Kathmandu, the remarkable capital of Nepal, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It boosts everything from ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples to spice markets bound to have you sneezing or buying exotic products by the kilo. It’s a hectic, busy and loud city, and there’s a good chance you will either fall in love with Kathmandu, or you’ll just want to escape to the Garden of Dreams. With so many incredible tourist places in Kathmandu you could never be bored here, and when you travel to Nepal you should ensure you spend at least a few days here.
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.
Khajuraho temples are India's unique gift to the world. Life in every form and mood, has been captured here in stone, testifying to the artistry of the craftsmen. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The Khajuraho temples were built in a short span of 950 - 1050 A.D., in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 still survive, constituting one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. Khajuraho festival of dances draws the best classical dancers in the country every year, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples.
Agra tops the list of "must visit" places in India and attracts tourists like moths to flame. Home to one of the seven wonders in the world, The city is studded with splendid architecture, dating back to the Mughal-era. Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri have been recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, evokes an image of the royal family that once ruled the region what is now called the Old City or Pink City for its trademark building colour. It is known for its fascinating monuments, colourful markets, gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens; it is not difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land here.
Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Mumbai is what the Indians affectionately call - the 'City of Dreams'. This fabulous city is not only the financial capital of India that serves as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center. Mumbai is where you can possess the most distinguished designer labels and products from various fashion houses that flood the busy malls. This is the one place where glamour is not an uncommon word and is reflected ostentatiously in the Bollywood film industry. Take a look at the beaches in Mumbai to witness some of God's amazing miracles- the magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly begins, which is why Mumbai is also referred to as the 'city that never sleeps'.
Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer from airport to hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Durbar Square - Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the old Royal Palace, the temple of the "Goddess child", the Kumari Baha, the Kasthamandap, the Machhendranath, located at the center of the courtyard of a monastery, which houses inside the Avalokiteshwara deity, guardian of the Kathmandu Valley. Also visit the stupa of Swayambhunath situated on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu: literally means "the one that exists by itself". Dinner & overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Excursion to Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), with stops along the way to the rural village of Sano Thim. Bhaktapur was the ancient capital of the Kathmandu Valley for a long time and was one of the richest city on the caravan trail to Tibet. Visit the Durbar Square, the Golden Gate that leads to the Royal Palace, the Palace of 55 windows, which is part of the Royal Palace and the Temple of Nyatapola Chinese style, Batsal Bhairav ??temple and the surrounding square.
Afternoon we visit Pashupatinath, the holy Hindu town which is located five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the banks of Bagmati River. The Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva the is situated on the banks of Bagmati River, and flanked by dharamsalas ghats for cremation.
Visit Bodnath, located in the eastern part of the valley is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal, it is here that lives the largest community of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. The stupa, 36 meters high, is one of the largest in South Asia.
Nepali dinner at local restaurant & overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Visit Patan: overlooking the Bagmati river, south of Kathmandu, is also known as Lalitpur, which means "the beautiful city", and was founded probably in the 03rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka. Also visit the Royal Palace in particular, the most extraordinary example of Newar architecture in an urban context, and the temple of Krishna, in stone building shikhara style.
Afternoon free for relax/independent activities.
Dinner & overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
In time transfer to airport and departure for Varanasi.
Evening visit the Ghats of river Ganges to witness the evening Aarti.
Dinner & overnight stay in Varanasi.
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges to witness the ritual of purification and offerings of the pilgrims to the rising sun. Walking Tour of the Old City.
Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Sarnath - the Buddhist pilgrimage.In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Khajuraho.
Afternoon visit the world famous temples, a masterpiece of sacred western groups of Hindu Temples, renowned for its erotic paintings and the eastern Jain temples. Dinner & overnight stay in Khajuraho.
Morning Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive to Jhansi en route visiting Orchha (180 kms/04 ½ hrs approx). In time transfer to Jhansi railway station to board the train Shatabdi Express for Agra.
Meeting & assistance on arrival at Agra railway station and transfer to Hotel.
Dinner & overnight stay in Agra.
Morning breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the incomparable Taj Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love and devotion. Built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his favorite wife Mumtaz (Closed on Fridays). Later proceed for sightseeing tour with Agra Fort situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort was started in 1565 by Akbar. Dinner & overnight stay in Agra.
Morning breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Jaipur (265 kms/6 hrs approx) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 AD in honor of the famous Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. Continue drive to Jaipur via Abhaneri.
Dinner & overnight stay in Jaipur.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur beginning with Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11 km north of the City.
Elephants still carry visitors in stately splendor to the main Palace, through magnificent high gateways (Elephant ride is available from 0700 hrs till 1100 hrs).
Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur city, visit the opulent Maharaja's City Palace, Jantar Mantar or Observatory built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer in 1728. Dinner & overnight stay in Jaipur.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Delhi (250 kms 05½ hrs approx).
Late afternoon, drive along Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Standing at the crest of Raisina Hill, Lutyen’s 20th Century architectural masterpiece was built for the viceroy during British rule and is now the President's residence. Dinner & overnight stay in Delhi.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad. Visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India & the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan.
Conclude your sightseeing tour by visiting Qutub Minar, a World Heritage monument and one of the most instantly recognizable and historically important monuments in Delhi, The Humayun’s Tomb - built by the wife of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. Dinner with dance at an Indian restaurant & overnight stay in Delhi.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
In time transfer to airport and departure for Mumbai.
Afternoon city tour of Mumbai visiting Rajabai Tower, Hanging Garden, Jain Temple, Mani Bhawan and Dhobi Ghat, Drive past Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Dinner & overnight stay in Mumbai.
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Excursion to Elephanta Caves. Please note that due to monsoon from mid-June to End August, the excursion to Elephanta Caves is suspended and as an alternative, we would be providing excursion to Karla Caves) Rest of the day at leisure/independent activities. Dinner & overnight stay in Mumbai.
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination.
Experience the natural beauty of Nepal and strive for business success at the pioneering 5-star Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee hotel. The preferred hotel for heads of states visiting Kathmandu, our 12 acres of landscaped grounds echo the mountainous beauty of the Kathmandu Valley, with vibrant gardens surrounding our open veranda. You can stroll the grounds in peace and absorb the mountain view that surrounds Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee, then drop into Rodi Bar for a celebratory drink. Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee is in peaceful Tahachal, 4km from the palaces and temples of Durbar Square in the city centre. You're 6km from Pashupatinath Temple and 3km to Swayambhunath Stupa shrine. Tribhuvan International Airport is 8km away. You can host stylish banquets, conventions and conferences in one of 7 elegant meeting rooms with space for 20-1,200 people. Gaze up at the mountains while you float in the pool or wind down with one of our rejuvenating therapies. You'll find Chinese at Bao Xuan and North Indian cuisine at our speciality Indian restaurant, Kakori.
Rivatas By Ideal offers modern rooms and suites at The Mall Cant in Varanasi. Featuring 3 food and beverage options, the property has an outdoor pool and offers massage services. 0.6 mi from Rivatas By Ideal is the Varanasi Railway Station and Bus Stand. Riverside Ganges Ghaat and Kaashi Vishwanath Temple are both approximately 3.1 mi away. Banaras Hindu University is 4.3 mi from the hotel. The air-conditioned rooms come with heating and dark wood furnishings. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, electronic safe and seating area. Tea/coffee making facilities and mini-bar are also provided. Private bathroom includes a shower, hairdryer and slippers.
Set 1.00 Km from the excitement of the city, this 5-star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city's biggest attractions. For sightseeing options and local attractions, one need not look far as the hotel enjoys close proximity to Kandariya Art & Culture, Khajuraho Hospital, Karan Jewellers & Handicrafts. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is renowned for its quality services and friendly staff, and Hotel Chandela lives up to expectations. 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, wheelchair accessible, 24-hour front desk are just a few of the facilities that set Hotel Chandela apart from other hotels in the city.
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices. The soothing views of our 5 star property are perfectly complemented by a selection of luxury restaurants, recreation and wellness facilities, accompanied by our warm service. Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread that ensures a flying start to your day, before stepping out to explore the sights and discover the rich history of Agra.
Lemon Tree Premier, Jaipur, located in the heart of the city, is a short distance away from Collectorate Circle and MI Road. The hotel is easily accessible from the railway station (2.50 kms) and the Ajmer-Delhi National Highway (3 kms). It is in close proximity to major tourist attractions like Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the walled city of Jaipur. The plush and spacious interiors at Lemon Tree Premier, Jaipur take the zing up a notch. The Lemon Tree Premier chain of Upper Midscale business and leisure hotels elevates the Lemon Tree experience while retaining the same freshness, quirkiness and energy that Lemon Tree is well known for. Lemon Tree Premier pampers the style conscious and upbeat traveler with its personalized services, premium in-room amenities, award winning restaurants and fun experiences
The Claridges, New Delhi has strived to be the best in business and has been successful in winning accolades of guests and fraternity. The Claridges houses some of the finest restaurants of the city, huge banquet halls, a rejuvenating fitness center, adequately furnished rooms, a pool with cabanas and lush green lawns to make your experience memorable. Comprising of elegantly adorned rooms, The Claridges offers you a plethora of rooms to choose from. Adequately equipped with all the facilities that you could possibly need, these rooms proffer an unconventional blend of the elegant style of architecture and the contemporary modern styles.
Nestled in the heart of vibrant and bustling Mumbai lies our hotel Trident, Nariman Point. Soaring 35 storeys high, it offers panoramic views of Marine Drive or the Queen's Necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called. An iconic Mumbai landmark, featuring some of the best accommodations in the city, this is the luxury hotel address to be seen at. The 555 rooms and suites at Trident, Nariman Point, offer stunning views of the ocean and the five star Mumbai city skyline. Spacious and well-appointed with all modern amenities, including complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices, the rooms are complemented by our attentive yet unobtrusive service. Trident, Nariman Point is ranked amongst the best hotels in Mumbai. Head to one of the hotel’s award winning restaurants - Frangipani or India Jones, which offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian and Asian. Relax and rejuvenate in the calm environs of the Trident Spa or recharge with an energising workout in the fitness centre.
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.
