North India & Nepal Package
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu
- Delhi
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting and assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel. Check-in time is 12 Noon. Overnight at the hotel
Day 02 - Delhi - Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi New Delhi visit includes
Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD
) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India
Gata, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers, drives past
Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple
and The Connaught Place. Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book
which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven
times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through
the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built
and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration
and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons
are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists.
With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The
charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is
correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart.
This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.
Day 03 - Delhi - Jaipur
After Breakfast drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel. Evening free
for leisure activities.Overnight at Hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan,
is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings
in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded
by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis
is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through,
Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences
- the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage
is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the
intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar
- an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar
lined with shops and business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace
at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from
the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 04 - Jaipur 
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a
fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century
by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has
some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh
Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants
are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Day 05 - Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive to Agra visiting enroute Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, the
birth story of this beautiful city is interesting. There, in a grotto in Sikri,
lived a Muslim Saint , Sheikh Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his
renown, asked of the blessings of a son, and when a son was born, not only
was the child named Salim, the site for a mighty and ambitious project - a
city - was chosen near the residence of the saint erected in k1569.
Day 06 - Agra
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal,
the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor
Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653
AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete
with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the
beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj
Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces
in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire.
Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town,
with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble
and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also
famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Day 07 - Agra - Khajuraho flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Khajuraho On arrival, transfer to the
hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 08 - Khajuraho
Full day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Khajuraho, once the great capital of
Chandela, now a quiet town, Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela
period from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost intriguing as the sheet beauty and the size
of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here as Khajuraho
is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples are superb examples
of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods and goddesses, warriors
and musicians, real and mythological animals and in great detail - women and
sex. Khajuraho, once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of about
a few thousand people in the interiors of central India, in Chhatarpur district
of Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records the existence of eighty five temples, of
which only twenty five, strewn amidst lakes and fields, have survived. The temples
at Khajuraho, brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture, were built
under later Chandela kings between AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure
in India has a fascinating story to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.
Day 09 - Khajuraho - Varanasi Flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour. Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in
the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities
of Hindus. It was a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to
Sarnath to preach his first sermon. A city of great wealth and religious importance
when the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Visit
the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple,
Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University. The land of Varanasi
(Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred
to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines
by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition,
older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain
salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva
and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is
believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Day 10 - Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the
water's edge, bathing, worshipping, meditating. On stone platforms under palm
leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals.
The boat trip will cover various ghats including the cremation sites. Because
every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi)and to be cremated
on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and
death. Afternoon visit Sarnath Sarnath, 7 km from the city where Buddha preached
his first sermon more than 2500 years ago.
Day 11 - Varanasi - Kathmandu flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu. Assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 12 - Kathmandu
Morning city sightseeing tour to visit Machhendra Nath Temple, a two tiered
bronze roof pagoda, Hanuman Dhoka - the historic seat of Royalty, Durbar Square
which houses Teleju temple built in 1549 AD, figure of Kal Bhairav - God of
Destruction, statue of King Pratap Malla, Temple House of Kumari - the residence
of living Goddess.
Day 13 - Kathmandu
Morning visit Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) means the city of devotees, situated at
an altitude of 4600 ft., 13 kms east of Kathmandu. Durbar Square - the main
Square of the city contains the Lion Gate with the lovely stone figures of
Hanuman. Boudhnath - the colossal Stupa, one of the biggest in the world,
has the all seeing eyes of the Buddha. The shrine is ringed by houses of Goddess
Mani Jogni. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and
is situated 8 kms east of Kathmandu . Pashupatinath Temple - situated 5 kms
east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the temple of Lord
Shiva with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super
architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri.
Day 14 - Kathmandu - Delhi flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi Assistance on arrival and connect
flight for onward destination.
