Highlights of India plus Nepal
The northern plains of India have always provided a vast array of sites, sounds and architectural wonders; the bustling bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur, the Taj Mahal at Agra, the deserts of Rajasthan, the bathing ghats of Varanasi and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. These are truly the “Highlights” of a visit to India and here they are encompassed in a sensible time frame at a fully inclusive price. You can also take an extension to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Arrival in Delhi Upon arrival Meet and assistance by our representative and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast take a guided tour of the capital city of India. The major tourist attractions of Delhi that will be included in your sightseeing tour as-     New Delhi This city designed and built by the British in the 1920's - a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens.  First you will visit two monuments from Delhi's past Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.  Old Delhi: An ancient walled city.  Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire: Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Return to the hotel for a night stayssss

Day 3: Delhi to Udaipur
Today fly to the white city of Udaipur and enjoy a drive around the lakes before checking into our hotel. Udaipur is a city of lakes, palaces and temples. This afternoon we can relax at the hotel before leaving for our sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats and temples and is the location of the Lake Palace Hotel and Jagmandir Island Palace.

Day 4: Udaipur
This morning we visit Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens (the Garden for the Maids of Honour), the Folk Museum and a Miniature Painting Factory. After lunch we visit the massive City Palace and then walk through the local streets and shops outside the Palace before catching auto rickshaws back to our bus. This evening we enjoy a performance of ‘Rajasthan Dance’ by local artists followed by an enchanting dinner at Baghore Ki Haveli overlooking Lake Pichola and the lights of the havelis surrounding the lake.

Day 5: Udaipur to Jodhpur
We drive to Jodhpur and visit the small town of Ranakpur (about 90 km from Udaipur) to see the largest Jain temple complex in India, dating back to the 15th Century.

Day 6: Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. The massive Meherangarh Fort overlooks the city and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. This morning we explore the local market with a walking tour before visiting the fort and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace later in the afternoon.

Day 7: Jodhpur to Jaipur
We drive through the colourful countryside of Rajasthan to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City.”

Day 8: Jaipur
Today is spent touring the sights of Jaipur. Starting with a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and the local shops nearby, we then drive to the palace and fortress at Amer. After trying our hand in some block printing and carpet weaving we stop for lunch before visiting the Jaipur City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. We visit the local shops inside the walled city before returning to our hotel.

Day 9: Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park
Leaving Jaipur we head south to Ranthambore National Park, one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport was ultimately responsible for their conservation and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. Whilst at the park we visit the Ranthambore Fort built, in the 10th Century. The fort commands a panoramic view of the Tiger Reserve and houses some splendid monuments within its precincts. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers have been spotted here in daylight.

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park
Today enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing by canter around an estimated area of 400 sq kms of game reserve.

Day 11: Ranthambore National Park to Agra
Today we take a train to Bharatpur and then drive to Agra. En route we stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ghost city built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Agra rose to fame in the mediaeval period as the capital of the Moghul Empire and was embellished with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city of Agra still supports a thriving carpet industry, leather workers as well as sandstone and marble sculptors.

Day 12: Agra
This morning we rise early and travel by horse drawn carriage ‘tongas’ to view the Taj Mahal in all its glory at sunrise. After breakfast, visit a marble factory to see traditional stone inlay work unique to Agra. After lunch we visit Agra Fort. Later this afternoon enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old streets of Agra before enjoying our sunset drink over looking the Taj Mahal.

Day 13: Agra to Khajuraho
After breakfast we board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. From here we continue our journey by road through the rural Indian countryside via Orchha to Khajuraho.

Day 14: Khajuraho to Varanasi
This morning tour the temples of Khajuraho, one of India’s major attractions. Built from around 950AD by the Chandella dynasty, the temples depict many aspects of Indian life 1,000 years ago. This afternoon fly to Varanasi, located on the river Ganges.

Day 15: Varanasi
As the religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India and one of the world’s most ancient. This morning we take an early morning boat ride on the river before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later we visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. In the evening we visit the Ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Pooja ceremony of Ganga Aarti.

Day 16: Varanasi to Delhi
This morning enjoy a city tour of Varanasi before flying to Delhi in the afternoon. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 17: Depart Delhi
This morning visit the Qutab Minar complex and Gandhi Smriti, the last residence of Gandhi. After lunch we return to the hotel. After a late check out and dinner we transfer to the airport.

Day 18: Arrive Australia
Arrive home in Australia.
Optional Extension to Kathmandu

Day 16: Varanasi to Kathmandu
This morning we transfer to the airport to fly to Kathmandu (1337m). Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimatise to the higher altitude.

Day 17: Kathmandu - Patan
Patan, located just outside Kathmandu, once ruled over the whole valley and is now Nepal’s second largest city. We visit the World Heritage listed Royal Palace and adjoining Durbar Square. We also visit Swayambunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” and Bodnath Stupa, a centre for the Tibetan culture in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world.

Day 18: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur
After breakfast we drive to the charming town of Bhaktapur, also a former capital in the 14th to 16th Centuries. Today the entire town is a World Heritage site and is closed to all traffic. Walking through this treasure trove of mediaeval art and architecture is an unforgettable experience. Tonight return to Kathmandu for the night.

Day 19: Kathmandu
Today is a day at leisure.

Day 20: Kathmandu to Delhi
This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 21: Depart Delhi
This morning visit the Qutab Minar complex and Gandhi Smriti, the last residence of Gandhi. After lunch we return to the hotel. After a late check out and dinner we transfer to the airport.