Classical India and Nepal
11 days - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu
11 days - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu
This classic journey travels through northern India, finishing with a visit to 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. New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, green parks and gardens; while Old Delhi, an ancient walled city with impressive Red Fort and bustling Chandni Chowk market, is a delight to explore and be amazed by. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Everywhere in the "abode of rajahs" you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Agra, at the time of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. Found here of course is one of India's most beautiful and iconic sights, the magnificent Taj Mahal. In Khajuraho visit the 9th and 10th century temples of the Chandela Dynasty; famously know for their erotic carvings. The holy city of Varanasi, also known by the name Benaras, is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. It is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of birth and re-births. Finish with a visit to Nepal, and it's most famous city, Kathmandu. Bounded by the Great Himalayan Range in the north, and the fertile lowland plains in the south, there is much to explore both in the city and in the Kathmandu Valley.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. A full-day tour explores Old and new Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In New Delhi visit two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. In the evening we are invited to have dinner at an Indian home. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free. This evening is an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast).
Day 4: Jaipur. This morning visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring dine on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, and Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726. This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Agra. Drive to Agra (approx. 5 hours), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Upon arrival in Agra visit Agra Fort, home to many great Mughal emperors, and the incomparable Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). This evening, if you choose, a visit to Kalakriti auditorium can be arranged to see a live performance of "Mohabbat the Taj." (breakfast).
Day 6: Jhansi/Orchha/Khajuraho. Depart Agra by train for a two hours ride to Jhansi. From here proceed by road to Khajuraho, en route visiting the medieval city of Orccha to see the magnificent fort complex and palaces found there. (breakfast).
Day 7: Varanasi. A morning tour of Khajuraho introduces us to the temples of the Chadela Dynasty. Perhaps inspired by the "Kama Sutra," the temples are known for their erotic images of celestial nymphs, gods and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail. In the afternoon fly to Varanasi, the holy city of India. This evening visit the Ghats to witness Aarti, a Hindu religious ritual using light, and usually accompanied by the singing of songs. (breakfast).
Day 8: Kathmandu. Rise early this morning for a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. The sight of pilgrims doing their ritual bathing in the river is a must-see. Continue for a tour of Varanasi's other main attractions, including visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple, also known as "Monkey Temple." In the afternoon fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. (breakfast).
Day 9: Kathmandu. Spend today seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Visits also include Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old; and Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the day is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kathmandu. Embark on a half-day excursion outside of the city to visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa that is one of the world's largest; and Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as Durbar Square and the Palace of 55 Windows. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Kathmandu. Weather permitting, you may choose to take an optional flight-seeing program over the mountains, snow peaks, deep gorges and glacial valleys to see the unmistakable Mt. Everest. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and one dinner.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,890.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. A full-day tour explores Old and new Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In New Delhi visit two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. In the evening we are invited to have dinner at an Indian home. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free. This evening is an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast).
Day 4: Jaipur. This morning visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring dine on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, and Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726. This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Agra. Drive to Agra (approx. 5 hours), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Upon arrival in Agra visit Agra Fort, home to many great Mughal emperors, and the incomparable Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). This evening, if you choose, a visit to Kalakriti auditorium can be arranged to see a live performance of "Mohabbat the Taj." (breakfast).
Day 6: Jhansi/Orchha/Khajuraho. Depart Agra by train for a two hours ride to Jhansi. From here proceed by road to Khajuraho, en route visiting the medieval city of Orccha to see the magnificent fort complex and palaces found there. (breakfast).
Day 7: Varanasi. A morning tour of Khajuraho introduces us to the temples of the Chadela Dynasty. Perhaps inspired by the "Kama Sutra," the temples are known for their erotic images of celestial nymphs, gods and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail. In the afternoon fly to Varanasi, the holy city of India. This evening visit the Ghats to witness Aarti, a Hindu religious ritual using light, and usually accompanied by the singing of songs. (breakfast).
Day 8: Kathmandu. Rise early this morning for a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. The sight of pilgrims doing their ritual bathing in the river is a must-see. Continue for a tour of Varanasi's other main attractions, including visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple, also known as "Monkey Temple." In the afternoon fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. (breakfast).
Day 9: Kathmandu. Spend today seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Visits also include Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old; and Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the day is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kathmandu. Embark on a half-day excursion outside of the city to visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa that is one of the world's largest; and Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as Durbar Square and the Palace of 55 Windows. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Kathmandu. Weather permitting, you may choose to take an optional flight-seeing program over the mountains, snow peaks, deep gorges and glacial valleys to see the unmistakable Mt. Everest. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and one dinner.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,890.
Our deluxe India and Nepal tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
