Rajgir just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hill grit town is covered with lush green forest which add to the beauty of the place. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) when Patliputra was not formed. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favorite residence for Buddha.
Kushinagar has its own cultural and historical importance. This is a Buddhist pilgrimage where Gautam Buddha had Mahaparinirvana. Kushinagar is located on National Highway 28, about 50 km east of Gorakhpur. There are many beautiful Buddhist temples here. For this reason, it is also an international tourist destination where Buddhists pilgrims from all over the world come for excursions.
Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.
Shravasti was a city of ancient and one of the six largest cities in India during Gautama Buddha's lifetime. The city is located in the fertile Gangetic plains some 170 km NE of Lucknow. Shravasti rose to fame due to its association with Buddha and Mahavira and became one of the eight holy places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Buddha is said to have spent 24 rainy seasons besides performing the Twin Miracle of emanating fire and water from his body here. Besides, Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary provides the perfect nature trail options to tourists and pilgrims alike.
Magical sacred spirit of humanity – contagious for all those desirous of knowing , understanding and consequently drowning in the deepness of karmic spirituality of Hinduism and Buddhism. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi attracts a huge number of tourists looking for spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The city is situated on the banks of Ganga and enjoys a position of religious importance in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. This city which goes by three names: Varanasi, Benaras, and Kashi, finds mentions in the ancient Indian scriptures. To truly feel the city, attending the grand Ganga 'arti' is a must.
Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living.
Welcome on arrival at Gaya airport, met and assistance by “SenKay Travel with Difference” representative and immediate drive to Rajgir (70kms/02 ½ hrs); an ancient city. Surrounded by hills, it's known for its holy sites. Remains of the Cyclopean Wall, which encircled the city centuries ago, still stand in the center. Close by, Venu Vana park was once home to a monastery built for Buddha. The shield-shaped Japanese Temple contains a huge Buddha statue.
Rajgir
Rajgir is a city and a notified area in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar and was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism as one of the favorite places for Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and the well known "Atanatiya" conference was held at Vulture's Peak Mountain.
On arrival check in, lunch served at hotel.
Afternoon proceed to take a Ropeway reach top of hills Gridhkutta (Vulture’s peak), World Peace Stupa. Visit Venuvanaram & Bimbisar Prison.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After early breakfast drive to Kushinagar (315kms/08 hrs); an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddhists believe Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is a city situated in Uttar Pradesh, India. This town is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhism followers. Major sites found in Kushinagar includes Buddha's creamtion stupa, the Parinirvana Stupa and the Wat Thai Kushinara Temple that houses the Golden Statue of Buddha.
En route visiting the ruins of world ancient University. It was one of the oldest Universities of the World & International Centre for Buddhist Studies.
Nalanda University
Located in the town of Rajgir, in the northern Indian state of Bihar, Nalanda University is a postgraduate, research-intensive and international university. It is supported by the participating countries of the East Asia summit. The University came into being on November 25, 2010, by a special act of the Indian parliament and has been designated as an institution of national importance. The school has attracted students and scholars from across Asia and even farther away. It is a centre of excellence not only for Buddhist studies and philosophy but medicine and mathematics as well.
Drive continue to Vaishali; It is named after the ancient city of Vaishali of Mithila, which is mentioned in the Mahabharata as well as in Buddhism and Jainism and visit The Vishwa Shanti Stupa; erected according to the teaching of the Saodharma Pundarika Sutra (The lotus Sutra) to disseminate love and peace and to create "The pure Land" on the eart the construction of the stupa all over the world was initiated by the most Ven. Visit Ashokan Pillar; built by Emperor Ashoka at Kolhua out of a polished single piece of red sandstone, cut into a bell shaped capital of a height of 18.3 m. Visit Kundalpur; the birth place of Lord Mahavira. It is believed that the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born over 2550 years ago. Mahavir is said to have spent the first 22 years of his life here.
Lunch served at hotel at Vaishali and drive continue to Kushinagar. On arrival check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After early breakfast proceed to visit Mahaparinirvana Temple; which is said to be the death place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Alexander Cunningham gains the most attention for his work in the area, because he conclusively proved that Gautama Buddha had died in the area. The present temple was built by the Indian Government in 1956 as part of the commemoration of the 2,500th year of the 2500 BE (Buddhist Era) & visit Rambhar Stupa (Cremation centre).
Later drive to Lumbini (180kms/05 hrs) Nepal; while going to Lumbini, stop at India/Nepal border for Visa/Immigration formalities; a Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE.
Lumbini
According to Buddhist belief, the Lord Buddha (originally known as Siddharta Gautama) was born in the sacred gardens of Lumbini circa 600 BC. As a result of this connection, the city has developed into an important Buddhist holy place and pilgrimage site. It encompasses an impressive archaeological complex that contains beautifully preserved remains of Buddhist temples, monasteries, pagodas and shrines dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the late 1990s. Two key attractions within the holy complex are the ancient Ashoka temple, dating to the 3rd century and bearing an inscription that declares Lumbini as Buddha’s birthplace, and the modern Maya Devi Temple, said to mark the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to her now-famous son.
On arrival check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After early breakfast proceed to visit Birth place of Lord Buddha – Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature and Lumbini Garden, Ashokan Pillar, Sacred Pond and different monasteries inside the Maya Devi Garden.
After early lunch drive to Shravasti (210kms/06 ½ hrs); also known as Savatthi (S?vatth?) in Pali, was a city of ancient India and one of the six largest cities in India during Gautama Buddha's lifetime.
Shravasti
The ancient city of Shravasti (Sravasti) deemed sacred by both Buddhist and Jains, is at present a collection of ruins named Sahet - Mahet. This twin name refers to two distinct groups of remains: Maheth where you will find the fascinating remains of the ancient city; and Sahet which is primarily known as the site of the Jetavana monastery. It is widely believed that the Buddha spent 25 years in this ancient city. His hut, now adorned with a carpet of flowers continuously left by devoted pilgrims, is one of the most significant and sacred Buddhist sites in the area. With its spectacular array of holy temples, historic stupas, sacred shrines, and mammoth monasteries, the ruins of Shravasti are an essential addition to any Uttar Pradesh itinerary.
On arrival check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After early breakfast proceed to visit Jetvanaram & Ananda Bodhi Tree; said to once host Lord Buddha and his pilgrims, where one of his followers, a rich merchant, covered the whole ground of the park (vana) with gold coins. Visit Angulimal Caves; a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics (?ar?ra - typically the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns) that is used as a place of meditation.
After early lunch drive to Varanasi (350kms/10 hrs); also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi located on the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Varanasi
An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It’s considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it’s widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats – stone steps leading to the river –some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centred on them.
On arrival check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Early morning take a boat cruise on River Ganges visiting all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (old Vishwanath Temple) and Annapurna Devi Temple (non-hindus not allowed) . Back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast proceed visit The deer park in Sarnath (Closed on Friday); where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Visit Archaeological Museum.
Sarnath Museum
Located in Varanasi, India, Sarnath Museum features five galleries and two verandahs to display the antiquities ranging in time from third century B.C. to twelfth century A.D. The building was completed in 1910 in order to house, display and study the antiquities. Lunch served at local restaurant.
Afternoon drive to Bodhgaya (250kms/05 hrs); a religious site and place of pilgrimage and it is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have obtained Enlightenment (Bodhimandala) under what became known as the Bodhitree.
Bodhgaya
A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, Bodh Gaya is where Gautama Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is one of four Buddhist sites related to the life of Buddha; two others can be found in northern India and one in Nepal. The giant Bodhi Tree commands an impressive presence alongside the temple. Visitors are able walk beneath its sacred green canopy to see the site where Buddha sat in deep meditation. Today, the temple complex includes the 50-metre-high Grand Temple – built in the 3rd century B.C by Emperor Asoka, a patron of Buddhism – the Bodhi Tree and six sacred sites, surrounded by numerous stupas (commemorative monuments).
On arrival check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Early morning leave from hotel and Prayers at The Mahabodhi Temple Complex ("Great Awakening Temple"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site an ancient, but much rebuilt and restored marking the location where the Buddha said to have attained enlightenment.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built in brick that still survives today. The ground level of the temple is 45 meters square, stretching up in a pyramid shape that ends in a smaller square platform. The central tower of Mahabodhi stands 180 feet (54 meters) tall. The brickwork on the outside of the temple depicts scenes from the life of the Buddha. Inside the temple is a colossal image of a seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand (a gesture known as the earth-witness mudra). In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been covered in gold and dressed in bright orange robes. The courtyard of the temple is studded with many smaller stupas and Buddha statues, some of which are several hundred years old. Parts of the railing that surrounds the area are among the oldest elements of Mahabodhi Temple that survive today. Immediately next to the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi Tree, a descendant of the very tree under which the Buddha was enlightened, and the Jewel Walk, marking the place where the Buddha is said to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment. Drive back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast drive to Dungeshwari cave (22kms/30mnts) and visit Dungaeshwari Hills Cave; also known as Mahakala Caves, is the place where Lord Buddha spent several years before descending to Bodhgaya.
Drive past Sujata Village & Temple; during Lord Buddha's journey to enlightenment, he had renounced all worldly pleasures, including food. It is believed that after 6 years of practicing meditation, kheer was the first morsel Buddha etc.
Sujata Stupa
Stupa across the Neranjana River from Bodh Gaya, believed to commemorate the home of Sujata, who provided milk rice to the Buddha just prior to his Awakening.
Drive past Niranjana & Phalgu River and visit The Great Statue of Lord Buddha 80-foot. The construction of the eighty (80) feet high Buddha statue was completed and its unveiling ceremony was performed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 18th November, 1989. The great Buddha statue was designed in Japan and its one fourth size model was prepared by an Indian artist of Calcutta. This statue’s interior construction is of concrete pillars and several cells inside where more than 20 thousand small bronze Buddhas have been enshrined. This Great statue, however symbolises the greatness of the Buddha Dhamma as followed by his disciples. At present this statue is the highest Buddha Statue in India.
Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast in time transfer to Varanasi airport board flight for your onward destination with sweet memories of India. (Rooms booked till 1200 hrs).
The Rajgir Residency Is An Exemplary Piece Of Architecture With Well Appointed Rooms And All Modern Amenities Of Comfort And Luxury. It Is Located At Rajgir, District Nalanda, Bihar Just 10 Minutes Drive From 'Gridhakuta Hill', (Vulture' Peak) The Place Of Worship. Adding To Excellence In Luxury Is The Indian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and very special Vietnam Cuisine Available Here.
Lotus Nikko Hotel is an ideal spot for holidaymakers who wish to spend some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It re-defines the standard of comfort. It offers a wonderful combination of gracious hospitality, luxurious comfort and stylish atmosphere spread across a two storey building. It has well furnished multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Indian, Continental, Japanese and Chinese delicacies.
Located in a calm and serene area of the Lumbini World Heritage Garden, the Buddha Maya Garden Hotel and Resort lies just over five minutes walk from the main temples of Lumbini. Buddha Maya Garden has comfortable rooms, and friendly, knowledgeable staff who can help you plan your visit to the magnificent monuments and monasteries and the fascinating nearby archaeological ruins. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and spiritual hymns, and take a morning walk through the sacred gardens enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, which is highly conducive to meditation and reflection.
The Sravasti Residency is Newly Opened Most Beautiful Luxury Property with All Modern System in Sravasti, District Sravasti in UP. The Place Of Worship. Adding To Excellence In Luxury Is The Indian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and very special Vietnam Cuisine Available Here.
At the heart of the holy city of Varanasi, Hotel Ideal Tower group presents The Amayaa, which is a state of the art facility with modern amenities along with an aesthetically pleasing ambience. At a driving distance of two kilometres from the railway station, The Amayaa is situated in a serene and pristine location. With almost two decades of experience in bringing the best service to our esteemed guests in the holy city of Varanasi, The Amayaa offers elegant and refined rooms of different varieties, catering to the individual preferences and needs of our guests. At the Amayaa, we believe that one size does not fit all. Hence, we offer a wide variety of rooms, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and a set of rooms specially designed for differently abled guest. All the rooms at The Amayaa are centrally air conditioned and offer full service with scenic and pool views, apt for both leisure travellers as well as business travellers.
Located in the heart of Bodhgaya, Bihar, Oaks Bodhgaya is an excellent base for visitors discovering the destination’s sacred Buddhist heritage or for business travellers who seek out a tranquil home away from home. Oaks Bodhgaya provides guests with the flexibility of three different room types, including twin-share, king and inter-connecting suites, perfectly suited to the solo traveller right through to families.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains, this enchanting nation’s natural landscape is dominated by eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including the iconic Mount Everest. In addition to the numerous ambitious climbers who flock here to face the challenge of climbing this majestic peak, Nepal attracts large numbers of eco-tourists eager to experience this intriguing country’s virtually untouched natural wonders including lush subtropical forests home to a range of exotic wildlife. Nepal’s cultural landscape is just as diverse as its natural one, playing host to an array of distinct ethnic groups. Other popular tourist highlights include: the capital city of Kathmandu with its exquisite temples and palaces; the sheer magnificence of Patan’s Golden Temple; Chitwan National Park, for its impressive scenery; and, of course, Bodnath, the nation’s most sacred Buddhist monument.
BANKING AND CURRENCY
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1 , 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counters are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counters. These facilities to change money are quick and convenient. It is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Nepal are one of two types: the "Type D" Indian 5 amp BS-546 or the European CEE 7/16 Europlug. The Indian socket is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
