Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
You
will be met upon arrival at the international airport at arrival lounge by
our representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 02 : In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a tour of India's capital. Sightseeing
of Old Delhi includes a visit to the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the
reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama
Masjid is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in
the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the
imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades,
is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers. Also visit
Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Shakti Sthal, the cremation spot
of Indira Gandhi and Veer Bhumi, memorial to Rajiv Gandhi.
Sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of
Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built
in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today
the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an
unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower
Houses of Parliament. Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built in 1938 in a
pleasantly laid out garden and is named after the goddess of wealth and the
god Narayan, though other deities are also housed here. Humayun's Tomb is
the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb's
resemblance to its more famous cousin - the Taj Mahal - with its four grand
gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double
domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. Back to the hotel
for an overnight stay.
Day 03 : Drive Delhi / Jaipur
After breakfast depart on the 5 hours drive to Jaipur. Just before entering
Jaipur, visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built,
which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a
hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and
Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed
by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the
rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of
Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai
Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of
the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of
Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure)
has 17th century air conditioning. Elephants carry you up the ramparts of
the fort. On arrival in Jaipur check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04 : In Jaipur
After
breakfast explore Jaipur, one of the best planned cities in India, built of
rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The
City Palace which stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the
Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a
museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal
paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the
landmark of Jaipur. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious
building, elaborate and fanciful, built of pink sandstone with a delicate
honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal
overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the
ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar
Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the
sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate.
The afternoon is at leisure. There is time to wander through the colourful
bazaars, a veritable collector's paradise where you can watch ancient craft
forms - Meenakari jewellery consists of enameling delicate patterns of birds
and flowers fired in glowing red, deep green, peacock blue and white; the
gold jewel is then given further sparkle with emeralds, rubies, white
sapphires and dangling pearls. In tiny ateliers you can see the age-old
tie-dye methods of cloth printing, with meter upon meter of vivid turquoise,
ochre, peacock blue, parrot green and crimson cloth unfolding. Overnight at
General's Retreat.
Day 05 : Drive Jaipur / Agra
After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur
Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived
imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky
ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A
variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many
schools were employed. On arrival in Agra check in at Hotel.
Afternoon depart for a tour of Agra. Visit the red sandstone Agra Fort,
which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna river, enclosed by
forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three
successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create
this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. The
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is a mausoleum on the left bank of the Jamuna, built
by empress Nur Jehan in memory of her father. Though small, it is perfectly
proportioned and regarded as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal, being the
first Mughal building all in white marble. The highlight of your trip will
probably be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love
and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled
craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers
worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan
as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Continue on the 4-hour
drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at The Connaught for overnight stay.
Day 06 : Drive Agra/Delhi & Fly To Kathmandu
Have breakfast on early morning and drive to Delhi for approx 4 hours in
time to board your flight for Kathmandu departs in the afternoon. Arrive
Kathmandu from Delhi & You are met outside the International Arrivals
Hall and transferred to Hotel.
Day 07 : In Kathmandu
In
the morning, take a tour of Kathmandu city visiting the Durbar Square,
Hanuman Dhoka, House of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandap and other
fascinating temples in the area. Move on to Swayambhunath , the oldest
Buddhist shrine in the world also known as the `Monkey Temple'. Perched high
on a hilltop, it commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
In the afternoon visit Patan, the city of architecture and fine arts,
founded in 250 AD. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and
copper. Visit the Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha temple, Krishna
Mandir and Hiranya Mahavir - the Golden Temple. Also visit the Tibetan
Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel where you can watch the art of carpet
weaving. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 : In Kathmandu
In the morning visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in
Nepal is situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non Hindus are not
allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the
opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from
Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord
Shiva).
Also visit Bodnath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa and a site
of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa have sprung up a number
of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on
the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of
Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.
In the afternoon visit Bhatkapur, home of medieval art and architecture,
also known as the "City of Devotees". Places of interest include
the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of
Fifty-Five Windows. Also stop at the little village of Thimi where colourful
papier-mâché masks and terra-cotta items are made. . Overnight
at Hotel
Day 09 : Kathmandu / Pokhara
Depart Kathmandu early morning for a two and a half hour drive to the raft
put-in point ( Optional). After the crew has assembled the raft and
explained the use of safety equipment, set off down river. The first day is
a leisurely introduction to river life. Encounter several rapids including
one rated difficult. Spend the day pursuing a variety of interests:
photography, fishing, birdwatching and hiking. A picnic lunch is served on
one of the sandy beaches.
One of the most satisfying aspects of a river trip is the unhurried tempo.
The pace is determined by the enthusiasm of the group/ individuals. New and
interesting scenes present themselves at each bend in the river. Travelling
by raft is a perfect way to view the luxuriant vegetation which is a remnant
of the vast forests which once covered the middle hills of Nepal. Vehicles
await you at the put-out point for the drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel
Day 10 : Pokhara
Wake
up early in the morning to watch the sun's rays bathing the pristine
snow-clad peaks in shades of yellow, orange, flame and gold. You get
spectacular views of some of the giants of the Western Himalaya - Annapurna,
Himalchuli and Machhapuchhare (the Fishtail Peak). Spend the day relaxing at
the hotel or exploring this quaint little town. Overnight at hotel
Day 11 : Drive Pokhara / Chitwan
After breakfast depart on the drive through the middle hills to the Roayl
Chitwan National Park. arrival you are met and transferred to your resort /
hotel. Activities from the Resort include wildlife viewing from elephant
back or Land Rovers, nature walks, jungle treks, birdwatching, boat trips
and a slide or film show in the evening. All excursions are accompanied by
one of our resident naturalists.
Wildlife in the Royal Chitwan National Park includes the Great Indian
one-horned Rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, Sambar and barking deer as
well as a wide variety of birdlife - some 450 species have been recorded.
There is also a chance of spotting the leopard, sloth bear, gaur and tiger.
Overnight at your resort / hotel
Day 12 : In Chitwan
Morning and afternoon wildlife game drive. Overnight enjoy the slide show
and other activities in your resort / hotel.
Day 13 : Meghauly / Kathmandu / Dhulikhel
Late morning transfer to Meghauly airport for the 30-minute flight to
Kathmandu. Or you may drive back to Kathmandu. You are met on arrival and
transferred to the delightful little hill town of Dhulikhel. Overnight at
the Dhulikhel
Day 14 : Dhulikhel / Kathmandu
Wake up early in the morning to see the spectacular sunrise over the
eastern Himalayas. There is time to relax at the resort or take a walk in
the surrounding hills. After lunch drive back to Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 15 : Depart Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi or Mumbai.
