Best of India

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Delhi
• 3 Old & New Delhi
• 4 Delhi & Agra
• Optional Excursion: Mohabbat The Taj Cultural Show (purchased locally), $50
• 5 Agra
• 6 Agra & Ranthambore
• 7 Ranthambore
• 8 Ranthambore & Jaipur
• 9 Jaipur
• 10 Jaipur & Varanasi
• 11 Varanasi
• 12 Varanasi, Sarnath & Depart Delhi

Nepal Extension

• 12 Varanasi & Delhi
• 13 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal
• 14 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath
• Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $205
• 15 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur
• 16 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Notice: The Taj Mahal is currently undergoing renovations. Some scaffolding has been erected on sections of the building and some of its surrounding spires.

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your exotic journey to India begins today as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

• Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representatives and transfer to your hotel

Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar

Day 3 Old & New Delhi

• Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
• Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque

Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi, a city full of fascinating contrasts, where by day, temples are packed with the devout, and by night, hotel discos are packed with the affluent. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.

Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River. Drive past the Red Fort and continue by bicycle rickshaw to the Jama Masjid, site of an exquisite mosque in red sandstone and marble. Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers, it is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world.

This afternoon you will visit New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Whereas the walled old city is all tradition in all its facets, New Delhi is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Your tour to New Delhi begins with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the 234 foot high tower made of sandstone, known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan and the tallest stone tower in India and a wonderful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue past the India Gate, and then proceed past the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will enjoy sumptuous Indian food.

Day 4 Delhi & Agra

• Transfer to the city of Agra
• Evening at leisure

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning make your way to the city of Agra. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with the Mughal period. The Mughals, besides being great rulers, were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighborhoods. There are many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in.

This evening is free for you to explore at your own leisure.

Optional Excursion: Mohabbat The Taj Cultural Show (purchased locally), $50

This evening witness a live performance 'Mohabbat - The Taj Show' at Kalakriti. See how the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal inspired the creation of one of the world wonders.

Note: The performance is in Hindi, with headsets available in various languages.

Day 5 Agra

• Rise early for a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal
• Discover the Agra Fort
• Afternoon excursions in the local markets
• Evening High Tea with a local family

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Rise early before sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Return to your hotel for buffet breakfast.

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations and yet another example of impressive Mughal architecture.

This afternoon, explore the local markets where you should do your best to bargain for the marble products and high quality leather wallets, shoes and belts. Later, visit the "Petra Dura Workshop" where you'll find beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine quality marble inlay pieces.

This evening, you are a guest for High Tea. This special treat, arranged exclusively for Friendly Planet travelers, provides an opportunity to meet and interact with an Indian family and learn more about life in India.

Day 6 Agra & Ranthambore

• This morning visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the “Baby Taj”
• Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur
• Transfer from Sawai Modhopur to Ranthambore National Park

The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the “Baby Taj,” the first Mughal structure completely built from marble.

After breakfast, transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur and the Ranthambore National Park was originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1972 the park was acquired by Project Tiger, a tiger conservation program, and became a National Park in 1980. Now the park is one of the best locations in India to get a close view of tigers and other wildlife. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive the short distance to your hotel for check-in.

Day 7 Ranthambore

• Early morning jungle safari to spot wildlife
• Get a second chance to spot wildlife on an evening jungle safari

The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Rise early for the best opportunity to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park in open air vehicles. Return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Enjoy another opportunity to see wildlife on the evening jungle safari.

Day 8 Ranthambore & Jaipur

• This morning travel to Jaipur, the magnificent Pink City
• The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, board your touring coach for Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City because it was built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Here you find invincible forts and magnificent palaces and gardens, waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the colorful streets and bazaars.

Day 9 Jaipur

• Discover the ancient capital of Amber, en route brief stop at the Palace of Winds
• Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur
• This evening, join a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En route, take a brief photo stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Famous for its beehive like structure, the Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, from where the cloistered ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.

Continue to the Amber Fort, begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent wall paintings and some inlaid with precious stones and mirrors.

This afternoon, return to the city of Jaipur. Highlights of this afternoon's touring include the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The City Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armor, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings.

Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur held exclusively for Friendly Planet.

Kindly note that you will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision to not include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process to train these brilliant animals is not up to our ethical standards. In addition, elephant backbones are delicate and not meant to carry the weight of saddles and people. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Day 10 Jaipur & Varanasi

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
• Enjoy an evening aarti ceremony

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, the religious heart of Hindu India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. It is probably the oldest inhabited city in India, and one of the world’s most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, and many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here.

This evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at the Assi Ghat. This ceremony celebrates the religious significance and history of Varanasi; replete with tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots.

Day 11 Varanasi

• Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges
• Exciting city tour of Varanasi
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers

Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning at dawn, depart for an unforgettable experience on a boat ride on the river Ganges, stopping at the most important of the bathing ghats. From your boat, you will witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims, which follow centuries' old tradition and belief that those who die in Varanasi or whose mortal remains are immersed in the holy Ganges, will be incarnated to human life in the next birth.

After your early morning tour of the bathing ghats, return to your hotel for a buffet breakfast. Later, board your touring coach for a visit to the city of Varanasi, including Vishwanath Temple, Benaras Hindu University and the Bharat Mata Temple. Explore Vishwanath Temple from the outside, dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. Continue to Benares Hindu University, considered to be the largest residential university in Asia.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers.

Day 12 Varanasi, Sarnath & Depart Delhi

• This morning explore Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
• Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Before your flight, drive to Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Budhists. Enjoy some free time to independently explore the many stupas and temples or visit the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit the “Lion Capital of Ashoka,” a statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions, has become an emblem of modern India and a symbol on the Indian flag.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Nepal Extension

Day 12 Varanasi & Delhi

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
• Overnight in New Delhi at the Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar

Breakfast

Day 13 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal

• Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
• Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel
• Visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Upon exiting the terminal you will be met and transferred to your hotel and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath which is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa.

Day 14 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath

• Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
• Travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
• In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, shops and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then go to Patan Durbar Square where you will see the sky piercing temple of Taleju.

In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, make a stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple" which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples.

Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $205

Early this morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas, weather permitting. This optional excursion must be purchased locally.

Day 15 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur

• Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
• In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance

Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple and statues of the kings of Nepal.

In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari Temple, Taleju Temple, Shiv Parvati Temple, and Kal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, you will discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds and smells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance.

Day 16 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi

• Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
• Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the USA
• Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Shangri-La Eros Hotel

Deluxe

The deluxe Shangri-La Eros Hotel is centrally located amid landscaped gardens in New Delhi's historic government district. It is an elegant oasis nestled within the heart of a bustling metropolis. Travelers around the world are offered a relaxing place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring this fascinating city.

More information

ITC Mughal

Deluxe

Sprawled over 35 acres of lush gardens, the ITC Mughal is in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. This 5-star hotel is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past.

More information

The Tigress Spa & Resort

Superior First Class

The Tigress Ranthambore resort is located next to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary known for spotting tigers and other wildlife. The hotel offers an elegant and welcoming ambiance with close access to the Park.

More information

ITC Rajputana

Deluxe

ITC Rajputana is located less than a mile from the center of Jaipur. The regal-influenced design and gardens echo Jaipur’s history.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about India? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Nepal? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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