Take
a tour of India and Nepal , travelling from Delhi
to Agra , Jaipur, Orchha, the sacred River
Ganges, the ghats of Varanasi , Nepal , Lumbini and Kathmandu .
Days 1-2 Delhi
Welcome
to the capital of India , 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.
ACCOM: HOTEL - 2
Days 3-4 Jaipur
The gem
of Rajasthan, Jaipur's pink sandstone 'Palace of Winds '
and the lively streets make the city 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.
ACCOM: HOTEL - 2
Day 5 Rural Heritage Stay
Visit a
village, learn about life in rural India and maybe enjoy an evening of
traditional music and food during a heritage stay in a palace.
ACCOM: HERITAGE PROPERTY - 1
Day 6 Agra
Travel by
road to Agra .
This former Mughal capital is home to some impressive buildings, including the
romantic Taj Mahal and massive Red Fort that both dominate the skyline. Admire
the Taj Mahal's elegant architecture and intricate carvings.
ACCOM: HOTEL - 1
Days 7-9 Orchha
Take a
train across classical Indian terrain to Orchha, one of the most incredible
tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. Crumbling temples and palaces are scattered
across rural countryside, which is full of friendly locals. Soaring temple
spires and domes rise from the jungle in the Orchha Palace
complex. Witness a cooking demonstration by a local family and visit a
community project for an insight into papermaking.
ACCOM: DELUXE PERMANENT TENT - 2,
OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - 1
Day 10 Ganges
Boat Trip
Sail down
India 's River Ganges and see
Indian river life up-close. Sail past humble
villages in the day, before camping overnight on the banks of the sacred river.
ACCOM: CAMPING (WITH BASIC FACILITIES) -
1
Days 11-12 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 .
ACCOM: HOTEL - 2
Day 13 Lumbini
Travel to
the birthplace of Buddha, the beautiful town of Lumbini on the Nepalese border. Hop on a
cycle rickshaw and explore the Maya
Devi Temple ,
one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.
ACCOM: HOTEL - 1
Days 14-16 Chitwan National Park
Cross the
border and travel to Nepal .
Look out for rhinos, monkeys, deer and the infamous Nepalese wild chickens at
the Chitwan National Park . Enjoy a canoeing
adventure on the Rapti
River , before setting off
on a guided tour of the park.
ACCOM: GUESTHOUSE - 1, LODGE - 2
Days
17-19 Kathmandu
Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Kathamandue. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and joing the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.
Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Kathamandue. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and joing the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.