DAY 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi. Late night arrival in Delhi followed by transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 2
New Delhi is a spacious open imperial city created by the British as the capital of India in 1911. By contrast Old Delhi is a 17th century walled city with city gates, narrow alleys, the enormous Red Fort, temples, mosques and bazaars. This is the Delhi of the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan, and is largely preserved in its original layout. On the outskirts of the city stands one of its most lasting monuments – the Qtub Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone and marble built as a Moslem symbol of victory over the Hindu Kingdom in the 12th century. Included afternoon tour of Old Delhi. Visits will be made to the Red Fort, Jami Masjid Mosque and the Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. Also included is a drive through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk.
DAY 3
This morning we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar, one of the most perfect towers in the world. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President, the Indian Gate and finally the Laxminarayan Temple. Depart Delhi and travel south west to Jaipur, the famous pink city, set amongst the barren hills and the capital of Rajasthan. Here India is arguably at its most colourful and exotic. Under the British, Rajasthan continued as a collection of princely states, each with its own Maharaja. Huge, battle scarred forts dominate almost every town, the most spectacular of which is the Amber Fort, eight miles outside Jaipur. The journey is a fascinating experience and will afford close-up views of Indian rural life. Upon arrival you will transfer to the Rajputana Palace Sheraton Hotel or similar for an overnight stay. In the late afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
DAY 4
Morning visit to the Amber Fort, set high above its surrounding valley and lake. Here you will see the Temple of Kali, and you can light a candle in the Hall of Glittering Mirrors. In the afternoon you will drive to Pushkar and check in to your camp for a two night stay on a full board basis.
DAY 5
Enjoy a full day in Pushkar at Rajasthan’s most spectacular festival, the Pushkar Camel Fair which is attended by thousands of visitors from around the world. The whole event is an explosion of colour and frenzied activity as the locals come to trade livestock and set up stalls. See the newly bought camels parade in their handmade saddles, embroidered back-covers, beads and shells then watch them race against each other. In the evening enjoy a cultural show around a bonfire in the camp.
DAY 6
Morning return visit to the Pushkar fair. After lunch return to Jaipur for an overnight stay.
DAY 7
Morning drive from Jaipur to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This graceful sandstone city was built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. Continue to Agra for a two night stay at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel or similar.
DAY 8
The highlight of your tour will, of course, be a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River the Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Twenty thousand men took twenty years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love for a woman. Completed in 1653 it is constructed in pure white marble and inlaid with millions of semi-precious stones in exquisite patterns. You will also visit Agra Fort and see the beautiful Pearl Mosque and Jasmine Tower. A visit to the Tomb of Emperor ‘Akbar the Great’ at Sikandra is also included.
DAY 9
This morning, board the Shatabdi Express for the scenic train journey between Agra and Jhansi. In Jhansi you will rejoin your coach and continue south to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a city famed for its magnificent temples dating back to the 11th century and rediscovered in the 19th century. These temples are renowned for the intricate carvings which adorn their walls. We have included a walking tour and you will be amazed by the workmanship. Typical Indian rural life continues in Khajuraho and you will be charmed by the peace and tranquillity here. Overnight at the Taj Chandela or similar.
DAY 10
Morning flight from Khajuraho to the sacred city of Varanasi. Known until recently as Benares, this ‘eternal city’ is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Its principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats – paved steps or landings – which line the west bank of the Ganges. It is here that the Hindus come to bathe, thereby cleansing themselves of sin. There are over 100 ghats in all, with two ‘burning ghats’ where the dead are cremated before their ashes are scattered in the holy river. An afternoon sightseeing tour of the area has been included. Overnight accommodation at the Hotel Clarks Varanasi or similar.
DAY 11
An early morning boat ride on the Ganges is included in the price. Sail past devout Hindus bathing and praying, women pounding their laundry and perhaps witness an elaborate funeral ceremony. Later you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepal and its capital Kathmandu. Transfer on arrival to the Hotel Annapurna or similar for a three night stay. This ancient kingdom lies in the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu.
DAY 12
This morning there will be an included city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the ancient Palace of the Kings of Nepal, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the 2,000 year old Stupa of Swayambhunath. This afternoon will be free for individual sightseeing.
DAY 13
Morning visit to Patan, the ancient City of Golden Roofs. You will also visit the Tibetan handicrafts centre. This afternoon you will drive to Bhaktapur, city of devotees. Also included is a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in Asia.
DAY 14
This morning you can enjoy an optional early morning flight over the Himalayas (generally available between October and April). Later you will depart Kathmandu for the short drive to Dhulikhel. Here you can relax and enjoy the peace and breathtaking views over the Himalayas. Overnight accommodation at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort or similar.
DAY 15
Morning departure from Dhulikhel for the return drive to Kathmandu to connect with your flight to Delhi. Transfer on arrival to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 16
A full day in Delhi for more sightseeing or relaxing before your late evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
DAY 17
Arrival in the UK.