Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Kathmandu

Day 1

ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA Hello, Delhi! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.

Day 2

DELHI Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
MARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.

Day 3

DELHI–AGRA Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is known as much for its religious significance as for its splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.

Day 4

AGRA Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOVE REMEMBERED Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.

Day 5

AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)

Day 6

RANTHAMBORE AREA The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.

Day 7

RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and it’s been known as the “Pink City” ever since. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Enjoy a fascinating walk mingle and talk with the locals while sampling some of the region's culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa, and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors.

Day 8

JAIPUR Jewels of Jaipur Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.

Day 9

JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPAL You’re Going to Kathmandu Today, fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi), Nepal’s capital city. (B)

Day 10

KATHMANDU City Sights Join your Local Guide for morning sightseeing starting with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LIVING FAITH Discover the mysteries of the Temple of Kumari where the Living Goddess resides. Here, the manifestation of the Divine Mother is believed to live in the young girl who embodies The Energy – all riches, strength, beauty, and knowledge of the creator of the Universe. The temple is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree, featuring a 4-pillar hall from which sounds emanate from string and percussion instruments. A mysteriously beautiful sight!

Day 11

KATHMANDU. PATAN EXCURSION Powerful Patan Today, travel with your Local Guide to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (B,L)

Day 12

KATHMANDU Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)