Day 1 – Namaste India!
After your international flight, you’ll arrive in the heart of India – Delhi. Touching down amidst the commotion of India’s capital city can be something of a culture shock, so this trip is designed to give you a softer landing. You’ll spend just one night in a comfortable, well-located Delhi hotel before beginning your journey …
Day 2 – To the Pink City of Jaipur
Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so early this morning you’ll be driven to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Jaipur is also known as the ‘pink city’ because many of the buildings are painted in pink-orange tones. It’s a jumble of colours, camel carts, elephants, beggars, rickshaws, temples, forts and palaces. You’ll stay in a friendly, family-run hotel with lots of character and Rajasthani style. Enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool.
Day 3 – Explore Jaipur
Today you’ll take a private guided tour of this remarkable city, visiting the City Palace, the Observatory and the fairy-tale Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal). You will also visit Amber Fort. This ancient citadel made of red sandstone and white marble is perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rocky hills around Jaipur. One of the fort’s highlights is the mirror palace, covered with an intricate mosaic made up of thousands of tiny mirrors.
Tiger spotting opportunity
Would you like the opportunity to spot tigers in the wild? We can add a two night visit to India’s famous Ranthambore National Park here – between Jaipur and Agra. Ranthambore is one of the most scenic national parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in the wild. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel just outside the park, and we’ll include two jeep safaris. Ask your Travel Specialist to include Ranthambore in your travel plan.
Day 4 – Travel to Agra
Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way there are a few interesting sights to stop and visit. The monkey temple at Galta is a pilgrimage site that attracts flocks of brightly-robed devotees every day. People bathe and sing on the steps of the ghats that lead down into the pools. You can also make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri – a former Mughal capital, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Agra you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cosy homestay which is your base for the next two nights. We’ve found a handful of wonderful, small, family owned homestays that are less than 10 minutes stroll from the Taj Mahal. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and the gardens are just the spot to relax.
Day 5 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The iconic Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan out of love for his deceased wife. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited places in India, so we recommend to get up extra early so that you’re at the Taj Mahal before the tourist crowds. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away.
After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, you’ll spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a local guide. You’ll visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mughal forts in the country. You’ll also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a.k.a the Baby Taj, and the gardens of Mehtab Bagh. From here you’ll catch a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal across the river, especially at sunset when the marble glows softly in the fading light.
Day 6 – Take the train to Orchha & explore the riverside ruins
A trip to India isn’t complete without a train journey! And to get to Orchha – your next destination – you’ll take the train to Jhansi, which is a journey of 3 – 4 hours through a rural landscape. Then finish the journey by car. Orchha is a small, relaxed town, set on the banks of the beautiful Betwa River. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Orchha was the capital of the Bundela dynasty, and it is bursting with grand palaces and intricately carved temples that were built at that time. It’s easy to Orchha independently. Take a walk down to the towering stone chhatris that line the banks of the river – they look particularly magical at sunset. Cross the little stone bridge for views back across the water, and take your time exploring the cluster of 17th-century palaces, each in its own crumbling but atmospheric state.
Day 7 – Discover the Khajuraho temples
After breakfast you’ll depart Orchha heading to Khajuraho – a small, relaxed town famous for its collection of UNESCO-listed temples which you will visit this afternoon with a local guide. The temples were built between the 9th and 12 centuries and are incredibly well preserved. Intricate carvings cover the temple walls – including scenes from the Karma Sutra. The most impressive and largest temple is the Kandariya Mahadev, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Day 8 – Take the train to Varanasi
Today is a full day of travel and you’ll make an early start for the journey to Varanasi. You’ll be transferred to the station at Satna (3 hour drive), where you’ll catch the train, arriving about 8 hours later in Varanasi. You should arrive just after 4pm. You’ll be collected at the station and transferred straight to your hotel. Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It’s an overwhelming yet beautiful jumble. A city of constant chaos, colour and wandering cows that can be a shock to the senses. Get ready to be knocked off your feet…
Day 9 – Sacred city on the Ganges
At dawn, you’ll set off on an atmospheric boat trip down the Ganges. You’ll see ritual bathing in the sacred waters, hear the soft chants of pilgrims and watch the sun rising over the riverside temples. The Ganges is flanked by a series of Ghats – broad stone staircases leading down to the water – that stretch for miles and provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Varanasi.
Following your boat ride, you’ll head off on a short guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old town, with shrines, markets and chai stalls. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Next to the cremation Ghats, you’ll find kids playing cricket, holy men smoking, cows nosing through piles of rubbish and women beating laundry on the rocks. In the evening – if you wish – you can join the prayer ceremony on the main Ghat. As the priests chant and wave lamps of fire, hundreds of flower candles drift onto the river, creating a magical and unforgettable sight.
Day 10 – Over the border into Nepal
Today is a long day of travel – around 10 hours – as you journey overland from India into Nepal. Leaving Varanasi, you’ll pass through rural landscapes dotted with small villages, where life unfolds in the fields as farmers tend to their crops. You’ll also pass Sarnath, the sacred site where Buddha first gave his teachings. Continuing towards the border town of Sunauli, around 100 miles away, the scenery gradually becomes greener and more lush, with colourfully decorated trucks sharing the road.
After crossing into Nepal, you’ll continue on to the historic holy centre of Lumbini, a further short drive of around 30 minutes. You’ll spend the night here in a comfortable, rustic-style hotel surrounded by mango and palm trees.
Day 11 – Explore Lumbini and continue to Chitwan National Park
The next morning, you’ll explore Lumbini. This peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ancient ruins and the revered Maya Devi Temple, believed to mark the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. While the site is understated in appearance, its spiritual significance is profound, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Since the late 1970s, different Buddhist communities from across the world have built their own temples here. As you wander through the monastery zone, it’s incredibly interesting to see how each nation interprets the Buddhist teachings. After an hour or two, you’ll leave Lumbini behind and continue by private car to Chitwan National Park.
Located in the Terai – the subtropical lowlands of Nepal – Chitwan is home to several deer species, mugger crocodiles, wild elephants and over 500 species of bird. It is also one of the best places to spot the elusive Asian rhino in the wild. You’ll stay in a lodge on the edge of the park, run in collaboration with the local Tharu population. When you arrive, we’ll arrange an orientation walk through Tharu farmland and tall elephant grass. Meet a local family for tea, enjoy sunset views over the jungle, and return to the lodge for dinner. In the evening, there’s a Tharu cultural performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 12 – Wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is incredible at dawn when the early morning light sweeps across the plains and shimmers on the rivers. At sunrise, you’ll set off on a canoe trip and guided walk through the jungle, gliding down the Rapti river in a wooden canoe. With any luck, you’ll see crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore as the sun rises. Back on dry land you’ll begin a jungle walk, hiking along narrow paths through the forest and crossing plains carpeted in tall grass. Be sure to listen for rustling in the leaves – you never know when a rhino might appear!
Day 13 – Travel to Kathmandu
This morning you’ll leave the lowlands behind and travel east to Nepal’s lively capital city: Kathmandu (a drive of approx 6 hours). This is the last stop on your journey and we’ve selected a small scale property with a warm welcome and an authentic local vibe for the next three nights. Once you’ve settled in, head out for a stroll to get your first feel for the city and find somewhere to eat. We would recommend one of the many rooftop restaurants in Thamel.
Day 14 – Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Today, you’ll explore Kathmandu with a local guide. First stopping at Swayambunath, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Kathmandu Valley. At the foot of a long stairway into the valley, you’ll the famous stupa painted with the eyes of Buddha, covered in rainbow prayer flags and curious monkeys. Next, you’ll continue to Bouddhanath temple, one of the largest stupas in the world, perched in the heart of ‘Little Tibet’. After lunch, you’ll head for Pashupatinath, the most sacred site in the city. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple complex, however if you cross the Bagmati River and take a seat on the stairs, you’ll have an extraordinary view of the ghats, as well as the ritual bathing and cremation pyres. The final stop is Durbar Square. Nestled in the thick of downtown Kathmandu, it’s crammed with temples and ancient palaces just waiting to be explored.
Day 15 – Discover Bhaktapur & Patan with a local guide
Today, you’ll visit the Kathmandu Valley with your guide and driver. First, you’ll set off for Bhaktapur, a medieval city that feels like one large open air museum. As large parts of Bhaktapur are pedestrian only, you can wander between the temples in peace. By late morning you’ll arrive in Patan, where you can grab lunch. Patan is known for its many ancient squares, where rice is laid out to dry and children run around with rustling paper kites. Seemingly untouched by time, it’s like stepping into a medieval time-warp. In the late afternoon return to Kathmandu.
Day 16 – Depart Kathmandu
Your epic India and Nepal trip has come to an end. There’s time for last minute souvenir shopping before transferring to the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
