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.
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.
Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.
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.
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.
Namaste & arrive at Delhi airport. You will be met by our local representative, later traditional welcome and introduction with the driver transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to the royal city of Jaipur - the fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel and enjoy your lunch.
Evening free to visit the local bazaar. Free time for Shopping - Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi-precious stones, kundan and minakari work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine Kota doria saries are the best buys for women.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at hotel. Later a short photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): known for its iconic façade. Small windows, decorated with intricate latticework create a honeycomb-like appearance. The unique construction was originally designed to look like the crown of Krishna.
You will then proceed to the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber, the ancient citadel is set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Ascend the imposing fort on a painted Elephant (subject to availability). You’ll wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors.
Lunch at the hotel. Post lunch continue city tour of Jaipur.
Jaipur City Palace - The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.
Visit Jantar Mantar (Observatory) - a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1734 CE.
The Birla Temple, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Agra en route take a stop for the visit of Fatehpur Sikri, one of the best preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Visit Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chishti and, Jama Masjid Mosque.
Later continue drive to Agra - symbol of Grand Mughal Empire – offers a great opportunity to enjoy and admire the most romantic expression of love, man has ever created for his woman. Home of the world-famous Taj Mahal.
On arrival check in and lunch at the hotel.
Later explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals building including; the imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.
Later return to hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up early to witness the beauty of Taj Mahal with rising sun. (Closed on Fridays), a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jhan's beloved wife.
Post visit, return to the hotel to enjoy your sumptuous breakfast. Checkout and drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to local restaurant for lunch.
Afternoon proceed with a drive past tour visiting the Lutyen’s Delhi area, drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, secretariat buildings and Indian Parliament.
The President’s House- built in 1929, once the Imperial residence of the British Viceroys and now official residence of the President of Indian Republic.
Parliament House – this circular shaped building houses the two houses of Parliament- The Lok Sabha (lower) & Rajya Sabha (Upper). Its domed central hall is 90 feet in diameter.
India Gate - Also known as the Delhi Memorial or the All India War Memorial, the India Gate was built in commemoration of the roughly 90 000 Indian soldiers who died representing their country in World War One and on various other battlefields.
Raj Ghat - a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated after his assassination in 1948. (Subject to VIP Movement)
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, in time transfer to the airport to board the flight to Kathmandu.
Meet and greet assistance upon arrival Kathmandu international airport. Later, transfer to the hotel. After a short break proceed for the half day city tour of Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple, renowned for its superb architecture, its two storied golden roof and silver doors is about 5 km from Kathmandu. Thousands of devotees converge here every day, but specially on an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, the night of Lord Shiva, in the month February. Entrance into the temple-precincts is permitted only for the Hindus but other can clearly see the temple and ritual performance from the eastern bank of the Bagmati, where people cremate the dead.
Swayambhunath, this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa dating back around 2000 years. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is made of brick and clay supporting the lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four-sides of the spire base are the eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometres west of Kathmandu City, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagodas. Swayambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony of Buddhist and Hindu, in Nepal. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Post visit, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Today explore the beautiful sights of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is the historic seat of royalty. It is here that Kings of Nepal were crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum etc. On the right-hand corner, large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Swet Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari-the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.
Patan Durbar Square This whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues; it is at the same time the business hub of the city. At every step one comes across a piece of art or an image of a deity, testifying to the consummate skill of Patan's anonymous artists. The ancient palace of the Malla kings and the stone baths associated with various legends and episodes of history are especially interesting to visitors. The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity) with its intricate stone and bronze carvings are two other masterpieces in the same vicinity.
Boudhnath Situated 7kms northwest of Kathmandu city, the stupa of Boudhanath contains the relics of Kashyap Buddha, one of the former Buddha’s. The stupa was much later renovated by the Lichchhavi rulers of the 8th century A.D. Boudhanath is a very important and holy stupa to Buddhists, particularly to the Tibetan Buddhists. The lotus-born Guru, Guru Padmashambava had revealed its greatness and importance to the Tibetan King Trisondetsen (742-797 A.D.)
Post visit, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, proceed for the day tour of exploring the
Bhaktapur Square, situated about 14 Km east Kathmandu city was founded in 9th Century by King Anand Dev. This “City of Devotees” is renowned for its pottery and weaving industry. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is a home of medieval art and architecture. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, palace of 55 window, the big bell, the bell of barking dogs, Nyatapola Temple etc.
Changu Narayan Temple, is built on top of a high hill to the east of Kathmandu and north of Bhaktapur cities. This temple is the most celebrated Vaishnava shrine in the Kathmandu valley. Its origin dates back to the fourth century, but the earliest inscription on a stone pillar belongs to the ruler of Licchavi dynasty Manadev who ruled at the end of the fifth and early sixth century. The Central image in the sanctum is worshipped by Hindus as a god Garuda Narayan, and by Buddhists as a deity Harihara Bahan Lokeshwara. The temple has been restored during the late 1500-s and devastated by fire in 1702, but was then restored. Although the present temple is not one of the oldest in the Kathmandu valley, some of its decorative ornaments are extremely old.
Evening sunset Nagarkot, is a hilltop village located 32 km east of Kathmandu Valley passing the Bhaktapur City and at an elevation of 2195m high above the sea level. It is considered one of the most scenic view points in near the Kathmandu. It is renowned for its Sunrise and Sunset View of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Lang tang Range, Ganesh Himal, Ghaurisankar, Rolwaling Himal as well as other snow-capped Himalayan Range of eastern Nepal.
Post visit, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel, later in time transfer to the airport to board your onward journey flight.
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.
Experience the finest luxury hotel in Jaipur - ITC Rajputana, where we are proud to offer one of the best accommodation in the city with a host of comforts and services in settings that reflect the spirit of Rajasthan and its royalty. Just 15 kilometres from the airport and half a kilometre from the city centre, our regal-influenced design and gardens echo the city’s history. Retreat to our 218 guest rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. Our restaurants offer tastes from around the globe, designed along the lines of traditional havelis, this leisure hotel in Jaipur has its own definition of space and splendour.
Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. This luxury hotel in Agra comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendor and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Conveniently located at the heart of the capital, Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The airport is merely 7 kilometers away from the Hotel which is adjacent to diplomatic consulates and offers every guest a private getaway in a bustling city. At Hotel Shangri-La, the traditional touch in the hotel’s interiors fusion with state of the art facilities never fail to make our guests stay worthwhile. Further complemented by other prominent features of the hotel include 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all public areas, 24-hour security, wheelchair accessible, daily housekeeping service. Whatever your reason for visiting Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.
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.
