Luxury India Nepal Bhutan Tour

Traditional warm welcome awaits you at the time of arrival. Representative of Optima Travels will receive you at the airport and escort to the hotel to ensure smooth check in.

After breakfast, the leisurely sightseeing tour of Delhi will commence. Accompanied by professional and knowledgeable guide, you will be exploring Lodhi Garden and monuments within its periphery. Humayun’s Tomb, first mature Mughal monument, will be seen next. The compound comprises several tombs of Afghan era and watching the distinctiveness in the architectural styles. Late afternoon, visit Akshardham Temple, a Nagara architecture style religious monument. Viewing Akshardham is a feast to the eyes. It will be a mesmerizing experience to watch light & sound spiritual fountain show. Later in the evening, return to hotel to spend time in leisure and have overnight stay.

In the morning, board flight for Chennai. On arrival at Chennai, you will be received and directly driven to ancient port city of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram). Upon reaching here, you will be transferred to the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay there.

After breakfast, accompanied by the guide, visit famous monuments of Mahabalipuram. Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Rathas & Mahishasur Mardini Cave are prominent tourist attractions. After sightseeing, enjoy sea beach, spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Mahabalipuram hotel.

Having breakfast in Kanchipuram hotel, depart for Kanchipuram. After one-and-a- half hour drive, reach Kanchipuram to be joined by a guide. In knowledgeable company of the guide, explore Kanchipuram and see its grand & beautiful temples. In some of the temples, entry to the sanctum sanctorum is prohibited for non- Hindus. Among the famous temples are Ekambareshwar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailashnathar Temple & Varadraja Temple. In addition to visiting temples and walking through narrow alleys, you can see silk sarees called Kanjivaram. Late afternoon, depart for Chennai. In one-and-a- half hour, reach Chennai to be transferred to the airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Mumbai hotel. Rest of the day is free to indulge in luxury and leisure in Mumbai hotel. Overnight stay is scheduled in Mumbai hotel.

After delicious breakfast, Mumbai tour will commence and your guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel to take you for guided sightseeing tour which will primarily include Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden (see on the way from a distance), Dhobi Ghat (stop to have photographs), High Court building (seen on the way from a distance), Marine Drive, Mani Bhawan & Victoria Terminus. Late afternoon, return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast commence Mumbai tour. The Mumbai tour guide will meet you in hotel lobby and take you for guided sightseeing tour which will primarily include Elephanta cave temples (one has to reach there through sea route by a large boat/ steamer/ ship). Elephanta is also known as Ghara Puri in local parlance. After returning from Elephanta, you will be watching Gateway of India. Thereafter, late afternoon, you will be transferred to Mumbai hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

As per your flight schedule, you will be picked from the hotel and transferred to Mumbai airport to board flight for Aurangabad, the base town from where Ajanta and Ellora are easily approachable. On arrival at Aurangabad, you will be received and transferred to the hotel to check in, relax leisurely and have overnight stay therein.

After breakfast in Aurangabad hotel, you will be met by Ajanta tour guide at the lobby. Along with him, you will proceed for Ajanta. Ajanta cave temples are about 100 kms from Aurangabad. It takes about 2 hrs to reach Ajanta. Ajanta Caves are world heritage Buddhist chapels of immense historical and architectural importance. They describe the story of Lord Buddha and Buddhism religion that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Not less than 30 in number, these caves used to make the lodging of followers and students of Buddhism. During the time of their stay, they adorned the caves with their outstanding architectural skills and artistic paintings. After visiting Ajanta caves, return to Aurangabad to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in the hotel.

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast, accompanied by Ellora tour guide, proceed for Ellora. Ellora cave temples are about 45 kms from Aurangabad. It takes about 1 hr to reach Ajanta. The Ellora cave temples are regarded as the World heritage sites of India. A cluster of 34 monasteries and temples, dating back to 600 AD, Ellora caves are situated about 45 kms from Aurangabad. It can be easily reached from the nearby major towns. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism. The cave temples here have some superior carvings on the stone depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. After visiting Ellora caves, return to Aurangabad to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in the hotel.

Today, you will be proceeding for Gujarat, a west Indian state. As per your flight schedule, you will be picked from the hotel and transferred to Aurangabad airport to board flight for Ahmedabad, the base town from where Modhera is easily approachable. On arrival at Ahmedabad, one of prominent cities of Gujarat, you will be received and transferred to the hotel to check in, relax leisurely and have overnight stay therein.

After breakfast, on a guided tour, proceed for visiting Adlaj Vav, an ancient water storage system. There after move for Modhera, a village about two hours drive away from Ahmedabad. Modhera is famous for its ancient sun temple. If you don’t wish to go to Modhera and willing to see monuments in Ahmedabad only, then you will be shown Sabarmati Ashram and Shaking Minaret as well. By late afternoon, return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Udaipur straightaway by car. On arrival at Udaipur, you will be greeted our representative. You will be transferred to Udaipur hotel. Our representative will ensure smooth check in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay in Udaipur hotel.

After breakfast, drive for Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh is 2 hrs drive away from Udaipur. Chittorgarh has a long and glorious history of victories and defeats. Originally the capital of the Rajput Mewar dynasty, Chittorgarh was sacked by barbaric Muslim invaders three times. Later, Udai Singh moved the capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, where the royal family still lives. It takes about half a day to see everything in Chittorgah Fort Palace complex. There are seven pols (gates). The first is Padan Pol. Located at the second gate are the chhatris. Rama Pol is the final gate that leads into the fort. There is Shingara Chauri Mandir, a 15th century Jain temple dedicated to the 16th tirthankara, Shantinath. See Rana Kumbha Palace, now only a Siva temple and the stables remain. In the Fateh Prakash Palace (built in the 1920s) is the Government Museum, which has a collection of statues and weapons. Near the palace is the artistic Meera Mandir. Also nearby is the lofty Kumbha Shyam Mandir with its deity of Varaha (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu) in the inner sanctum. Jaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) & Kirti Stambha are considered to be the highlights of the fort. Late afternoon, return from Chittorgarh to spend the rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

Have breakfast at the hotel and then embark on Udaipur city tour. Visit the City Palace Complex, the Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari and other picturesque spots of tourist interests. The main architectural attraction of Udaipur is City Palace. After relaxing for some time, the Udaipur tour guide will take you for leisurely and relaxed sightseeing (Lake Palace/ Jag Niwas Palace) while having boat ride in Lake Pichola. Late afternoon, return to hotel to spend the rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast in Udaipur hotel, proceed for Jodhpur. On the way to Jodhpur, you will be taken to Ranakpur, a renowned Jain pilgrimage. Ranakpur is famous for its Jain temple. Visit Ranakpur temple, located in pleasant idyllic set up. After temple visit, proceed for Jodhpur. Jodhpur was the capital of Marwar region of Rajasthan. Rathore clan of Rajput founded Jodhpur, on the edge of Thar desert, and ruled here. Fascinating lifestyle, enchantingly unique culture, brightly colorful attires of people, beautiful temples, gargantuan forts and graceful palaces charmingly attract tourists from across the globe. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.

Having enjoyed scrumptious breakfast, proceed for visiting famous monuments of Jodhpur along with tour guide. Visit the mammoth Mehrangarh Fort and explore beautiful palaces and temples within the fort complex. Also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum & the Jaswant Thada. After sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, return to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast in Jodhpur hotel, depart for the desert city of Jaisalmer - the land of golden sand-dunes. About 5 hours long car drive passes through beautiful desert landscape. On arrival at Jaisalmer, you will be directly taken to pre-booked tented accommodation. Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan, is famous for its sand dunes, molten red sunset view, Sonar Qila (Jaisalmer Fort), havelis and desert safaris on camel. Spend the rest of day in leisure and have overnight stay in Jaisalmer accommodation.

After breakfast, along with Jaisalmer tour guide, proceed for sightseeing. Chivalry of Bhatti Rajputs, Sonar Qila (Golden Fort), uniquely designed and sculptured havelis (mansions of erstwhile nobles), desert lifestyle, intricately carved Hindu and Jain temples, camel safaris, artisans villages, bustling and colorful market, traditionally attired people, folk dance and music etc. are major attention grabbers. Along with tour guide, visit Golden Fort of Jaisalmer. After exploring Jaisalmer Fort, you will be taken on to visit majestic havelis (mansions) which are disparate in their genre of architecture, embellishment and intricate carvings. Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli are the most famous and oft-visited mansions. After sightseeing, return to Jaisalmer tent to spend evening in leisure and have over night stay.

As per the flight schedule, you will be picked up from the tented accommodation and transferred to Jaisalmer airport to board flight for Jaipur. Jaipur, aptly called Pink City, is capital of Rajasthan. It’s one of the three destinations of Golden Triangle India. First planned city of medieval India, Jaipur is a unique amalgam of glorious heritage, modern infrastructure, colorful bazaars, graceful temples, great monuments, exuberant culture and unmatched hospitality. On arrival at Jaipur, Optima Travels’ representative will receive you and transfer you to Jaipur hotel. Our representative will ensure smooth check in at the pre-booked Jaipur hotel. Have relaxed overnight stay in Jaipur hotel.

After breakfast, you will be taken on a guided tour. 1st day Jaipur tour includes visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar (stone built ancient solar observatory), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and Govind Dev Ji Temple. First you will be visiting cluster of three monuments City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

These monuments are right in the midst of the city and surrounded by centuries old market. Hereinafter, explore the market. Thereafter, you will be taken in late evening to attend the evening worship ceremony of Govind Dev Ji Temple. Aarti or deity worship ceremony in Govind Dev Ji Temple is magnanimous. In India different forms are worships are done. The worship in Govind Dev Ji Temple is called ‘Kirtan’which sways people/ devotees. It will be a mesmerizing experience. After visiting famous monuments of Jaipur, return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

The 2nd day guided sightseeing of Jaipur will include visit to two prominent forts – Amber Fort & Jaigarh Fort and Central Museum (Albert Hall). Amber Fort will be the first halt. Reaching to the main gate at the top of the hill by riding on an elephant is a major tourist attraction. After visiting Amber Fort along with Jaipur tour guide, move for visiting Jaigarh Fort which is still in possession of the Jaipur royal family. It’s home to world’s largest canon, weapons museum, water harvesting system linked with wide water channels etc are major attractions of Jaigarh Fort. After visiting these monuments, return to Jaipur city to proceed to visit Albert Hall Museum. After visiting these monuments, you will be transferred to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Have breakfast, refresh and move for Ranthambhore National Park in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. Late afternoon, arrive at Ranthambhore National Park. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is home to over 40 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, over 35 species of reptiles and over 300 species of plants. Ranthambhore wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time. Check in at the hotel with welcome drink in honor. Spend the rest of day in leisure and have overnight stay in Ranthambhore hotel.

Every day two game drives by jeep will be conducted. You will be accompanied by a naturalist too. Each of these jungle safaris are of 4 hours- in the morning (7 am – 11 am) & in the afternoon (2 pm – 6 pm). Spend the rest of day in leisure and have overnight stay in Ranthambhore hotel.

On the way to Agra, find Fatehpur Sikri, a planned township that never got inhabited to its full capacity due to paucity of water. The medieval era buildings, mostly tombs, mosque and palaces; are still in very good preserved condition. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Agra, erstwhile capital of Lodhi & Mughal dynasties. The earliest reference to Agra is in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata. It was then called as ‘Agravana’. It was Ptolemy who first called it by its modern name. On arrival at Agra, you will be received and transferred to Agra hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

The most coveted time to behold the Taj Mahal, the ‘Epitome of Love’, is sunrise when the white-marble monument looks awe-inspiringly beautiful. Accompanied by a guide, you will be taken to Taj Mahal at that time. You will be taken to Taj Mahal in a tastefully decorated ‘tonga’- a horse carriage. It will be an altogether different experience. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal, then come back to hotel for breakfast. Relax, refresh and move on to visit Agra Fort. After sightseeing of famous monuments of Agra, return to hotel for leisure and overnight stay.

After breakfast in Agra hotel, depart for Gwalior. On arrival at Gwalior, check in at the hotel. Having relaxed for a while, move on a guided exploration of various royal and religious buildings within Gwalior Fort. Among the famous attractions are Saas Bahu Temples, Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Gujari Mahal etc. After visiting major attractions, return to hotel. At 08:30 PM, Sound & Light Show in English language takes place in the fort. Accordingly, come out at the site of the show. Overnight stay is scheduled in Gwalior hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Khajuraho. Mid-way, stop at Orchha, home to ancient Fort & Palace Complex. Visit famous monuments of Orchha, along with tour guide. After visiting Orchha, have lunch in a nice restaurant and move for Khajuraho. On arrival at Khajuraho, you will be transferred to the hotel. Getting relaxed a bit, along with guide, proceed to visit cultural show / sound & light show. If your Khajuraho travel dates coincide with weeklong Khajuraho Dance Festival, you will be taken to visit the same. After enjoying the cultural evening, return to hotel to spend time in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of world famous western group of temples of Khajuraho. Visit magnificent temples, see museum and explore the small town of Khajuraho. Built between 9th to 10th centuries, Khajuraho temples are masterpiece of Nagara style of temple architecture. Erotic sculptures and motifs make them famous as ‘Kamsutra Temples’. Among surviving 24 temples, Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the biggest, most beautiful and true representative of Khajuraho temple architecture. After sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, depart for Panna Tiger Reserve to check in at jungle resort return to spend time in leisure and have overnight stay.

Panna Tiger Reserve, along with Bandhavgarh National Park, has been famous worldwide for white tigers. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the forest while relishing the luxury amidst flora & fauna. Morning & evening safaris will be conducted. The jungle exploration will be in a jeep. Rest of the day is meant for leisure. Overnight stay will be in Panna hotel.

You will be transferred to Khajuraho airport to board flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to the hotel to spend day in leisure and have overnight stay.

In time, you will be transferred to New Delhi airport to board flight for Amritsar, the pilgrimage of Sikh people. On arrival at Amritsar, you will be received and transferred to the pre-booked hotel.

Have breakfast in Amritsar hotel and proceed for visiting Golden Temple. The most sacred temple of the Sikh people, Golden triangle was built by fourth Guru Ramdas Ji in1579 and was gold plated by Punjab ruler Ranjeet Singh in 1803 AD. It’s fascinating to attend ‘langar’, the free kitchen. After visiting Golden Temple, return to hotel to have lunch and relax.

Late afternoon, you will be driven to Wagha Border, famous for ‘Retreat Ceremony’ of India & Pakistan. The highly charged environment can be felt only by being present on the spot. To enjoy a close look of the border you can be a part of the Nationalistically surcharged and frenzied atmosphere at Wagah, with people from both the sides of the border shouting slogans to bolster the morale of their respective country's army personnel. After watching Wagha Border and Retreat Ceremony, return to Amritsar hotel for overnight stay.

You will be transferred to Amritsar airport to board flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to Delhi hotel to spend day in leisure and have overnight stay.

Exploration of Delhi will be done in leisurely and thorough manner. Guided sightseeing will encompass most enchanting monuments. It comprises Red Fort, Jama Mosque, Chandani Chowk on manual rickshaw, Raj Ghat & India Gate. After sightseeing of old Delhi, return to hotel to spend rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

After enjoying delicious breakfast in New Delhi hotel, move on a guided tour of Delhi that includes two famous monuments – Lotus Temple & Qutub Minar. Lotus Temple, a prayer and meditation centre, is a modern age monument, belonging to Bahai faith. The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Qutub Minar, world’s largest stone-built minaret, is one of the earliest Islamic monuments in India. After visiting famous monuments of Delhi, return to hotel for overnight stay.

As per the flight schedule, you will be transferred to New Delhi airport to board Kathmandu- bound flight. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by our representative to take you to the Kathmandu hotel. During the course of driving to the hotel, our representative will delineate finer details of the contours of the tour schedule. Spend the rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

Early in the morning you will be taken on a Mount Everest flight. Thereafter, today, you will be taken on tour of the Swayambhunath Stupa, at the top of which has two giant Buddha eyes and eyebrows painted on. Later visit the Kathmandu's Kastamandap Durbar Square, a complex of ancient palaces. In the early 1970's, it was the center for hippies. You will also find a wonderful museum there. Thereafter, along with tour guide proceed to visit three prime attractions of Kathmandu- Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. There are many Buddhists and Tibetan resident in the surrounding area. Later in the evening, return to Kathmandu hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, move on for guided tour of Bhaktpur & Patan. First visit Patan, known for Ashokan age stupa, Durbar Square, temples, palaces, ancient houses and old alleyways etc. After visiting Patan, proceed to Bhaktapur. The sightseeing includes Durbar Square, Nyatapol Temple, Changunarayan Temple and Malla Palace. Post sightseeing, return to hotel for overnight stay.

In time, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board flight for Paro (Bhutan). On arrival at Paro, you will be received and transferred to Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. While driving towars Thimpu, you will have a halt at Chuzom, the confluence point of two holy rivers of Bhutan- River Thimphu & River Paro. Chuzom’s importance on Bhutanese religious landscape can be understood by the existence of Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese styles of stupas. Nearby Chozom is 15th century Tschogang Lhakhang, a private temple of horse representing Chenrezig (the compassionate Buddha).

On arrival at Thimphu, check in at the hotel to spend rest of the day in leisure and overnight stay.

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast, proceed on for leisure but extensive sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Among the prime attractions to be visited are Trashichhoedzong, Changangkha Lhakhang and King’s Memorial Chorten. Trashichhoedzong, summer residence of Chief Abbot and central Buddhist monk body, is a fortress com monastery, housing various government offices as well. Built in 12th century and offering magnificent view of Thimphu valley, Changangkha Lhakhang is a grand fortress temple housing 11 headed statue of Chenrezig. King’s Memorial Chorten , a relatively modern era monument, is dedicated to world peace and prosperity. On the way to Chorten, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. In addition to it, you can visit National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) & Textile Museum.

Later, return to hotel to spend time in leisure and have overnight stay in hote.

After enjoying scrumptious breakfast in Thimphu hotel, drive for Punakha, a highly visited tourist destination of Bhutan. Punakha since long past has been old winter capital of the Himalayan State. On the way to Punakha, stop at the lofty Dochu La Pass. Continue the drive. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel to spend rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

Leisurely sightseeing of Punakha will start after breakfast. It will comprise of visits to Chimi Lhakhang & Pungthang Dechen Phodrang. Continue your day with a hike to the Chimi Lhakhang – the temple of Divine Madman which was built by lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. It’s a 20-minute walk through the rice fields. Thereafter, visit Punakha Dzong or Pungthang Dechen Phodrang "Palace of Great Happiness," the winter residence for chief abbot (Je-khenpo), was built in 1637 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is one exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Later, return to hotel to indulge in leisure activities of your choice and have overnight stay.

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast in Punakha hotel, travel back to Paro today via the scenic Doch La Pass offering enchanting view of Himalayan peaks. On arrival at Paro, check in at the hotel to relax. You can either stay put in the hotel or may proceed for local sightseeing that includes National Museum, Dungtse Lhakang, Kichu Lhakang. Spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast proceed on to trek to Taktshang Pelphung Monastery or Tiger's Nest Monastery. Next monument to be visited is Chorten (stupa). Later, return to hotel to enjoy scenic view and salubrious environment.

You will be transferred to Paro airport to board flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to the hotel to spend day in leisure and have overnight stay.

You will be transferred in time to board flight for New Delhi to board flight for your onward destination.