathe
early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation
ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns Day and
night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on
banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Then
visit Sarnath & Ramnagar. Overnight at
hotel in Varanasi.
Day 18: Varanasi – Flight - Kathmandu » In the morning take a flight to Kathmandu. Upon your
arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and
assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. At the evening you'll transfer
for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with the cultural
& musical programs in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip
and overnight at Hotel.
Day
19: Kathmandu » After breakfast your day
will start trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; including
visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus
Pashupatinath
temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also
known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique
architectures and Kumari (living goddess) in central Kathmandu. Evening
pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trip staff for your adventure
trip.
Day
20: Kathmandu » Today, we pick up you early
morning for mountain flight and drive 20 minutes for domestic airport and you
will have one hrs exciting mountain flight closest to the northern Himalaya
including the Highest peak Mt. Everest. This flight gives you life time
Himalayan experience offering fantastic view of many mountains with some
highest mountain of the world. After your amazing you will be transfer to visit
Patan Durbar Squire one of the old durbar square. The principal attraction of
this place is fine pagoda temples and stone statuary. The Durbar Square is full
of ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings.
After your lunch at Patan visit another place Bhaktapur Durbar Squire. The main
attraction of this place are the palace of 55 windows, Nyatapola Temple
constructed as a pagoda style, Dattatraya Temple, Museum, Pottery squire &
then you will transfer back to Kathmandu for overnight.
Day 21:
Kathmandu – Pokhara (6-7 Hrs Drive) »
After
a good time to Bandipur we drive to beautiful lake town of Pokhara valley which
is a bottom part of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. After check in to your hotel at
Pokhara and refresh either relax at hotel or explore the lakeside area yourself
and overnight at hotel.
Day 22: Pokhara » Today, early morning drive to Sarangkot a
hill station and view point of Annapurna and Pokhara valley, you can be seen
the fantastic view of Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail close to your eyes with a
sunrise view and south bottom heavily settled of Pokhara valley and after
explore the Sarangkot valley drive back to Pokhara and breakfast. After rest
we'll take to visit the highlights of Pokhara valley as David fall (Water
fall), Gupteshwor cave, Mahendra cave as well Bat cave and famous Vindavasini temple
and back to hotel for overnight.
Day 23: Pokhara – Chitwan
National Park (3-4 Hrs Drive) » After breakfast in the hotel you will be transfer by private vehicle to
Chitwan drive through the countryside to reach the Chitwan and you will be transfer
to the hotel. After check in to the hotel and refreshed you will brief about
full nature programs by our nature guide and head on for activities. After briefing
about the nature programs you will guided for village walk and sunset view,
visit elephant breeding center and evening dinner with cultural program and overnight.
Day 24: Chitwan National
Park » Chitwan national park is one of the important Bird
Area because of its international importance for threatened species and their
habitat conservation. Moreover, this park is not only endowed with rich
biodiversity, but also an equally rich cultural heritage. A total of 540 bird
species has been recorded in Chitwan. As many as two-thirds of Nepal's globally
threatened bird species have been recorded in Chitwan. The site is especially
important for several grassland species, including Bengal
Florican, Grey-crowned
Prinia cinereocapilla and Slender-billed Babbler, Turdoides longirostris, and
also for Lesser Adjutant. It is the only Nepalese locality where the
Slender-billed Babbler has been recorded and it may support a larger population
than any other area in the Indian subcontinent. Chitwan is the only Nepal site where
Grey-crowned Prinia is common and it may also hold the largest population in
the specie's range. The globally threatened Indian Spotted Eagle has breed in
the park, one of its few known breeding localities in Nepal. The large
proportion of 15 out of 22 of Nepal's near-threatened birds has been found in
Chitwan. Today, you will transfer to the Elephant back safari for jungle
excursion. After lunch you will have chance to view an elephant bath, bird
watching in the forest area and you will take to the canoe ride and jungle walk
and overnight at the hotel.
Day 25: Chitwan – Kathmandu
(3-4 Hrs Drive) » This morning you will transfer to see more birds in
the river bank of Rapti, where you can find more than 250 species of bird. And
after finished breakfast you will departure to Kathmandu by private
transportation. Take rest in
Hotel.
Day 26: Kathamandu – Flight
- Delhi »
In the morning take a flight to Delhi. You will be
received by the driver at Airport in Delhi. According to your flight timing you
can spend some time in Delhi. Later Check-in for international flights commences 3 hours prior to flight
departure time for economy class and 2 hrs prior for business/first class.