Highlights of India and Nepal
Trip Details
- Duration: 20 day(s)
- Visited Areas: India
From the capital of India to the heart of Nepal, jump onboard for an adventure of spirit, culture, nature and personal discovery. Visit the Taj Mahal, experience the chaos and colour of Indian towns and villages, float gently down the Ganges and head out on safari. Meet the locals in the streets of Delhi and the bustling squares of Kathmandu and gain insight into the history and religion of these two fascinating countries.
Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi
A chaotic medley of bazaars, temples, mosques and colonial buildings, Delhi is an ideal place to kick-start this adventure. Weave through the cars, rickshaws and bullock carts to experience fast-paced city life. Stroll through the exuberant alleyways of Old Delhi and see the magnificent Jama Masjid. Visit a local Sikh temple to learn a little about this fascinating religion.
Day 2 Agra
Travel by train to Agra. This former Mughal capital is home to some impressive buildings, including the romantic Taj Mahal and massive Red Fort that dominates the skyline. Admire the Taj Mahal's intricate carvings then visit the fort - a maze of halls, mosques, chambers and gardens.
Days 4-5 Jaipur
The pink sandstone 'Palace of Winds', the enchanting Amber Fort and the lively streets of the Old City make Rajasthan's Jaipur a colourful destination. This friendly town is brimming with bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and local art. If there's time, be sure to catch the latest Bollywood blockbuster in the Art Deco splendour of the Raj Mandir Cinema.
Day 6 Delhi
Search for textiles or folk art in the Jaipur bazaars then head back to Delhi for a final taste of India's capital. Perhaps feast on a traditional aloo gobi or seek out a range of sweet treats from a food stall.
Day 7 Agra
Why not make a return visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra - the ultimate monument to love.
Days 8-10 Orchha
Soaring temple spires and domes rise from the jungle in the crumbling Orchha palace complex. Witness a cooking demonstration by a local family and visit a community project for an insight into papermaking.
Day 11 River Ganges Boat Trip
Sail down India's sacred Ganges and camp overnight on the riverbank.
Days 12-13 Varanasi
Nestled on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is India's sacred heart and the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims. Wander the Old City, take part in a traditional candle-lit flower ceremony and boat down the river at sunrise, past pilgrims absolving their sins on the ghats of Varanasi.
Day 14 Lumbini
Travel to the birthplace of Buddha - the beautiful town of Lumbini on the Nepalese border.
Days 15-17 Chitwan National Park
Visit an elephant breeding centre and keep an eye out for rhinos and monkeys in the Chitwan National Park.
Days 18-20 Kathmandu
Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Kathmandu. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.
Day 3 Karauli Heritage Stay
Explore the deserted palaces and pavilions of the Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ghost town. Visit a rural village and enjoy an evening of traditional music and food during a heritage stay.