This
is by far the most famous circuit on the sub-continent of India and Nepal.
It offers a grand panoroma of the fabulous art and sculpture that this
ancient civilization has produced. The trip also presents many of the amazing,
colorful facets of life on the streets and in the countryside that make
up the ever-changing, ever-lasting kaleidoscope of India. The kingdom of
Nepal is an exotic country cradled by the magnificent Himalayas. It has
more than 100 peaks over 20,000 ft. straddling its border with Tibet, including
Mt. Everest. Within a distance of 30 miles as the crow flies,
the
terrain descends southwards across terraced farmlands to an elevation of
appxomimately 250 ft. at the rim
of
the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain. A tour worth experiencing.
USD
1599 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS 21
Nights/22 Days DELHI | KATHMANDU | DHULIKHEL
| POKHARA | KOLKATTA | VARANASI | KAJURAHO | AGRA | JAIPUR |
JODHPUR | JAISELMER | BIKANER | MANDAWA | PUSHKAR | AJMER | DELHI
DAY
01 > ARRIVE DELHI
Early
morning arrive Delhi, Capital city of India. On arrival you will be met
by a C' More representative waiting for
you
outside the arrival hall, holding a placard. Transfer to Hotel
Park. Delhi is a city of contrasts. From the
neo-classical
architecture
of the elegant garden city of New Delhi to the narrow, twisting lanes that
surround Chandni- Chowk in
the
old city. Afternoon proceed for half day guided city tour of New Delhi.
The buildings designed by Edward Lutyens,
architect
of modern Delhi - are truly majestic.The Presidential Palace, Parliament
House and India Gate are all reminiscent
of
the British “Raj”. We drive through Delhi’s beautiful tree-lined avenues
and the Diplomatic Enclave enroute to the
12th
century, 234 foot high fluted minaret of Qutab Minar.
Return to hotel for Overnight
DAY
02 > AT DELHI
Morning
after breakfast, proceed for half day guided city tour of Old Delhi. Explore
the magnificent Red Fort, built
at
the zennith of the Mughal empire in India. The centuries- old international
market- place that sprawls at its feet
is
still one of Delhi’s most important commercial hubs: Chandni Chowk, or
“Moonlight Square”. Ride on cycle-rickshaws
through
the bustling silver market and the wholesale spice market. The sounds,
smells and colors of the bazaar, and the
throngs
of people who animate it makes this an unforgettable spectacle. Visit Jumma
Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia.,
before
returning to hotel. Afternoon free to explore the exotic markets, boutiques
and art galeries of Delhi.
(Vehicle
with driver will be at your disposal) Return to hotel Park for overnight.
DAY
03 > AT DELHI > KATHMANDU
Morning
after breakfast, transfer to international airport to connect flight at
1130 hrs for Kathmandu, the capital city
of
Nepal. On arrival at 1315 hrs transfer to Hotel
Sanghrilla.
Afternoon city tour visiting the
Kathmandu city, including the
Durbar
Square. The temple or the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated
in the vicinity of Hanuman
Dhoka
Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens.
The Kumari must be of the
Newari
Shakya caste, and must be a virgin with no body marks or injuries. When
she attains puberty she is replaced by
another
Kumari. Next visit Pashupatinath Temple - one of the holiest of Hindu temples.
Set amidst lush green forests on
the
banks of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple is built in the pagoda style,
with a gilted roof and richly carved silver
doors.
Boudhanath, 5 miles east of Katmandu city is one of the largest stupa in
the world. It stands with four pairs of
eyes
scanning the four cardinal directions, keeping watch over human prosperity
and righteous behaviour. The stupa
is
built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed
by the simple
homes
of Lamas (Buddhist monks). Return to hotel Shangrilla for overnight.
DAY
04 > KATHMANDU > DHULIKHEL > BHAKTPUR > KATHMANDU
Morning
after breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to Dhulikhel for a picnic
lunch amidst spectacular mountain
scenery.
Afternoon return via the charming and spectacular old city of Bhaktapur.
It has long been called the City of Devotees,
and
has recently emerged as Nepal’s Cultural Capital. Because of the city’s
medieval architecture, its rich tradition of ancient music,
handicrafts
and ritual dance, as well as its present renaissance of vibrant Newar culture,
Bhaktapur has been designated by
UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site. Return to Kathmandu for overnight in Hotel Shangrilla
DAY
05 > KATHMANDU > POKHARA
Morning
after breakfast, depart by car for Pokhara valley (827 M) is 200 Km west
of Kathmandu valley. The valley
is
famous for lakes and mountain peaks. Fewa, Rupa, and Begnash are beautiful
lakes in Pokhara. The mountain peaks
Machhapuchhre
(Fish Tail) and Annapurna are the land mark of Pokhara. The reflection
of Mt. Machhapuchhre and
Mt.
Annapurna on lake Fewa is very panoramic. Pokhara is also a starting point
of various trekking routes around
Annapurna.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into Hotel
Shangrilla. Balance day free to relax &
wonder at the
true
beauty of Nature that this little himalayan kingdom is blessed with. Overnight
in Hotel
DAY
06 > AT POKHARA
Morning
after breakfast, half day tour of Pokhara. Visiit the Seti Gorge,
Davi's Fall, Mahendra Cave, Vindyavashini
Temple,
Barahi Temple, and Fewa lake. Aftrernoon free. Overnight in hotel
DAY
07 > POKHARA > KATHMANDU
Morning
after breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu city. Later on arrival check into
Hotel Shangrilla. Afternoon
proceed
for
sight seeing of Patan Museum and Swayambunath temple, before returning
to hotel. Evening free to shop or try
your
luck at the gambling tables of some of the finest Casinos of South East
Asia. Overnight in hotel Shangrilla.
DAY
08 > KATHMANDU > KOLKATTA
Morning
after breakfast, time at leisure. Later in time transfer to airport to
connect flight at 1600 hrs for Kolkatta.
Arrive
Kolkatta at 1705 hrs. Till recently known as Calcutta, it was the capital
of India till 1911 AD. It's a city of festivals,
temples,
mosques and churches. What began as a trading outpost more than 300 years
ago has grown into a thriving
metropolis
- the melting pot that is Kolkata. It has often been said that one has
to live in the city of Kolkata in order
to
feel its pulse. It is chaotic, volatile, noisy and decaying. On the other
hand it is vibrant, warm, dynamic, alive
&
friendly. On arrival, meeting, assistance & transfer to
Hotel
Golden Park. Balance day free. Overnight
(FLIGHT
OPERATION ONLY ON WED /FRI & SUN )
DAY
09 > KOLKATTA > VARANASI
Morning
after breakfast proceed for full day city tour. Visit The Victorial Memorial,
which sits in mejestic splendour at
the
bottom end of this big green space called the "Maidan". An immence palace
of white marble, built in honour of
Queen
Victoria by the British. Drive past Rabindra Sadan, Race course,
Saheed Minar, Raj Bhawan & Highcourt to
Botanical
Gradens, founded in 1786. The 200 + year old Banyan tree is the main attraction.
visit to the City Museum,
constructed
in 1814, it presents a 300 feet footage raising two stories high in Italian
architecture. Visit Mother Teresa
home
for the destitutes before transfer to railway station to board overnight
express
train
to the holy city of Varanasi at 1920 hrs. Overnight
in train.
DAY
10 > ARRIVE VARANASI
Arrive
Varanasi 1030 hrs.Transfer to Hotel Radisson
Afternoon proceed for city tour of this very ancient town,
situated
on the banks of river Ganges, in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Visit Sarnath,
where lord Buddha gave his first sermon
2500
years earlier. Next visit the Ramgarh Fort, Bharat Mata Temple, walk around
the narrow bylanes and the ghats.
Venture
a cycle rickshaw ride through the colorful streets & bazaars of Varanasi,
probably the world’s oldest living city,
contemporary
of Babylon, Nineveh and Thebes. before returning to hotel for overnight
DAY
11 > VARANASI > KHAJURAHO
Early
morning, transfer to the Ghats to take an unforgetable boat ride on the
Ganges. See the different Ghats
(bathing
spots) built by kings & noblemen. Since time immemorial, millions of
pilgrims arrive every year in Benaras, in
search
of salvation in the waters of the holy river Ganges. At the crack of dawn,
they become a thousand spots of
colour
bathed in the golden waters of the Ganges. The scene on the bathing ghats
is quite fascinating to the
western
eye. Yogis meditate in impossible positions. Brahmins sit under mushroom-like
umbrellas, to bless everyone
for
a fee. Men and women in various stages of wetness reverently launch little
oil-lamps on to the water.
Bursts
of religious song mingle with the tolling of temple bells, and the rhythmic
beat of washermen pounding the
city’s
laundry. Watch sunrise before returning to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast,
transfer to airport to connect flight
at
1220 hrs for Kajuraho- built by the Chandela kings some 1000 years ago
which probably forms one of the
best
examples of Indian Erotic art.. Later on arrival at 1300 hrs,
transfer to Hotel Holiday Inn
Afternoon
visit the Western Group of Temples. Return to hotel for overnight.
DAY
12 > KHAJURAHO > AGRA
Morning
after breakfast, proceed for half day tour of the Eastern Group of Temples.
The mighty Chandela kings
built
85 temples from about 950 AD to 1000 AD. The few that have survived represent
an unparalleled fusion of
architecture,
sculpture, religion, philosophy, & even ribaldry. Both sublime and
sensual, the sculpture of Khajuraho
venerates
the Creator as well as a wonderful life of celebrations, dancing - and
Loving. Here, handsome lovers
are
eternally frozen in stone in the most plastic postures of sensual love.
Afternoon free till departure transfer
to
airport to connect flight at 1635 hrs for Agra, the city of Taj Mahal.
On arrival at 1715 hrs, transfer to Hotel
Amar.
Evening
at leisure. Overnight in hotel. (FLIGHT OPERATION
ONLY ON MON / WED & FRI)
DAY
13 > AGRA > JAIPUR
Morning
after breakfast, proceed for half day tour of Agra city. visiting the world
famous Taj Mahal built by the
Moghul
Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 AD for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine
her mortal remains. Later visit
Red
Fort containing the Halls of Private and Public audience and other
Palaces. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad - ud - Daulah
built
by Empress Noor Jehan in memory of her father. Later visit the marble and
handicrafts emporium.It is also famous for
leather
products such as shoes, bags, belts etc. Visit some of the emporiums and
browse through the local bazaar.
Afternoon
depart by surface transport for Jaipur the capital city of the State
of Rajasthan. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri;
built
by Emperor Akbar in 1569 AD and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity
of water. See the graceful buildings including
the
Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.
On arrival check into Shahpura House for
overnight
DAY
14 > JAIPUR > JODHPUR
Morning
after breakfast half day excursion to Fort Amer, High above the city, the
towers and domes of the Amber Fort
are
reminiscent of scenes from some fairy tale. You shall ascend to the fort
atop gaily decorated elephants, as did the
Maharajah’s
of yore. Within the fort walls lies an assortment of buildings famous for
their intricate mirror inlays - the Hall of
Mirrors,
Kali’s Temple, palaces with latticed windows and beautifully sculpted arches
and pillars. Later visit Nehargarh &
Jaigarh
fort before returning to hotel. Afternoon Visit The City Palace which is
still the residence of the Jaipur family,
and
its museum displays a fabulous collection of paintings, carpets, jewelry
and arms. Visit the Jantar Mantar
(Royal
Observatory), and the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds”. This is a multi-storied,
intricately latticed facade of
pink
sandstone, designed for the pleasures of the ladies of the royal court.
From here they could look out upon the quaint
bazaars
that still thrive around the palace, without exposing themselves to the
prying stares of the commoners.
Later,
explore the colorful bazaars on foot. The sheer variety of the items that
are sold off the street is fascinating,
ranging
from the mundane to the exotic, or even simply baffling. Later in time
transfer to the airport to connect flight
at
1810 hrs for Jodhpur. On arrival at 1850 hrs, transfer to Ajit
Bhawan Palace Hotel for overnight.
DAY
15 > AT JODHPUR
Morning
after breakfast, proceed for city tour. Visit Jaswant Thada, the white
marble ceotaph of Maharana
Jaswant
Singh, surrounded by 4 other cenetops of later rulers. Next visit Mehrangarh
Fort, built atop a hill. See the
wonderful
carvings & delicate lattice works on the hard sandstone walls of the
fort. On return walk around this blue
city
bazars & see the ornate & ancient clock tower. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Ajit Bhawan Palace hotel.
DAY
16 > JODHPUR > JAISELMER
Morning
after breakfast depart by car by road for Jaisalmer. " Land of the Bhatti
princes, born of the moon, is by
far
the oldest Rajputh capital, dating from 1156 AD. The skyline holds kiosks
with parapets, balconies and terraces.
The
beauty of the Jain temples (12 to 15th Centuries) leaves visitors breathless."A
destination, U cannot afford to miss in
your
lifetime.On arrival check into Rajwada
Palace hotel. Afternoon Visit the Patwon-Ki
& Salim Singh haveli, which is
about
300 years old and housed the then Prime Minister of Jaiselmer State. Also
visit Gadisar lake, which once
provided
the entire water supply of the city. Next stop takes us to the 800 year
Fort built of golden yellow sandstone
by
Prince Jaisal on the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls defended by 99 turrets
lies the old city, which is nearly a quarter of
modern
day Jaiselmer. Visit the exquisitely carved 12th century Jain Temples dedicated
to the Jain Tirthankaras -
Rikhabdevji
and Sambhavnathji.The Gyan Bhandar or Library stores some of the oldest
manuscripts of India.
Walk
thru the narrow yet facinating by lanes before returning to hotel for overnight
DAY
17 > AT JAISELMER
Morning
after breakfast depart by car by road for the ancient city of Loudorva.
Evening visit Sam sand dunes.
Ride
a camel (on payment) or just laze around and watch the mind blowing sunset
over the Great Thar Desert.
An
experience one does not forget in a hurry. Later return to hotel for overnight.
DAY
18 > JAISELMER > BIKANER
Morning
after breakfast, depart by car for Bikaner- Located on the northern point
of the triangle of the desert cities
of
Rajasthan, the city dates back to over 500 years. Like most of the other
cities of the desert region, Bikaner has been
able
to keep its medieval flavor alive. Water has been limited here so the customary
water places and gardens are missing.
On
arrival check into Karni Bhawan Hotel.
Afternoon visit Karnimata Temple - The temple is also a haven for rats,
as devotees
believe
that by feeding them, the rats would be reborn as holy men. It is 600-year-old
temple of Mata Karni an incarnate
of
Goddess of Durga and the presiding deity of Bikaner. The archway of the
temple is exquisitely carved in marble.
Next
visit the Junagarh Fort. It is reputed as one of the most splendid fort
in Rajasthan. This fort has remained unconquered
through
the ages. A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions
guard the fort and only two gates
provide
the access inside the fort. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows,
balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors,
paintings
and carved marble panels in the Moon palace are sure to leave you spell
bound Devi Kund is next in
your
agenda - This is the royal crematorium with a number of cenotaphs. The
major attraction include the imposing chhatri of
Maharaja
Surat Singh. In addition to this, spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings
is worth seeing. Overnight
DAY
19 > BIKANER > MANDAWA (Shekhawati
Region)
Morning
after breakfast, depart for Mandawa. Enroute visit Dundlod fort & city.
There are many reasons for visiting Rajasthan.
One
of them is Shekhawati. Nowhere else in the world is there such a profusion
of wall paintings, so intricate and finely
executed,
in hundereds of havelis, temples, cenotaphs, wells & forts, as
in this region. You can rightly call it an Open Air
Art
gallery. On arrival check into Mandawa Castle.
Balance day free to explore around. Overnight in hotel
DAY
20 > MANDAWA > PUSHKAR
Morning
after breakfast, depart by car for Pushkar. It is reputed as the only town
that has the temple dedicated
to
Lord Brahma. The little city of Pushkar has its own distinct charm that
is unmatched by any other city. A perfect town
nestled
into the side of the Snake Mountains and lining Lake Pushkar. White washed
buildings, patterned at minarets
line
the lake shore, pilgrims on the ghats performing puja all seems to have
come straight from the fairy tales. On arrival
check
into Jagat Palace Hotel/ Camp.
Afternoon free to experience the spirit of the
yearly cattle fair held every year
around
this time. Return to hotel/ Camp for overnight.
DAY
21 > AT PUSHKAR
Morning
after breakfast, full day free to join & enjoy with the local folks,
the spirit of the Pushkar Mela (Fair)
incase
u are there at that time. Visit the one
& only Brahma Temple in the world, go for a camel ride, watch
camel
races, go take a stroll around the bathing ghats or just loose yourself
in the multitude of colours and move
with
the crowd. Pushkar Fair is an event that you would love to participate
in. Colorful display of handcrafted items,
skilled
jugglers performing breathtaking tricks and stunts, snake charmers, people
dressed in colorful traditional clothes
and
a cattle fair, it offers all the ingredients that makes this the most memorable
trip of Rajasthan.
Return
to Jagat Palace hotel/ Camp for overnight. PUSHKAR FAIR DATES >
DAY
22 > PUSHKAR > AJMER > DELHI
Morning
after breakfast, depart by surface for Delhi. Enroute visit Ajmer. Ajmer
is like an oasis in the otherwise barren
land
of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th
Century A.D. Today, Ajmer is reputed as
major
center for culture and education for both the Hindus and Muslims. Visit
The Dargah located at the foot of the
barren
hill, is reputed as a major center for people from all faiths. It is the
splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja
Moinuddin
Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Garib Nawaz. The shrine
is next only to Mecca or
Medina
for the Muslims of South Asia. Also tour Adhai -din-ka-Jhonpra located
on the outskirts of the city, it is a
masterpiece
of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built
within a temple. In 1193 A.D.
Mohhamed
Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding
a seven arched wall in
front
of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days (adhai-din) and hence the
name. The distinct pillars-and arched
"Screen"
with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
Drive onwards to Delhi and on arrival
transfer
to International airport to connect flight for onward destination.
For
Group Travel concessions Please email
us
WE
HAVE NO ARGUMENTS WITH COMPETITORS WHO CHARGE LESS... THEY KNOW
WHAT THEIR PRODUCT IS WORTH
October thru April USD
1599 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS #
SINGLE
SUPPLEMENT
USD 499 #
Personal
Currency Assistant Include #
Accommodation in standard rooms on twin sharing basis, with daily breakfast
at all places
# All
surface, including arrival/departure transfers, at all places mentioned
in itinerary using non aircon vehicle
# Sightseeing
& Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary using non aircon vehicle,
including monument entrace fees at all places of visit
# Rail
fare air conditioned sleeper class for all sectors as mentioned in the
itinerary # Services
of local English speaking guide at all places of visit.
#
Boat ride in Varanasi and Elephant ride in Jaipur #
All
presently applicable Taxes
NO ESCALATION
* NO HIDDEN COSTS
EXTRA AIRFARE
:
Delhi-Kathmandu-Kolkatta / Varanasi - Kajuraho- Agra/ Jaipur-Jodhpur @
USD
608 per adult person
TOUR
COST VALIDITY -30 APRIL 2004/ PRICE
AND ITINERAY SUBJECT TO CHANGE / AIRAFRE SUBJECT
TO CHANGE YOU HAVE
THE OPTION OF TAKING THE ENTIRE TOUR OR A PART OF THE ITINERAY. WE
ARE HERE TO CUSTOMIZE THE TOUR
AS PER YOUR TIME INTERESTS & BUDGET
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to minimum 02 persons travelling together.
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