A Taste of India

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Delhi
• 3 Old & New Delhi
• 4 Delhi & Agra
• 5 Agra
• Optional Excursion: Agra Fort, $25
• Optional Excursion: Mehtab Bagh, $20
• 6 Agra, Abhaneri Village & Jaipur
• 7 Jaipur
• 7 Diwali Departures: Jaipur & Diwali Celebration at Suryaa Villa
• 7 Holi Departures: Jaipur & Holi Festival
• Optional Excursion: Jaipur City Tour including the City Palace & Jantar Mantar Observatory, $30
• 8 Jaipur & Depart Delhi

Nepal Extension

• 8 Jaipur & Delhi
• 9 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal
• 10 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath
• Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $250
• 11 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur
• 12 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

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

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

• Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative 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
• Visit Gandhi Smriti, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum

Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi. Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, bustling Delhi typifies the soul of India, where many layers of civilizations have flourished for more than 3,000 years. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and her consort, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. Popularly known as the Birla Temple for the noted industrialist family who built it, Laxmi Naryan Temple was one of the first prominent Hindu places of worship open to the lower caste Harijans (untouchables).

Continue to Gandhi Smriti, a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 to symbolize Mughal's power. Later, ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers, the red sandstone and marble mosque is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world.

Next, you'll marvel at the Qutub Minar, the world's tallest free-standing minaret at 72.5 m (238 ft) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll also find the Iron Pillar, a novelty thought to date from the 5th century A.D., which has never rusted.

Sightseeing continues in New Delhi, reflecting the legacy the British left behind. Drive past the India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The 42-meter high structure is a war memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. Burning in a shrine under the arch is the Amar Jawan Jyoti (the flame of the immortal warrior), which marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Proceed to the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.

Day 4 Delhi & Agra

• After breakfast travel to the city of Agra
• Evening visit to Sheroe's Hangout

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive to Agra, an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom covering much of southeast Asia. Arrive at your hotel and proceed to check in with your fellow travelers.

This evening, visit Sheroes Hangout, a café that employs women who have suffered from debilitating acid attacks. The survivors solely run this café to regain their self-esteem and livelihoods.

Day 5 Agra

• Rise early for a morning tour of the Taj Mahal
• Remainder of the day at leisure or take part in optional excursions
• Enjoy an evening High Tea with a local family

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Rise early to enjoy a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal, truly one of the world's wonders. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to express his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took 22 years and 20,000 men to build; its white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Though the Taj is known for its stunning symmetry and balance, the close-up marble inlay work stands out the most. You'll have ample time to explore this outstanding piece of architecture and wander the pristine surrounding gardens. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. *Departure from the hotel may be as early as 5:30 am. Visit time may change depending on weather conditions.

In the evening, join an Indian family in their residence for High Tea. Have the opportunity to interact and learn more about their day-to-day life, eating habits, costumes, and culture.

Optional Excursion: Agra Fort, $25

Visit the splendid Agra Fort, built by and inhabited by six successive generations of Mughal emperors—Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Though often eclipsed by the Taj Mahal, this sprawling fortress, more accurately described as a massive walled palatial city, is magnificent in its own right and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was here that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb. From the Musamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony, Jahan watched the continuing construction of his Taj Mahal until his death.

Optional Excursion: Mehtab Bagh, $20

Visit Mehtab Bagh at sunset to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan, who had the Taj Mahal built, felt that the best view of this mausoleum was from the Mehtab Bagh. The 25 acres of crescent-shaped land laid in the 17th century sits along the Bank of the river Yamuna.

Day 6 Agra, Abhaneri Village & Jaipur

• Visit Abhaneri Village and see the Chand Baori stepwell
• Experience traditional bread making (chapati or naan)
• Learn the art of tying colorful turbans and sarees
• Continue to Jaipur and check into your hotel

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for Abhaneri Village, a popular stop along the Agra-Jaipur road for the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple. The Chand Baori is perhaps the region’s most visited stepwell and is one of the largest and deepest in all of India. The stepwells harvested rainwater and provided the locals a place to cool off during the hottest summer months as the temperature is a few degrees cooler at the bottom of the well than at its surface. After some exploration, depart for Jaipur, stopping en route at the Umaid Lake Resort for an included lunch. At the resort, receive a cooking demonstration and experience making chapati or naan bread. Afterward, learn the art of tying colorful turbans and sarees, and receive insights regarding their importance. Continue to Jaipur and check into your hotel.

Day 7 Jaipur

• Morning tour of Jaipur including a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal and a visit to the Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan
• Afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning's tour starts with a brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its beehive-like structure is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. Behind this elaborate latticed facade, the cloistered ladies of the court could watch the daily goings-on in the street below.

Then, continue to the imposing Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan. The fort was begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Emperor Akbar's most successful general. Perched atop the Aravalli hills overlooking the Maota Lake, the fort's fortified battlements and crenelated walls spread over many acres. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many hung with magnificent paintings and inlaid with precious stones.

This afternoon, explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur on your own. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is India's first and perhaps best-planned city, full of beauty and color. Discover the magnificent palaces and gardens, serene lakes, and wide tree-lined streets. Except for the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses, little seems to have changed since 1727, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II designed and built the city.

Later this evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with fellow travelers.

Kindly note: You will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision not to include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process of training 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 7 Diwali Departures: Jaipur & Diwali Celebration at Suryaa Villa

• Morning tour of Jaipur including a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal and a visit to the Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan
• Afternoon at leisure to explore Jaipur
• This evening enjoy a special dinner celebration for Diwali, the "Festival of Lights"

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning's tour starts with a brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its beehive-like structure is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. Behind this elaborate latticed facade, the cloistered ladies of the court could watch the daily goings-on in the street below.

Then, continue to the imposing Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan. The fort was begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Emperor Akbar's most successful general. Perched atop the Aravalli hills overlooking the Moat Lake, the fort's fortified battlements and crenelated walls spread over many acres. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many hung with magnificent paintings and inlaid with precious stones.

This afternoon, explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur on your own. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is India's first and perhaps best-planned city, full of beauty and color. Discover the magnificent palaces and gardens, serene lakes, and wide tree-lined streets. Except for the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses, little seems to have changed since 1727, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II designed and built the city.

This evening, enjoy a special dinner celebration for Diwali, the "Festival of Lights." Join your fellow travelers and a traditional Indian family at Suryaa Villa, where the group is greeted by Thakur Surya Pratap Singh & his family in conventional Rajput attire. They will also provide traditional Turbans & Sarees to each group member. The Diwali festival celebrations begin with special Diwali Puja and a prayer ceremony with the family followed by fireworks, rangoli, flower work decoration, henna (mehndi), and cultural folk dances followed by dinner with a noble Rajput family. It is an authentic experience and a great way to see the traditional Indian Diwali celebration.

Kindly note: You will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision not to include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process of training 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 7 Holi Departures: Jaipur & Holi Festival

• This morning, experience the color festival of Holi
• Enjoy typical foods and music while you throw herbal colors and water balloons
• Afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, experience the color festival of Holi, the most vibrant celebration of all. Join a fun-filled party at Narain Niwas Hotel, where you will receive your own Kurta Pajama. Enjoy typical snacks and foods and live traditional music while you throw herbal colors and water balloons at each other! After lunch, change back into your regular clothing, and spend the afternoon at leisure.

Later this evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with fellow travelers.

Optional Excursion: Jaipur City Tour including the City Palace & Jantar Mantar Observatory, $30

Take an optional excursion to some of the city's famous pink sandstone buildings, including the City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajas of Jaipur. At the entrance to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest of five observatories founded by classical astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II nearly three centuries ago. Its 14 massive masonry instruments are exact and used to measure time, predict eclipses, track stars' location as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertain the planets' declinations, and more.

Day 8 Jaipur & Depart Delhi

• In the morning, depart for Delhi via motor-coach and transfer to the airport
• Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Breakfast

Nepal Extension

Day 8 Jaipur & Delhi

• In the morning, depart for Delhi via motor-coach
• Upon arrival, check in to your airport hotel

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity Breakfast

Day 9 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal

• Transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
• You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel
• Welcome drink will be served on arrival at your hotel
• Later, visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar 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, enjoying a welcome drink upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa. Around the stupa, several monasteries have sprung up, including one that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.

Day 10 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath

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

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan, located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. The city's official name is Lalitpur, meaning the city of fine art. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, curios 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, stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval, and modern Nepal. Then, continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," which is over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples. Situated on top of a high hill where legendary Manjushri discovered the lotus growing in the ancient Kathmandu Valley Lake, Swoyambhunath commands a superb view of the valley below.

Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $250

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

Day 11 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

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar 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, discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds, and smells. Join your fellow travelers for a Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance this evening.

Day 12 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi

• Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight
• Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you board 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

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

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Deluxe

The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is a five-star rated hotel that is ideally located at Aerocity, just minutes away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and the Delhi Aerocity Metro Station. The hotel provides guests in transit with an excellent option for a comfortable overnight stay with first class amenities. The facilities include a fitness center, sauna and outdoor pool. A full service spa and beauty salon offer guests various services and treatments.

More information

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Deluxe

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a five-star luxury hotel and resort in Kathmandu, set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and created in the traditional Newari-style of Nepalese architecture. This beautiful hotel and resort is located within a short walk to Boudhanath Stupa: the most holy of all Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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 12 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.