Highlights of India and Nepal

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.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: New Zealand to Delhi

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to India. Travel to Delhi with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we are welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Delhi

In the morning visit Old Delhi, drive past the Red Fort, walk through ‘Chandni Chowk’ bazaar to India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, and visit the Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple. After lunch visit Gandhi Smriti, have a photo stop at the India Gate, drive past the President’s House and the Parliament Building followed by a visit to the Qutab Minar complex.

Day 3: Delhi to Udaipur

Today we fly to Udaipur, a city of lakes, palaces and temples. This afternoon is at leisure before enjoying a cruise on Lake Pichola 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 visit Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens (the Garden for the Maids of Honour), the Folk Museum and Mewar Art Gallery. After lunch we visit the City Palace and walk through the local streets and shops. This evening enjoy an enchanting dinner at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola.

Day 5: Udaipur to Jodhpur

Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Jodhpur stopping en route at 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. The temple is an incredible piece of architecture with its 29 halls and 1444 pillars, with no two alike.

Day 6: Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. This morning visit Meherangarh Fort, one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan, and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Take a auto rickshaw ride to a local restaurant for lunch followed by a walking tour through ‘Subji Mandi’ the local vegetable and spice market.

Day 7: Jodhpur to Jaipur

Drive through the colourful countryside of Rajasthan to Jaipur known as the “Pink City”. Later this afternoon enjoy a shopping experience at the local shops in ‘Choti Choper’ inside the walled city.

Day 8: Jaipur

Starting today’s touring with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) we then drive to the palace and fortress at Amer. After learning about block printing and carpet weaving we stop for lunch. This afternoon visit Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Observatory) before enjoying traditional dancing and dinner at a local restaurant.

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. Tigers have been spotted here in daylight more
often than in any other park or sanctuary in India. Enjoy game viewing this afternoon.

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park

Today enjoy a morning and an afternoon game viewing by canter around an estimated area of 400 sq km of game reserve.

Day 11: Ranthambore National Park to Agra

Board our train to Bharatpur, from where we drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a fortified ghost city. Agra rose to fame in the mediaeval period as the capital of the Moghul Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls and canals. In modern times the city of Agra houses thriving handicraft industries.

Day 12: Agra

Rise early this morning and travel by horse drawn carriage ‘tongas’ to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast visit a marble inlay workshop to learn about the intricate skill which we saw this morning at the Taj Mahal. After lunch visit Agra Fort.

Day 13: Agra to Khajuraho

After breakfast we board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. From here continue our journey by road through the rural Indian countryside via Orcha where we stop for lunch before continuing to Khajuraho. This evening enjoy a cultural dancing show.

Day 14: Khajuraho to Varanasi

This morning tour the Western Group of temples in Khajuraho, one of India’s major attractions. This afternoon fly to Varanasi which is located on the River Ganges. In the evening take a rickshaw ride to the Ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Pooja ceremony of Ganga Aarti.

Day 15: Varanasi

As the religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India as well as one of the world’s most ancient. Take an early morning boat ride on the river followed by a tour of Varanasi city before returning to our hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

Day 16: Varanasi to Kathmandu

This morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu. 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 altitude.

India Only option: The participants who do not wish to travel to Nepal leave the group on Day 16 in Varanasi and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay. Departing Delhi on Day 17, the morning is at leisure until a late check out, dinner and transfer to the airport. Arrive back in Australia the following day (Day 18).

Day 17: Kathmandu - Patan

Visit the second largest city in Nepal, Patan, located 5km from Kathmandu on the southern bank of the Bagmati River. Visit the World Heritage listed former Royal Palace and Durbur Square. We also visit the Swayambunath stupa and the Bodhnath stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, famous for its painted eyes on all four cardinal points.

Days 18-19: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur

Today visit the 9th Century built town of Bhaktapur, a store house of mediaeval art and architecture, including the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows. We also visit the Temple of Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the valley dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Pashupatinath Temple, famous for its shrine of Shiva. Tomorrow is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city.

Day 20: Kathmandu

Day at leisure. (Day added due to flight scehdule change)

Days 21-22: Depart Kathmandu

This morning transfer to the airport for our flight back to New Zealand.  Arrive home the following morning.
 

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