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North India & Nepal
tour...
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Holidays specialist Dave on 0845 003 2211 or 01543 258631
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Tour
summary
Itinerary
Prices
How to book
Group Tour (17 days) - also available as a Private Tour
London - Delhi - Jaipur - (Bharatpur) - Agra - Gwalior - (Datia-Jhansi) - Orchha - Khajuraho - (Panna) - Varanasi - Kathmandu - (Delhi) - London
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Enjoy the wonderful diversity of this subcontinent - monuments, nature reserves and restful days amid the Himalayas.
Holiday Highlights
Historic Delhi, India's capital city
Taj Mahal, Agra - the eternal monument to love
Jaipur, the pink city, with its hilltop Amber Fort
Celebrated Chandela temples at Khajuraho
Sail down the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi
Bird watching at Bharatpur; tiger spotting at Panna
Peaceful Kathmandu with the Himalayas as backdrop
Day 1 London-Delhi
Leave Heathrow for Delhi; arrive around midnight and transfer to the Imperial or
Oberoi Hotel for 2 nights.
Day 2 Delhi
Late morning we visit the sights including the busy bazaars of Chandni Chowk,
Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and the magnificent "Raj" buildings of Lutyens and
Baker. A welcome dinner in ethnic setting is arranged today.
Day 3 Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the "Pink City", for 2 nights at the charming Samode Haveli, a
royal mansion. We are invited this evening to a traditional meal with a local
family at their residence.
Day 4 Jaipur
A morning excursion to the hilltop Amber Fort, climbed on caparisoned elephants,
is arranged with a visit to a unit for hand printed fabrics. The afternoon
sightseeing includes Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, the Museum and the
colourful bazaars of Jaipur, a shopper's paradise.
Day 5 Agra
Drive to Bharatpur, considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world -
we see the birds from cycle-rickshaws before driving to see the deserted city of
Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to Agra for 2 nights at the Mughal Sheraton (or the
Amar Vilas - suppl.).
Day 6 Agra
The morning sightseeing includes the poetry in marble - the Taj Mahal, and Agra
Fort. The afternoon is free.
Day 7 Gwalior
A short and interesting train ride brings us to the fort city of Gwalior for a
night at the elegant Usha Kiran Palace. We see the famous fort with blue enamel
inlay work, the royal Scindia museum, and enjoy a son et lumiere show.
Day 8 Orchha
We drive through the countryside to the village of Orchha, dotted with temples
and palaces of the Bundela kings, visiting Datia and the historic fort of Jhansi
en route. We stay at the Orchha Resorts, beside the Betwa River.
Day 9 Khajuraho
We visit the sights of Orchha and drive on to Khajuraho, with a detour to see a
local village en route. The next 2 nights are at the Jass or Chandela Hotel.
Day 10 Khajuraho
We visit Chandela temples in the morning. Built between 950 and 1050 AD these
are famous for highly artistic erotic sculpture. This afternoon an excursion is
arranged to the wildlife sanctuary at Panna, an hour's drive away, for a jeep
safari and a chance to spot the tiger. Please note that the Panna park is closed
from July to September and these departures visit Pandav Falls instead.
Day 11 Varanasi
A short flight at midday takes us to the holy city of Varanasi for 2 nights at
the Taj Ganges. Contemporary with Niniveh and Thebes, Varanasi is today one of
the oldest living cities in the world. In the evening a cycle-rickshaw ride
takes us to witness the ceremonial worship or "aarti" on the banks of the
Ganges.
Day 12 Varanasi
Enjoy an early morning boat-ride to see devotees at prayer along the "ghats"
followed by a visit to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon. We later
visit Ramnagar and enjoy a sail down the Ganges in a country boat.
Day 13 Kathmandu
At midday fly to Kathmandu for 3 nights at the luxury Yak & Yeti Hotel. (or the
Dwarika's Hotel - suppl.)
Day 14 Kathmandu
The morning is spent exploring Darbar Square, Swayambhunath and Kastha Mandap.
In the afternoon we visit Patan and the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre.
Day 15 Kathmandu
Today there is an excursion to Bhadgaon, one of the ancient capitals of Nepal,
housing the Golden Gate and the five-storey Nyatapola Pagoda. We also visit
Pashupatinath and Boudhnath.
Day 16 Kathmandu-Delhi
The morning is free with the option of a flight over the highest mountain peaks
in the world. In the afternoon fly to Delhi to board the flight back to London,
just past midnight. A room is arranged for use in Delhi.
Day 17 Delhi-London
Fly back to London arriving the same morning
Suggested Tour Extensions...
Kathmandu Extra Nights (1+ days)
You are welcome to add extra days in Kathmandu after the tour. Your airport transfer will be arranged separately by car. Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast
Chitwan Option (3 days)
On day 16 drive to the Royal Chitwan National Park for 2 nights at the Tiger Tops Tented Camp (or Lodge - suppl.). The stay here includes elephant safaris, nature walks and canoe rides. Return to Kathmandu for overnight stay at the Yak & Yeti. Fly to Delhi to board the return flight, just past midnight on day 20. Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast, Chitwan on full board
Pokhara Option (3 days)
Fly to Pokhara Valley for 2 nights at the Shangri-La Resort. You are at leisure to explore the valley, which has magnificent views of the Annapurna massif. Fly back to Kathmandu for overnight stay. Fly out via Delhi. Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast
Trekking Option (3 days)
Drive to Sundarijal for a relatively easy trek amidst spectacular mountain sights. The walk is 5-6 hours each day. The camping sights are Mulkharka (2400 metres) and Shivapuri (2715 metres). Return to Yak & Yeti on day 18. Fly back to Delhi the following day for the London flight on day 20. Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast, trek on full board
Kolkata Option (2 days)
Fly to Kolkata for 3 nights at the Oberoi Grand or Taj Bengal. Enjoy city sightseeing. Fly back on day 19, arriving the same afternoon. Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast, last night on room only
To check availability and make a booking please call our India Holidays specialist Dave on 0845 003 2211 or 01543 258631.