Highlights of North India and Nepal

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions such as monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Post breakfast, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. After the visit, we continued our journey towards Jaipur- gateway to colourful Rajasthan, established in 1727. It is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant cultural heritage and a colourful history. Jaipur, also known as 'The City of Victory’, was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the capital of the Kachhawaha Dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. Designed in 1799, the purpose of the structure was to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations through its 953 'jharokas’, or small windows, without being seen by the public. After visiting the Amer Fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later, we also meet the local female artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel and overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Today we travel down to Agra, stopping along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city constructed by Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a shortage of water. We then continue our journey to Agra and witness the architectural wonder of the golden age of the Mughals. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar where some descendants of artisans (who worked on the Taj) continue to create wonders with marble called fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. In the afternoon we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior, famous for its hilltop fort, is lined with palaces, including a 15th Century palace and magnificent temples that lend the town a majestic beauty and speak volumes of its glory. Overnight stay in Gwalior.

Overnight - Train

Day 6 - We begin the day with a visit to the ancient Gwalior Fort - ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India’. An 8th Century hill fort, it has a defensive structure and two main palaces - the Man Mandir and the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace. Now an archaeological museum has also come up inside the fort's high walls. Built by Man Singh Tomar, the fort was controlled by a number of different rulers. It was passed down from the Tomars of the 13th Century to the Mughals, then to the Marathas (1754), and eventually to the Scindias of the 18th Century. After the visit, we leave for Orchha - a hidden treasure, in Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh district. Built on the banks of the Betwa river, the town is famous for its cenotaphs and temples, besides a palace. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - We embark on a city tour after breakfast. First we visit the Ram Raja Temple, an iconic place since it is the only place where Lord Ram is worshiped as a king. It is a very popular Hindu pilgrimage spot and devotees come here in huge numbers. Next, we visit the Chaturbhuj Temple, an amazing piece of architecture that was constructed to house the idols that are now inside the Ram Raja Temple. It now houses the image of Radha and Krishna. We conclude the sightseeing tour with the Jahangir Palace, followed by a visit to some cenotaphs built by the royals and affluent families for their dead. Later, we drive to Khajuraho, a city known for Hindu and Jain temples with amazing sculptures and carvings. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - The Khajuraho temple complex is divided into three parts: the Eastern, Southern and Western group of temples. We visit the Western and Eastern groups of temples. Some of the temples that we will be visiting include: the Chausath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess 'Kali,' the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely portrait of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishwanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple and Visha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Originally there were nearly 100 separate temples built by the Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 CE, each dedicated to a different deity. Now only 20 of these exist and are considered to be the finest in India for their workmanship that remains unmatched to the minutest details. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Morning is free to relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings. In the afternoon we head to the airport for our flight to Varanasi, one of the seven holy cities of India, on the banks of the river Ganges. The city is always vibrant with thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. Every year over a million pilgrims visit the city, which lives and breathes Hinduism. It's a city to get lost in, wandering through the maze of narrow streets; visiting temples and watching devotees conduct rituals and ceremonies on the Ghats almost round the clock. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - Today we start early with a sunrise boat ride over the Ganges to witness the amazing stream of events on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The boat ride takes us past several Ghats of Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to offer prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy river. After the boat ride we drive back to the hotel to have breakfast. Next we drive 12 km to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, to visit the ruins and the museum. In the evening, we take a rickshaw ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. It is a regular evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony, performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras on the banks of the Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi. (Sarnath Museum- closed on Fridays).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - We have a long day of driving ahead of us today. In the morning drive towards Lumbini, leaving India and entering Nepal as we cross the border at Gorakhpur. It's an amazing drive across the northern plains passing through a few towns and many pretty Indian villages. Once in Nepal, we have a short (one hour) drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a plethora of ancient Stupas and monasteries. People come here from all over the world to study scriptures, meditate, practice yoga, hike, learn about Buddhism, and discover inner peace. Lumbini literally means 'The Lovely' in Sanskrit, and it stands true of its name.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - After breakfast, we visit the sacred Lumbini Garden and the famous Maya Devi Temple where Buddha was born. The Maya Devi temple is the main attraction for the pilgrims and archaeologists. Here we find a bas relief of Maya Devi, Buddha's mother, giving birth to him. The Ashoka pillar, which stands west of the Maya Devi temple, is Nepal's oldest monument. Continuing our drive and travelling east and parallel to the mountains, we reach Chitwan. This gorgeous reserve area is a maze of tiny lakes teeming with animals and is Nepal's second-largest natural wetland. Upon arrive we settle in our accommodations.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - Early morning we leave for a nature walk in the park and enjoy an elephant ride in the jungle. We then return to the hotel to relax and in the afternoon leave for a jeep safari through the national park. Chitwan National Park and the surrounding forest cover an area of 540 square kilometres of the terrain and afford excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including tigers, leopards, leopard cats, sloth bears and Indian bisons. Home to numerous crocodiles, this is one of the park’s best areas for bird watching, with hundreds of species using it as a migratory route stop. If lucky we might spot an Indian rhino. Wildlife activities are managed by experienced naturalists and shikharis. If time permits we may also try some optional activities like canoe trips and jungle treks.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 14 - After breakfast we drive to Kathmandu. The drive is scenic and beautiful. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon we leave to visit Durbar Square, in front of the Royal Palace and home to numerous beautiful temples. In the evening we visit the Pashupatinath Temple, on the banks of Bagmati river. We get to see and explore the rich culture and tradition of Nepal, its attractions (many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites), breathtaking snow-capped mountains and pristine nature and marvel at the arts and crafts. From time immemorial, Hindus and Buddhists have co-existed in Kathmandu valley and the residents make no distinction as they worship at both Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 15 - The North India and Nepal tour comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends