Colours of Rajasthan with Mumbai (and Nepal)

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu

Keep a keen eye out for the rainbow-coloured prayer flags flapping in the wind as your transfer from Kathmandu Airport takes you to your hotel. Spirituality is the cornerstone of Nepalese culture, and this is revealed in the many shrines and temples that dot its capital, which you'll get to explore in the coming days. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Crowne Plaza Soaltee

Dinner

Day 2: Stupas and Temples of Kathmandu and Patan Make Travel Matter

Your first stop today is the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath. Uncover its history spanning millennia. Admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colourful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. You'll see all this as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2000 years old. Proceed to the heart of the old town and Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. See the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces that surround the square – the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari and Taleju Temple. After some free time for lunch, journey to nearby Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a generic name given to plazas and areas located opposite Nepal's old royal palaces. Delve into the ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. Later, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, which features a handicraft centre and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft centre. You could choose to buy some of the traditional Tibetan handicrafts as a memento of your trip. Then it’s back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved evening at leisure.

Crowne Plaza Soaltee

Breakfast

Day 3: Explore Kathmandu Dive Into Culture

The UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur and its impressive Durbar Square are the main attractions today. While the city is rebuilding its fallen temples, it remains a cultural centre. Stroll along narrow alleys and admire artisans at work. Watch how they weave cloth, carve timber and make pottery, which dries in all its terracotta brilliance in open squares for all to admire. Dive Into Culture and join a local potter for a workshop to learn how Bhaktapur has been a pottery centre for centuries. You'll see first-hand how traditional techniques are still used. Large spinning wheels are coaxed into action with a long stick and the rapid stirring of the talented potters to shape all sorts of ceramics out of lumps of clay. Get your hands dirty and hone your own pottery talents as you make your own creation to take home as a memento of your visit. If you have time, stop in one of the squares and sample the famous Juju Dhau, Newari yoghurt treat, enjoyed in a ‘takeaway’ pottery bowl. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to witness a poignant Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Crowne Plaza Soaltee

Breakfast

Day 4: Kathmandu to Delhi

Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, but your journey through India is just beginning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India’s most exquisite sights. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi

Breakfast, Welcome Reception

Day 5: Discover the Delights of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture

Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi

Breakfast

Day 6: See the Sights of Delhi Make Travel Matter

Walk through Paharganj Bazaar, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop every day. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Sunset at the Taj Mahal

It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. While there are many reasons to love Agra, its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most captivating. You’ll have an opportunity to see its sun-kissed white marble façades just before sunset, watching as its elegant walls glow with rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides. Step away from your fellow travellers for a minute and contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your group. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.

Double Tree by Hilton

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: From the Taj to the Tigers

There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you’ll come to discover the morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a royal residence that was built in the 16th century and served as the principal residence of four generations of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue on to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards because of a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece without a population. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then experience first-hand a quintessential experience of getting around in India when you board a train bound for Ranthambore where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Anuraga Palace

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Roam Ranthambore in Search of Tigers

Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. Have your camera ready in case the park’s tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax, or to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Anuraga Palace

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Onwards to Jaipur Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals

Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A skilled Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, Dive Into Culture and see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colourful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner in their home. Connect With Locals and savour some of the local delicacies.

Hilton

Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 11: Explore Colourful Jaipur

One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.

Hilton

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 12: Venture to Deogarh Stays With Stories

A brush with Rajasthan royalty awaits as you leave Jaipur behind and head to Deogarh. This small city is perhaps best known for being home to the royal family of the Deogarh Thikana. You’ll overnight in one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories properties – Deogarh Mahal, once a magnificent fort at the centre of an expansive territory. Tread in the footsteps of the Rawats (Rajas) of Deogarh and watch the world discreetly from behind the fort’s jali windows. This evening, a Local Specialist will share the captivating stories across the centuries as you relive the old tales of family feuds and innumerable legends.

Deogarh Mahal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: All Aboard a Rural Railway Dive Into Culture

Join the locals in their favourite commute when you board a metre-gauge train from Kambali Ghat to Phulad this morning. The rail connection was originally launched by the British to unite the regions of Mewar and Marwar, who didn’t enjoy the friendliest of relationships at that time. Today it is the lifeline of the local people. Dive Into Culture watching the rural landscapes flash past as you experience first-hand a typical experience of India. This afternoon, you could choose to take an optional village walk with a Local Specialist. Or simply enjoy some free time and relax at your historic hotel, soaking up its regal atmosphere. Join your fellow travellers for an enchanting cultural dance show followed by dinner.

Deogarh Mahal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Journey to Udaipur

Royalty behind, romance ahead. Your next stop is Udaipur, the City of Lakes. The historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is dazzling with its many palaces, temples and Havelis (mansions). After lunch at a local restaurant, take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and admire the golden hues glinting off lakeside façades. Located at the heart of Udaipur, Lake Pichola and the beautiful Aravali Hills provide a mesmerising backdrop for yet another glorious day in Rajasthan. There’s no better way to end the day than on the water.

Fateh Niwas

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Uncover Udaipur's Treasures Dive Into Culture

Discover the history of the Mewar dynasty this morning when you visit Udaipur’s exquisite City Palace. Admire the panoramic views of the city and Lake Pichola from the palace’s ornate façades. No expense was spared in its construction. Its balconies, towers and cupolas are adorned with marble, murals, silver-work and coloured glass befitting of the building's stature as the home of the Maharanas for many centuries. Next, take a leisurely walk past the 17th-century Jagdish Temple and then find sanctuary in the Garden of the Maids, said to have been designed by Rana Sangram Singh himself to provide a tranquil space for his queen and her 48 maids. Admire the lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains dotted around before a Dive Into Culture encounter with the city's lively markets and bazaars. Jostle for your spot in the liveliness of the locals’ day to day.

Fateh Niwas

Breakfast

Day 16: Fly to Mumbai

Say a fond farewell to Rajasthan and board your morning flight to Mumbai, India’s largest city. There’s nothing subtle or serene about this cosmopolitan metropolis. Expect larger than life, loud and high-spirited as you spend the next day discovering all it has to offer. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join our optional experience to embark on a cruise across Mumbai Harbour to see the centuries-old rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island. This UNESCO-listed labyrinth of caves features ancient temple carvings, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel.

Trident Nariman point, (Mumbai, India)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Explore Mumbai's Metropolis Dive Into Culture

Embrace the magnetism of Mumbai, starting with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India, a majestic archway on the water's edge that welcomed the first-ever visit to India of a British Monarch in 1911. Afterwards, visit Dhobi Ghat where you’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the world’s largest outdoor laundry. Here thousands of kilograms of clothes are brought from all over the city each day for washing. See the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Then, continue to Churchgate Station and see the Dabbawallas (Tiffin Carriers) who have been ferrying hot lunch boxes by bike across the city to office workers for over a century. Later, visit Mani Bhavan, a museum and historical building which was once Mahatma Gandhi’s residence during his stay in Mumbai. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to relax or considering joining an optional Bollywood Tour to uncover the captivating world of film-making in India. On your final evening in Mumbai, share a toast to new friends over a Farewell Dinner.

President - IHCL SeleQtions

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 18: Farewell Mumbai

Cherish the many memories you've made crisscrossing India, from the Golden Triangle to Rajasthan and bustling Mumbai. All that's left is to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and take your airport transfer for your onward journey.

Breakfast