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EXOTIC
INDIA & NEPAL
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India and Nepal |
 |
This
tour offers both continuity and rich diversity and is a very
popular combination for tourists who wish to enjoy cultural
tour of two countries. From the majestic Moghul buildings
in Northern India to the stunning mountains of Nepal, this
is a journey not to be missed. The inclusion of the Sariska
Game Park adds to all of this the excitement of seeing the
Indian wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Arrive Delhi |
|
02
|
Delhi |
| 03 |
Delhi / Sariska |
|
04
|
Sariska / Jaipur |
|
05
|
Jaipur |
|
06
|
Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra |
|
07
|
Agra |
|
08
|
Agra / Khajuraho |
|
09
|
Khajuraho |
|
10
|
Khajuraho / Varanasi |
|
11
|
Varanasi / Kathmandu |
|
12
|
Kathmandu |
|
13
|
Kathmandu |
| 14 |
Kathmandu / Home Bound |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World
Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour |
|
Agra Fort (1983) |
Near
the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-
century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra.
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of
the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built
by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas;
and two very beautiful mosques. |
| Taj
Mahal (1983) |
An
immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between
1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the
jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally
admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. |
| Fatehpur
Sikri (1986) |
Built
during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex
of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural
style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the
Jama Masjid. |
|
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) |
Built
in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi,
the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high,
tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32
m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary
buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate,
the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and
two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest
in northern India, built of materials reused from some
20 Brahman temples. |
| Khajuraho
Group of Monuments (1986) |
The
temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty,
which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about
20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups
and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism.
They strike a perfect balance between architecture and
sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a
profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces
of Indian art. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Nepal covered on this tour |
| Kathmandu
Valley |
At
the crossroads of the great civilizations of Asia, seven
groups of Hindu and Buddhist monuments, as well as the
three residential and palace areas of the royal cities
of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhadgaon, illustrate Nepalese
art at its height. Among the 130 monuments are pilgrimage
centres, temples, shrines, bathing sites and gardens -
all sites of veneration by both religious groups. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands
clapped together. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, after immigration
and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through
the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Siddharth, Delhi (2 nights) (D)
Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new
of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit
first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament,
Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering
102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of
Moghul India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern
independent India.
Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the
famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most
opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul
majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed
by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end
our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street
of silver and goldsmiths. (B, D)
Day 03: Delhi / Sariska (Drive 239 Kms / 148 miles)
An interesting countryside drive brings us to Sariska. In the
afternoon we visit the famous Wildlife Sanctuary, home cheetah,
antelope, sambar, and other wildlife.
Overnight: Hotel Sariska Palace (1 night) (B, D)
Day 04: Sariska / Jaipur (Drive 111 Kms / 69 miles)
From here we continue on a scenic countryside drive to Jaipur,
the rose pink capital of Rajasthan.
Overnight: Hotel Trident (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill
to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of
17th Century Rajput architecture. After enjoying the panoramic
view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory
built by the founder of the city Jai Singh. We also visit the
majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art,
and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen,
skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most
of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone.
One of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where
the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind
the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both
shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur.
(B, D)
Day 06: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (Drive 230 Kms / 143
miles)
Another interesting countryside drive gets us first to the
World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital
built in 1640 by the Moghul king Akbar the Great, and later
abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Moghul architecture,
it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit
the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is
reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth
of Salim Jehangir. After our visit here we continue to the
city home of the world famous Taj Mahal. Evening free.
Overnight: Hotel Jaypee Palace (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07: Agra
Morning we start our tour with the Taj Mahal, a World Heritage
Site. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite
wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully
carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit
Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was
imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent
him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the
Taj Mahal. The afternoon is free to shop for the Taj replicas;
wood works and leather goods that the descendants of the builders
of the Taj are still famous for. (B, D)
Day 08: Agra / Khajuraho (Train)
Today we board the famous Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi
and continue by coach to visit Orchha, an amazing medieval
fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. After
our visit to Orchha we proceed to the city that houses the
splendid temples.
Overnight: Hotel Jass (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 09: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples that have been
designated as a World Heritage Site. The temples were built
during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and
1050 AD. Today only about 20 temples remain and they fall into
three distinct groups and belong to two different religions
- Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between
architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya is decorated with
a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces
of Indian art. Evening you can enjoy an optional Sound & Light
Show. (B, D)
Day 10: Khajuraho / Varanasi (Flight)
After further sightseeing of Khajuraho we take a short flight
to the holy city of Varanasi - amongst the oldest living city
in the Sub Continent. We start our Varanasi experience with
a visit to old part and also visit Bharat Mata Temple housing
a big relief map of India in marble. Varanasi is famous for
its many temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas
Mandir beside the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of
Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb. The city is famous also for its
Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where
such silk sarees are weaved. Evening is free to enjoy this
5000 years old city.
Overnight: Hotel Ramada Plaza , Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Varanasi / Kathmandu (Nepal) (Flight)
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise
cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles
of Hinduism is the belief of the holiness of the Ganges and
every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks
performing the holy dip and other rituals. This is a site that
has to be seen and experienced so different from anything else
what may have seen anywhere in the world. Later we tour Sarnath,
the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before
visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up
some local customs, culture and hospitality. Later we fly to
Delhi to connect with flight to Kathmandu - capital of the
Kingdom of Nepal, a very spiritual land isolated by the high
Himalayas. An early afternoon flight gets us to Kathmandu,
the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal, home to the world's highest
mountain, the Everest.
Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Kathmandu
In the morning we visit the various towns in the Kathmandu
Valley, all designated World Heritage Sites, including the
famous Gilded Copper Gate in Bhadgeon, the Hindu Temple of
Shiva and the Buddhist shrine of Boudhnath. Later we drive
through the countryside to Patan to see more beautiful art
and architecture. We also visit the Tibetan Refugee Craft Centre
and explore the temples, pagodas and palaces of Kathmandu's
Durbar Square. Evening is free to loiter through the bazaars
and get an opportunity meeting the many different ethnic groups
who call Kathmandu, home. (B, D)Day 13: Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a mountain town that offers an excellent venue
for soul searching and this is your day to do that exploring
this fascinating valley, or you can embark on an optional scenic
mountain flight over the breathtaking Himalayas to see Mount
Everest. A farewell dinner, Nepali style, will be our goodbye
to the Himalayas. (B, D)
Day 14: Kathmandu / Home Bound
We bid farewell to Kathmandu and Himalayan Nepal as we are
transferred to the airport for our departure flight back home. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 24, Apr 28, May 26, Jun
30, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sep 29, Oct 27, Nov 24 & Dec 29
2009
Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 23, Apr 27, May 25, Jun 22, Jul 20, Aug 24 & Sep 21
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|
Prices (2008) |
Valid
from 1st May to 30th Sep '08
|
Double
Occupancy
2 Paying Pax |
Single
Room Supplement |
Option
1 - SPECIAL |
US
$ 3100 • CA $ 3100 |
US
$ 1150• CA $ 1150 |
Option 2 |
US
$ 3775 • CA $ 3775 |
US
$ 1325 • CA $ 1325 |
Valid
from 1st Oct '08 to 30th Apr '09
|
Double
Occupancy
2 Paying Pax |
Single
Room Supplement |
Option
1 |
US
$ 3850 • CA $ 3850 |
US
$ 1275 • CA $ 1275 |
Option 2 |
US
$ 4750 • CA $ 4750 |
US
$ 1525 • CA $ 1525 |
Valid
from 1st May '09 to 30th Sep '09
|
Double
Occupancy
2 Paying Pax |
Single
Room Supplement |
Option
1 |
US
$ 3450 • CA $ 3450 |
US
$ 1050 • CA $ 1050 |
Option 2 |
US
$ 3775 • CA $ 3775 |
US
$ 1325 • CA $ 1325 |
•
Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
• Meals as
mentioned (B=breakfast, D=dinner)
• Domestic & Regional airfare: Khajuraho / Varanasi / Kathmandu
• Train fare Agra/Jhansi sector
• Entrance Fees to museums and other sites
• Local English speaking guides at each destination
• All transfers
and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Road taxes, parking fees
• Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Personal Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price
|
|
|
City
|
Option
1
|
Option
2
|
Delhi
(2 Nights)
|
Jaypee
Siddharth – 5 Star
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Palace – 5 Star Deluxe
(Deluxe Room) |
Sariska
( 1 Night)
|
Sariska
Palace – Heritage
(Standard Room) |
Sariska
Palace – Heritage
(Standard Room) |
Jaipur
(2 Nights)
|
Trident
Hilton -5 Star
(Garden View Room) |
Jai
Mahal Palace -5 Star Deluxe
(Luxury Room) |
Agra
(2 Nights)
|
Jaypee
Palace-5 Star Deluxe
(Standard Room) |
Taj
View Agra -5 Star
(Superior Taj View) |
Khajuraho
(2 Nights)
|
Jass
Radisson – 5 Star
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Chandela – 5 Star Deluxe |
Varanasi
(1 Night)
|
Ramada
Plaza – 5 Star
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Ganges – 5 Star Deluxe |
Kathmandu
(3 Nights)
|
Soaltee
Crown Plaza – 5 Star
(Standard Room) |
Soaltee
Crown Plaza – 5 Star
(Standard Room) |
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1250 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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