Heritage Of North India And Nepal

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  Your Heritage of India and Nepal Tour begins with your arrival at the Delhi International Airport. At the airport, you will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative and he will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check in formalities. The tour starts from the capital city, Delhi, an active city, with an ideal combination of the ancient and the contemporary era. Delhi has two visible parts: New Delhi, the city created by the British, as the royal capital of India in 1911. The Old Delhi which was considered as the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and the 19th century. There are at least eight cities on the location of modern Delhi among which Indraprastha is one of the first recognized settlements, highlighted in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Nevertheless, Delhi has always been one of the major cities in the northern region of the subcontinent. Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 2: In Delhi

  After a relaxing breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. This tour includes the following places: Red Fort: The term Red Fort is taken from a Hindi word Lal, which means red and Quila which means fort. The structure of the Red Fort is very uneven and it is placed in an octet shape along the Yamuna River. This fort is delimited by a wall of about 2.4 kms in perimeter and is constructed of red sandstone. In 1638, Shah Jahan started building this huge fort and it was completed in 1648. The fort has a Diwan-e-Am (Hall for public audience), a Rang Mahal (a water- cooled apartment of royal ladies) and a Pearl Mosque, which was constructed with white marble. Red fort has two hallways: a) The Delhi gate and b) The Lahori gate, and both this gates face the renowned Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid : Jama Masjid is one of the country’s major mosques where hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers even today. Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan as an architectural extravaganza in 1658. The wonders of construction in Jama Masjid are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the hefty courtyard. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): Chandni Chowk is well-known for its flamboyant streets with the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi. It is also has the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods and watches. Entire Chandni Chowk was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s beloved daughter and was then populated by the well-to-do families of that time. The famous Parantha wale Gali, known for its mouth watering paranthas is also positioned in Chandni Chowk. The famous gold market, Dariba Kalan is also situated here. Raj Ghat : An elementary square platform of black marble on the banks of Yamuna River, symbolizes the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated followed by his assassination in 1948. A dedicatory ritual takes place each Friday, in his memory. Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is a major prayer site and comprises of idols of numerous divinities. It is situated close to Connaught Place. Birla Mandir was constructed in 1938, by an industrial Raja Baldev Birla. India Gate: India Gate is a free standing, 42 meter high arch. It was built in 1931 and was formerly called the All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the warriors are engraved all along the walls of the arch. The eternal flame was lit here to honor the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier), in 1971. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by Lutyens, and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun’s Tomb: Nine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. Qutub Minar: This outstanding building in the Southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque. Bahai’s Temple: It is a very new architectural marvel of the Bahai cult. This temple is visible from quite a lot of spots in South Delhi. This temple is moulded in the shape of a lotus and has precisely been given the name. Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 3: Drive Delhi – Jaipur (265 kms/05 hrs)

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Jaipur, the next destination on your India and Nepal Tour. Jaipur : It is the capital of Rajasthan, and is known as the “Pink City” because of the pink tinted constructions in the old city. It is situated on a dry lake bed, bordered by barren hills vanquished by forts and broken walls. The city was found in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who wanted to be in the good books of the then ruling Mughals. He positioned the city with rectangular blocks according to early Hindu architecture. It is a great city for shopping. On your arrival at the hotel in Jaipur, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check in formalities. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 4: In Jaipur

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up by the guide from the hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes: Hawa Mahal (Palace Of Winds) : Constructed by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur’s main landmarks; the front of the Mahal has pink windows and latticework screens. This Mahal was initially constructed for the ladies of the imperial household to watch the ordinary life and parades of the city. City Palace : The City Palace is still the dwelling of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur. This Palace still has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar (Observatory) : It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar appears to be an inquisitive collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a detailed purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial which is 27 meter tall gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meters an hour. Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is located 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. The Fort is an excellent illustration of Rajput architecture, impressively situated on a hillside facing a lake, which reflects its walkways and walls. Overnight in Jaipur

• Day 5: Drive Jaipur – Agra (250 kms/05 hrs)

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your trip to Agra, your next destination on the India and Nepal Tour, enroute stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, for a guided tour of this ancient capital. Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar roughly 35 kms outside Agra, this city was built in the 16th century, and was abandoned for 12 years due to the paucity of water. The entire city is still intact, and a sight of this city is worth remembering. The Buland Darwaza,is the main entrance to this city, which is 54 m tall and this gate was built in the honor of Akbar’s victory in Gujarat After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Agra, the next stop on your India and Nepal Tour. Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna River. It is the dwelling place to India’s famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries. On your arrival at the hotel in Agra, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check in formalities. Afternoon, a guided sightseeing tour of Agra : Taj Mahal: Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of their child in 1631. The construction of this famous monument is said to have taken 22 years, starting from 1631.Over 20,000 artisans were working day and night for the construction of this landmark. Crafts persons and whizzes were brought from France and Italy. And the chief architect was from Iran. The visit to the Taj Mahal, will long be remembered by you as the highlight of your North India and Nepal Tour. Agra Fort : Emperor Akbar started the construction of this huge red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River in 1565. It was mainly constructed for the soldiers until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more opulent accommodations. There are a number of attractive buildings within its porches such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Overnight in Agra.

• Day 6: Drive Agra – Gwalior (120 kms/03 hrs)

  After a leisurely breakfast, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Gwalior, the next destination on your India and Nepal Tour. Gwalior – Gwalior is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the city of true royals, the Scindias. Gwalior is famous for its magnificent Forts and is considered as one of the best in the world. This grand Fort that dictates this dry and dusty city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties which have had power over the centuries. The main palace, Man Mandir, still displays the elaborate carvings and the art form from the 9th century. And the prison underneath the palace gives a realistic image of the Mogul prisoners’ fate. This Fort has been defined by Babur as ‘the pearl among the fortresses of Hind’. Upon arrival in Gwalior, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, guided sightseeing tour of Gwalior visiting the Gwalior Fort, Museum, Rani Laxmibai Memorial and Tansen’s Tomb. Overnight in Gwalior.

• Day 7: Drive Gwalior – Orchha (120 kms/03 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will start your drive to Orchha, the next destination on your India and Nepal Tour. Orchha - Orchha is a small town far away from the madding crowd of the city. It is in the Central part of India, once the capital of the Bundela rulers. This small town is set amid the well-preserved temples and palaces, which dates back to 16th century. Most of the temples are still regularly visited by hundreds and thousands of devotees to worship at the shrine of Rama. Though little-known, Orchha is a place worth visiting for its serene beauty. Little shrines and memorials are spotted all over Orchha, each of them with their own history. On arrival in Orchha, check in at the Orchha Resort. Afternoon, guided sightseeing tour of Orchha. The tour of Orchha takes you to the Jehangir Mahal, the largest of the palaces, the Raj Mahal with its murals and the Raj Praveen Mahal constructed near the garden. The Chatur bhuj temple and the Royal Chattris are by the Betwa River. Overnight stay at the Orchha Resort.

• Day 8: Drive Orchha – Khajuraho (180 kms/04 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will start your drive to Khajuraho, the next destination on your India and Nepal Tour. Khajuraho : Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. It is the dwelling place of the World’s famous 10th century Khajuraho Temples. These temple have attractive and erotic rock carvings, these carvings symbolizes some of the beautiful specimens of the medieval Hindu architecture and sculpture in the country. On your arrival at the hotel in Khajuraho, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check in formalities. Afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Eastern & Western Group Of Temples : The Eastern group of temples includes the Lakshmi and the Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the KandariyaMahadev, the Mahadeva Temple, the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple. The Western group of temples includes the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple in Khajuraho where the daily rituals still takes place and the Chausath Yogini Temple, the temple which is in ruins now and is believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho. Overnight in Khajuraho.

• Day 9: Fly Khajuraho – Varanasi

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative at hotel and he will assist you with the check out formalities. You will then be escorted to the airport in time to board flight for Varanasi, the next destination on your India and Nepal Tour. Varanasi - Varanasi the ‘eternal city’ is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India. Varanasi is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Over 2000 years Varanasi has been a center of learning. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot in India, Varanasi is also considered as an auspicious place to die, establishing an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is a special place for the Sanskrit scholars and students from all over India are seen here. The ancient city of Varanasi is located along the West bank of the river Ganges. This city extends back from the riverbank ghats in a twisted collection of passageways. These passageways are too cramped for anything but walking. The city extends from Raj Ghat, near the bridge to AsiGhat near the University. You will again be met by our representative at the Varanasi Airport and he will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check in formalities. Afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for the guided tour of Varanasi. Tour includes visits following places of interest: Asi Ghat : Asi Ghat is one of the five extraordinary Ghats in India; where the pilgrims are suppose to bathe in all the Ghats on the same day and in order. The order is Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. Durga Temple: Durga Temple was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. This temple is commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ as many monkeys have it their home. The construction of this temple is in Nagara style (North Indian style). The temple has a Durga Kund (Kund means Pond or pool). The temple has multi-tiered shikharas and is stained red with ochre, which represents the color of Durga. This temple is closed for non-Hindus. Kashi-Vishwanath Or Golden Temple: The Kashi-Vishwanath or the Golden Temple is devoted to lord Shiva as the Lord of the Universe. The original Temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and he constructed a mosque over it. The New temple is constructed in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore and the Gold plating on the towers of the temples was contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. The new temple is located right across the road from its original position. The Traces of 1600 temples could be behind Aurangzeb’s mosque. Next to the temple is the Gyan Kupor Well, the well of knowledge. In this temple also the non-Hindus are not allowed. Overnight in Varanasi.

• Day 10: Fly Varanasi – Kathmandu

  The day begins early with a Dawn Boat Ride on the holy river Ganges. The guide will pick you up from your hotel and will take you to the river Ganges. The City and the river Ganges come alive at dawn, when hundreds and thousands of devotees come to the river to worship the Sun God. The edge of the river looks amazing from a boat at sunrise and this sight is spiritually uplifting. Hinduism is deep and magical, it is everywhere; in the sight of a sparkling temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the prayer chants of the priests and in the smell of the flowers. Return to hotel for a relaxing breakfast. Later, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then be escorted to the airport in time to board flight for Kathmandu, the final stop at your India and Nepal tour. Kathmandu : The small kingdom of Nepal is a country full of diversity and charm, protected between India and Tibet. Kathmandu is a secret kingdom of great allure enveloping eight highest mountains out of the world’s ten highest mountains. The view is breathtaking from the highest point on Earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. People here are mostly Hindu but a small population of Buddhism is also seen here and this lively combination of religion and culture portrays the beauty of Nepal, and specifically its capital Kathmandu. The artistic and architectural traditions resemble a lot of things found in the great cities ofEurope. Beyond the temples and bustle of the towns of the Kathmandu Valley rise the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya - the 'Abode of Snows'. After clearing Customs and Immigration, you will be met at the airport by a Trans India Holidays representative and he will escort you to the hotel and will assist you with the check in formalities. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 11: In Kathmandu

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Pashupatinath - Pashupatinath is in the eastern part of Kathmandu. It is one of the major Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world and one of the famous pilgrimage spots in Nepal. In the complex there are statues, shrines and temples devoted to other deities along with the Linga image of Lord Shiva. Gold-plated ceiling, silver doors and the woodcarvings of the best quality beautify the Pagoda architecture. Bodhnath - Bodnath is one of the blessed Buddhist spots in Kathmandu. The Bodnath stupa is one of the largest stupa in the world. The stupa rhythms with life as hundreds and thousands of devotees meet daily spin the prayer wheel, chant and perform a ritual ‘Parikrama’ of the Boudha stupa. The stupa is situated on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and the Tibetan traders would rest and pray here. Today most of the Tibetans living in Bouddhnath are the refugees who fled from Tibet and entered Nepal in 1950. These Tibetans who migrated to Nepal established many gompas and the “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born. Bhadgaon - The third largest medieval city in the Kathmandu valley, Bhadgaon also known as the Bhaktapur is well preserved. Bhadgaon was the capital of Nepal during the Malla Kingdom from the 12th and the 15th century. The main attractions in Bhadgaon are: Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the world heritage sites in the country. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square echoes the rich culture, art and architectural design of the city. The entrance to the main courtyard of the palace is a golden gate. The gate is regarded as the world’s most beautiful and elaborately carved specimens of its kind. Nyatapol Temple : The Nyatapol Temple is the tallest temple in the Kathmandu valley. The temple is 30 meter tall and was constructed in 1708 AD by King Bhupatindra Mallla. The five terraces of the temple hold a pair of stone figure of the temple guardian. At the bottom are the legendary wrestlers, and then the following levels are guarded by the elephants, lions, griffins and finally two goddesses. The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery : The Bhaktapur Art Gallery is situated in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Museum was established to portray the rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations. The Gallery also houses brass, bronze, stone and wooden images. The Gallery is travelled around by tourists for the ancient art tradition of Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

• Day 12: In Kathmandu

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sight seeing tour of Kathmandu. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Kathmandu Durbar Square - Kathmandu Durbar Square is a number of interesting pagodas and Indian style temples (Sikhara), the House of Kumari (the living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (or wooden house which is the origin of the word Kathmandu) and many more things to see. Sawayambhunath - Sawayambhunath is one of the definite experiences of Kathmandu. It is a unique combination of the Buddhist and the Hindu religion. Visiting Sawayambhunath is a mind-altering experience, with age old carvings and the smell of the incense and lamps in the air. The magical atmosphere is finally tuned through out the day by the local devotees who make a ritual ‘Parikrama’ of the stupas, by chanting and spinning the prayer wheels. Hanuman Dhoka – Hanuman Dhoka is a temple compound in the heart of the old city. The Hanuman Dhoka was constructed during the Malla period. There are a number of different monuments and images of Lord Hanumana. Rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Kathmandu

• Day 13: Depart Kathmandu

  After leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then be escorted to the airport in time for your flight back home. If you have a bit more time available, your India and Nepal tour, can also be combined with a tour to Bhutan.

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