Rajasthan with Nepal Tour

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where our representative will assist you and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. During check-in, all required travel documents related to your tour plan and services will be handed over to you, and our representative will explain all your queries concerning the entire tour. Later in the evening, visit the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, where episodes from Delhi's 5,000-year-old history are brought to life through narration and special effects against the historic surroundings of the fort. Afterwards, return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visiting the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and once the principal residence of the Mughal emperors. Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, commissioned by Shah Jahan and known for its grand courtyard, domes and red sandstone and marble architecture, and Rajghat, the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue through New Delhi to see President House, an important landmark of Lutyens' Delhi and the official residence of the President of India, and India Gate, the iconic war memorial built to honour Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. Visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, followed by Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important precursor to the Mughal garden-tomb architecture later seen in the Taj Mahal. Continue to the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its distinctive flower-like design, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site begun by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty and renowned for its soaring height and intricate Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi Temple. In the evening, you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi's historic and lively markets. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Mandawa. En route, halt at Nawalgarh, a compact town of the Shekhawati region known for its forts and havelis decorated with beautiful frescoes. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads into the bazaar, while the havelis still reflect the rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Later continue to the medieval city of Mandawa. On arrival, check in to a heritage hotel. Known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, Mandawa is noted for its painted havelis and fort. In the evening, walk through the narrow lanes of the traditional town, observing local life and shops. Enjoy traditional music and dance with a live performance by local artists during the gala dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Mandawa town and its notably known havelis, including Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Newatia Haveli and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is famous for its inquisitive paintings, while Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is known for its erotic paintings and images, now mostly defaced. These havelis offer a glimpse into the residences built by wealthy merchants of the past. After the visit, check out and drive to Bikaner. En route, halt at Deshnok to visit the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata and renowned for its sacred rats, marble architecture and silver doors. The present temple structure was developed over several stages, with Maharaja Ganga Singh contributing to its present architectural form. Later continue to Bikaner. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.

Today after breakfast, take a city tour of Bikaner, visiting the popular Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh and noted for having never been conquered during the history of Bikaner. The fort contains around 37 palaces within its complex, with a 7-kilometre wall, 37 bastions and 2 massive gates. Later check out and drive to Jaisalmer, en route halting at Pokhran to visit the massive Pokhran Fort. The town became renowned when India's first nuclear test was conducted here in 1974. Built between 1532 and 1584 in yellow sandstone, the fort contains palaces including Mangal Niwas, Rani Mahal and Phool Niwas or Flower Palace. Visit the Pokhran Museum, housed within the fort and containing weapons, pottery, paintings and costumes worn by the Maharajas. After the visit, proceed to Jaisalmer. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and take a walk through the local market to acclimatize to the city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, take a city tour of Jaisalmer, visiting the popular Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila and Jaisalmer Fort, built on top of Trikuta Hill and containing 99 bastions. One of its notable features is Megh Durbar. Near the fort, explore the grand havelis built by wealthy traders, including Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for their intricate latticework and stone carving. Afterwards visit Gadisar Lake, a historic reservoir surrounded by temples, shrines and intricately carved gateways, which once served as an important water source for Jaisalmer. If time permits and you wish to cover more places, visit Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar Lake and the temples of Ladawara. In the evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the nearest gateway to the Great Thar Desert, where the golden stretched sands provide the setting for a camel ride. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Manvar in Dechu. This area falls under the Shergarh region of the Thar Desert and is known for its high sand dunes. On arrival, transfer to the resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In the early evening, transfer by camel for a desert safari towards the Manvar Camp Site, reaching the campsite by sunset. In the evening, enjoy folk dance and music under the starlit sky while experiencing a theme dinner. The Manvar desert setting offers an opportunity to experience the local desert lifestyle and culture, with the resort built using local materials and techniques. Dinner and overnight at the desert resort.

Early morning you may opt to take a jeep safari through nearby desert villages to understand local lifestyles and see village craftsmen, including carpenters, metal smiths, potters and cobblers. After the village safari, return to the resort, check out and drive to Jodhpur, en route visiting a Bishnoi Village. The Bishnois are regarded as guardians of animals, follow a vegetarian way of life and have great reverence for living things. Continue with visits to local handicrafts, including shoemakers, pottery and hand weaving, while observing men in traditional attire and women wearing ancestral silver jewellery. En route, watch and photograph wildlife such as blackbuck, chinkaras and peacocks, which are commonly protected around Bishnoi villages. Later proceed to Jodhpur. In the evening, you may opt to explore the local market and visit authentic restaurants. One option is On the Rocks, an open-air restaurant offering Rajasthani hospitality, authentic food and folk music and dance. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, visiting the massive Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, the mausoleum of Rajput King Jaswant Singh, and Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, one of India's imposing regal palaces. Later check out and drive to Udaipur, en route halting at Ranakpur to visit the magnificent Jain Temples, built in the 15th century and renowned for their intricate marble carvings and distinctive architectural details. You may opt to enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh, an authentic heritage hotel, at your own cost. After the visit, continue to Udaipur. On arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. You may opt to have dinner at your own cost at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the lake. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace Complex, a significant landmark and historic residence of the Rajput rulers, with notable areas including the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple. Continue to Sahelion Ki Bari, a recreation garden associated with the queens and princes of the rulers. Visit Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, an ethnic exhibit presenting Rajasthan's traditions and culture through ornaments, traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and classical paintings. In the evening visit Lake Bageela, 22 kms away, for sightseeing of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bijaipur. En route visit Chittorgarh to explore its historic fort, a major symbol of Rajput history and tradition. The ruined citadel preserves forts, palaces and chhatris associated with the city's past. Visit Kirti Stambha, Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple and the State Archaeological Museum. Later proceed to Bijaipur and transfer to Castle Bijaipur, an original palace where the Royal Family of Bijaipur still resides. This 16th-century castle is set in the serene Vindhyanchal ranges and recalls battles fought against the Mughals and Marathas. Pre-dinner drinks are served on the lawn or in the old courtyard beneath the unpolluted night sky. Traditional Indian music and dancing fill the garden, while the scent of Queen of the Night flowers gives way to the aroma of dinner. Dinner and overnight at Bijaipur.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambore. Once the hunting ground of the Royal Family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is now one of India's finest tiger reserves. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. The park was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and became part of the first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. Its name comes from Ranthambhore Fort, which stands on a rocky outcrop within the forest and dates back to the 11th century. The fort preserves remnants of summer palaces, temples and guard stones. Today the area is especially known for its tiger habitat and opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural surroundings. Evening is free for individual activities. Dinner and overnight stay at the jungle resort.

After breakfast, take a Jungle Safari by open Canter, accompanied by an expert naturalist, to explore the Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's notable places to see a tiger in its natural habitat. During the dry season, tigers can often be seen near watering holes and in the dry forest. The park also offers opportunities to see leopards, deer, wild boar and sloth bears. You may also opt for a Jeep Safari for another way to explore the wildlife areas. Return to the hotel for lunch. Later visit Ranthambhore Fort, overlooking the National Park, along with Jogi Mahal and the famous Temple of Ganesha within the fort. Later return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En route visit a historic stepwell at Abhaneri, a village near Jaipur. It was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty and dedicated to Harshat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness, upon completion. Afterwards continue to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Jaipur is known for hand-woven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marble, textiles, blue pottery and handmade paper. After refreshment, enjoy an evening at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort designed around the traditional village environment of Rajasthan, with folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music and camel rides. Enjoy traditional Rajasthani food before returning to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside Jaipur and built in the 15th century by Rajput King Man Singh. Enjoy an Elephant Ride ascending Amber Fort before continuing to Nahargarh Fort, close to Amber Fort and known for its commanding views over Jaipur. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace, the present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Continue to Jantar Mantar, constructed by Jaipur King Sawai Jai Singh, and Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. Visit Birla Temple, known for its white marble. You can also visit Amber Fort for the Light and Sound Show, presenting the history of the citadel, its legendary past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later explore the bustling market by cycle rickshaw ride. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted city of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who blessed Emperor Akbar with the birth of three sons. The complex is noted for its distinctive architecture, with important structures including Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza, one of the world's largest and tallest gateways. After the visit, proceed to Agra. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Oswal Emporium to see its replica of the Taj Mahal, which took 10 years for the artists to build. Also enjoy the light and sound show Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love, presenting the story of the Taj Mahal and the love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is known for its white marble architecture and fusion of architectural traditions. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort, built in 1576 A.D. by Mughal Emperor Akbar and enclosed by red sandstone walls. Within the fort see the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, Meena Bazaar and Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and could see the Taj Mahal. Afterwards visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, built by Empress Noor Jahan as a tribute to her father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. On the way, stop at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a mausoleum combining elements of Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions. Later proceed to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The evening is free for shopping. Delhi offers textiles, ready-to-wear clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags, leather, carpets, handicrafts, traditional and contemporary Indian art and curios. Several leading designers have boutiques and showrooms in the city. Explore the Chandni Chowk wholesale market and search for handicrafts at Dilli Haat. Connaught Place, one of Delhi's popular shopping venues since 1931, offers shops, eateries, state emporia and an architectural setting worth exploring. Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Kathmandu. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Kathmandu Valley has a long history, with the oldest known objects dating to a few hundred years BC, an earliest known inscription dated to 185 AD and a firmly dated building almost 1,000 years old. Traditions also connect the valley with the Buddha and Ashoka the Great, although there is no firm evidence supporting their visits. The ancient stupas, temples and settlements reflect the cultural history of the valley. Evening is free for individual activities. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, if weather permits, early morning experience the notable Mt. Everest Flight at extra cost. Fly for one hour on a scenic flight over the Himalayas for views of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, together with the valleys and plateaus below. Later return to the hotel for refreshment and breakfast. Afterwards take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, a sacred temple of Lord Shiva with its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. Continue to Boudhanath, 3 km east of Pashupati, an ancient colossal Buddhist stupa and one of the biggest in the world, forming one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage property, inscribed in 1979. After lunch proceed to Swayambhunath, a Buddhist chaitya known for the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha painted on the four sides of the spire base. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, drive to Nagarkot, situated 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 metres above sea level. It is one of the popular destinations for sunrise and sunset views as well as panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest when weather conditions permit. Also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will see Taleju Temple, built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction; Nautale Durbar; Nasal Chowk; Gaddi Baithak; the statue of King Pratap Malla; and Jagannath. The square preserves Kathmandu's royal and architectural heritage. Overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chitwan. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Later the day is free for jungle activities at Chitwan Wildlife Sanctuary and a visit to the Rapti River Bank for sunset. Chitwan is situated in south-central Nepal along the international borders with India and is known for its protected forest and endangered wildlife species. The area was formerly a hunting ground for Nepal's elite but has since become one of the country's protected forest zones. The name Chitwan is derived from the local word Chitwan Ban, meaning Leopard Forest, although there are different explanations for the origin of the name. In the evening, enjoy a Tharu Cultural Dance Show at the hotel premises or nearby hall. Dinner and overnight stay at the jungle resort.

Today morning take an Elephant Ride, lasting around one and a half hours and taking you through the jungle. There are two trips a day, one in the morning at 8 AM and another at 4 PM. If you are lucky, you can see different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, leopard, monkeys and birds, including endangered species. After the elephant safari, proceed for canoeing on the Rapti River or Bhudi Rapti, where you can see two types of crocodiles, the Gharial and Mugger, basking on the river bank. Jeep Safaris are also popular and take around four hours, offering access to areas further inside the park that are less trodden, but are not possible within this 1-night, 2-day stay. Dinner and overnight stay at the jungle resort.

Early morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Pokhara, observing the greenery-covered hills along the national highway and the Trishuli River. Arrive in Pokhara, known as the Lake City, and transfer to the hotel. Pokhara is an enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley and a starting point for many of Nepal's popular trekking and rafting destinations. In the evening, enjoy a 1 hr boat ride on Phewa Lake, followed by a walk around the tourist area of Lake Side, where the lakeside atmosphere brings together restaurants, bars, guest houses and viewpoints. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pokhara.

Before breakfast, in the early morning around 5 AM, drive to the nearby mountain viewpoint at SARANGKOT. Enjoy views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail, then drive back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Pokhara, the centre of adventure and a tranquil valley destination associated with trekking and rafting. Visit Phewa Lake, one of the city's biggest attractions, followed by Davis Falls, Binde Basini Temple, Mahindra Caves and Seti George. The sightseeing combines Pokhara's lake, natural features, religious sites and cave formations. Evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kathmandu. On arrival, take the connecting flight for Delhi and onwards journey. On departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.