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ITINERARY

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		Day 1 ARRIVAL DELHI - Transfer hotel for overnight. Arrival New Delhi, our representative will receive you at the Indra Gandhi International Airport. Check in hotel Free stay. NEW DELHI: New Delhi has been designed and built by the British in the nineteen-twenties with bride boulevards en governmental buildings. Old Delhi is the old walled city with small streets and alleys and colorful markets. The city sightseeing tour contains Red fort and Jama Masjid.
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		Day 2 NEW DELHI Full days sightseeing. Highlights: Red Fort Raj Ghat Qutab Minar India Gate The Red Fort: Shah Jahan built this red sandstone palace fort between 1638 and 1648 as the centre of his empire after shifting their capital from Kolkatta. This spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is also called Lal Quila in local language. Red Fort was a miniature city in its own right. Covering a landscaped of area of 2 km in circumference. Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park labelled with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat. Qutab Minar:- Historical Construction Of A Landmark In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m. India Gate: At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. President House: The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen. Parliament House: This is symbol of Indian democracy.
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		Day 3 NEW - DELHI - JAIPUR \| Distance: 260 Kms Duration: 05 & half hrs JAIPUR: Jaipur the capital city of Colorful Rajasthan is the first planned city of India. The city that once had been the capital of the Maharajas. The palaces structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family which now turn into luxury palace hotels and sightseeing spots. Jaipur is also known equally as Pink City won its nickname for the glorious pink stucco buildings that line its wide streets. After breakfast we leave for Jaipur by surface. On arrival at Jaipur visit Laxmi Narayan Temple. Later Check in the Hotel. Later cultural program followed by dinner (Indian cuisine) drive back to hotel for overnight. Highlights of the day: Drive Jaipur Laxmi Narayan Temple ( Evening illumination and Prayer) Check in the Hotel Cultural Program and Dinner at Choki Dhani and overnight. Laxmi Narayan Temple: The Laxmi Narayan is located in the South of Jaipur, and was built by the Birla family, which is a major industrialist family of India. This is why, the temple is also called the 'Birla Mandir'. It is situated quite close to the Moti Doongri fort, which was converted to a small palace by Ram Singh II and Gayatri Devi Keeping in mind the secular nature of the country, the temple has three domes, which represent different approaches to religion It is a beautiful white marble temple, which seems to glow at night. The temple is very crowded during the festivals as Hindus come from all over the state and country to pay their respect to the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth).
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		Day 4 JAIPUR Full day sightseeing. Today morning after breakfast leave for tour of Jaipur. After sightseeing of the day back to Hotel, Your dinner is hosted in the hotel premises laid down in the most lavish way. Overnight. Highlights: Elephant ride to Amber Fort Sighting of Hawa Mahal A visit to City Palace Museum Visit Jantar Mantar Walking on the streets of Jaipur Bazaars Amber Fort: Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside 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, and there is also a lot of work on walls, which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls, look very majestic and imperial. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front; one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion. Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal ( The Palace of winds), which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. City Palace: The City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum. Jantar Manter (The Observatory): Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Rajput ruler of Amber and the founder of Jaipur was a learned man and an astronomer who was deeply interested in the workings of the celestial bodies and so built the Observatory, known as Jantar Mantar to learn more about the mysteries of Time and Space. The name 'Jantar Mantar' comes from Sanskrit's 'Yantra Mantra' meaning instruments and formulae.
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		Day 5 JAIPUR - AGRA (via Fatepur Sikri) \| Distance 221Km \| Duration: 5 hours Morning after breakfast leave for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - The Ghost city. Continue your drive and on arrival at Agra check in the Hotel Jaypee Palace. Dinner in hotel premises and overnight. Highlights: Visit Fatehpur Sikri, A world heritage sight. Walking on the streets of local bazaar of Agra Dinner. Fatepur Sikri: The beautiful monuments at Fatehpur Sikri are a synthesis of Islamic and Hindu architecture reflecting the religious tolerance of Akbar. Akbar also founded a syncretic religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was built as a sign of the Emperor Akbar's gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chisti. Work on the city started in 1571 and was completed 15 years later. Some of the grand structures at Fatehpur Sikri include the Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza, the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Jama Masjid Mosque and the life-size chessboard where courtiers could play the role of pieces. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned shortly after Akbar's death because the lack of water made it difficult to sustain the city. The newly built city was deserted and remains in a pristine state, with the beautiful carvings and latticework on the buildings retained in their original state of preservation.
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		Day 6 AGRA Full day sightseeing. Morning after breakfast leave for city tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Highlights: Visit Taj Mahal Agra Fort Visit Marble Factory Taj Mahal: The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace, because she was so precious to him. Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan had 14 children and the queen accompanied Shah Jahan everywhere, even on military campaigns. It was on one of these campaigns, in Burhanpur in central India, that Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, shortly after giving birth to her 14th child. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end. It took 22 years for the Taj Mahal to be completed. A huge labor force of 20,000 workers led by Mohammed Hanif, the head of masons and Persian architect Ustad Isha or Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, were employed in its construction. The poet Ghiyasuddin composed the verses that appear on the tombstones of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and the calligraphy was designed by Amanat Khan Shirazi, whose name can be seen on one of the gates of the Taj Mahal. The architecture of the Taj Mahal owes its perfection to the work of many great craftsmen. Finished in 1648, the Taj Mahal cost the Mughal exchequer 32 million rupees( Gold Coins). The Taj Mahal has been described by the poet Sir Edwin Arnold, as" Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is situated on a bank of the River Yamuna in Agra. It was built during the years 1565 and 1574 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. Later, his grandson, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, added to the palaces and structures within the fort. The Agra Fort has a mighty wall made of red sandstone, which runs for 2 ½ Kilometers around the perimeter of the fort. The main entrance to the Agra Fort is through a grand gateway called the Delhi Gate, which is decorated with inlay work in white marble. After entering the Agra Fort, you will find yourself in the grand courtyard. The Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience and Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience are located within the fort and contain examples of exquisite Mughal carvings on their many pillars. There are grand palaces, such as the Khas Mahal and the Shish Mahal, within the Agra Fort. The rooms in the palaces within the Agra Fort were kept cool by an ingenious system of water channels that ran through all the rooms keeping them cool as the water evaporated. The high ceilings and marble latticed screens also provided natural cooling and blocked out the intense rays of the sun.
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		Day 7 AGRA - KHAJURAHO Distance: 400 Kilometers \| Duration: 8-9 hours Transfer to train station for train to Janshi, we make a stop in Orchha, a well-preserved city on an island in the Betwa River, Lunch. After a long drive we arrive late in the afternoon in Khajuraho, where we enjoy all the comfort of our hotel.
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		Day 8 KHAJURAHO Sightseeing KHAJURAHO: Khajuraho was for many centuries a small village in Central India; in 1838 a British engineer, Captain T.S. Burt, visited the area and rediscovered an extraordinary group of temples built between the tenth and twelfth centuries. There is a belief that there were as many as 80 temples built in and around Khajuraho of which 20 exist today in fairly good repair. According to the text, the temple symbolizes the universe and must be built to face the four cardinal directions. The sculptural adornment of the temples has been classified into five types. At Khajuraho the portrayal of the human body is frank and sensuous. Several theories have been offered to explain why the artists decorated their temples in this manner. Some felt that the explicit scenes of lovemaking and the rather acrobatic sexual positions were a form of teaching, a way to train people in the art of love as specified in the famous Kama Sutra texts. Highlights: Western Group of Temples Eastern Group of Temples Flight to Vanairasi Eastern Group of Temples: The largest in the group of three Jain temples, the Parsavanath image in this temple, was installed in 1860. The sculptures on the northern wall depict everyday activity, in awesome detail. A woman sits bent pensively on a letter, a lovely young girl removes a thorn from her foot, the master craftsmen of Khajuraho display here their deep understanding of the trifles that make up a human life. Within the temple, a throne faces the bull emblem of first tirthankara, Adinath. Western Group of Temples: The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: the Kandariya Mahadev. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high After LUNCH Khajuraho-Vanarasi flight After lunch transfer airport for flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi airport, you will be transferred to Hotel Ramada 25 minutes drive away. Breakfast is arranged at the Hotel. Rest and after lunch visit Sarnath. VANARASI: 'Eternal City' - The Land of Sacred Light is one of the holiest cities for the Hundus of the world situated by the bank of River Ganges. The name of the city was changed from Banaras to Varanasi in 1956. The spiritual capital of the world , Varanasi possibly derives its name from the two rivers that flank it - Varna to the north and Asi to the south. Varanasi is also called Avimukta - the city that is never abandoned by Lord Shiva - is to Hindus what Vatican is to Catholic Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Varanasi been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. It remembers a time of Moghul emperor Aurangzeb. Varanassi is also known as the Hindu renaissance and has a special role in development of Hindu language of India. Along the west banks of Ganges you will find several bathing ghats, where pilgrims make their soul-cleaning dip in the river, and lot of burning-ghats, where bodies are cremated. Highlights: Visit Saranath Walking on the busy streets local Bazaars Saranath: Just 13 kilometres from Varanasi is Isipathana, now called Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha first proclaimed the Dhamma to the world. He taught two discourses here, the Dhammacakkhapavathana Sutta and the profound Anattalakhana Sutta. The main things to see are Asoka's pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti and the huge Dharmek Stupa. Further to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara with its beautiful wall paintings and behind it the Deer Park. The Sarnath Museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art and should not be missed. Asoka's lion capital and the beautiful Teaching Buddha are amongst the most beautiful sculptures ever made. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm and closed on Friday. There are also several modern temples to see as well; the Burmese, Chinese, Korean and Thai temples, three Tibetan temples and the Japanese temple. The new Vidyadhara Tibetan Institute behind the Deer Park is particularly attractive.
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		Day 9 VANARASI - KATHMANDU (By Flight) ( B & D) IC 751 13:10/14:20hrs Today Morning boating at River Ganges. In timely transfer to airport to connect flight for Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The medieval city offers interesting sightseeing-excursions. Also regarded as the historic seat of royalty, the Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces is the center of religious and cultural life of the people. Laying of its vicinity the Hanumandhoka Palace is the temple or residence of the Living Goddess called Kumari. The Swayambunath (monkey temple) is built upon the Yungun hill, a stupa overlooking 80 m above the city. For Buddhist as well as for the Hindus this is a very holy place. Here you are aware how these two religions are melting in each other. Of course you might also see the snow-capped Himalaya Mountains at a far distance for Kathmandu is situated in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1300 mtr. Highlights: Boating on the Ganges and visit Ghats Flight to Katmandu
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		Day 10 KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING: Breakfast in the hotel, full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. Interested one can participate in early morning 1 hours Mt. flights. Highlights: Everest Mt. Flight Bhaktapur Boudhanath Pashupatinath Kathmandu Durbar Square. Everest Mountain Flight: An hour long journey conducted from Kathmandu towards Mt. Everest leaves memories to last a lifetime. You will fly at 26000 ft with a guaranteed window seats and wonderful view of all Himalayan Range right from bit of Annapurna and whole of Lantang range to the Mt. Everest. Bhaktapur: This Palace Square lies at 12 KM east of capital city Kathmandu. This is “the city of Devotees". This world heritage sites is also known as "Khwopa and Bhadgaon" which is world renowned for its elegant majestic monuments, temples, arts, fabulous culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances and indigenous lifestyle of different people of different religion. The native typical newer lifestyle best known for their long history of craftsmanship, the ancient city is also variously known as the "City of Culture ", "Living Heritage ", "Nepal's Cultural Gem " and "An open museum". The City was founded in the 12th century by King Anand Dev Malla. Bhaktapur was the capital city of the Greater Malla Kingdom till the 15th century AD. Boudhanath: 8 km to the north east of Kathmandu lies the one of the most important Buddhist stupa called Boudhanath, four sides with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha gazing to East, West, North and South is the colossal stupa, one of the biggest in the world is built on a huge octagonal base inserted with prayer wheels. Every evening dozens of Buddhist worshippers constantly take round called “Kora” in Sherpa language. Kora is always starts from left to right. Stupa is surrounded by various small shrines and houses for the lamas who take care of the sites. Pashupatinath: The most important Hindu Temple, Pashupatinath lies 6 km to the North - East of Kathmandu, on the western bank of the Bagrnati. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double-roofed pagoda of gold-gilt and brass; the gateway is plated with silver containing the sacred lingam of Pashupatinath guided by the Shivas Vehicles the Bull. In the bank of River there are several crematorium graded from royal family to Bhramin then the general public. On the occasion of the annual festival of Shivaratri which is the indication of end of the winter (February/March), the temple is thronged by thousands of devotees, including a large number of pilgrims from India Kathmandu Durbar Square: Laying of its vicinity the Hanumandhoka Palace "Kathmandu Durbar Square" or Bashantpur is the temple or residence of the Living Goddess called Kumari. All the Palace Squares" Kathmandu Dubar Square, Patan Dubar Square and Bhaktapur Dubar Square "give unique look of each and remains the traditional heart of the old town and a spectacular example of traditional architecture. All the fascinating sites and happening around you will make your day a memorable one.
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		Day 11 KATHMANDU - CHITWAN Distance: 200Km, Duration: 5 hours, Altitude: 150M CHITWAN: We drive to "kingdom of wild animals and plants” Chitwan National Park (CNP), the natural wonders and country’s first national park, known as one the finest national park in the world. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 sq. km. in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area comprising the Tikauli forest - from Rapti River to the foothills of the Mahabharata - extending over an area of 175 sq. km. Recognizing its unique ecosystems of international significance, UNESCO declared CNP a World Heritage in 1984. The park is home to more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. The endangered fauna found in the park are: Mammals and reptiles: One-horned rhinoceros, Gaur, Royal Bengal tiger, Wild elephant, Four horned antelope, Pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, Gharial crocodile, Golden monitor lizard, Python Birds: Bengal florican, Lesser florican, Giant hornbill, Black stork, White stork, etc. People: Tharus are the main indigenous ethnic groups in Chitwan. They are well known for their resistance to malaria. Traditionally they are farmers and practice their own unique tribal culture. Highlights: Breakfast in the hotel Kathmandu Lunch at the Resort in Chitwan Tharu Village walk Local cultural dance followed by Dinner Tharu Village Walk: A stroll through the village will provide an opportunity to see their traditional farming, relics and way of their daily life of this unique society of the Tharu people. Local cultural Dance: Traditional Tharu stick dance gives an insight into their culture. As per the legend this is part of an effort to fend off and frighten wild animals away from valuable crops.
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		Day 12 Full day jungle activities, CHITWAN 5:30 am our hotel boy will give you wake up call, get ready for tea and coffee and here starts the day. Highlights: Elephant ride Canoeing Elephant Breeding Centre. Elephant Ride: Seated high on the back of a trained elephant exploring the grasslands and forest, you become a part of the life of the jungle. It is an experience of lifetime approaching closely but safely to some of the world's rarest animals. Canoeing: A journey down the river Rapti in a traditional 'dug out canoe', offers you the chance to quietly observe the exotic species of birds and animals that come for a sip at the water’s edge. Elephant Breeding Center: Elephant-breeding center provides an opportunity to retain traditional wisdom of training elephants and their handlers and to better protect the wild creatures from extinction.
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		Day 13 CHITWAN - POKHARA, Distance: 196 Km, Duration: 4hours, Altitude: 85M POKHARA: Pokhara is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This small city is not as old as Kathmandu but is full of natural beauty, with small lakes from both east and west sides. Pokhara is one of the tourist hub of Nepal. It is a combination of nature and culture. Lakeside, is one of the happening places of Pokhara, where tourists can find everything. Since this city is quite a modern city with only few touristic attractions inside the town itself. Most interesting is the old centre in the north of the city (purano bazaar) where still many old shops and warehouses in the Newari style can be found. Mule caravans still arrive there from Mustang. On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) built in 1996 with a nice view of the lake, across the city and of the snow peaked mountain range consisting of namely, Fishtail, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himals (mountains). Highlights: Birds Watching ( Chitwan) Drive to Pokhara Boating on Fewa Lake Get up early morning, with a choice of cup of tea or coffee, we head into the forest for bird watching as Chitwan is famous for the collative species of birds. Back in hotel, breakfast drive to Pokhara. Check in hotel, after refreshment we will proceed for relaxing boating on Fewa Lake. Boating: Enjoy the 1 hour long boat ride on this romantic Fewa Lake, shadowed by the gigantic range of Mt. Annapurna. .Your feelings get transformed into a joy of living. With a beautiful Barahi temple in the middle makes the lake more holy and religious. Every day thousands of visitors visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside city, Hundreds of hotel and restaurants around it makes the evening very romantic. Pokhara will always remains in your heart and tempts you to visit again..
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		Day 14 POKHARA - KATHMANDU Distance: 200 Km, Duration: 6hours, Altitude:1350M After breakfast sightseeing Pokhara then drive back to Kathmandu. Highlights: Sarangkot Davids Fall Drive to Kathmandu Patan Durbar Square Swayambunath Sarangkot: Get up early morning and head up to Sarangkot, the view point to the sun rise over the Himalayan Ranges. Sarangkot is 20 kilometers north to Pokhara main city, a hill top point from where the sun rise is best viewed. Absorb the views and drive back to hotel. Davids Fall: 2 km south of where over flow of Lake Phewa drains into the Pardi River, the terrain drop sharply away and the river plunges over the Devi Falls, disappearing into a sink-hole. After about 200 m (651 ft) it re-emerges before flowing into the Phusre River. The falls are also known as David Falls, reputedly because a Swiss couple name were bathing on the river and swept away, from the overflow of water from few lake, was sucked into the whirlpool and drowned. The falls swell considerably after the monsoon but are little more than a trickle in January Arrive Kathmandu we proceed for city sightseeing. Swayambunath: 2000 years old holy shrine is built upon the Yungun hill, on the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, a stupa overlooking 80M above the city is Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha's eyes that stare out from the top of this hemispherical shrine have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. Best time to visit is Before 9 AM or at the time of sun set. Patan Durbar Square: 5 km to the South of Kathmandu. It is a city of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and fine wood carvings. Lalitpur is another name of this city which 'means the city of beauty. The city is known as the paradise of fine arts. This durbar square located in Patan is a world heritage sites Patan Durbar has many famous sites and unique architectures. Krishna Mandi, Bhimsen temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are just a few among the temples offering you an ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings. The Sundari Chowk contains exquisite samples of woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture. Patan Dubar Square and the Himalaya that can be seen at a distance make an enchanting scene.
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		Day 15 KATHMANDU - DEPARTURE