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Duration: 15 Nights/ 16 Days
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi, where an empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past. There have been at least eight cities built in and around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time, most recently for the British who built New Delhi in 1911. Overnight Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi City.
Enjoy a morning tour of Old Delhi. Visit the old city of Shahjananbad where you will the see imposing Red Fort one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. Later visit the Red Fort, along Chandni Chowk experiencing the famous main street in Old Delhi, full of all kinds of shops it overflows with all kinds of traffic, people, sounds and smells.
Later visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and a stunning example of Mughal architecture. And the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) at Raj Ghat. Situated on the bank of the legendary Yamuna River.
Take an afternoon tour of New Delhi. In 1911, the British asked Lutyens to design a new city, the result was New Delhi, The architectural designs, and sophistication of the buildings and the wide tree lines avenues are reminiscent of many European cities. Visit Connaught Place the hub of the city mainly devoted to shops, banks and restaurants. Then on to Rajpath flanked by Ornamental ponds and lawns, with India Gate at one end and the Presidents house at the other Rajpath most clearly reflects Lutyens European influence.
Drive past the impressive presidents house and the Parliament House and visit Humayuns Tomb, Delhi’s first Moghul tomb its sombre, Persian-style elegance marks this as one of Delhi’s finest historic sites
Finally visit Qutub Minar. Built In 1199 either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque, at a height of 72.5 meters. It is still the highest, and one of the finest stone towers in India. Overnight stay in Hotel at New Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Jaipur (260 Km / 5 Hrs)
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Day 04: Jaipur
Morning sight seeing tour of Amber Fort. Afternoon sight seeing tour of Jaipur city.
Morning visit to the Amber Fort a classic, Rajasthani Fort Palace with huge ramparts and watchtowers. A Elephant will take you up to the fort. Amber was the capital before Jaipur was built. Visit the marble Palace, temple of victory, hall of mirrors, which are excellent examples of ancient Rajput architecture.
Afternoon enjoy a tour of the city including a visit to the City Palace the former Royal residence, part of which is now converted into a museum, Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds), a five storey building with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows
Jantar Mantar, an 18th century astronomical Observatory, which is the largest stone and marble, crafted observatory in the world, Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur – Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (240 Km / 5 Hrs)
After breakfast depart by road to Agra, a journey of about 06 hours. En - route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Evening visit the world famous Taj Mahal by sunset. Overnight stay in Agra for 02 nights.
Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, as the old capital of the Mughal but was abandoned after just15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces, which are still preserved in much of their original glory.
Agra is a land with a glorious past created by skilled architects as the seat for the Mughal Empire. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, with its crowded alleys and its predatory rickshaw riders, Agra is much like any other north Indian city. Also referred to as Agarbana (Paradise) in the epic of Mahabharata, the city houses the finest monuments of the period, which bear testimony to the aura of grandeur.
It was during the Mughal era that Agra first gained prominence, during the 16th and 17th centuries when it served as their capital. The Moghul passion for building endowed Agra with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. Overnight at land of Love Agra.
Day 06: Agra
Early morning by sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal. Later sight seeing tour Agra Fort and Itmad – ud – daula. Morning visit to the Agra fort, on the banks of river Yamuna, is the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i- Am, Machihi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double tlemented wall of red sand stone.
The world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this Love Poem in Marble. (Friday closed).
Itimad-Ud-Daulah's tomb was built by Empress Nur Jahan, daughter-in-law of Emperor Akbar, in memory of her father Ghias-Ud-Din Beg, grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, between 1622-28 AD. Overnight at Agra.
Day 07: Agra – Gwalior (By Shatabdi Exp 0815 / 0935 Hrs) Gwalior - Orchha (110 Km / 2 Hrs)
Today we take Shatabdi Express train to Gwalior. We will see the regal charm of Jai Vilas Palace of Schindias and the awe-inspiring Gwalior Fort
From Gwalior we drive down to Orchha en route we visit Sonagiri to see White Jain temples. The ornate interiors and the magnificent idols of the temples make the place a mosaic of beauty and serenity.
Day 08: Orchha – Khajuraho (166 Km / 3.5 Hrs)
Orchha, located at a distance of 16 km from Jhansi, has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces & temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time.
We will visit Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. We also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture. Built by King Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.
Later we continue our drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty. A truly inspired burst of creativity, it contains stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 09: Khajuraho – Varanasi (Flight)
Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.
Later we take a flight to Varanasi , picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
In the evening we visit the Ganges to see the spectacular ‘Aarti’.
Day 10: Varanasi
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of the world’s oldest living city.
Later today we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Day 11: Varanasi – Kathmandu (By Flight)
Today we will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board flight for Kathmandu - Capital of Nepal, situated on the southern slopes of the mighty Himalayas. On arrival we assist you to check in at our Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: Kathmandu
This morning you will be taken for a visit of the Hindu culture in Nepal, Pashupatinath. This is the place where holy saddhus pray and cremations on the Bagmati River are carried out. We then continue to the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, Bouddhanath, with its large stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage. After completion of these two spots, you will be taken for sightseeing to City Durbar Square. This square is famous for old palaces, temples, Kumari Ghar and so on. Now we move on to Syambhunath, famous world heritage sight with magnificent views of the Kathmandu valley and tribute to Buddhism. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Kathmandu - Pokhara (230 Km / 5½ Hrs)
Morning drive to Pokhara, known as the valley city of Nepal, located 200 kms from Kathmandu. It's a blend of rich farmlands, forested hills and half a dozen lakes (famous Phewa Tal Lake). On arrival we assist you to check in at our Hotel followed by a leisurely evening and overnight stay.
Day 14: Pokhara
Today you will visit Bindebasini Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple,Goddess Durga. Sightseeing to Devi’s fall, also known as Patale Chango is an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara. Just opposite of Devi’s fall, on the other side of the road, there is Gupteshwor Cave. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Pokhara - Nagarkot (265 Km / 6 Hrs)
Today we drive down to Nagarkot, a popular hill station situated east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 m. above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here, the best point for sunrise view. On arrival we assist you to check in at our Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 16: Nagarkot - Kathmandu (35 Km / 1 Hr) & Kathmandu - Delhi (Flight)
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu Airport visiting Bhadgaon enroute.
Bhadgoan Also known as Bhaktpur meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 Km of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. Here you will also visit the Taleju Temple which is the best example of Pagoda style structure in Nepal and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures, two strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses.
Upon arrival in Delhi, board international flight for onward destination.
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