17 DAYS ~ FROM £2,632
From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the dry heat of Rajasthan this tour encompasses the heart of Indian and Nepalese culture. From the ethereal Temples of Kathmandu and Sarnath, to the intensity of Varanasi, the majesty of the Mughul Emperors and sensitivity of the iconic Taj Mahal, this tour is an ideal introduction to both countries.
Delhi • Kathmandu • Pokhara • Chitwan National Park • Varanasi • Sarnath • Khajuraho • Orcha • Agra • Fatehpur • Sikri • Jaipur • Delhi
 Day 1. To Delhi
Fly direct from Heathrow to Delhi on Jet Airways.
Day 2. To Kathmandu
Arrive Delhi and connect with flight to Kathmandu. Two nights stay at Shangrila Hotel.
Day 3. Kathmandu
Morning tour of Kathmandu includes the Durbar Square followed by a visit to the revered Swayambhunath Buddhist Temple crowned by its golden spire. Afternoon visit to Patan, the city of fine arts, with its magnificent Durbar Square – a World Heritage Site.
Day 4. To Pokhara
Morning drive to Pokhara with remainder of the day at leisure. Pokhara is an ideal place to relax with its fantastic views of the great Annapurna Mounatin range and often used as a starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular treks. Overnight at the Shangri – La Village Resort.
Day 5. To Chitwan National Park
Morning drive through the spectacular countryside to Chitwan National Park. Afternoon game viewing. Look out for the rare rhino and the endangered Gharial crocodile. Two nights stay at the Island Jungle Resort.
Day 6. Chitwan
Full day of jungle activities. The Park is a paradise for birds – including kingfishers, egrets and ospreys. Beware of marsh muggers lying in wait for antelopes coming to quench their thirst at the waters edge!
Day 7. To Kathmandu
Morning fly to Kathmandu. After check–in at the hotel visit Bhadgaon – the home of Newari Medieval art and architecture - to see the Durbar Square and Nyatapola Temple. Visit the Holiest Temple of Pashupatinath – dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Bodhnath see one of the worlds largest Stupas with four pairs of eyes, facing the four cardinal directions. Overnight at the Shangrila Hotel.
Day 8. To Varanasi
Morning at leisure. Afternoon fly to Varanasi. Two nights stay at The Gateway Hotel Ganges.
Day 9. Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. As the mist slowly rises, quietly watch the devout perform their timeless rituals in the Holy waters. After breakfast visit important sites including the Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu University. Afternoon excursion to see the numerous Stupas, ancient and modern Temples and the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first discourse. In the evening experience a cycle rickshaw ride to the Ghats.
Day 10. To Khajuraho
Morning at leisure. Afternoon fly to Khajuraho. Overnight at the Taj Chandela.
Day 11. To Agra
Morning sightseeing of the exotically embellished Khajuraho Temples. Originally 85 Temples were built although only 22 remain today. The Chandela Rajput rulers built the Temples roughly between 950–1050 AD. Afternoon drive to Jhansi to board Shatabdi express train to Agra. Two nights stay at the Trident.
Day 12. Agra
Wonderful sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun slowly caress the white marble, awakening the day and distant memories. After breakfast explore Agra Fort seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughul rulers. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
Day 13. To Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Drive to Jaipur via the magnificent deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri built by the Emperor Akbar in the second half of 16th c. Visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Diwan–i–Am - the Hall of Public Audience - and the magnificent gate – the Buland Darwaza. Two nights stay at Samode Haveli.
Day 14. Jaipur
Experience a stately elephant ride up the winding road to the magnificent Amber Fort. The rugged outer walls hide an ornate interior embellished with both Hindu and Mughul styles. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum, the delightful Astronomical Observatory and the Palace of the Winds.
Day 15. To Delhi
Morning drive to Delhi. Two night stay at the Maidens.
Day 16. Delhi
Morning sightseeing of Old Delhi including an exciting cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid, through the bustling market area of Chandni Chowk. This was, in its heyday, the Mughal capital – Shah Jehanabad. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat – Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi includes the impressive Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and India Gate.
Day 17. To London
Fly on direct Jet Airways flight to Heathrow.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
Suggested extensions: Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur, Goa, Amritsar, Maheshwar, Shimla and Kerala.
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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