| Day: |
Description: |
| 1 |
DELHI
Arrival in Delhi. |
| 2 |
JAIPUR
We take the early morning express train to Jaipur, the captivating Pink City. We visit the fabulous Amber Fort, situated 11 km north of from Jaipur. The fort is a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. |
| 3 |
JAIPUR
On Jaipur's streets, camel carts, scooters, cycle rickshaws, modern cars and bullock carts all jostle for space. You may even see a load of computers carried by a camel cart! There are palaces, observatories, parks, shops and a total riot of colour everywhere. Jaipur never fails to thrill. We visit the main sites on a morning tour and have the afternoon at leisure. |
| 4 |
MADHOGARH
Drive to Fort Madhogarh, fabulously situated atop a lone hill in the plains. From the rampart walls we have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The views of sunrise and sunset are especially unforgettable. We also have the opportunity to explore the nearby village to get an insight into rural India. |
| 5 |
AGRA
Continue to Agra. Stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri to visit the remains of the abandoned former Moghul capital. |
| 6 |
AGRA
We have time to enjoy the fantastic Taj Mahal, a sight that will leave you breathless no matter how many pictures of it you have seen before. |
| 7 |
ORCHHA
Early morning express train to Jhansi. From here it is a short drive to the medieval temple town of Orchha. During the 16th and 17th centuries this was the capital of the Bundela dynasty who built a fort palace on a small island on a bend in the Betwa River, later followed by other magnificent fortifications, palaces and temples. At the end of the 18th century, Orchha was pillaged by the Mughal imperial army and the magnificent monuments have lain virtually deserted ever since. |
| 8 |
KHAJURAHO
Drive from Orchha to Khajuraho, a tiny village in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is known for its temples representing the finest art and architecture of medieval India. These temples were built in a short span of hundred years between 950 to 1050 AD. |
| 9 |
KHAJURAHO
Morning sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Free afternoon |
| 10 |
VARANASI
We travel by road and rail to Varanasi, the most important pilgrimage place for Hindus. Also called Benares, the streets are alive with endless colour, spices, markets, rickshaws and everything else that makes up an Indian town. Join the pilgrims praying on the banks of the Ganges, explore the exotic temples dotted along its bank, or bargain in the bazaars. |
| 11 |
VARANASI
We take a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, when it is full of pilgrims, for an amazing experience. The remainder of the day is free to explore Varanasi. |
| 12 |
BHAIRAWA
Travel to the border between Nepal and India. Nearby is the town of Lumbini, where Siddhartha Gautama - better known as the Buddha - was born. If time allows there may be the option to take an excursion to Lumbini. |
| 13 |
KATHMANDU
Continue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. |
| 14 |
KATHMANDU
Day at leisure. |
| 15 |
KATHMANDU
Morning walking tour of Asan, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple. Afternoon at leisure. |
| 16 |
POKHARA
Drive to Pokhara, a market town in western Nepal set on a beautiful lake amid spectacular mountain scenery. |
| 17 |
POKHARA
A free day to go for a boat ride on the lake, hike into the hills, visit the Tibetan refugee center or simply hire a bike and enjoy this laid back lakeside town. |
| 18 |
CHITWAN
Our journey takes us through the valleys of central Nepal to the banks of the Rapti River beside Chitwan National Park. |
| 19 |
CHITWAN
On foot, canoe or on elephant, there is the chance to see some of Chitwan’s famous rhinos. |
| 20 |
KATHMANDU
Return to Kathmandu. |
| 21 |
KATHMANDU
Tour ends. |
See some of the finest sites these two wonderful countries can offer. This trip includes the Pink City of Jaipur, a stay in a fabulous fort, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the magnificent erotic temples of Khajuraho, the holy city of Varanasi and Chitwan National Park.
