Visiting: Nepal, India
To punish himself for falling aslepp while meditating, Buddha cut off his eyelids. These eyelids then grew into the tea plant, because drinking tea will keep you from falling asleep.
Ain't no Mountain High Enough
We love a good buddha legend.(Was Nepal & India)
Kathmandu
When it comes to whizzing around Kathmandu, auto rickshaws are the
only way to go. See the giant Buddhist Stupa at Bodhnath and the city's
most sacred Hindu site, Pashupatinath.Day 1If arriving early, perhaps wander down to Durbar Square, the spiritual heart of KathmanduPre-departure meeting in the evening, and an optional group dinnerDay 2Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the worldStop by the most famous Hindu temple in the country, PashupatinathPlenty of free time to explore Kathmandu under your own steam
Chitwan National Park
Cross the
Rapti River to reach our lodge in the village of Sauraha. Take a jungle
safari on elephant-back and hopefully spot rhino, tigers and leopards
(oh my). Catch a morning bus up the rim of the Kathmandu Valley Ride elephants into the jungleGo wildlife spotting for rhinoceros, sloth bear, deer, a range of different bird and perhaps even tigers Optional jeep, canoe and walking safaris
Lumbini
Lumbini was the site of Buddha's birthplace way back in 563BC. See some temples and the Ashoka Pillar.Visit the birthplace of the founder of BuddhismExplore temple complexes constructed by Buddhists from Japan,
China and Myanmar Get acquainted with the ancient Ashoka Pillar and Maya Devi
TempleSleep overnight in a jungle camp
Varanasi
One river, thousands of uses: bathing, praying, cremating the dead,
laundromat, notorious hangout for The Beatles. You name it, and
someone's done it in the Ganges. Witness life and death rituals during an early morning Ganges boat cruiseTake a guided walk through the city's lanes and bustling alleywaysBoard an overnight sleeper train bound for Agra
Agra - Taj Mahal
Flowers, chocolates, diamonds, mini-breaks - all these gestures will
seem lame once she's been to the Taj. You're going to need to think
bigger.Visit the mighty Taj MahalOptional trip to Agra Fort
Tordi Garh
This is a little gem of a village. Explore nearby temples and forts
and sleep in a 16th century castle. Warning: your hand will get tired
from all the waving and your mouth will ache from all the smiling. The
locals here are extremely friendly. Drive through beautiful countryside to Tordi Garh, a village rarely visited by travellersMeet local families and experience local lifeVisit the markets and the village templeJourney to a fortress and ruined temples outside of TordiSpend the night in the palace back at the village
Jaipur
The Maharajah's harem was not allowed to be seen, so The Palace of
the Winds was built so they could see what was going on outside. It's a
big honeycomb-shaped structure, with about 1000 tiny latticed windows
for peeking through. Day 11Travel to the crowded and colourful streets Jaipur Day 12Take a trip to the medieval Amber FortVisit the Old Bazaar and The Palace of the WindsFree time to do as you please in Jaipur
Nimaj Bagh
This place has barely changed in centuries and it doesn't get many
travellers. It's a real "off the beaten track" experience (slightly off
topic, but has anyone actually seen this beaten track?)Stay in an orchard run by the nobles of NimajVisit surrounding villages and meet Gujjars (cattle breeders) and other communities
Jodhpur
Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur, on the edge of the Thar Desert.
Sadar Market is the place for fisherman's pants (handy in India, daggy
at home), carpets, incense and tea. Visit the Meherangarh Fort and the Sadar Market
Udaipur
Udaipur is often referred to as the Venice of the East. Why? Well
here's a hint - it's not because of all the roads. Then it's an
overnight train to Delhi. Snorers, you will be named and shamed. Day 16Visit different caste villages around JodhpurTake a local bus to UdaipurDay 17Explore the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace Head to Delhi on an overnight sleeper train
Delhi
By now you've had long enough to accept that in India, cows are more
important than you. It's just one of the many weird and wonderful things
you'll tell your friends when you get home. Day 18Explore Chandni Chowk, the old city's market area, as well as Connaught PlaceFree time to relax or do some sightseeing of your ownPerhaps visit the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and the Raj Ghat - where Mahatma Gandhi was crematedDay 19The trip ends this morning after breakfast, but Delhi's got plenty more to offer those that wish to stick around
While the information presented here details our planned itinerary, including routes taken, activities included, accommodation and meeting times, please accept that unforseen changes may occur. We are constantly on the lookout to improve our program and further enhance your experience. Naturally, we will keep you up to date with any last minute amendments to your tour.
Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner