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- Trip Highlights<\/a><\/li>\n
- Special Features<\/a><\/li>\n
- Detailed Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n
- Featured Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n
- More Info! <\/i><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nTrip Highlights<\/h2>\n
Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi, where you will visit the Sikh Temple and Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the walled city of Old Delhi, visit the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Plus, enjoy a brief photo stop at the famous Red Fort and a cycle rickshaw ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSee the famed “Pink City” of Jaipur and embark on an excursion to the 16th-century Amber Fort by jeep. Travel to the medieval city of Agra, via Abhaneri to visit the Chand Baori (step well), then visit the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love, and Agra Fort to view the walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers.<\/p>\n
Continue to Khajuraho, stopping at Orchha to view some of the most noteworthy Hindu architecture in India. Tour the exquisite Khajuraho Temples with their exotic sculptures, then fly to Varanasi, where you will witness dawn on the sacred River Ganges, visit Hindu Temples and explore Sarnath, the holy city where Buddha preached his first divine sermon of Dharma.<\/p>\n
Fly to Nepal, mystical and mountainous, to explore one of the world’s most remote and unspoiled countries. Venture into rural Nepal to visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhadgaon and Dhulikhel, and enjoy a city tour of Kathmandu. With terraced farms set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayan Mountains and Mt. Everest, and timeless temples dotting the land, Nepal is an incredible and unforgettable way to cap your trip.<\/p>\n
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Package Includes:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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- Round trip flights Montreal-New Delhi, New Delhi-Montreal.\u00a0 Other departure cities available.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges<\/span><\/li>\n
- All intra-flights: Khajuraho-Varanasi, Varanasi-Kathmandu & Kathmandu-New Delhi<\/span><\/li>\n
- 14 nights First Class accommodations<\/span>\n
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- 3 nights New Delhi<\/span><\/li>\n
- 2 nights Jaipur<\/span><\/li>\n
- 2 nights Agra<\/span><\/li>\n
- 1 night Khajuraho<\/span><\/li>\n
- 2 nights Varanasi<\/span><\/li>\n
- 4 nights Kathmandu<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hotel porterage<\/span><\/li>\n
- All transfers<\/span><\/li>\n
- 22 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach<\/span><\/li>\n
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout<\/span><\/li>\n
- Entrance fees per itinerary<\/span><\/li>\n
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Special Features<\/h2>\n
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- Raj Ghat, cremation site and memorial to Mahatma Gandhi<\/li>\n
- Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi\u2019s frenetic 400-year old Chandni Chowk bazaar<\/li>\n
- Amber Fort with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors<\/li>\n
- Visit the Taj Mahal, considered the most perfect architectural monument in the world<\/li>\n
- Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/li>\n
- Boat ride at dawn on the Ganges<\/li>\n
- Durbar Square, clustered with over 50 ancient temples, pagodas and palaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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\n![\"Jodhpur,](\"https:\/\/www.grandescapades.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/jodhpur-1215239_1920.jpg\" "\\"Click")
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\n![\"Elephants](\"https:\/\/www.grandescapades.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/elephant-1676041_1920.jpg\" "\\"Click")
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\n![\"India\"](\"https:\/\/www.grandescapades.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/india-1514744_1920.jpg\" "\\"Click")
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\nDetailed Itinerary<\/h2>\n
D<\/h5>\n
DAY 1, Sunday – Depart for India<\/strong>
\nDepart for India<\/p>\nDAY 2, Monday – Arrive in New Delhi<\/strong>
\nWelcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0New Delhi<\/p>\nDAY 3, Tuesday – Old & New Delhi City Tour<\/strong>
\nBegin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Travel along the winding streets to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation and to Jama Masjid, the largest and best-known mosque in India. Stop for photos at the famous Red Fort, then continue along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty, on a cycle rickshaw. Then, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks, and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple, and then drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Arrive at Humayun’s Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for a briefing on the incredible journey in India and Nepal that awaits you. Afterward, begin your discovery of Indian cuisine at a hotel restaurant
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0New Delhi
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\nDAY 4, Wednesday – Travel to Jaipur<\/strong>
\nDepart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world’s tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you’ll understand why it is nicknamed the “Pink City”. The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a bargain-filled bazaar. You will visit Bhandari Jewelry: Jaipur’s centuries-old craft community, world-renown for its quality and design. Bhandari Jewelry, third generation gemologists, offers a spectacular array of gems, available loose or uniquely set in gold and silver, plus local handicrafts, stone and marble carvings, and paintings. Dinner at the hotel
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Jaipur
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\nDAY 5, Thursday – Elephant Ride to Amber Fort & Jaipur City Tour<\/strong>
\nExcursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. On the way, stop at the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds” with its lacy ornamental fa\u00e7ade. Arrive at the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep, or on the back of an elephant (if available<\/em>). From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur’s original city walls and the Maotha lake below. Enjoy some refreshments while shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery, and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory. On the way back, stop at the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory. Tonight’s\u00a0optional<\/em>\u00a0evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you’re entertained by performers in traditional attire as they perform various dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments
\nOptional:<\/strong>\u00a0Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Traditional Folk Dance
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Jaipur
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 6, Friday – Travel to Agra via Abhaneri<\/strong>
\nDepart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness – an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. If time allows, you may visit a local school. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the delights of this splendid city
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Agra
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Lunch<\/p>\nDAY 7, Saturday – Taj Mahal & Agra Fort<\/strong>
\nA memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps, this is the perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period; considered the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world. Afterward, stop at Kalakriti Marble. The Taj Mahal inspired the Kalakriti family to become the manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Then browse Kalakriti\u2019s home furnishings and decorative items. In the afternoon, travel to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Agra
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 8, Sunday – Sightseeing en Route to Khajuraho<\/strong>
\nThis morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, continue via motor coach to the medieval city of Orchha on the River Betwa to view some of the most noteworthy Hindu architecture in India. After lunch continue to Khajuraho, site of the world-famous Khajuraho Temples with their erotic carvings, dating back to the Chandela Dynasty. Dinner in Khajuraho
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Khajuraho
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\nDAY 9, Monday – Chandela Dynasty Temples of Khajuraho, Flight to Varanasi<\/strong>
\nBegin the day with a tour of the exquisite Khajuraho Temples, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Although over 1,050 temples were created, there are only 20 exquisite sculptures left today. Just a few of the sculptures you will see are the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple to Lord Shiva, the Bharatiya Temple, with its 11-headed sculpture of Vishnu and the Vamana Temple dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Depart this treasure trove in the afternoon on a flight to Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. For centuries, pilgrims have come here for blessings and purification in the holy waters. In the evening, participate in the\u00a0optional<\/em>Sacred Prayer Ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat on the Ganges River, lit with oil lamps and candles illuminating the river. Here, you can witness the unique “Aarti” ceremony. The atmosphere is lively and bright – this is truly a not to be missed experience
\nOptional:<\/strong>\u00a0Evening Sacred Prayer Ceremony at the Ganges River (PM)
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Varanasi
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 10, Tuesday – Ganges Boat Ride, Hindu Temples Visit & Sarnath Sightseeing<\/strong>
\nRise before dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges to observe the solemn sunrise ceremonies. Witness the riverbanks humming with activity as Hindu devotees perform their rituals on the \u201cghats\u201d steps and offer prayers to the rising sun. Then, on to Bharat Mata Temple with its marble relief map of an undivided India, Durga Temple, and Benaras Hindu University. After the early morning tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, visit the shopping district. A stay in Varanasi would not be complete without a stop at leading silk weavers, Mehta Silk. Browse beautiful silk brocades, scarves, sarees and decorative household items, all crafted by highly skilled weavers. Have leisure time for shopping in the bustling bazaars before driving to Sarnath, the holy city where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment. The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted in colorful wall paintings. Visit the Deer Park, Museum and Buddhist Temple. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a restaurant
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Varanasi
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\nDAY 11, Wednesday – Flight to Kathmandu<\/strong>
\nLate this morning, you will head to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Kathmandu
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 12, Thursday – Exploring Kathmandu<\/strong>
\nSpend today getting a real feel of the Nepalese lifestyle by visiting Budhanilkhantha, Shreegha Vihar, and a local market (Ason). This evening, enjoy an\u00a0optional<\/em>\u00a0Nepalese meal at a traditional restaurant, accompanied by ethnic dancing and live music
\nOptional:<\/strong>Traditional Nepalese Dinner
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Kathmandu
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 13, Friday – Rural Nepal Excursion<\/strong>
\nVenture into rural Nepal this morning and enjoy visits to Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhadgaon and Dhulikhel. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple is believed to mark the site where Shiva worshiped in the form of Lingam (only Hindus are permitted entrance). Continue to visit Boudhanath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Also visit Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), an ancient Newar city founded in the 9th-century. Here you will see the royal residential quarter of King Bhupatindra Malla and the Nytapola Temple. The tour concludes with a stop at Dhulikhel, a Newari town, where you will see spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains. In the center of the old town, view temples adorned with wood carvings, fine examples of traditional Newari craftsmanship
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Kathmandu
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast<\/p>\nDAY 14, Saturday – Kathmandu City Tour<\/strong>
\nEarly this morning, enjoy the\u00a0optional<\/em>\u00a0Mount Everest Flightseeing tour. See spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain peak on earth from a window seat of a small aircraft. Later this morning, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Durbar Square, showcasing some of the finest architecture in Central Asia with more than 50 palaces, pagodas, and temples. The square is home to two important temples, the Kasthamandap (Rest House of Wood), considered one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, and the 16th-century Taleju Temple, which honors a form of the Goddess Durga. Visit the temple of Machhendranath and the great stupa of Swayambhunath, with the eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides, then continue to the Royal Palace complex with its gilded doorway. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
\nOptional:<\/strong>\u00a0Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0Kathmandu
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\nDAY 15, Sunday – Flight to New Delhi<\/strong>
\nThis morning, enjoy the\u00a0optional<\/em>\u00a0city tour of Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the “City of Beauty”, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments exhibiting skillful carvings. Included in the tour, is a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues, also serving as the economic hub of the city. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to freshen up. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel
\nOptional:<\/strong>\u00a0Half Day Patan City Tour (AM)
\nOvernight:<\/strong>\u00a0New Delhi
\nMeals:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\n
- 2 nights Jaipur<\/span><\/li>\n
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges<\/span><\/li>\n
- Special Features<\/a><\/li>\n