India Nepal Tour

Day 01 Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
NAMASTE. WELCOME TO INDIA!
On arrival in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city, you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to hotel.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra, and the commercial hub of India. It is the country’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading center. This palm-fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its proudest “Crown Jewel.” A city of paradoxes, Mumbai is renowned as the country’s financial nerve center, and also an important center of theater, art, music, and classical dance. Although steeped in tradition is the premier city in India.

Day 02 Mumbai Sightseeing
After a morning at leisure, your tour of Mumbai includes the City of Bombay, a blend of East and West. Your survey of the city will include the British built arch "Gateway of India", Bombay's landmark, built in commemoration of the visit of King George the Vth and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. See the Hanging Gardens, located on the crest of Malabar Hill, a welcome oasis of green and almost entirely concrete and cement. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum built between 1904 and 1914 which was used during World War I as a hospital. The huge structure can be spotted from a distance as sunshine sparkles on the massive marble dome. The museum houses a priceless collection of art considered one of the best in all India, including a rich display of miniature paintings, ancients sculptures, jade, china and much more. Also visit the affluent community of Malabar Hills, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening with a cultural dance and music performance. Overnight is at hotel. (B/D)

Day 03 Elephanta Caves / Udaipur
Early this morning cruise across the harbor to the island of Elephanta. The island rises near its centre into two conical hills. Rock temples were hewn out of the hill sometimes toward the end of the Buddhist period in India, probably in the eighth century. Explore the caves consist of several interesting sculptures including some depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana the demon king, and lesser male and female divinities.

Later transfer to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel.

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Here are lakes that, in sandy Rajasthan, come as a surprise, and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. Udaipur was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through eleven gates. Ruins of these ancient fortifications are still in evidence, and the more recent palaces can still be visited. Overnight is at hotel. (B)

Day 04 Udaipur Sightseeing
This morning we will tour the ‘City of Lakes,” including the City Palace, the white and majestic royal palace standing on a hill, surrounded by crenellated walls and overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades; its main entrance leads to a series o-courtyards,overlapping pavilions, terraces corridors and hanging gardens-a harmonious profusion hard to describe.

Visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, the “Gardens of the Maids” bring to mind the unique lifestyle of the ladies of court. Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art, displaying a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. At the folklore museum, watch a presentation of the world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition. Overnight is at hotel. (B)

DAY 05 UDAIPUR / RANAKPUR / JODHPUR
This morning depart for Jodhpur. Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble is so well preserved it belies the temple’s 500 years. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharana of Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check in at your hotel. (B/L)

DAY 06 JODHPUR SIGHTSEEING
Visit the invincible MehrangarhFort, the magnificent palaces within, containing marvelously carved panels, latticed windows, and housing a fabulous collection of Rajput art. Visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. The aftenoon is at leisure. Overnight is at hotel. (B)

DAY 07 JODHPUR / JAIPUR
This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan also known as the “Pink City.”

On arrival in Jaipur, you are met and trransferred to your hotel. In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the dream city of Jaipur. It is in the land of pomp and pageantry,

Tour the city of Jaipur this afternoon. In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," Jaipur's central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without beeing seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Overnight is at the otel. (B)

DAY 08 AMBER FORT EXCURSION
This day's excursion will take us to Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caprisoned elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens. Enjoy a performance of Rajasthan folk dancing this evening. Overnigh is at the hotel. (B)

DAY 09 JAIPUR / DELHI
Fly to Delhi, India’s bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties, as wsell as the British, ruled. Upon arrival you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel.

An afternoon tour of New Delhi, the modern city striving to move into the new era with the best of modern cities. We visit stop at the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. We are driven down the spectacular Rajpath passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and India gate. Visit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful temple we enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

DAY 10 OLD DELHI SIGHTSEEING
This morning your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. The great Red Fort was once an opulent residence of Shah Jehan,creater of TAJ Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. We also visit the Raj Ghat, picturseque memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar bustling with activity. For those who have a string of adventure, can take a short ride on the Cycle Rickshaw near Jama Masjid.

DAY 11 DELHI / AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI
This morning drive to Agra, the last capital of th Mughal Empire. Proceed upon arrival to Fatehpur Sikri. This amazing ancient city was built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century, and was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The legend relates that Emperor Akbar was without a male heir and made a pilgrimage to this spot to see the saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. He foretold the birth of Akbar’s son, later the Emperor Jehangir, and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim. Furthermore Akbar transferred his capital to Sikri and built a splendid city. Later, however, the city was simply abandoned due to difficulties with the water supply. Today Fatehpur Sikri is a perfectly preserved Mughal city built at the height of the empire’s splendor.

Continue overland to Agra, home of the one and only Taj Mahal. Your afternoon tour of Agra, the last capital of the Mughal Empire includes a visit to 16th-century Agra Fort, the huge red-sandstone construction built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and many noteworthy structures. Arrive at the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the monument made of white marble is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work. Enjoy the changing hues of the Taj bathed in the warm glow of sunset. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 12 Agra / Khajraho
This morning take the train to Jhansi. Continue on by road to Khajuraho, en route visiting Orchha. A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturequely flanked by the river Betwa. A number of beautiful temples and “Chhatris” are built on the bank of this serene river and whether in the crimson light of dawn or in the dusky twilight, it is great to see their reflection in the river water. There are altogether 14 chhatris arrayed on the banks of this historical river and their images in the river – best viewed from a nearby bridge – imprint a lingering impact on every visitor. Most of the ‘chhatris’ bear a Mughal style of architecture except for the famous Chhatri of Madhukar Shah. Arrive in Khajuraho and check into your hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 13 KHAJURAHO / VARANASI
Khajuraho was the religious and political capital of the Chandela Dynasty during the 9th to 13th centuries. Although once a splendid city, today Khajuraho is best known for its amazing Tantric temples built in the graceful Nagara style of architecture and enveloped with erotic sculptures - the oldest site of its kind in the world. Visit the Western Group of temples, containing the largest and loveliest temples. Of this group, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva is the most perfect, and with its elaborate 31 meter high spire and bands of beautiful carving, it represents Chandela art at its best. It shares a high terrace with the older and simpler Devi Jagadamba temple. The less ornate Eastern Group reflects the austerity of the Jains.

Later, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi (Benares), the holy city of India located on the sacred Ganges River.

On arrival in Varanasi, you are met and transferred to your hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 14 VARANASI / KATHMANDU
Early this morning embark on a boat cruise on the river Ganga. The river front, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway... in a glimpse of a glittering temple ...in the sound of a sacred bell ...the chant of the priests and in the fragrance of flower oblations. This religious city is crowded with temples and its labyrinth of streets swelled with throngs of people. Multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River, and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted.

Later a short drive takes you to Sarnath – scene of Buddha's first sermon. Visit the museum – one of the most important in India, house of many stupas and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, built by the Mahabodhi Society, containing a life-size golden image of the Buddha and colourful murals and frescoes painted by a Japanese artist. Among the ruins of Nalanda you can still hear a distant echo of the chants of scholars of ancient times. This evening, meet with an expert astrologer who will read your palm, if you so desire.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the cradle of the highest mountains on earth.

On arrival in Kathmandu, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tour the city in the afternoon visiting the Durbar Square, the highest concentration of palaces and temples are found here. Overlooking the Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka palace which means the "gate of the Monkey god". Nearby is the Temple of Kumari, the abode of the Living Goddess. The central courtyard of the temple is open to visitors, and at times the Kumari (the Living Goddess) makes fleeting appearances at one of the many windows of the temple. Swayambhunath, the great stupa (Eye of the Buddha) which stands atop a green hillock at a point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. This Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 years old, the stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base on the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The whole area around the Stupa is an array of small stupas and temples. This is one of the best places to view the Kathmandu city as it is situated on a small hillock. (B)

Day 15 Patan & Bhadgaon Excursion
AM: BHADGAON, PASHUPATINATH & BODNATH This morning, you will tour Bhadgaon founded in 889 AD by King Ananda Deva. It was known in the days of the yore as Bhaktapur (city of Devotees). The city was constructed in the shape of a conch shell-an object of religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists. Apart from the usual temples and palaces, the added attractions are the Big Bell, the bell of the Barking Dog, the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the famous Golden gate. Pasupatinath, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva the Destroyer and Creator, and is one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in Asia. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the temple of lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Continue to Bodhnath to see the largest stupa in all of Nepal sitting on flat land as a crown above pastel painted facades of shops and houses. Its great size and huge red, white and blue painted eyes are even more remarkable and striking than Swayambhunath and Pasupatinath.

PM: PATAN EXCURSION & TIBETAN HANDICRAFT CENTER
The adjacent town of Patan, also known as Lalitpur is our destination this afternoon. The "City of Beauty and Fine Art," its origins are lost in the misty haze of history, but as center of Newari architecture and arts, this city dates back to 289 and 299 AD. It is located 6 Kms southeast of Kathmandu's city center, on a low rising embankment on the southern flank of the sacred Bagmati river. Hundreds of temple edifices are dedicated to the Hindu and Buddhist deities abound in the city. The facades of the ancient temples have ornate carvings and most of the temples have been built in an exquisite architectural style. Later visit the Tibetan refugee camp where the residents produce traditional crafts including the hand-loomed Tibetan carpets and molding of metals statues respectively. This evening, enjoy a presentation of Nepalese folk dances this evening. Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 16 Mt Everest Flight - Seeing / Chitwan National Park
Experience a one-hour flight-seeing tour of Mt. Everest (weather permitting) and soar just above these mighty mountains at the "roof of the world." Extraordinary views and spectacular close-ups of the snow-covered peaks, including the highest peak on earth - 29,029 feet Mt. Everest, straddling the Tibet/Nepal border, afford an unforgettable experience.

Later you are flown to Bharatpur and transferred to your cottage / lodge, situated in the heart of the royal Chitwan National Park. Wildlife viewing in the park - one of Nepal's largest jungle and forest regions, is atop trained elephants driven by expert mahouts. Thrill to the unique experience of viewing game, perched atop an elephant. (B/L/D)

Day 17 Chitwan Game Viewing
View the wildlife of Chitwan today - nearly 400 species of birds, a variety of deer, boar, crocodile, leopard, one-horned rhinoceros and the now endangered and elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. A canoe ride and nature walk add interesting insights to this wildlife experience. Dinner by candlelight in the Nepalese-style dining room with its huge domed roof and central open hearth. Overnight is at cottage / lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 18 Chitwan / Kathmandu
Take your last game drive this morning before flying back to Kathmandu. Afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration. Ocvernight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 19 Kathmandu / Delhi / Kathmandu / Delhi / Onward Flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi
Upon arrival met & transferred to your hotel where a wash & change room wouuld be provided. Later in the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)