This
special tour of India and Nepal is designed for the cultural and historically
minded traveller for an in-depth experience of the culture and geographical
diversity. Stops include Jaipur, Agra, Orcha, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Delhi in
India. Kathmandu, Patan , Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur in Nepal.
Day 1 USA/DELHI:
Welcome aboard flight to Delhi, enjoy
hospitality fit for royalty by silk sari clad hostesses. Indulge yourself with
delicious Indian and Continental cuisine.
Day 2 DELHI:Welcome to Incredible India.!
Arrival in Delhi, where after a traditional Indian Garland
welcome you'll be escorted to Hotel Suncourt Palace/ Singson palace
hotel.
Day 3 DELHI: India
Travel
IN DELHI After
breakfast depart for full day city tour of Delhi. Begin with a visit to Raj
Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi the Father of the nation was cremated in 1948.
Thereafter you proceed to the magnificent Red Fort (closed on Mondays) built of
red sandstone dating from the very peak of the Mughal power. Rickshaw ride
through Chandni Chowk. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and
minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Feroz
Shah Kotla, ruins of an old fort of the 14th century with the 13 metre high
Ashoka Pillar of 3rd BC. After Lunch Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (the
Presidential Palace) and the Secretariat buildings - the centre of Government
activity, down the impressive Rajpath (the main avenue), to the World War I
memorial arch, India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit
Humayun's Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the Qutub
Minar, 72 metres high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque.
See Delhi's most curious antique, the uncoroded Iron Pillar, which dates back
to the 4th century AD. Welcome Dinner
Day 4 DELHI/JAIPUR:
 After early breakfast depart and drive to Jaipur. Arrive and check
in at hotel Bissau Palace/ Hari Mahal
Palace. Late afternoon visit Amber Fort, Just 7 miles north of Jaipur is
Amber with its a honey-colored fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills. Enjoy an
elephant ride along the fortress ramparts while an "ektara" musician
accompanies you along the way. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the
royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. Walk into the
Sheesh Mahal and admire the amazing interior décor thought of over 200
years ago. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art panels of
alabaster with fine inlay work. Then visit emporium of applied art and diamond
cutting shop.
Day 5 JAIPUR:
After breakfast visit Hawa Mahal an elaborate building encrusted with
delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from behind which the royal
Zanana, could view the world outside. Jai Singh's Observatory (Jantar Mantar)
built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince
was also soldier, astronomer and builder. This is an architectural feat. Visit
the City Palace now a museum exhibiting fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare
manuscripts and an armoury, and explore local market and emporium of carpets.
Afternoon visit Jaighar Fort the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts
that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major
weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are
on display in the fort's museum. It is one of the few military structures of
medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a
well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted
cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh
Fort is also known as the fort of victory. Gaitore Situated in a narrow valley
the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput
architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its
carvings that exaggerate it.
Day 6 JAIPUR/AGRA:
After early breakfast drive to Agar. En route visit Sisodia Rani Gardens, Galta
temples and feeding saint monkeys. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, an epic poem in red
sandstone, it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted 14 years later
due to lack of water. Legend has it that Akbar who was without a male heir,
made a pilgrimage to this spot to visit the saint Sheikh Salim Chisti The saint
predicted the birth of a male heir and in gratitude, after his son Jehangir was
born, he built Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate the birth. The Diwan-e- Khas, Hall
of Private Audiences has a unique interior design. The Diwan-e-Am or Hall of
Public Audience is an open courtyard surrounded by cloisters and adjoining it
is the Pachisi courtyard arranged like a gigantic game board, where the Emperor
played chess using slave girls as pawns. Visit Akbara mosque with famous
Victory Gate and Salim Chisti Tomb. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel
Amar/Utkarsh Villa for overnight.
Day 7
AGRA:
Full day to explore the sites of Agra. Taj
Mahal, (closed to visitors on Fridays.) the most extravagant monument ever
built for love. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor
Shah Jehan built her this memorial over which 20,000 men labored for 22 years
to create a masterpiece in white marble inlaid with semi precious stones; the
art is called pietra dura. Stroll down the ornamental gardens laid out along
the classical Mughal charbagh lines. This garden is separated by a long
watercourse, which reflects the monument in perfect symmetry. Agra Fort (lal
Qila) where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son
Aurangzeb. The most impressive part of the Fort are the Dewan-e-Am, Hall of
Public Audience where the Emperor met officials and listened to petitioners,
and the Dewan-e-Khas Hall of Private Audience where he received foreign
dignitaries. The Peacock throne (now in Iran) was in this fort, before being
moved to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Day 8
AGRA/ORCHA:
 After breakfast depart and drive to Orcha, Founded in
the 16th century by the Bundela King Rudra Pratap on the banks of the Betwa
River, the town is dotted with fortress, temples and cenotaphs. The
architecture is a fusion of traditional Hindu and Indo Saracenic styles. Across
the Betwa river, with rolling green hills in the background, stand the
mausoleums of the Bundela Chiefs. At one time this town must have been the
centre of glory of the Bundelas. But time has left it slumbering in peaceful
beauty of its bygone era. On the way visit Man Singh, Jai Vilas Palace and
Museum it is the abode of the Scindias, built from 1872 to 1874. The Grand
Durbar hall is one of the finest in the world. There is also a Silver Train
with cut glass wagons which serves guests as it chugs around on miniature rails
on the table and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb & Shah Jahan.
visit Rani Jhansi Fort and two temples named as Sas Bahu of 11th Century, these
are twin temples adjoining each other both dedicated to God Vishnu. Arrive
Orcha and check in at Hotel Orcha Resort/ Amar hotel for overnight.
Day 9 Orcha - Khajuraho:
 Early morning sunrise at Betwa river, return to the
hotel for breakfast. After breakfast depart for sightseeing. Visit Jahangir
Palace, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the
visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by
delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of
extraordinary richness. Dinmana Hardaul Palace and Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the
style is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors
contain the most exquisite of Or chha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and
ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a
variety of spiritual and secular subjects. Late afternoon drive to Khajuraho,
arrive and check in at hotel Usha Bundela/ Greenwood for overnight. Here the
Chandelas built 85 temples to the glory of God. Today 22 survive. These temples
are designed to lead one's eyes from ground level ever upwards to the ultimate
heaven, Kailash. They are ornately carved, with each frieze and sculpture
depicting the genius of the men who carved it and the King who inspired them
Day 10
Khajuraho:
After breakfast depart for sightseeing. The
temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western,
Eastern and Southern. The Western group is certainly the best known, because it
is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs The
Kandariya Mahadev, Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Also in the
western group is the Chaunsat Yogini, the only granite temple in the Khajuraho
group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular in plan.
Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the
Khajuraho village. The largest Jain temple, Parswanath, is in this group.
Exquisite in detail, the sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple
perhaps the finest in the group. The other Jain temple in this group is the
Ghantai Temple. 5 km from the Khajuraho village, lies the Southern Group of
temples. The fine Chaturbhuj Temple in this group has a massive intricately
carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum. Duladeo Temple, another of the southern
group, is a little away from the road to the Jain group of temples. Visit
Emporium of Aryan arts. Evening optional Light and Sound Show This fascinating
Son-et-Lumière spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela
Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the
present day. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples, the
50-minute show runs in Hindi and in English every evening. Or Show of the
Indian Dances
DAY 11
KHAJURAHO/VARANASI:
After breakfast drive to Varanasi, It derives
it name from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varana to the north and
the Asi to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or
Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi, first used three thousand years ago to
describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first
sermon; the "City of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining
one", referring to the light of Shiva. The city of Banaras is situated on
the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga. Arrive and check
in at hotel Meridian Grand/ Ok International for overnight.
Day 12
VARANASI:
Early morning boat ride at Rive Ganga,
stroll through Old town, visit Gold Temple (known as Kashi Vishwanath temple).
Return to hotel for breakfast. Early afternoon drive to Sarnath, After the
Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer
Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion
the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan). Visit Sarnath Museum, (closed
on Fridays). yielded a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising
numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. Considered amongst the finest specimens
of Buddhist art, these have been housed at the museum, adjacent to the site.
Apart from the above the other objects of Interest at Sarnath are the
Dharmrajika Stupa, magnificent Lion capital, India's National Emblem at Sarnath
Museum, the Saddharmachakra Vihar's at excavated ruins. Evening Puja at
Dashashwamedha Ghat, it is Varanasi's most popular and accessible ghat, with
rows of pandas sitting on wooden platforms under bamboo umbre llas, masseurs
plying their trade and boatmen jostling for custom. Its name, "ten horse
sacrifices", derives from a complex series of sacrifices performed by
Brahma to test King Divodasa. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 13
VARANASI/KATHMANDU:
 Varanasi - Nepal border drop
Morning after breakfast depart and drive to Nepal border, after passport and
immigration formalties Pick up from Sunauli border drive to kathmandu.Drive
takes about 6-7 hours.Checkin to hotel Royal Singhi/Grand Vishalla.
Day 14 KATHMANDU &
PATAN:
Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing tour of 'Kathmandu City'
once called 'Kantipur' or 'City of Glory' visiting Kasthamandap, Temple of the
living Goddess called 'Kumari', Hanuman Dhoka, Kal Bhairab-God of Terror,
Taleju Temple and 'Swayambunath', or 'The Monkey Temple'. This Buddhist stupa
is majestically set high upon a hill over looking the Kathmandu valley. Lunch
on your own and can be had at one of the many good standard restaurants around
town. Our guide will recommend the same. Tour of `Patan City`one of the three
queen cities of the vally. Patan is the city of fine arts and we visit Durbar
Square, Krishna Mandir, Mahavihar-Golden temple of Lord Buddha, built in the
12th century. Also visit the Tibetan centre.
Day 15 Pashupatinatha/Bahktapur:
 We visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Bouddhanath
Stupa lies about six km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest
stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most
fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site
Khastiis also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had
to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought
during its construction. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred hindu
shrines in the world. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or
phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior
to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river
flowing beside the temple, also a World Heritage Site. Lunch on your own and
can be had at one of the many good standard restaurants around town. Our guide
will recommend the same. We visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, or city of
Devotees, also known as Bhadgaon, visiting Durbar square, Lion gate, the five
storied Nyatopolo Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, and the palace of
55 windows. The film, LITTLE BUDDHA was shot here, among other places in Nepal.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16
KATHMANDU:
 Day free to explore many localles of kathamndu on your own for an
upclose experience, shopping and enjoying the ever festive
Kathmandu.
Day 17
KATHMANDU/DELHI:
Fly to Delhi, the majestic capital city of India. Delhi
blends within its folds a great cultural variety of India: an unceasing range
of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are welcome'. Day free to explore on
your own, great for shopping and browsing.
Day 18 DELHI/USA:
Depart early morning from Delhi for homeward
bound.
Tour cost includes:
+Round trip economy coach
airfare
from New
York
+ Fights within India and Nepal
+Train and coach travel within India and
Nepal
+Hotels with daily breakfast
+Transfers to and from airports to
hotels
+Baggage handling
+All sightseeing tours as per itinerary by deluxe
coach
+Elephant ride tour in Jaipur
+Boat excursion in Varanasi
+Local English speaking guide
+Services of our tour managers.
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Tour cost: $3978Per person, sharing
room:
Single supplement
$1866.00
Total Taxes & Fees
extra 675.59
Airline Tax
and fees summary: 515.10YQ 33.40US 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 2.50AY 7.30WO 23.69IN
26.40YM 6.30NQ YR 24.50 BT5.50 8.90NP 4.50XF
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Departures dates:
2013:
Jan 10, 17 24 Feb. 7, 21 Mar 7, 21,28 Apr 4, 25 May 9, 23 Jun
6, 20 Jul 4, 25 Aug 8,29 Sep12, 26 Oct. 10, 24 Nov. 14,
28 |
Airfare surcharge will
apply during peak period, Dec.1-15 Jan and 1 Jun-31 Aug.
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