Delhi to Kathmandu

Your Indian adventure starts in the capital city of Delhi. One of our local staff members will be waiting to greet you at the airport, before transferring you to your hotel. You'll have some time to settle in, before we run you through the tour itinerary, introduce you to the local area and discuss a time to collect you tomorrow.

Your day starts with a morning tour of India's capital, New Delhi. Built on the banks of the Yamuna river, New Delhi is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. We start at India Gate in the centre of New Delhi, a 42-metre high "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway, a war memorial built to commemorate the 82,000 soldiers who partook in the undivided Indian Army. We'll drive past various government buildings such as the President's Palace and the Parliament of India, before passing Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bangla Sahab Gurudwara Sikh Temple. We'll stop at Connaught Place Station and join the locals on the metro to Old Delhi where we'll walk through one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, before exploring the narrow streets of Chawri Bazar which specialises in selling brass, copper and paper products. Throughout the afternoon our guide will also introduce you to the wide range of street food snacks and delicacies so you can get your first authentic taste of the delicious and varied Indian cuisine. Our walking tour will also take in a rickshaw ride and the Jama Masjid mosque, one of the largest in India.

We head to Agra this morning, home of the famous Taj Mahal. After arriving in Agra we'll make a stop for lunch at the Sheroes Hangout Cafe The cafe was set up by the Chhanv Foundation and is run by victims of acid attacks. The cafe works to raise awareness of acid attacks in India and to empower those who have sadly been the victims of these heinous crimes. Prior to gaining employment in the cafe, many of the 'Sheroes' led solitary lives, rarely going outside due to shame associated with their scars. At Encounters Travel we're proud to support such an organisation, which has the sole aim of helping these women find acceptance, a supportive community and a means of income. Lunch will be included whilst at the cafe. Once you've checked in into your hotel, we'll spend the afternoon on a Mughal Heritage Walk through the ancient village of Kachhpura and surrounding farmland on the banks of the Yamuna River across from the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. This walk has been designed by a local NGO and helps support the local community through employment and new infrastructure. During the walk one of the villagers will give a guide to their village life, the layout of their homes, with living, cooking & religious areas, the farming done, and the local cottage industry for leather shoe making which helps Agra export shoes all over the world. You'll also see some lesser known but important Mughal era monuments. Finally today we'll stroll around the park at Mehtab Bagh - originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna River's east bank, before taking in the magnificent sight of the Taj Mahal at sunset. A special evening option is available today, where you can join a Hindu family for a Vegetarian Thali cooking lesson and meal.

We start today early for our tour of the Taj Mahal. Truly one of the wonders of the world this elaborate monument to love was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty-two years to complete. Sunrise is a great time to visit as the light changes gradually with the colours of the Taj changing too. After breakfast we leave the region's popular tourist areas and head into the heart of rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth. The property was a former palace, now welcoming guests as a hotel, but retaining its heritage charm, with rooms painted with murals. The afternoon sees us exploring the village, interacting with the local villagers, getting invaluable insight into seeing their way of life. Our walking tour will pass by local shops, down narrow streets, we'll visit a small temple and perhaps even visit a local barber shop where you can have a shave or head massage. In the evening we'll have a cooking demonstration before enjoying dinner at the hotels restaurant.

Today we head to Jaipur, the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Enroute, we'll visit the Abhaneri step well, the largest and deepest step well in the world, which boasts 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. You may recognise this as the place that Sonny tried to express his feelings for Sunaina in the recent movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The remaider of the day in Jaipur will be free to explore at leisure or join one of our optional extras:

A fun option this evening is to head out and watch a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema.
Another good choice for this evening is to visit a local family in their home for a cooking demonstration and dinner together.

You have an option of going on an early morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, flying over its palaces, forts and lakes - a truly mesmerising experience.

If you chose to sleep a little later, your morning starts with a visit to the Amber Fort, the jewel in Jaipur's crown - an ancient fortress built on a hilltop in the 16th century dedicated to the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber. Be mesmerised by this majestic architectural wonder, with its pink sandstone and marble palace shining in the sun. It's massive fortress walls sprawls across the hills, with many seeing a resemblance of the Great Wall of China.

Later, we return to the city for a tour of Jaipur, as we visit the strange Jantar Mantar monument, a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II between 1724 and 1730. Jaipur was the first planned city of medieval India and we'll also explore its City Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732 AD, the City Palace was once the seat of kings as it was from here that they ruled the region. This tangle of courtyards, manicured gardens and exceptionally crafted mahals is one of the most revered attractions in India.

We spend the remainder of the day walking in the walled city to discover some of Jaipur's famous crafts markets and craftsmen in action such as jewellers, silversmiths, textile workshops and bangle makers. Our tour will include a blockprinting workshop, where we learn the ways in which fabric is decorated using this ancient method and we'll also have a gemstone demonstation.

We leave Jaipur today to head back to Delhi, from where we'll take the train to Varanasi tomorrow. You can use your remaining time in Delhi for last minute shopping, exploration of join our optional visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham a Hindu mandir and a spiritual-cultural campus, home to millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture and architecture to witness the mesmerizing Sahaj Anand water show - which makes use of multicoloured lasers, under-water flames, video projection, water jets combine to provide a captivating experience which tells the story of Kena Upanishad - a Vedic Sanskrit text.

Today we'll board the Vande Bharat train, bound for Varanasi. The journey will take approximately 8 hours. From the window you'll be able to the outskirts of Delhi and rural Indian life as we make our way to Varanasi.

After arriving you'll have some free time to settle or begin exploring. As night falls, we head to the holy Ganges River for the evening Aarti ceremony, a devotional Hindu ritual which involves numerous small candles being lit inside cups made from leaves and flowers and floated down the river. Varanasi is one of India's holiest cities and we get our first taste here of how important the city and the Ganges River is to the country's Hindu population.

Our second day in Varanasi starts with an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, as we explore the city. The Ganges is a constant hive of activity throughout the day, as hordes of people come to pray and immerse themselves in its spiritually cleansing waters. The city is also considered an extremely auspicious place to die, and many people come to Varanasi to spend their final days. We'll see many funeral pyres on the ghats at the edge of the river as we pass by on the water. Whilst on the river, you'll have the opportunity to offer Pind Daan in memory of any deceased loved ones.

We'll then go on a walking tour of the city, exploring its medieval streets, intricate temples and busy markets, abuzz with the general cacophony of Indian life. We'll also spend some time exploring the Ghats which straddle the banks of the Ganges.

In the afternoon we take the short trip to the ancient Buddhist site at Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after becoming enlightened.

We'll be leaving Varanasi early this morning to begin our journey north towards the border between India and Nepal. It will be a long drive, but it offers a great opportunity to see the countryside and experience a bit of rural Indian life. We'll pass through the bustling town of Gorakhpur along the way, which is known for its temples and historical sites.

Once we cross the border into Nepal, we'll need to switch to a different vehicle that's better suited for the terrain. From there, it's a relatively short drive to Lumbini, a town of great significance as it is the birthplace of the Buddha. After a full day of travel, you'll have the afternoon free to relax and unwind at your accommodation or perhaps start exploring the sacred sites of Lumbini. There are numerous temples and monasteries to visit, each with its own unique history and atmosphere. We'll see a few of these tomorrow.

Today, we'll delve deeper into the spiritual heart of Lumbini. Our morning will be dedicated to exploring some of its most iconic landmarks, including the sacred Maya Devi Temple, the ancient Ashoka Pillar, and the revered Banyan Tree. Each of these sites holds a special significance in the story of the Buddha's birth and enlightenment, offering a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of this sacred place.

Later in the day, we'll embark on a scenic drive through the Nepali countryside, heading towards the renowned Bardia National Park. This sprawling wilderness is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the majestic one-horned rhinoceros, the powerful Asian elephant, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Upon arrival at the Bardia Eco-Lodge, you'll have time to settle into your comfortable accommodations and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding jungle. This evening offers a chance to relax and recharge before we embark on our exciting exploration of the national park tomorrow.

Nestled in the remote western corner of Nepal's Terai region, Bardia National Park offers a serene escape into a world teeming with wildlife. Over the next two days, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Nepal's largest wildlife sanctuary. Activities in Bardia are bookable and payable locally, you can choose to embark on exhilarating jeep safaris, where you might encounter majestic tigers, lumbering elephants, and the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. Glide along the gentle currents of the river on a leisurely rafting trip, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of the jungle. Venture deep into the forest on guided walks, led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge of the park's flora and fauna.

Beyond the wildlife encounters, you'll also have the chance to connect with the local communities who call this region home. Participate in cultural shows that offer a glimpse into their traditional way of life, their music, dance, and customs. As the day draws to a close, return to the comfort of your lodge, nestled on the edge of the park. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Today, we'll further delve into the wonders of Bardia National Park, tailoring your safari activities to maximize your wildlife encounters. We'll take into account the latest animal sightings, current weather conditions, and your own preferences. If you're eager for the thrill of a tiger sighting, we can strategically position ourselves in areas known for their recent activity, patiently waiting for a glimpse of this elusive predator.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more active approach, we can focus on exploring diverse habitats within the park. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of avian species, while those seeking a variety of wildlife can keep an eye out for deer, monkeys, otters, and other fascinating creatures that call this park home.

Today marks our transition from the wild beauty of Bardia National Park to the vibrant energy of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. We'll begin with a transfer to the nearby Nepalganj Airport, where you'll catch a domestic flight that will whisk you over the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. The aerial views of the Himalayas and the sprawling Terai plains below will be a memorable part of your journey.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we'll ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the bustling Thamel district. This lively neighborhood is renowned for its narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a vibrant glimpse into Nepali culture and cuisine. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the colorful streets of Thamel, sample local delicacies, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.

Our Nepal holiday package comes to an end. Here you'll have some free time in Kathmandu today until we transfer you to the airport for departure. Extensions to the tour are available to add more trekking, white water rafting or to visit Bardia National Park (the best place in Nepal to see tigers). First thing this morning there is also the option to take a spectacular mountain viewing flight up to see Mt. Everest (requires an evening international flight departure).