Incredible India and Nepal

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the
Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi has seen the rise and fall
of many emperors which has le behind a plethora of monuments that
commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.
Fly to Delhi for a two-night stay. Your Na onal Escort or Local Guide will meet you
at the Delhi Interna onal Airport in the Arrivals Hall. Together with other group
members who may be arriving at a similar me, you will transfer 45 minutes to
your hotel and check-in.

This morning the tour introduc on will either be held in the hotel or on the coach.
A er your breakfast we will embark on a full-day of sightseeing around Old and
New Delhi.Travel approximately 30 – 60 minutes to Khari Baoli largest Spice
Market and enjoy a rickshaw ride before going back to bus. Next, head to Lakshmi
Narayan Hindu Temple, followed by a brief photo stop at India Gate. Con nue to
Gandhi Smri (closed on Mondays) and drive past Rashtrapa Bhavan and
Parliament House. End your day with a visit to Qutub Minar and the Iron Pillar.
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Leisurely morning and a er breakfast
Board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. This
evening, enjoy rickshaw ride through the streets of Varanasi to the ghats of the
river Ganges. This evening, con nue on to witness the Evening Aar on the banks
of River Ganges, where you will experience the rhythmic chant of mantras and
through the aar ceremony Agni Pooja will be performed where commitment is
made to Lord Shiva and the universe created by him, Goddess Ganges and Agni
the god of fire.
* Please be prepared for many crowds through the streets, especially leading up
to the ghats, and remember to wear closed toe shoes. Please note it would be
unwise to wander around Varanasi without your National Escort or Local Guide.
Always speak to your National Escort or Local Guide before making your own
arrangements in Varanasi.

One of the seven Holy Ci es and the most favoured place for Hindus to
a ain a release from the cycle of life and rebirth. Myths and hymns speak of the
waters of the Ganges River as the fluid medium of divine essence. A bath in the
river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. This is the longest inhabited city in
the world as ancient as me itself.
Behold the captivating beauty of the vicinity when the first ray of sun touches the
sacred lands of the holy city.
A transcending experience of how life starts with devo on and spirituality, which
takes the immortal soul to its highest abode. Assembling at Assi ghat, the
experience begins with paying respects to the holy river.
This experience is aimed at introducing you to different aspects of Hindu
spirituality. One can witness one of the several aspects like Vedic Chan ng,
Classical music recitals, Yoga demonstrations etc.
After the visit return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later proceed on an excursion to Sarnath. Buddhists worldwide look upon India
as the land of the Buddha and a visit to Sarnath means a pilgrimage to the place
sacred to the memory of the Enlightened One. A er the Buddha attained
enlightenment in Bodhgaya he came to Sarnath. In the Deer Park, he delivered
his first sermon, or in the religious term, he set in motion the wheel of Law. We
visit some of the homes and workshops of weavers of the famous Banaras silk
saris. The weavers belong to an ancient community. Varanasi saris are worn by
Hindu brides across the country on the day of their wedding.

Leisurely morning, enjoy breakfast.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. A er arrival, check in and rest
of the day is at leisure. This evening, you will also enjoy a cultural dance
performance or sound and light show.

Rise early, enjoy Breakfast drive approximately 15-minutes to the Khajuraho
group of temples. You will spend 02–03 Hrs here exploring the Vamana Temple
and the Javari Temple. Here you will explore most interesting temples from 8th
century depicting figures from Kamasutra.
This tour of the world-famous western group of temples depicting erotic
sculptures of love making images of Gods and Goddesses and celestial Nymphs.
The sexual fantasies displayed in the sculptures are mind-boggling. It speaks very
highly of the artistic creativity and imagination of the sculptors. The frank
depiction of uninhibited sex does hint towards a liberated society and times .
where people believed in dealing openly with all aspects of life. The graphic and
realistic illustrated scenes of lovemaking elaborated on the Tantric texts.
Although famed for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy behind the temples is
much vast and encompassing. They are in fact a celebration of life.
Also visit Eastern group of Temples depicting Jain Philosophy.

Drive from hotel to Railway sta on is about 3 hours, break for lunch.
Your train journey will take approximately 2 hrs & 50 min. Check in later enjoy
dinner in the hotel.
Please note: As your train is a day train, your seats will be in an AC Chair Car. More
than likely, you might not be able to purchase any food or drink on the train, so if
you need snacks make sure to pre-purchase them before boarding. The train
carriages are shared.

Rise at leisure, enjoy breakfast
In the morning after breakfast long-awaited visit to the Taj Mahal. Bathed in soft
light of the evening sun this monument to eternal love is truly a sight to behold.
An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648
by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the
Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired
masterpieces of the world's heritage.
You will have approximately 2 to 3 hours here to explore. For admission to the
main mausoleum area, you are required to wear shoe covers (these may be
provided on site).
We might have an option of visiting Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Discover the magnificent Agra Fort. Sightseeing here involves approximately 45
60 Minutes on foot with some steps.

This evening we shall witness the most “amazing show based on love story of Taj
Mahal”. (Optional Tour)

Drive to Delhi after breakfast and board the flight to Kathmandu Nepal. Welcome
to Nepal! arrival in Kathmandu, the "Roof of the World," in the shadow of the
Himalayas -- you'll be warmly greeted with a traditional flower garland. At your
hotel, time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Nepal is famous
for hospitality, tranquillity and breathtaking vistas. This tour allows you to
experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas, some of the world’s highest
peaks, ancient and sacred Buddhist and Hindu temples, the friendly nature of
Nepalese people and the diversity of its rich wildlife.

After breakfast visit 1st-century Swayambhunath, crowning a hill overlooking the
Kathmandu Valley with its golden spire adorned with colourful prayer flags
fluttering in the breeze. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most
recognizable symbols of Nepal; the painted eyes of Buddha follow all who ascend
the worn stone steps. Crowds of pilgrims and red-clad monks circle the complex,
spinning the prayer wheels while scores of monkey’s prances about in irreverent
groups.
Continue to Durbar Square, an amazing cluster of ancient temples and palaces
that symbolize the country's religious and cultural life, including sprawling
Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty and the Temple of Kumari.
View the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, a colourful memorial to the
Hindu God of Destruction and the Temple of the Goddess Taleju.
Afternoon visit to Boudhanath, the largest stupa of its kind in the world.
Participate in a prayer ceremony and receive blessings from the Holy Lama at this
extraordinary Buddhist monument. After an outstanding day, return to the hotel.
Later enjoy dinner at Nepalese Restaurant.

Flight (22 minutes). This morning to the village of Bharatpur, with its ochre
colored thatched roof houses. Continue past (one hour drive) small villages and
terraced rice fields to the Tharu villages of Chitwan.
Arrive at Temple Tiger Green Jungle Resort, nestled on the banks of the Narayani
River (Depends on availability) and Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Meet your naturalist guide for a refreshing drink and briefing about
the park and the many different activities available during your stay. The resort,
within its own surrounding forest, is designed to adjust to the natural harmony.
No doubt you'll enjoy this memorable experience in the midst of one of the
world's most beautiful nature centres.
Time to settle in and savor a leisurely lunch before this afternoon's very special
adventure. Begin with an exciting Jungle Safari that penetrates the dense
grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Tonight, a slide presentation
on the local wildlife by a senior naturalist is followed by dinner at the resort's
Round House. Share stories of today's adventure.

Your day is filled with wonderful adventures starting with a morning Jeep Safari.
Afterward, you can choose to board a boat or paddle a canoe down the Narayani
River. There'll be plenty of opportunities to view the Gharial or Mugger crocodiles
as well as a variety of water birds. Then, travel a short distance by jeep inside the
park stopping for a picnic lunch in this lush natural oasis. A nature walk with a
trained naturalist introduces you to some of the wildlife and the huge species of
birds. You'll learn more about Chitwan and its conservation efforts during your
discussion with the guides. Later, an ox-cart ride to an authentic Tharu Village
where you visit the museum and the homes of some of the indigenous people. In
the evening, a delicious barbecue dinner accompanied by a performance by the
local Tharu dance group.

Depart the national park and transfer to the Bharatpur Airport for your flight to
Pokhara (20 Minute Flight) the second largest city of Nepal. Arrive in scenic
Pokhara, home to three of the highest mountains in the world. Lunch is at the
hotel.
Take an afternoon tour of some of the Pokhara Valley's natural wonders including
cascading Devi's Falls, (Hell's Falls) which drops out of sight and is hidden in an
underground gorge and the Seti Gandaki River, that flows throughout the city.
Visit Gorkha Memorial Museum before continuing to the diverse Old Bazaar with
its ethnic traders and stalls selling everything from edibles to gold. Here you also
view the white domed Bindhyabasini Mandir, one of Pokhara's most important
shrines, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati. The rest of the day is at leisure in
Pokhara.

Early morning hike to the viewpoint at the Peace Pagoda; see the unforgettable
sunrise over the mountain peaks. This is a not-to-be-missed experience! Return
to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a visit to the International Mountain Museum. View the many exhibits focused
on technique, equipment, and materials for hiking, of great interest in a country
that is dominated by hikers and trekkers.
The museum is in a perfect location, surrounded by the stunning Annapurna
Mountain range -- a favourite place for adventurers. Afterward, lunch together
at a local restaurant in Pokhara. This evening, you're invited to a local family's
home for dinner. There will be lots of opportunities to share great stories, local
legends and delicious home cooked food.

Return flight to Kathmandu (20 Minutes) for an excursion to the ancient city of
Patan, known as the "City of Fine Arts." Your tour begins at the main square, filled
with breathtaking Hindu temples and striking Buddhist monuments. See the old
Royal Palace, dominating all others in grace and grandeur and the 16th century
stone Krishna Mandir, with its 21 pinnacles dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Other landmarks include the Golden Temple. Afterwards, time to rest and
freshen up before tonight's festivities. A very special dinner has been arranged
just for you -- a perfect conclusion to your wonderful journey through Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

You will have an accommodation in Delhi and you can plan your flights accordingly.