Namaste, welcome to magical India. Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your lovely hotel.
On the way to the hotel, he will take a brief introduction to your India tour. After checking in, you can choose to have a good rest to adjust to the new time zone or just have some free time to visit around on your own.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:Delhi
Today, it’s time to explore the incredible sights of both Old Delhi and New Delhi including the visit to Jama Masjid, the experience of local life by a rickshaw in Chandni Chowk, the sightseeing in Qutab Minar (World Heritage), Humayun's Tomb (World Heritage), India Gate, Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), President's House, Parliament House, and Government Secretariat Buildings.
Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), is one of the largest mosques in India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. As one of Delhi's most iconic sites, it was finished in 1656 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Jama Masjid has three great gates (South, East, and North Gate), four towers for security, and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. You can hire robes at the northern gate and it may be the only place to dress like a local people without feeling like an outsider.
Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar, Qutab Minar, Vishnu Stambh) is one of the highest minarets (73m) in India built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the earliest Islamic structure in India with Arabic and Brahmi inscriptions. The Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli in South West district of Delhi, was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu ruler. It is one of the most famous historical landmarks of India. A circular staircase of 379 steps allows one to reach the top of the tower to witness a panoramic view of the city. Bollywood actor and director Dev Anand shoot the song "Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar" inside a replica of the Qutb Minar.
Humayun's Tomb (Dormitory of the Mughals), predating the Taj Mahal by 60 years, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Humayun's Tomb was constructed for the second Mughal emperor of India (Humayun) who died in 1556. The tomb was built by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's Persian-born wife) in the mid-16th century (1565-1572). Bega Begum not only commissioned and paid for the tomb but supervised its construction as well. Persian and Indian craftsmen worked together to build the garden tomb. Also, there were over 150 Mughal family members buried here.
India Gate (Delhi Memorial, All-India War Memorial) is the monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. Located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway), the architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens, an Englishman who designed numerous other war memorials and was also the principal planner of New Delhi. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921. During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with colored lights.
Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), located in New Delhi, literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". The primary purpose of the observatory was to assemble astronomical data and predict the times and movements of the sun, moon, and planets. Consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. Jai Singh was born in 1688 into a royal Rajput family and in an era of education that maintained a keen interest in astronomy. He built five observatories and the one in Delhi is the first to be built. The other four are located in Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi, and Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a great place for lovers of astronomy.
President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan, Presidential Palace, Viceroy's House) was made to be the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India during British Rule. It is situated in the center of Delhi earlier named "Lutyens Delhi" and was inaugurated in 1931 and served as the Viceroy's residence of India till India was declared a Republic country. This Palace is still known to be the World's largest residential complex ever built for the Head of any Country. In 1947, post-independence, a now Governor-General continued his stay here till he was replaced by the President of India in 1950 after which the Viceroy's House was renamed the "Rashtrapati Bhavan". Closed on Mondays.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Delhi
Today we will depart Delhi and head to Jaipur (280 km, about 6 hours), the capital of Rajasthan. When arriving in Jaipur, you can take a visit to the Jaipur Local Bazaar. Enjoy the local life on a walking tour with your tour guide. After sightseeing, we will check in at Jaipur’s hotel and have a good rest.
Tomorrow will be a full-day trip around Jaipur which is the capital of India's Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City" for its trademark building color.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Jaipur
In the morning, visit the Amber Fort (World Heritage) with a jeep ride or elephant back ride up to the entrance, inside where you will visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Then visit the Nahargarh Fort on the way. It opens up a grand panorama of the whole of Jaipur.
In the afternoon, you will pass by the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for a picture. Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar (World Heritage). Drive through the rose pink residential and business areas before returning to your hotel.
Amber Fort (Amber Palace, Amer Fort) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 in the category of “Hillforts of Rajasthan”. Located in Amer, 11 km away from Jaipur, it is one of the most magnificent palaces and a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture in India. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers. The fort is big enough that it will take you at least two to three hours to explore in detail. Getting an elephant ride up the stairs to the Amber Fort is also a popular activity.
Nahargarh Fort (Sudershangarh), which stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, is a nice spot to overlook the city of Jaipur. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. It is also known for its extended wall that connects to Jaigarh Fort. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the king of Jaipur) in the year 1734 as a retreat. Nahargarh Fort was primarily used as a retreat for the ladies of the royal household and has ladies' quarters by the name of 'Zenana'. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards, and the Asiatic lions.
Jantar Mantar , built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is an astronomical observatory that features the world's largest stone sundial. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has gotten the attention of architects, artists, and art historians worldwide. It is a collection of 20 astronomical instruments and allows the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Jaipur
After breakfast, it is time to drive to Agra (240km, about 5 hours) via a visit to Fatehpur Sikri (World Heritage). It is nice to have a stopover for a coffee break or photo opportunities at your request at any time en-route. Visit the Mehtab Bagh where you can review a preview of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in at your hotel for rest.
Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) is situated 35.7 kilometers from Agra. It was constructed southeast of an artificial lake, on the slopping levels of the outcrops of the Vindhyan hill ranges. The name of the city is derived from the village called Sikri which occupied the spot before. Built in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) is a typical Charbagh complex located in Agra. The Mughals built eleven gardens on the side of the Yamuna River. Mehtab Bagh was the last of the Mughal gardens, which were built along the River Yamuna. The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the center. This crescent-shaped garden is considered the ultimate spot for viewing the Taj Mahal. It is said that the best time to visit it is at sunset when the sky lights up with the Taj in the background. On moonlit nights, the clear reflection of the wondrous Taj Mahal in the waters of the park is a sight beyond description.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Agra
In the early morning, our guide will take you to the Taj Mahal (World Heritage) for sunrise while avoiding the crowds and heat in the daytime. Then visit the Agra Fort (World Heritage) and Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (Baby Taj) whose designed elephants even outshine the Taj. Note: The Taj Mahal will be closed every Friday. After the sightseeing, we will drive back to Delhi.
Taj Mahal (Tadj Mahall) is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and is distinguished as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Agra Fort (Lal-Qila, Fort Rouge, Qila-i-Akbari) is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Built during 1565-1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (I'timād-ud-Daulah Maqbara, Bachcha Taj, Baby Taj) is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, mother of Shah Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal), for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, originally a Persian Amir in exile, who had been given the title of I'timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Arjumand Banu Begum (the Lady of the Taj Mahal), the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan. I'timād-ud-Daulah is often described as a "jewel box" and is considered the inspiration for the world wonder, the Taj Mahal. However, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a more delicate artwork with marble lattice screens and fine carvings.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Delhi
We will say goodbye to India today. Our representative in India will escort you to the Gandhi International Airport of India. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representatives. Namaste and welcome to Nepal. After a brief introduction about Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, we will take you to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, you can have a glimpse of Nepal’s architecture, crafts, and life.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Today we will start our exploration trip in Kathmandu Valley with Ason Tole Vegetable & Spice Market which is full of vendors selling everything of daily use while offering a glimpse of local life. Then we will go to Kathmandu Durbar Square, visiting Kumari Temple, the house of the virgin goddess; visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a stupa on the top of the hill; visiting Patan Durbar Square, the second largest town in the valley, with Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, etc.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square) is the most visited landmark of the capital. Listed as a world heritage site since 1979, it is an important site for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, holy ceremonies, royal events, and coronations. The popular things to see are Kumari Ghar (temple of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple (Kumari is the stand-in of the goddess Taleju), Kal Bhairav (dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of Time and Death), Kastha Mandap, Maru Ganesh, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswoti temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Jagannath Temple, etc. It is known as the place for various festivals, cultural activities, and traditions including Indrajatra, Dashain, Gaaijatra, Machchhindra-Nath Jatra, etc.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), located on a small hillock named Swayambhunath (literally means "self-existent one"), is a famous landmark northwest of the Kathmandu Valley. Before sunrise, you can find thousands of pilgrims walking up the 365 steps to the top of the hill (take a 15-minute climb). Be prepared to meet some naughty monkey friends for this climb. The hill suggests fabulous views of Kathmandu valley, Mt Langtang (7,245m), Mt Ganesh Himal (7,429m), and Mt Dorje Lakpa (6,988m). The major attractions you should not miss in Swayambhunath include the Shantipur, Harati Devi Temple, Pratapur and Anantapur, Shree Karma Raj Mahavihar, and Vajra. Also, it is great to visit here during the three main festivals celebrated at Swayambhunath: Gunla (around Agu.), Buddha Jayanti (April or May), and Lhosar(the Buddhist New Year, around Feb).
Patan Durbar Square is located in the ancient city of Patan which is 5km southeast of Kathmandu. Patan, known as Lalitpur (the city of beauty) and Yala among the Newars, is renowned as the City of Art and Architecture. With Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. As a world heritage site, it is the ancient royal palace (built in 1667) where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. Patan Durbar Square represents ancient structures, temples, shrines, and statues, and is a marvel of Newari architecture. There are around 600 stupas, 136 courtyards, and 55 important temples around the square. The major attraction you should not miss in Patan Darbar Square includes Patan Museum, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Golden Window, Mahabouddha Temple, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple, etc.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Kathmandu
In the morning, we will visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple, then go for a walk to see the huge stupa of Buddha, also known as Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal. Afterward taking a ride to Bhaktapur, a fascinating town, visit Changu Narayan Temple and Bhaktapur's Durbar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex.
Pashupatinath Temple is a world cultural heritage site, dedicated to the god Shiva, it is also one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal. Located on both banks of the holy Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, each year hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduists come here to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, and be cremated on the banks of the river. Usually, tourists have the chance to see at least one open-air cremation here. Another culturally shocking thing in Pashupatinath is watching local women washing clothes downstream of the river. Besides meeting sadhus, it is common to see monkeys, cattle, and deer in Pashupatinath.
Boudhanath Stupa (Khasti Mahachaitya) is one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and was enlisted as a world cultural heritage site in 1979. It was built around 600 AD when Song Tsen Gampo, the Tibetan king, converted to Buddhism. Also, this huge meditative monument is said to have been created just after the passing of the Buddha. With many kilograms of gold for decoration, the giant Boudhanath Stupa is a gateway to heaven serving as a horizon between the earth and sky. You can join the locals in the morning and evening for Kora, a circular walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction. There are various fast food cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and many other souvenir shops inside the Boudhanath complex for you to explore.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of the three kingdoms of Nepal. Located 15km away from Kathmandu, it was once home to the royal family of Bhaktapur dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire square is a massive display of traditional Newari architecture and there are four different areas in the palace complex i.e., Durbar area, Taumadhi area, Dattatreya area, and Pottery area. It is far bigger than Patan Durbar Square – not just in terms of its spread but also in its imposing monuments. The major attraction you should not miss in Bhaktapur Darbar Square includes 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion's Gate, Mini Pashupati Temple, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple, etc.
Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest temple in Nepal whose history dates back nearly 3,000 years. It was built in the 4th century under the Lichhavi dynasty by King Mandev. As an ancient Hindu temple and world cultural heritage, it was surrounded by champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. This temple is dedicated to lord Visnu and is an epic specimen of art and architecture from the Lichhavi period. Although it has a collection of statues and sculptures, Changu Narayan is also famous for its beautiful crafts in wood, stone, and metal. Everything in and around the temple is a genuine work of art.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Today, our local representative will meet you at your hotel and send you to the international airport. Happiness is a place, wish you get happiness and great memories from the India-Nepal with us. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!
Note: Please note that some of the sites in the itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary. The changes in Itinerary will mainly base on improving your tour experience in India and Nepal.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:/