14 Days: Delhi, Kathmandu, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai

Tour Overview:
The charm of India lies in its diversity and its elusive quality. As an insight to the cultural and historical diversity of India, combining the tranquility of Nepal, the vibrancy of the Gangentic plains and the colors of Rajasthan, this journey allows the visitor to see and experience the glorious and mystical India.

 

Day 1- Arrive Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (Nepal’s ancient capital), you are met and transferred by private car to your hotel.

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Day 2 – Kathmandu Sightseeing

Your tour of Kathmandu includes exploration of Durbar Square with its abundance of lovely pagoda- shaped temples, many bazaars and the Royal Palace. Enjoy a magnificent view of Kathmandu from Swayambunath, also known as the monkey temple. Continue to Bodhnath to see the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. At Pashupatinath, view the most sacred of Nepal’s Shiva shrines, located near the holy river Bagmati. (B)

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Day 3 – Patan / Bhadgaon Excursion

Visit Patan, an even older city than Kathmandu, featuring hundreds of temples and palaces. You’ll get a rare chance to observe skilled artisans creating ancient handicrafts. Later, enjoy a drive through the beautiful countryside to Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur with its many interesting temples and palaces. This evening you are treated to a lively Nepalese dance & music presentation followed by dinner. (BD)

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Day 4 – Kathmandu / Delhi

In the morning transfer by private car to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Today you will arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital city. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

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Day 5 – Delhi

This morning, embark on a tour of New Delhi, driving along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue. Along the way, you will see Parliament House, now known as Sansad Bhavan, a low, circular structure that covers more than five acres of land. You will also see Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s Palace, the official residence of the president of India. Constructed on Raisina Hill, this imposing structure was initially built as the official residence of the British viceroy of India. You will also see India Gate, a 138-foot-high arch that stands at the eastern end of Rajpath. It is inscribed with the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations that occurred at the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco. Below burns the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the Eternal Flame, in tribute to all martyred soldiers of India. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit after the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Next, proceed to Humayun’s Tomb. The tomb, an elegant example of early Mughal architecture, was commissioned by Humayun’s widowed queen, Haji Begum, in the sixteenth century. Architecturally it is the forerunner of the world-famous Taj Mahal. You will also have a chance to visit Qutab Minar, a soaring, 238-foot-high stone tower, which was built by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak in the twelfth century. The tower has five distinct stories, each with a projecting balcony. At its base is the Quwwat-Ul Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A twenty-three-foot-high iron pillar, which was built in the fourth century, stands in the courtyard of the mosque. After viewing Qutab Minar, you will move on to Birla Temple, which is one of the major landmarks of New Delhi. The temple, built in 1939, is dedicated to Vishnu and enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu pantheon. The entire temple is decorated with relief carvings of mythological scenes. The temple reaches an impressive 165 feet at its highest point.

in the afternoon, your visit will focus on Old Delhi, the seventeenth-century walled city of Shahjahanabad. Visit the Red Fort, or Lal Quila, situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Its thick, red-sandstone walls bulge with turrets and bastions that have withstood the ravages of both time and nature. Within the walls lie halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, Lal Quila remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur. Its magnificence leaves many awestruck and breathless. Next, visit the Raj Ghat, a memorial erected on the site where Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, was cremated. You will also view the Ashoka Pillar, a magnificent, fourteen-foot-high structure created in the third century. Made from polished sandstone and tapered toward the top, the pillar is inscribed with an admonition to promote peace in the world through the teachings of Buddha. Later, take a walk through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad, which is now a picturesque bazaar. It consists of many narrow lanes that are crowded with shops selling everything from authentic Indian food and clothing to electronics

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Day 6 – Delhi / Varanasi-Sarnath

Today fly to Varanasi (India’s holiest city), located on the sacred Ganges River. upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha’s first sermon. In the evening proceed to the ghats in cycle rickshaws to witness the evening aarti ceremony. (B)

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Day 7 – Varanasi / Khajuraho

In the early morning, enjoy the sunrise on the Ganges River with a boat ride followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to Khajuraho. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples. (B)

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Day 8 – Khajuraho / Agra

This morning visit the principal Eastern group of temples. Later, drive to Jhansi to board the train to Agra, en route visiting Orchha, a medieval city. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

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Day 9 – Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur

Early morning visit the magnificent Taj Mahal for a sunrise view. After breakfast visit the Agra Fort followed by your drive to Jaipur, en route visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. (B)

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Day 10 – Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing

Ascend this mountain fort and take in the Rajput architecture demonstrated with its complex of palaces, temples, and ornate apartments. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)

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Day 11 – Jaipur / Udaipur

Morning drive to Udaipur known as ‘City of Lakes.’ Upon arrival, check into your hotel. (B)

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Day 12 – Ranakpur Excursion

Today’s excursion brings you to the beautifully sculpted 15th century Jain temples of Ranakpur. Enjoy lunch at Maharani Bagh. (BL)

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Day 13 – Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)

Your morning tour of Udaipur includes City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. This afternoon fly to Mumbai, India’s most cosmopolitan city. (B)

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Day 14 – Mumbai Sightseeing / Elephanta Island

Cruise across the harbor to explore the amazing Elephanta Island and its famous caves, with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D. Your afternoon tour of Mumbai includes the British-built arch “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hills, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. This evening transfer to the international airport for flight back home. (B)

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