India and Nepal
15 Days
Suitable for families with young children
0
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Easy
Fairly easy 5-6 hours of activity per day. May include some uphill sections, reasonable fitness recommended.
To travel from Delhi to Kathmandu is one of the most fascinating journeys in Asia. In addition to exploring the two national capitals, our comprehensive tour combines fabulous cultural sights – Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Varanasi – with exciting national parks famed for their tigers and rhinos.
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Tour Highlights
- See the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Visit the sacred Ganges ghats at Varanasi
- Look for rhinos on an elephant-back safari at Chitwan National Park
- Admire stunning Amer Fort outside Jaipur
- Explore the sights of Kathmandu, including spectacular Boudhanath stupa
- Go tiger-spotting at Ranthambore National Park
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tour Details
We start our journey in vibrant Delhi, with a sightseeing tour to explore the rich cultural heritage of this great city. We’ll then travel west to Jaipur, often described as the Pink City of India, which rivals the capital for its magnificent past, robust tradition and, above all, the architectural elegance and splendour of its glittering palaces.
A highlight of the trip is our sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal: see the pale marble change hue in spectacular fashion as the light changes. En route we will visit one of the country’s premier tiger reserves at Ranthambore, with an excellent chance of sighting this iconic creature. An overnight train journey is an enjoyable experience in India, and a great way to travel to Varanasi, where the fascinating Hindu bathing ghats along the Ganges await. From here we head north to cross the border into Nepal, and visits to Buddha’s birthplace and Chitwan National Park, famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros: a thrilling elephant-back safari practically guarantees you’ll get close to the rhinos.
Finally we reach the Kathmandu valley, on the threshold of the high Himalayan peaks. The city of Kathmandu is a great place to explore, full of historic sites, ancient temples and shrines of both Buddhist and Hindu religions, a fitting finale to a memorable tour.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel; evening free
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or can explore the surroundings by own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Jaipur
Morning Sightseeing of Delhi and afternoon drive to Jaipur
This day after breakfast we proceed for the half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi; we start with Jama Masjid, is the largest mosque of Old Delhi and it was built between 1644 - 1658 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. It is located in Old Delhi opposite to the Red Fort and next to Chandni Chowk. Afterwards we drive pass through Colonial buildings such as the President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931 and India Gate is a war memorial, also known as ‘All India War Memorial’. India Gate is 42m high located at the centre of New Delhi across Rajpath. In the afternoon we drive to Jaipur (Distance: 280km); reach Jaipur by late evening and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Jaipur
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur
Today after breakfast we start our full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. We start with the stunning medieval Amber Fort, 11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan. Then we visit City Palace which is located in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja it is now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Also visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. Our city guide also takes us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of Winds. This five-storey façade with pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal was part of the City Palace. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Ranthambore
Drive to Ranthambore National Park and proceed for evening game drive in the park
This morning after finishing breakfast we leave Jaipur and drive towards Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur (Distance: 180km approx.). Ranthambore National Park is in Sawai Madhopur District of Indian state Rajasthan. Located at the junction of Aravalli and Vindhya hills range, it is one of the biggest and famous national parks in Northern India. Ranthambore National Park was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and it became a national park in 1980. Ranthambore National Park is the site of one of the largest banyan trees in India. Reach Ranthambore and check-in to the hotel. Later proceed for the evening game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. There are two choices of vehicle for going on the safari, an all-wheel drive jeep called a "Gypsy" (which seat up to 6 visitors) or 16 or 20 seater safari bus called a "Canter – a large open truck" on sharing basis.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Ranthambore
Morning and evening game drives in the park
Today we enjoy morning and evening game drives in the park (either by Jeep or canter) and experience the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park such as Tiger other wild animals including nilgai, wild boar, sambar etc.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 06 - Agra
Drive to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri
Morning after having breakfast we board the vehicle and drive to Agra en-route visiting the deserted ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri (Distance: 280km approx.). It was formally the capital of the Mughal Empire; this wonderfully preserved ‘ghost town’ was constructed by Emperor Akbar and it reflects his ideals in art, religion and architecture. The mosque is designed to hold ten thousand worshippers. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years, as in 1585 Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri due to lack of water, leaving this city much as we see it today. Late evening arrive Agra and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Agra
Sightseeing of Agra and evening catch an overnight train to Varanasi
Early morning we wake-up and visit the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal (remains closed on every Friday) during sunrise. Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love which stands on the banks of River Yamuna; it was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj Mahal is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor. Then visit imposing Red Fort of Akbar, third of the Mughal Emperors, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. In the evening we will be transferred to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Varanasi.
Overnight Train
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DAY 08 - Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi and afternoon visit Sarnath
In the morning, Arrive at Varanasi railway station and will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Varanasi is the oldest living cities in the world, it is also known as Banaras or Kashi situated on the bank of River Ganga, it is considered to be the 7th holiest city of Hinduism. Pilgrims from all-over India come here to take a holy dip into the sacred river to wash away their sins. There are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. In the afternoon we will visit Sarnath, it is 10km away from Varanasi and located near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers, it is the place where Gautama Buddha deliver his 1st sermon after he attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. It is one of the four Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Later return back to Varanasi and relax at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Varanasi
Boat ride on River Ganges and an optional visit to puja ceremony on Ghats
Other than being a holy city for Hindus, Varanasi also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life and Buddhism. Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The boat ride takes us past the various Ghats of Varanasi. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. Later we come back to the hotel and relax there, in the evening an optional visit to evening puja ceremony can be arranged.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 10 - Lumbini
Drive from Varanasi to Lumbini, Nepal
Today we drive from Varanasi to Lumbini (Distance: 400Km approx.). It's a spectacular drive across the northern plains, passing through a few towns and lots of pretty Indian villages. At the Indian border we leave our bus and walk across through customs and immigration to Nepal (approx. 500 metres). Once in Nepal, we enter the Terai, the narrow plain running along the southern breadth of the country. We have a short drive (approx. 1 hr.) to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Gautama Buddha. Reach there and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Chitwan
Visit Maya Devi Temple and afternoon drive to Chitwan
Morning we visit Maya Devi Temple which is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and it is believed that Queen Maya Devi took a bath in the sacred pool (also known as Puskarni) before the Gautama Buddha was born. The Ashokan pillar which was placed there during the visit of Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE at Lumbini; the pillar was erected on the spot of Buddha's birth. Later we drive towards Chitwan where the Chitwan National Park lies; reach there and check-in to the hotel. Afterwards we stroll around Chitwan village and explore the village nearby areas.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Chitwan
Jungle walk in Chitwan National Park, afternoon canoe trip and evening elephant safari
Early morning we go for a jungle walk in the Chitwan National Park as this is one of the best time to observe and experience the wildlife of the park. Chitwan National Park is the 1st National Park in Nepal and was established in 1973; granted a World Heritage Site in 1984. After lunch we enjoy canoe ride in Chitwan National Park; the park is home to rare species such as one horned Rhinoceros (Indian Rhino), Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharials (Crocodile). In the evening we take elephant safari as it is one of the best ways to spot wildlife from up close.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu, reach there and evening free
This day after breakfast we drive to Kathmandu (Distance: 200km approx.). The drive is scenic and loaded with breathtaking views all around. We arrive at Kathmandu by late afternoon and check-in to the Hotel. After checking in, we can relax or just walk around to get the feel of the city.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Kathmandu
Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu
This morning we visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the great Shiva sites. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. Then we visit Boudhanath, which is an ancient Stupa and one of the largest in the world and the biggest in Nepal. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Monasteries around Boudhanath; then visit Durbar Square is a plaza and area opposite the old royal palaces in Nepal. It consists of temples, idols, open courts, water fountains and more.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 15 - Kathmandu
Departure to the International Airport
Today you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to board the flight for your onward destination.
Tour Map
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.