North India with Nepal Heritage Tour

Most of the international flights land in New Delhi international airport late in the night or way too early in the morning. On arrival at New Delhi airport, representative of Optima Travels will accost you traditionally warm Indian Welcome. Thereafter, you will be taken to the pre-booked hotel to have nap and rest.

After breakfast, you will be taken on a guided sightseeing tour of Delhi. The full day Delhi city tour includes Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk (old Delhi); Akshardham Temple, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Parliament house, India Gate & President House. Depending upon your choice, Humayun’s Tomb can be substituted by Lotus Temple. Also, you must note that Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple & Red Fort are closed for visitors on Monday. During the course of sightseeing of Old Delhi, you will be enjoying man-pulled rickshaw ride in 400 years old Chandni Chowk under the guidance of Delhi tour guide. It will reveal before you evolutionary stages of Delhi’s transformation into a modern cosmopolitan city. Return to hotel for overnight stay in Delhi.

Early in the morning, in-time, you will be transferred to New Delhi International airport to board flight for Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, the only Hindu country in the world. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be received by our representative and taken to Kathmandu hotel. For smooth and speedy check in, our representative will assist you. Relax for a while and then proceed to visit historical and religious monuments of Kathmandu with Kathmandu tour guide, waiting for you in the hotel lobby. Pashupatinath, Sayambhunath and Boudhnath are prime tourist attractions.

Pashupatinath is one of the most revered shrines for the Hindus across the globe. Only Hindus are allowed to enter its premises, offer prayers and perform traditional rituals. Non-Hindus can observe the religious performances from across the eastern bank of Bagmati river. Other than Hinduism, Buddhism is the most practiced faith in Nepal. Swayambhunath is a Buddhist shrine, situated on the top of a hill west of Kathmandu. Due to large number of monkey in and around temple, Swayambhunath is also known among the foreign tourists as ‘monkey temple’. World’s biggest stupa of Boudhnath is an ancient & colossal Buddhist shrine, situated amidst the premises of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is located 8 kms east of Kathmandu. Spend the evening in leisure and return to Kathmandu hotel for overnight stay.

Guided sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur & Patan will commence soon after the breakfast. Patan, heavily laden with Buddhist legacy, is known for ancient architectural monuments like Durbar Square (an example of Newari architecture), Golden Temple and Kumbeshwar Temple (built in 1392). Natural beauty, historical monuments and intricate crafts are hallmarks of Bhaktapur, also called ‘Bhadgaon or Khwopa. Having seen Patan and Bhaktpur, return to Kathmandu. In the evening, attend cultural show and later return to Kathmandu hotel for overnight stay.

Any visitor who tours India, two destinations remain on top of the must see list. These destinations are Varanasi and Agra. After a delightful morning breakfast drive for Tribhuvan airport of Kathmandu to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, our representative will meet and give transfer to Varanasi hotel.

Thereafter, drive to Godaulia to lead to the ghats of Varanasi to watch the spectacle of mesmerizing worship ceremony of the Ganges. Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi is where Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony) is performed every evening. Enjoy the serenity, religiousness and all pervading spiritual atmosphere. After visiting Sarnath and enjoying Ganges Worship Ceremony, you will be taken to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

After early morning breakfast, proceed on ghats & temples tour of Varanasi. The Varanasi tour guide will receive you in hotel lobby and take you to the ghats of Varanasi. A morning boat ride in river Ganges along the ghats will help you understand and feel the importance of the Ganges for a Hindu. You will be a witness to various traditional religious practices and rituals, being performed as part of daily routine by the Hindus. Many facets of Hindu religion and way of life will unfold before you. The 7 kms arc that emerges out of more than 100 ghats on the western side of the Ganges, proffers an amazing view of enchanting sunrise and morning of Kashi (City of Lights- as Varanasi is called).

After morning boat ride in the Ganges, return to Varanasi hotel to refresh, relax and have breakfast. Having relaxed a bit, proceed on for Sarnath. Sarnath, about 13 kms from Varanasi city, has been a major centre of Buddhist learning, philosophy and religion. Lord Buddha, after attaining Supreme Knowledge at Bodh Gaya, delivered his first sermon in Sarnath. Owing to this, Sarnath is one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimages. There was a huge monastery in Sarnath but that had been razed by intolerant Muslim invaders. The debris and a large stupa have been preserved here by Archaeological Department of India. There is a nice museum having the finely sculptured statues. Sarnath is credited with one of the Asokan Pillars as well. Sarnath's destruction and degradation was complete and remained so until the mid nineteenth century, when excavation was begun and continued, under the impetus of Lord Curzon, in the twentieth century.

After visiting Buddhist monastery and museum, drive to a nearby Tibetan Buddhist temple. Enjoy colourful monastery of Tibetan Buddhists. Hereinafter, return to city of Varanasi to have lunch in a nice restaurant of Varanasi. Now, after Sarnath tour, you will be taken on Varanasi temple tour. Varanasi is famous for its narrow alleys. Roaming through these alleys offers a distinctly unforgettable lifetime experience of exotic India. In order to visit Kashi Vishwanath temple, you will have to pass through these narrow lanes. The Golden Vishwanath Temple is the most sacred temple in Varanasi and every Hindu pilgrim visits it. Visiting the temple will unfold many aspects of spiritual and religious India. There are many other temples of significance in Varanasi like Vishwanath Temple in Benares Hindu University, Sankat Mochan Temple and Bharat Mata Temple. Bharat Mata temple is unique in the sense that it embodies undivided cultural India. Having seen major tourist attractions of Varanasi, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, reach Khajuraho by air from Varanasi. Upon Khajuraho arrival, our representative will meet you and give transfer to hotel. Check in at Khajuraho hotel, refresh yourself and visit the western group of Khajuraho temples-probably one of the best examples of Indian art and architecture. After getting refreshed and relaxed a bit in Khajuraho hotel, proceed on for visiting western group of Khajuraho temples. Watch and appreciate the expertise of Indian sculptors and their imagination. Later in the evening, attend ‘cultural show’ in Khajuraho temples complex. After enjoying sightseeing of Khajuraho temples and watching cultural show in Khajuraho, return to Khajuraho hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Jhansi, where you will board train for Agra. En route, about 13 kms prior to Jhansi, visit Orchha in Uttar Pradesh, India. Do visit the Orchha Fort complex that comprises several architectural and sculptural gems like Raja Ram Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Jehangir Palace, Raj Palace and Rani Praveen Palace.

Have lunch in a nice restaurant on the banks of river Betwa in Orchha and move for Jhansi to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra, you will be received by our representative and taken to the pre-booked hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

Today, on North India Nepal Heritage Tour, we explore Agra- the seat of Taj Mahal and the city of love. There, your Agra tour guide will meet you and take you for a tour of the monuments of love- Taj Mahal and Baby Taj (Tomb of It-Mad-ud-Daula). Taj Mahal looks very beautiful at the time of sunrise. At the time of sunrise, the Agra tour guide, appointed by Optima Travels, will meet you in lobby of Agra hotel. You will be taken to the Taj Mahal on 'tonga' (horse carriage), imparting you exotic feel of medieval era India. This will be an exotic India experience for you. Taj Mahal, the star attraction of India as well as Agra, was built by Shahjahan in white marble of Makrana in fond memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. Post lunch, drive to visit impressive Agra Fort. The Agra Fort is home to elaborate palaces built in Indo Islamic architectural pattern. After Agra city tour, proceed on for exploring local market of Agra. Stop at Shoppers' Paradise- a flagship government recognized store of Agra which offers excellent range of fashion wear, exotic wooden articles and exclusive white marble handicraft products. Overnight stay is scheduled in Agra hotel.

Today, on North India Nepal Heritage Tour, proceed for Jaipur, the Pink City, after having delicious breakfast in the morning in Agra hotel. En route, 35 kms from Agra, have a stop- over to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar had shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri but, due to paucity of water, Akbar had to relocate the capital back to Agra. But, the palatial monuments built by Akbar are well preserved and are termed as treat to eyes. Visit Panch Mahal, Jodhabai Palace, Buland Darwaja, Shrine of Salim Chishti and Jama Masjid.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, drive for Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the designated hotel. After lunch and rest, proceed for visiting Albert Hall Museum and Birla Temple. After visiting Birla Temple in Jaipur, move for enjoying the cultural shades of Rajasthan in an ethnic village resort, named Chokhi Dhani. Return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

After enjoying delicious breakfast in Jaipur hotel, drive for Amber Fort, the star attraction of Jaipur. Amber is 13 kms from Jaipur city and is renowned for its gargantuan Amber Fort, a specimen of Rajput and Mughal architecture. At Amber Fort have a ride on caparisoned elephant which takes you from foothill to the gate of Amber Fort at the hilltop. Thereafter, visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) a spectator's d elight with its multiple Jharokhas (screens), the colorful walled pink city, the nostalgic City Palace with its wide avenues and colorful verandas and Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) with its mind-blowing sundials and astronomical instruments.

After sightseeing tour of Jaipur, explore bustling market of Jaipur that is famous for its jewallery, handicraft products, 'durries' and carpets. Return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Post breakfast, drive for Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan. En route, have a stop-over in Pushkar, a prominent pilgrimage of Hindus and world renowned tourist destination of Rajasthan. Pushkar is famous for world's sole Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, its ghats, religious Hindu rituals and Pushkar Camel Fair, in case you are during those days travelling through Pushkar. Visit these prime attractions of Pushkar, have lunch at lake-side restaurant and proceed for Jodhpur. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be received by our representative and taken to the designated hotel for smooth check in. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities and overnight stay has been planned in Jodhpur hotel.

Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, is princely, royal, regal, touristic and culturally vibrant. After breakfast, commence guided Jodhpur sightseeing which includes Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Sadar market. Mehrangarh Fort displays excellence of Rajput architecture and finer craftsmanship. Mehrangarh Fort is a majestic fort with its impregnable walls stands atop of a high hill. Jaswant Thada, built in white marble, is a royal cenotaph. Umaid Bhawan, a real palace, is still being inhabited by the royal family of Jodhpur and home to a luxury heritage hotel and gracious museum. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Jodhpur hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Udaipur. On the way, visit Ranakpur temple- one of the most famous Jain temple town of Rajasthan, India. Ranakpur represents a pleasant idyllic set up.

After visiting Ranakpur temple, reach Udaipur to check in at the pre-booked hotel. Leisurely boat ride in Lake Pichola will be conducted late afternoon. Spend rest of the day at leisure and have overnight stay therein.

Udaipur is termed as honeymooners' paradise. Guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur will begin after breakfast. Embark on Udaipur city tour. Visit the City Palace Complex, the Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari and other picturesque spots of tourist interests. All of these monuments of Udaipur house marvelous museums which showcase various aspects of ancient and medieval Rajasthan.

North India with Nepal Heritage Tour ends today after your departure from Udaipur. You will be transferred to Udaipur airport for a flight to Delhi to finally get connected with your international connection for your onward journey.

Having enjoyed breakfast in Mahabalipuram hotel, sally out to explore rich architectural and sculptural heritage of Mamallapuram with Mahabalipuram tour guide who will receive you in the lobby of the hotel. Move for enjoying sightseeing and seashore of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is presently a beach village with plethora of ancient monuments, especially rock cut temples, rathas and caves. Beaches and intricately carved sculptures attract tourists in flocks. The sculptures of Mahabalipuram are interestingly disparate from the rest of Tamil Nadu in the sense that these show scenes of everyday life rather than the gods and goddesses. After viewing various monuments, enjoy the sea beaches of Mahabalipuram. Later, in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

A bit early breakfast, drive for Chennai. Chennai, formerly called Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, one of the southern states of India. It's also the door to other popular destinations in South India. Chennai is also considered among the four metropolis cities of India. On arrival, move on a guided tour of Chennai. Chennai has lot more to be explored. Fort St. George, Fort Museum, Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar Temple & the Government Museum are the prime destinations to be seen. After city sightseeing, you will be in-time transferred to Chennai airport to board flight for your onward destination.