Naturally Nepal with Incredible India

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world's oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. One can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments in Durbar Square. Visit Pashupati temple, Boudhnath, Patan & Swayambhunath.

Pashupati Temple: According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur native who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in which lord Shiva told him to build a temple for him so that he could move into it. He obeyed this command and thus the temple came into existence.

Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, lies about 7 km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO.

Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.

The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Kathmandu – Chitwan (70 kms & 1 hr)

Morning leave for Chitwan. On arrival check into your hotel.

Chitwan which means the 'Heart of the Jungle' is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Chitwan National Park, one of the largest forests regions in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural) list.

Embark on a jungle safari on an elephant. Overnight at the hotel. 

Chitwan – Kathmandu (70 kms & 2 hr)

AM embark on a jungle Safari in the Park. Later drive to Kathmandu. On arrival check into your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel. 

AM at Leisuire. PM assisted transfer to the International airport to board flight for Varanasi, India. On arrival, meet, assist and transfer to the hotel. Check in.

Later witness the Holy Ganges’s evening aarti.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges at sunrise. With people performing yoga, offering flowers and incense to the river, and take a ritual dip along the river front, bathed in soft light. Later excursion to the Sarnath which is as sacred to Buddhist's as Varanasi is to Hindus. This is where Buddha came to preach the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law, his first major sermon after gaining enlightenment.

Varanasi also known as Kashi, "The City of light", is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to 2600 years at the very least.

PM visit the city & temples on the ghats of the Ganges. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jhansi. En-route visit Orchha. Founded in 1531, Orchha is dramatically positioned on a rocky island, enclosed by a loop of the Betwa river. The many layered palace has 132 chambers off and above the central courtyard and an almost equal number of subterranean rooms. The square sandstone palace is extravagantly embellished with lapis lazuli tiles, graceful chhatris and ornate jail screens.

Continue drive to Jhansi to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra railway station, meet, assist and transfer to the hotel. Check in and overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) by sunrise. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It's an image of the Islamic Garden Paradise, an enduring monument of love continually fulfilling beauty in white marble. To the poet Tagore it was "A Tear Drop in the face of eternity". Pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patters that complement the majesty of its architecture.

Later visit Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage) on the banks of river Yamuna. Its imposing red sandstone ramparts form a crescent along the river front and encompass an enormous complex of courtly buildings, ranging in style from the early eclecticism of Akbar to the sublime elegance of Shah Jahan.

PM visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, also called as the 'Baby Taj' because of its resemblance to Taj Mahal. Also witness the sunset over the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh from across the river. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (230 kms & 5 hrs)

AM depart for Jaipur, En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri's Buland Darwaza (UNESCO World Heritage), built by Emperor Akbar in honour of Salim Chisti a famous sufi saint. It's architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The Buland Darwaza, erected by Akbar to mark his conquest over Gujarat is a huge gateway.

En-route to Jaipur, visit the Abhaneri step wells, which is prominent for 'Baoris', step wells which were invented by the natives to harvest rain water.

On arrival at Jaipur, check into your hotel & Overnight stay at the hotel.

AM excursion to Amber fort. En-route Photostop at Hawa Mahal known as "the Palace of winds", with its ornate pink facade has become an icon for the city. The tiered Baroque like composition of projecting windows and balconies is five storeys high.

Amber Fort a UNESCO World Heritage which is at a short distance of 11 kms from Jaipur. The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. Embark on an Elephant ride from the base to the top of the Amber fort. The Fort offers panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill.

PM visit City palace & observatory. The sprawling complex is a superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, with open airy Mughal - style public buildings leading to private apartments. Its treasures, which include miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weaponry, provide a splendid introduction to Jaipur's princely past, and it’s fascinating arts and crafts.

Later visit Jantar Mantar a (UNESCO World Heritage), translated into 'Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens', it was built by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1728 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here perform a particular function and gives an accurate reading.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning leave for Delhi by road. On arrival check in to the hotel and PM proceed for sightseeing. PM visit Old Delhi. Here you shall visit the Jama Masjid. This grand mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, with three imposing black and white marble domes and twin minarets framing its great central arch. Embark on a Rickshaw Ride through streets of Chandni Chowk as it is one of the most elegant boulevard laid out in 1648 and is lined with grand shops and mansions

Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of the saint like father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi. His Samadhi is now a national shrine situated on the banks of river Yamuna in a sombre, black granite platform.

Overnight at the hotel.

AM visit New Delhi, where you shall visit QUTAB MINAR a (UNESCO World Heritage) which is a five storeyed Victory Tower to announce the advent of Muslim sultans.

Continue visit Humayun's Tomb. Built in 1565 by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the first great example of Mughal garden tomb and inspiration for several later monuments drive past the government buildings like the Parliament Buildings including North & South block which house several ministries as well as the Prime Minister's Office & visit India Gate, a massive red sandstone arch, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War I.

PM visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

Later assisted transfer to the International airport to board flight for home destination.