13 Day Gems of India with Nepal Private Tour

Delhi- The capital of India, serves as a kaleidoscope, depicting the beautiful country of India. It also houses a treasure of monuments expressing the saga of a bygone era. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors, and the poor equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of Dilwalas or “people with heart”. From a string of historical monuments to modern commercial centers, Delhi has evolved into an exceptional and dynamic city, offering a wealth of shopping and sightseeing activities.

Afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Laxmi Narayan Temple [Birla Mandir], Connaught Place, and Government buildings. ( B )

Jaipur, also referred to by its’ romantic nickname, "The Pink City" because of the pink color of its royal buildings. It boasts the grand Amber Fort, the first royal residence of the Maharajas of Kachchwaha. Jaipur is also famous for the regions handicrafts and jewels.

Afternoon, enjoy sightseeing in Jaipur: Visit Jantar Mantar- Jai Singh’s observatory, and Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds”. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. ( B, D )

Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, Amber Fort was the old capital before the city of Jaipur was built. Ride on a decorated elephant to ascend the hill to the Palace. The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was later completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. The Palace is laid out at different levels on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. The exterior of the fort is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, intricate carvings, mosaics, and minute mirror work that make the halls look majestic and imperial.

Afternoon, visit The City Palace, Mubarak Hall, Chandra Mahal and Pothikhana, which house collection of paintings and manuscripts as well as the museum of Arms and Armory. Later, explore the colorful markets of Jaipur and take part in demonstrations on tying a saree (for women) and pagdi (for men). ( B )

Visit Fatehpur Sikri. Phantoms of ancient pomp and splendor fill the deserted city, which was once a grandeur Capital city of the great Emperor Akbar, and now a silent witness to a vanished dream. Shortly after it was completed, this magnificent fortress was abandoned by Akbar, due to lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint “Salim Chisti” and the “Bulland Durwaza” are some of the highlights of the fortress.

Arrive in Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, best described as “poetry in marble’, because of its beauty, grace, and exquisite workmanship. Enjoy VIP check-in at the hotel, with a refreshing welcome drink. ( B, L )

The Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) stands serene and awesome on a raised marble platform by the banks of the Yamuna, testifying to the timelessness of art and love. Shahjahan built the monument in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The construction of the Taj commenced in 1631, and was completed in 1653. Workers were gathered from all over the country and from Central Asia, and about 20,000 people were recruited to translate this wild dream into a reality. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell - pink glow at dawn, and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny, fiery hue of the majestic sun. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone, Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the forts change from a military structure into a Royal palace. ( B, L )

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station in time to board the train to Jhansi. Assistance on arrival in Jhansi. Drive from Jhansi to Khajuraho. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, Enjoy sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Visit The Western, Eastern, and Southern Group on Temples.

KHAJURAHO, once the capital of a powerful dynasty of Hindu kings called the chandelles (959 A.D.), it is famous today for its magnificent temples considered to be among the most vibrant of Hindu architecture and Sculpture. The exquisite carvings on the exterior of these temples depict worldly activities in the common man’s life in those days. All 85 temples of Khajuraho, famous for their erotic sculptures, were built by the kings of the Chandela dynasty. Mysteriously, their construction was given only a passing reference in Chandela literature. The Chandela kings were great believers of tantric tradition of working towards satisfaction of all carnal desires to attain salvation. The temples were taken over by the jungle, and were rediscovered in the 1830s by a British army engineer.

Transfer to the hotel, and enjoy VIP check-in at the hotel with a refreshing welcome drink. Evening, enjoy a Sound and Light show at the Temples. ( B )

After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing city tour of Varanasi. Visit Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Evening, enjoy a Rikhshaw Ride to the Ghats (banks), and witness Evening Aarti at banks of river Ganges. ( B, D )

Kathmandu- The capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is situated in a wide valley at an altitude of 4,550 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the world’s highest mountains. Perhaps no other city on earth has seemed so mysterious. The Kathmandu Valley is dotted with countless shrines, temples, Palace squares, charming old bazaars and ageless sculptures. Very much the abode of Lord Shiva and Gautama Buddha, a patron saint of the Sikhs has also walked here.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet assistance at airport. Enroute to your hotel, enjoy a visit Pashupatinath Temple. Note: Non-Hindu visitors are allowed only to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati River. Enjoy VIP check in at the hotel. Evening, free at leisure. ( B )

Bhatgaon, earlier known as Bhaktapur, is the home of medieval art and architecture containing creations of sculptures, woodcarvings and colossal pagodas. It is a city of devotees, which breathes an air of mystery. Its haunting impressions of the Old World are left unspoiled by the psychedelic civilization of today. Evening, free at leisure. ( B, L )