The northern plains of India have always provided an array of sites, sounds and architectural wonders; the bustling bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the deserts of Rajasthan, the ghats of Varanasi and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Nepal features the greatest mountain range on earth, with eight of the world’s highest mountains plus a mixture of over forty ethnic groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects. The majority of Nepal’s population is found in the Kathmandu Valley home of three major towns, Kathmandu (the capital), Patan and Bhaktapur. These are truly the ‘Highlights’ of a visit to India and Nepal all encompassed in a realistic time frame at a fully inclusive price.
Days 1-3: South Africa to Delhi
After your overnight flight, you will be met upon arrival in Delhi and transferred to the Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. Visit Old Delhi including Red Fort, Chandni Chowk bazaar, Jama Masjid and the Fl Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple. After lunch visit Gandhi Smriti, India Gate and visit the Qutab Minar complex.
Days 4-5: Delhi to Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur.The afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola. The next day visit highlights such as Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, the Folk Museum and Mewar Art Gallery. We also visit the City Palace and enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola.
Days 6-7: Udaipur to Jodhpur
Today we drive to Jodhpur stopping en route at Ranakpur. Tomorrow morning visit Meherangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Afternoon walking tour through Subji Mandi the local vegetable and spice market.
Days 8-9: Jodhpur to Jaipur
Enjoy a shopping experience at the local shops in ‘Choti Choper’. Tomorrow visit the Hawa Mahal, the palace and fortress at Amer,Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
Days 10-11: Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park
Head south to Ranthambore National Park, one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Enjoy game viewing this during your stay.
Days 12-13: Ranthambore National Park to Agra
Board our train to Bharatpur from where we drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Tomorrow rise early to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After lunch visit Agra Fort.
Day 14: Agra to Khajuraho
After breakfast we board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. From here we continue our journey by road to Khajuraho.
Day 15: Khajuraho to Varanasi
This morning tour the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho, one of India’s major attractions. This afternoon fly to Varanasi. In the evening take a rickshaw ride to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Pooja ceremony of Ganga Aarti.
Day 16: Varanasi
Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges followed by a tour of Varanasi city before visiting the Buddhist sites at Sarnath.
Days 17-19: Delhi to South Africa
Fly to Delhi for an overnight stay. Tomorrow morning is at leisure until a late check out and transfer to the airport. Arrive back in South Africa the following day.
Nepal Extension:
Days 17-18: Varanasi to Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. Tomorrow explore the temples, houses and shrines in Durbar Square and the famous Buddhist pilgrimage of Swayambhunath Stupa. After lunch we visit the largest stupa in Nepal, Bodhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 19: Kathmandu – Bhaktapur
Today we visit the Palace of 55 Windows and the Temple of Changu Narayan.
Day 20: Kathmandu – Patan
Visit the 2nd largest city in Nepal, Patan, including the World Heritage listed former Royal Palace and Durbar Square.
Day 21: Kathmandu – Dhulikhel
Enjoy the morning at leisure. After lunch we drive to Dhulikhel, visiting the small village of Thimi en route. In Dhulikhel we visit Newari houses and a local market.
Day 22-23: Depart Kathmandu for South Africa
Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to South Africa, arriving the following day.
