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Hotels:
The Uppal Hotel Delhi 
Ramada Hotel Jaipur First Class
Jaypee Palace Hotel Luxury
Radisson Hotel Kharjuraho Superior First Class
Radisson Hotel Varanasi Superior First Class
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Superior First Class 
The Suryaa Hotel Delhi
U.S. citizens require Valid Passport and must be valid for six (6) months beyond return date and it must have one clean visa page (not an amendment page).
A Visa is required for both India and Nepal, and it must be obtained in the U.S. prior to travel. India requires a multiple entry visa. Click here for more information on visas and passports, and to download Visa kits.
Day 1 Depart for India.
Day 2 – ARRIVE NEW DELHI
Arrive in India's capital, New Delhi, late in the evening. Meet our Tour Manager and Representative in the arrivals area after immigration and customs Transfer to our hotel.
Day 3 DELHI/JAIPUR
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approximately 5 hour drive), which is the capital of Rajasthan, "the abode of rajahs". Everywhere we see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main shopping centers in India, specializing in textiles, jewelry, stones, carpets etc.. This evening is free to explore Jaipur on your own or to relax at the hotel. (Breakfast, Welcome Dinner)
Day 4 - JAIPUR
Half-day excursion to Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Travel in the true style of the Maharajas as you ride up to the fort on the back of an elephant. The interiors of the fort are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Return to Jaipur for a guided city tour in the afternoon: visit the City Palace Museum with an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of royal robes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. The tour includes a visit to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD); and a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade. (Elephant ride is subject to availability.) (Breakfast)
Day 5 – JAIPUR/AGRA
This morning drive to Agra (5-6 hour drive). Stop for tea/coffee break along the way. Visit Fatehpur Sikri . Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious capital that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue to Agra. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. The rest of the evening is free. (Breakfast)
Day 6 - AGRA
Proceed to visit world famous The Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken many years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. (Breakfast)
Day 7 AGRA/KHAJURAHO
Transfer to the railway station to board the train for Jhansi (approximately 2 ½ hour ride). Meet our local guide and drive to Khajuraho. En route, visit Orcha; its grandeur has been captured in stone frozen in time. The palaces and Temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their perfection. After visiting Orcha, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to Khajuraho, founded in the 9th and 10th century and influenced by Tantrism. Eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is sublimation of sexual relationship in the Sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". It is also possible that the carvings of Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra". The evening is free for independent activities. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 8 KHAJURAHO/VARANASI
After breakfast proceed on a visit to the famed erotic temples of Khajuraho. It is their detailed sculpture, which gives Khajuraho its appeal and importance. Early afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flight for Varanasi. You will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel. Varanasi is the religious center of Hindu religion. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Varanasi is considered among the oldest living cities of the world . Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of the Indian people. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims journey to this city where the richest of the rich live side by side with the poorest of the poor. The old city of Varanasi is a maze of small alleyways in disorderly array with 2,000 temples and shrines. Domes, minarets, pinnacles, towers, and derelict eighteenth century palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river. You will see marriage processions and funeral processions and cows grabbing big flower necklaces destined for the gods, all in the jumble of this fascinating and spiritual city. (Breakfast)
Day 9 VARANASI
See Varanasi come alive along the river in an early morning sunrise boat excursion on the holy River Ganges. You'll see people bathing and worshipping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. Varanasi will be one of the most extraordinary experiences of our visit to India. After the boat ride, return for a breakfast back at the hotel. Take a brief guided city tour, driving through the Benaras Hindu University with a visit to the Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. Highlights include the Durga Temple, better known as the 'monkey temple' due to the large number of monkeys and the Temple of Vishwanath (or Visheshwar, Lord of the Universe). If time permits, we might also visit silk brocade and weaving centers-a specialty of Varanasi. Return to the hotel for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon take a half-day excursion to nearby Sarnath, symbolizing the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is among the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Here you'll also see the original lions' heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic. Return to Varanasi in the evening. The evening is free to relax. (Breakfast)
Day 10 VARANASI/KHATMANDU, NEPAL
Breakfast is at the hotel. Then, transfer for our flight to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. We will be met in Kathmandu, Nepal, the world's only Hindu Kingdom is a mystical country nestled in the folds of the magnificent Himalayan mountains. Nepal is a deeply religious country, as you will see in temples and buildings. The evening is free to explore Kathmandu on your own. (Breakfast)
Day 11 KATHMANDU
After breakfast enjoy a guided half-day tour of Kathmandu & Swaymbhunath. Drive to the central Durbar Square Hamuman Dhoka, ancient royal residential quarter. See the Mahadev & Parvati Temple, House of the Goddess Kumari - the house of the vestal virgin or the living Goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Continue with a visit to the sky-piercing temple of the Teleju and the Statue of Yogendra Malla. You also visit the 3,200-year stupa at Swayambhunath, offering a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. This is considered one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupa's in Asia. This afternoon visit Patan, known as the City of Grace and Fine Arts. En-route, enjoy an interesting exhibit at the Tibetan Refugee Center. (Breakfast)
Day 12 KATHMANDU
Early morning you can select an optional mountain flight over the Himalayas and on a clear day, the entire top of the mountain range is spectacularly visible (flights are subject to weather conditions). This morning visit Bhadgaon, an ancient capital of Nepal. Also known as Bhaktapur, home of medieval art and architecture. The main square contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces. You also visit Bodhnath, a colossal stupa, one of the largest in the world. It is generally acknowledged to be one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist sites outside Tibet. Pay an outside visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines (non Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple). This pagoda style temple with a gilt roof and richly carved doors is and situated on the bank of the river Bagmati. One can also see cremations from a distance and witness the spirit of faith people have in this temple. This evening is free to venture back into the city to shop for Nepalese crafts or to wander. (Breakfast)
Day 13 KATHMANDU/DELHI
After a leisurely morning, depart the hotel and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. This afternoon, visit New Delhi. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you see the mingling of the Old and New India. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors who have left behind monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's; it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. We will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes us along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Return for an overnight stay. (Breakfast)
Day 14 DELHI
After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, Government. buildings. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent created the seventh city and brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here we will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading from the Red Fort, filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque ; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. This evening is free for last minute shopping. Return to the hotel for dinner and check out at 22:00 hours. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15 DELHI/US
Delhi/U.S.: Time for our journey to end. Early morning flight back home.
Note: Due to changes in flight schedules, the sequence of the itinerary and/or mode of transportation is subject to revision.
Price includes:
- Round trip econmy airfare from EWR
- Fuel surcharges valid at the time of printing.
- Domestic flights and domestic train
- Hotels specified or similar, with hotel taxes and service charges.
- Airport transfers (included with air/land package).
- Itinerary as above in private bus with English speaking tour guide
- Admissions to sites in our itinerary
- Meals as specified: B (Breakfast) BB ( Buffet Breakfast) L (Lunch) and D (Dinner).
Not included:
- Airline taxes valid at time of printing
- Optional excursions mentioned
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks, personal expenses
- Tips for guides and driver
- All services not specified in the program
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Trips designed by women for women