Accommodation

Hotel Crowne Imperial Crowne Plaza Soaltee Le Meridien New Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi Park Plaza CBD Shahdara Saura Hotel The Sher Garh Club Mahindra Resort Madin

Flights

Internal flights included. *** All other flights are not included.

Meals

13 Breakfast (B) 6 Dinner (D) 3 Lunch (L) 1 Be My Guest (BMG) 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Others

Jaipur: Savour dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur. Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur. Bhaktapur: Observe the skills of a master pottery at a pottery workshop in Bhaktapur. Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country. Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well. Delhi: See Old Delhi’s Red Fort. New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun’s Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex. Taj Mahal: View the Taj Mahal, known as one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers. Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted ’’ghost town.’’ Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife. Jaipur: Learn the traditional art of block-printing with a Local Specialist. Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Varanasi: Cruise down the Ganges and delve into local tradition as you witness the ritual of Aarti. Varanasi: As the sun rises over Varanasi, view the banks of the River Ganges come to life during a morning boat ride. Varanasi: During your brief orientation of the city, visit some of the famous temples. You’ll also visit Sarnath, where Buddha first taught the Dharma. Kathmandu: Tour Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and see the Royal Palace. Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple for its mischievous inhabitants. Patan: See Patan’s Durbar Square, and enjoy a visit to the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. Bhaktapur: Visit Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square and stroll along the characteristic streets of this cultural centre. Delhi: The Delhi City Walk tour explores lesser-known attractions around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station, guided by a teenager at the Trust who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. This personal touch makes the tour special and gives you a view of the tour guide’s world through their eyes. City Walk is an example of how a volunteer’s creativity can translate into a unique and enduring programme, which is both popular and economically viable. Varanasi: At Weavers Village discover the community’s efforts to keep the centuries-old silk weaving tradition alive. Patan: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre which features the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre. Explore Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi Visit Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park, Amber Fort and the City Palace in Jaipur and Sarnath View the Palace of Winds in Jaipur See the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi Ranthambore: Jaskaur Meena, a farmer and an educationist took a courageous decision to enter into the hospitality sector and started the first hotel business in the area of Ranthambore. The hotel was named after her late son Anurag. The land back in 1984 and nothing else but a temple, no houses, just forest. Jaskaur was the first lady to lead the hotel industry in the area and start a new era of tourism in Sawai Madhopur and went on becoming the first successful woman entrepreneur in Rajasthan. As a born farmer half the hotel’s land is used for agriculture and dairy which supplies organic produce to the hotel.

Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Not included:

Optional

Market, Boudhanath Stupa and Sunset Aarti Ceremony - Adults US$50.00 Enjoy a walking tour through the bustling streets of Thamel – a shopper’s paradise selling singing bowls, all types of jewellery, clothes, Pashmina shawls, rice paper items, trekking gear and handicrafts amongst a treasure trove of other items. Afterwards visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important stupas outside Tibet and the largest in Nepal. According to legend the king constructed the stupa as an act of penance, but this was destroyed by Mughal invaders in the 14 th century, so the current stupa is a more recent construction. The influx of a large number of refugees from Tibet to the area led to the construction of more than 50 gumbas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) around the stupa. Later witness a truly mesmerising ritual, an Aarti (prayer) ceremony at the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the River Bagmati, the holy river that runs through the temple. As the sunsets, the priests begin their melodious chants and prayers as they take oil lamps and move them around in a circular motion. Bhajan (songs with a religious theme) are sung by devotees during the ceremony creating an enchanting atmosphere. Discover the Lotus Temple and Dilli Haat - Adults US$23.00 Join your Travel Director for a visit to the Lotus Temple, an architectural marvel famous for its unique lotus structure which has won several awards for its style of building. It is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad ’petals’ arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto a central hall with a height of slightly over 34.27 metres and a capacity for 2,500 people. It is a modern style non-religion-oriented temple open to all and is surrounded by nine ponds and gardens covering 26 acres in total. Afterwards spend some time browsing at Dilli Haat INA, an open-air food plaza cum craft bazaar which was established to encourage arts and crafts in India. It has food stalls representing each state in India and offers a complete variety of tasty Indian snacks from across the country. Products on offer also include many ethnic creations such as rosewood and sandalwood carvings, colourful fabrics and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics. Delhi’s Heritage Park: Sunder Nursery - Adults US$23.00 Visit the Sunder Nursery with a Local Specialist and discover the fascinating Biodiversity Zone as well as the stunning gardens inside the nursery such as the Paradise Garden, Water Garden and Sunken Garden. Dating back to the 16th century, this spectacular heritage park complex is a treasure trove of attractions. It covers an area of 90 acres and boasts several UNESCO World Heritage monuments, 300 plant and tree species, marble fountains, raised sandstone pathways and around 80 resident bird species. After discovering the nursery’s main attractions on a walking tour with the Local Specialist, enjoy some free time to explore further at your leisure. Mohabbat-E Taj Show - Adults US $53.00 Spend a memorable evening getting to know the epic love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal in a thrilling Bollywood-style show. The 90-minute song and dance performance paints a vivid tale of how Shah Jahan built the iconic Taj Mahal after his beloved wife Mumtaz died in childbirth. The show features the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, made in pure white Makrana marble, just like the real mausoleum. Performed by over 80 talented artists dressed in dazzling costumes, this is sure to be a night to remember! Save the Tigers: The Dhonk Initiative - Adults US$15.00 Interact with local women who produce indigenous handicraft at the Dhonk Textile Studio, and take the opportunity to contribute to the ‘Save the Tiger’ cause. The Dhonk initiative serves to provide families an opportunity to pursue an ethical livelihood, and discourage local inhabitants from poaching tigers and other common ecologically harmful activities. A huge variety of products are manufactured within this holistic craft project. Meet the Manager who will provide a brief introduction to the project. Your Travel Director is on-hand to assist with translation as you chat with the women and learn more about their work. Aarti Ceremony at the Birla Temple - Adults US$19.00 Experience India’s rich spirituality at the Birla Mandir, one of the most famous temples in Jaipur, dedicated to the Hindu Gods Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is made of pure white marble and houses beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and mythological scenes. Witness the enchanting Aarti (religious ceremony), with an up-close view of the priest who has a tray with a small bell and offerings of food, water, flowers and incense. A traditional ‘Aarti lamp’ is passed around the deity, accompanied by singing, and the ceremony ends with everyone sharing the food that has been offered to the Gods. Kathak Dance Performance - Adults US$56.00 Take a stroll with your Travel Director to a nearby dance centre for a live performance of the Indian classical dance Kathak, organised especially for you. The city of Varanasi has been a cultural hub since ancient times and Indian dance forms have evolved over the centuries. Kathak is one of the main genres of ancient Indian classical dance which is believed to have originated from the travelling bards of North India referred to as Kathakars or storytellers. Enjoy a performance of around 90 minutes that incorporates legends from ancient mythology where the stories are communicated through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures, facial expressions and eye movements.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu

Keep a keen eye out for the rainbow-coloured prayer flags flapping in the wind as your transfer from Kathmandu Airport takes you to your hotel. Spirituality is the cornerstone of Nepalese culture, and this is revealed in the many shrines and temples that dot its capital, which you’ll get to explore in the coming days. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 2 Day 2: Stupas And Temples Of Kathmandu And Patan Make Travel Matter
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Stupas And Temples Of Kathmandu And Patan Make Travel Matter

Your first stop today is the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath. Uncover its history spanning millennia. Admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colourful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. You’ll see all this as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2000 years old. Proceed to the heart of the old town and Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. See the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces that surround the square – the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari and Taleju Temple. After some free time for lunch, journey to nearby Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a generic name given to plazas and areas located opposite Nepal’s old royal palaces. Delve into the ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. Later, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, which features a handicraft centre and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre. You could choose to buy some of the traditional Tibetan handicrafts as a memento of your trip. Then it’s back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved evening at leisure.
Day 3 Day 3: Explore Kathmandu Dive Into Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Explore Kathmandu Dive Into Culture

The UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur and its impressive Durbar Square are the main attractions today. While the city is rebuilding its fallen temples, it remains a cultural centre. Stroll along narrow alleys and admire artisans at work. Watch how they weave cloth, carve timber and make pottery, which dries in all its terracotta brilliance in open squares for all to admire. Dive Into Culture and join a local potter for a workshop to learn how Bhaktapur has been a pottery centre for centuries. You’ll see first-hand how traditional techniques are still used. Large spinning wheels are coaxed into action with a long stick and the rapid stirring of the talented potters to shape all sorts of ceramics out of lumps of clay. Get your hands dirty and hone your own pottery talents as you make your own creation to take home as a memento of your visit. If you have time, stop in one of the squares and sample the famous Juju Dhau, Newari yoghurt treat, enjoyed in a ‘takeaway’ pottery bowl. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to witness a poignant Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Day 4 Day 4: Kathmandu To Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Kathmandu To Delhi

Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, but your journey through India is just beginning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. India’s vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India’s most exquisite sights. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 5 Day 5: Discover The Delights Of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Discover The Delights Of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture

Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day’s trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 6 Day 6: See The Sights Of Delhi Make Travel Matter
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: See The Sights Of Delhi Make Travel Matter

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we’ll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens’ Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 7 Day 7: Sunset At The Taj Mahal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sunset At The Taj Mahal

It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset’s rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travellers. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.
Day 8 Day 8: From The Taj To The Tigers
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: From The Taj To The Tigers

There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you’ll come to discover this morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a 17th-century royal residence which served as the principal residence of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards due to a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece devoid of inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then, appreciate first-hand a quintessential travel experience in India as you board a train bound for Ranthambore, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Day 9 Day 9: Roam Ranthambore In Search Of Tigers
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Roam Ranthambore In Search Of Tigers

Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. Have your camera ready in case the park’s tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax, or to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Day 10 Day 10: Onwards To Jaipur Dive Into Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Onwards To Jaipur Dive Into Culture

Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, Dive Into Culture and see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colourful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner in their home and savour some of the regional delicacies.
Day 11 Day 11: Explore Colourful Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Explore Colourful Jaipur

One of today’s highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world’s largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we’ll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.
Day 12 Day 12: Venutre To Varanasi Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Venutre To Varanasi Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

Depart Jaipur this morning and board your included flight to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi to explore the city’s role as the centre of Hindu religion. There’s a palpable sense that life begins and ends on the shores of Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges), but local spirituality extends beyond the sacred waters of the river. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples and old ghats that lead down to the river. You’ll see all this and more, but first there’s free time for lunch before the sightseeing. Next, experience a rural way of life during a walk around Weavers Village, where a Local Specialist reveals the centuries-old silk weaving tradition. Your visit during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will help the community’s efforts to keep this extraordinary tradition alive. You’ll see first-hand how the talented weavers create beautiful silk fabrics. These are used to make the famous Banarasi silk saris, highly sought after for weddings and other special occasions. Later this evening, feed your soul as you cruise down the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti. Watch as the delicate diya, laden with candles and tiny flowers, float down the river. After this poignant ritual, return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 13 Day 13: Witness Local Life Along The Ganges
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Witness Local Life Along The Ganges

Admire the changing light as the sun rises over the Ganges, and the sights and sounds of Varanasi come to life along the banks of the river. Observe locals taking their morning bath in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun. Afterwards explore the city on foot, the best way to immerse yourself in the day-to-day of the oldest living city of the world. You’ll have an opportunity to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi’s main temple. Demolished and rebuilt many times over its history, the temple is a sight to behold with its towering spire and domes made of pure gold. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. Perhaps choose to join our Optional Experience to watch a live performance of Indian classical dances known as Kathak. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Explore the spectacular collection of Buddhist artefacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. Continue to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 14 Day 14: Farewell Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Farewell Varanasi

Your spiritual and cultural encounter with India at its end, it’s time to bid farewell to Varanasi. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

+11

14 days tour

Best Of India (And Nepal, 14 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of India (And Nepal, 14 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu

Day 2: Stupas And Temples Of Kathmandu And Patan Make Travel Matter

Day 3: Explore Kathmandu Dive Into Culture

Day 4: Kathmandu To Delhi

Day 5: Discover The Delights Of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture

Day 6: See The Sights Of Delhi Make Travel Matter

Day 7: Sunset At The Taj Mahal

Day 8: From The Taj To The Tigers

Day 9: Roam Ranthambore In Search Of Tigers

Day 10: Onwards To Jaipur Dive Into Culture

Day 11: Explore Colourful Jaipur

Day 12: Venutre To Varanasi Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

Day 13: Witness Local Life Along The Ganges

Day 14: Farewell Varanasi

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