Classical Journey India Nepal
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi – Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi
Day 01 Abroad – Delhi : Arrive at Delhi International airport.On arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Delhi : This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘rickshaw ride’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
This afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Overnight at hotel
Day 03 Delhi – Jaipur : Morning drive to Jaipur (255 km),
Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04 Jaipur : Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposingCity Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 05 Jaipur - Agra : Morning drive to Agra (221 km), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.
Thereafter continue drive to Agra
Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel
Day 05 Jaipur – Agra (contd.) : Afternoon visit monuments Red Fort & famous Taj Mahal
Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).
Stay at pristine Taj Mahal for sunset, to see this true Wonder of the world in gentle late afternoon light.
Overnight at hotel
Day 06 Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho : Morning transfer to railway station for train to Jhansi
Leave: Agra at 0800 hrs by Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Jhansi at 1024 hrs
On arrival in Jhansi, the guests will be met by our representative and straight proceed to Khajuraho (170 kms).
Upon arrival in Khajuraho – check into the hotel
Afternoon visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular
Overnight at hotel
Day 07 Khajuraho – Varanasi : Morning visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi
Leave: Khajuraho at 1405 hrs by 9W 724
Arrive: Varanasi at 1445 hrs
On arrival in Varanasi, the guest will be met by our representative and en route visit Sarnath
Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).
Thereafter transfer to the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 08 Varanasi – Kathmandu : Early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges. Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.
Rendezvous with a Hindu astrologer, who will explain the influence of astrology on the way of life of a devout and religious Hindu person.
Thereafter transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu
Leave: Varanasi at 1220 hrs by IC 752
Arrive: Kathmandu at 1330 hrs
(This flight is operating only on Tue, Thu, Sat & Sunday)
On arrival in kathmandu, the guests will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel
Afternoon at leisure
At sunset arrive at Swayambhunath stupa perched on a sacred hilltop with the painted all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha gazing across the valley in 4 cardinal directions. Sunset views from here are simply spectacular with Buddhist Pilgrims lighting butter lamps amidst prayer chanting amidst a backdrop of mountain peaks.
Overnight at hotel
Day 09 Kathmandu : Morning tour of Kathmandu – locked in by the towering snow-clad mountains of the Himalyan range, Kathmandu is the capital of the ‘Hindu Kingdom of Nepal’ – an extraordinary land only now entering the 20th century. Walk through the narrow cobbled lanes of the old Kathmandu city visiting its many ancient temples among which the most unusual is the Temple of Kumari or ‘the living Goddess’ where a little girl lives in her temple residence showering blessings to her many followers. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka the ancient Royal Palace complex that comprises of a series of 14 courtyards of which Nasal Chowk is still used for Royal ceremonies including coronation.
Afternoon, proceed onto Bodhnath, the largest stupa in the world where from a towering golden pinnacle the painted eyes of the all-seeing Buddha gaze across the valley in every direction, then proceed onto the Pashupatinath temple situated on the banks of Bagmati temple which is the most holy temples of the entire Hindu world. As entrance into the temple precint is permitted to Hindus only, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A sight of cremation being performed on the banks of the river is very common.
Overnight at hotel
Day 10 Kathmandu : Morning visit Bhadgaon – home of medieval art and architecture, also known as Bhaktapur or the city of the devotees. Raja Ananda Malla supposedly created Bhaktapur in 889 A.D. designing his kingdom in the shape of Shiva’s conch shell or Shiva’s drum. Thereafter continue to Dhulikhel – the hilltop village is one of the famous spots for viewing Afternoon visit Patan – an important ancient city of Kathmandu valley – it is a treasure house of venerable and pisturesque buildings. It is also known as the Cradle of Arts and Architecture of the valley. Visit the Patan museum.
Overnight at hotel
Day 11 Katmandu – Delhi : Morning at leisure
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi
Leave: Kathmandu at 1350 hrs by IC 814
Arrive: Delhi at 1510 hrs
Arrival in Delhi
Later in late evening transfer to International airport for flight to back home
Day 12 Delhi – Abroad : Depart Delhi
