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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through India and Nepal to explore the magnificent mountainous landscapes, iconic historical landmarks, ancient folklore, and vibrant city encounters that make these countries truly unique.
Start your adventure in picturesque Nepal, boasting awe-inspiring geography, sacred temples, and beautiful wildlife. Explore charming hilltop villages, wondrous palaces, and centuries-old temples showcasing the country's rich heritage. Be mesmerised by the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, considered a "trekker's nirvana", and visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed destinations, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square. While there, grab the opportunity to witness a stunning sunrise over Pokhara from Sarangkot Hill.
Next, travel to India, a cultural melting pot that dazzles and delights with grand architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions. Experience the famous Golden Triangle, comprising Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. On a guided tour of Delhi, witness a vibrant collision of colour, culture, and energy, along with landmarks including Raj Ghat, Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the country’s largest mosque. Explore the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and be amazed by the ornate design of Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds', then shop for Rajasthani trinkets in the bustling bazaars.
No trip to India is complete without seeing the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, built in memory of a 17th-century emperor's beloved. This package holiday includes English-speaking tour guides, 14 nights' accommodation, or choose the premium accommodation and meals package for a more luxurious experience.
If you're looking for more, add the holy city of Varanasi to your itinerary, where you can experience a boat cruise on the famous Ganges River and visit sacred sites such as Durga and Vishwanath temples, along with the Archaeological Museum.
Fancy more time in either country? Extend your holiday with Arrive Early and Stay Behind options available in Kathmandu and Delhi.
Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Kathmandu, Nepal. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.
Please note:
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers will be required to be at the airport the day before.
• Flight times will be indicated on your final documents 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kathmandu. Visit Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries, which used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Durbar Square is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Inside the palace building, you will find museums and a temple of the Living Goddess - Kumari.
Next, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa that watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Sengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Afterwards visit Boudhanath Stupa, which lies about 6 kilometres to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36 metres high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.
Finish the day back at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart the 210-kilometre journey to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty and the Pokhara Valley is home to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The serenity of Phewa Lake, and the magnificence of the fishtail summit rising behind it, create an ambience of magic and calming tranquility. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers that prosper in its environment. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and world-famous views of the Himalayas.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Sarangkot. The view of the Annapurna Himalaya from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167 metres) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhare (6997 metres) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937 metres) in the east. At dawn and dusk, the sun highlights the peaks in brilliant colours. Afterwards, visit Bindhyabasini Temple situated in the northern part of the Pokhara. Located near the busy Old Pokhara Bazaar, the temple of Bindhyabasini stands proudly about 3000 feet above sea level, and the temple of the guardian deity is of great religious value to the Hindus living in Pokhara.
Next, visit Devi’s Falls and Gupteshwar - a famous cave in Pokhara. Inside the cave, you can find the temple of the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the great god of Hindu, and people worship Lord Shiva and pray for their happiness and wealth.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart the 224-kilometre journey to Nagarkot (approx. 7 hours). Today is a big day of travel, but you will get to marvel at the beautiful countryside along the way. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Nagarkot is located at an altitude of 2175 metres, which thrills visitors with its unobstructed mountain panorama, extending from Annapurna in the west to Mount Everest in the east. Late this afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk, exploring some of the village’s most beautiful trails. When weather conditions are right, the views of mountain villages and terraced farmlands across the valley make for a stunning sight.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Nagarkot
Meals included: Breakfast
Early this morning, enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. The sun emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitors with its awe-inspiring majesty and beauty.
After breakfast depart to Dhulikhel, which offers the best views of the north-eastern Himalaya. Dhulikhel is situated at the foothills of the Panchkhal Valley, and the snow-fed mountains seen from Dhulikhel provide an amazing panoramic view. When a blue haze covers the lower portion of the mountains, they seem to be floating in the air. Afterwards, return to Nagarkot where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Nagarkot
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart the 58 kilometres to Kathmandu. On the way, visit Bhaktapur to embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is known for its immense and tragic historical features, which include heritage monuments that still echo the memories of ancient kingdoms.
Afterwards, continue the drive to Kathmandu and on arrival check in to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast
Following check-out this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in will be from 14:00, and luggage storage will be available if you arrive before then.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Options)
Meals included: Breakfast
The capital of India, Delhi is a major gateway city for international visitors.
It’s a fascinating metropolis offering an intriguing mix of ancient sites and modern wonders, and also serves as the headquarters of Indian politics. Many of the heads of the Indian government, as well as other political parties, reside in the city, including the Prime Minister and President of India.
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour will take in Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan); and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Also enjoy a rickshaw tour through Chandni Chowk, a colourful shopping bazaar in Old Delhi.
Travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. You’ll also witness the India Gate, a 42-metre high war memorial and stone of triumph. The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the palace-like building that is home to the President of India.
Also visit the beautiful Lotus Temple, known as the Bahai Temple, where adherents of any faith can visit, pray or meditate at this dazzling architectural temple.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, travel approximately 265 kilometres to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan. On arrival in Jaipur, check into the hotel, where you will also enjoy dinner this evening.
Jaipur is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, form what is known as the Golden Triangle of India’s tourist circuit.
Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets.
The beautifully laid-out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and heritage hotels, once the residence of maharajas, are all well worth a look.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Begin with a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Located 11 kilometres from Jaipur, it was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more eye-catching because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort itself is a beautiful sight to behold.
This afternoon take part in a city tour visiting the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen. Enjoy an Indian costume-tying demonstration and also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, take the day to enjoy this heritage city at leisure or join the below optional activity.
Optional Activity: Culinary Delight Tour - $30 per person
The perfect opportunity for cooking enthusiasts to learn some authentic Indian dishes that have been household favourites for centuries. Immerse yourself in this ultimate Indian cultural experience as you visit a fine heritage hotel in Jaipur, where an Indian speciality chef takes you on a culinary journey. You will enjoy a classic Indian meal, also receive return hotel transfers, and the entire sensory experience will last approximately three hours.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart the approximate 245 kilometres for Agra. On the way, you will visit Chand Baori Step Well, located opposite a temple known as Harshat Mata Temple. It is believed that the Chand Baori step well has a religious connection, which is the reason it was built in front of the temple.
On arrival to Agra, check into the hotel. Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice, the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World. So awe-inspiring is the monument that Agra has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they cannot help but wonder, if a man they see contentedly smoking a hookah, is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal.
This afternoon enjoy a visit to Agra Fort (Red Fort). A fascinating sight, it showcases a high level of ornamentation and the Kohinoor diamond was reportedly part of the furnishings.
The fort's artwork mixes Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour.
Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history, arts and innovative architectural style, including its garden design, which influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Red Fort Complex.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will have the option to rise early and visit the Taj Mahal just after sunrise (at approx. 06:00) and return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. 1350 rupees - approx. $25 AUD - and only available for purchase on tour) or you can visit just after breakfast at 09:00 (included).
The world-famous Taj Mahal is where you will see the undeniable beauty that incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.
Early this afternoon check out of the hotel and travel approximately 210 kilometres back to Delhi. On arrival, check into the hotel.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).
Please note: Some flights may depart after midnight (technically day 16).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Arrive in Australia (or New Zealand).
Please note: Some flights may arrive + 1 day.
Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Kathmandu, Nepal. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.
Please note:
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers will be required to be at the airport the day before.
• Flight times will be indicated on your final documents 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kathmandu. Visit Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries, which used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Durbar Square is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Inside the palace building, you will find museums and a temple of the Living Goddess - Kumari.
Next, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa that watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Sengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Afterwards visit Boudhanath Stupa, which lies about 6 kilometres to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36 metres high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.
Finish the day back at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart the 210-kilometre journey to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty and the Pokhara Valley is home to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The serenity of Phewa Lake, and the magnificence of the fishtail summit rising behind it, create an ambience of magic and calming tranquility. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers that prosper in its environment. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and world-famous views of the Himalayas.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Sarangkot. The view of the Annapurna Himalaya from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167 metres) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhare (6997 metres) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937 metres) in the east. At dawn and dusk, the sun highlights the peaks in brilliant colours. Afterwards, visit Bindhyabasini Temple situated in the northern part of the Pokhara. Located near the busy Old Pokhara Bazaar, the temple of Bindhyabasini stands proudly about 3000 feet above sea level, and the temple of the guardian deity is of great religious value to the Hindus living in Pokhara.
Next, visit Devi’s Falls and Gupteshwar - a famous cave in Pokhara. Inside the cave, you can find the temple of the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the great god of Hindu, and people worship Lord Shiva and pray for their happiness and wealth.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart the 224-kilometre journey to Nagarkot (approx. 7 hours). Today is a big day of travel, but you will get to marvel at the beautiful countryside along the way. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Nagarkot is located at an altitude of 2175 metres, which thrills visitors with its unobstructed mountain panorama, extending from Annapurna in the west to Mount Everest in the east. Late this afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk, exploring some of the village’s most beautiful trails. When weather conditions are right, the views of mountain villages and terraced farmlands across the valley make for a stunning sight.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Nagarkot
Meals included: Breakfast
Early this morning, enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. The sun emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitors with its awe-inspiring majesty and beauty.
After breakfast depart to Dhulikhel, which offers the best views of the north-eastern Himalaya. Dhulikhel is situated at the foothills of the Panchkhal Valley, and the snow-fed mountains seen from Dhulikhel provide an amazing panoramic view. When a blue haze covers the lower portion of the mountains, they seem to be floating in the air. Afterwards, return to Nagarkot where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Nagarkot
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart the 58 kilometres to Kathmandu. On the way, visit Bhaktapur to embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is known for its immense and tragic historical features, which include heritage monuments that still echo the memories of ancient kingdoms.
Afterwards, continue the drive to Kathmandu and on arrival check in to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Standard or Premium Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast
Following check-out this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in will be from 14:00, and luggage storage will be available if you arrive before then.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Options)
Meals included: Breakfast
The capital of India, Delhi is a major gateway city for international visitors.
It’s a fascinating metropolis offering an intriguing mix of ancient sites and modern wonders, and also serves as the headquarters of Indian politics. Many of the heads of the Indian government, as well as other political parties, reside in the city, including the Prime Minister and President of India.
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour will take in Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan); and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Also enjoy a rickshaw tour through Chandni Chowk, a colourful shopping bazaar in Old Delhi.
Travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. You’ll also witness the India Gate, a 42-metre high war memorial and stone of triumph. The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the palace-like building that is home to the President of India.
Also visit the beautiful Lotus Temple, known as the Bahai Temple, where adherents of any faith can visit, pray or meditate at this dazzling architectural temple.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, travel approximately 265 kilometres to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan. On arrival in Jaipur, check into the hotel, where you will also enjoy dinner this evening.
Jaipur is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, form what is known as the Golden Triangle of India’s tourist circuit.
Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets.
The beautifully laid-out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and heritage hotels, once the residence of maharajas, are all well worth a look.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Begin with a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Located 11 kilometres from Jaipur, it was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more eye-catching because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort itself is a beautiful sight to behold.
This afternoon take part in a city tour visiting the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen. Enjoy an Indian costume-tying demonstration and also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, take the day to enjoy this heritage city at leisure or join the below optional activity.
Optional Activity: Culinary Delight Tour - $30 per person
The perfect opportunity for cooking enthusiasts to learn some authentic Indian dishes that have been household favourites for centuries. Immerse yourself in this ultimate Indian cultural experience as you visit a fine heritage hotel in Jaipur, where an Indian speciality chef takes you on a culinary journey. You will enjoy a classic Indian meal, also receive return hotel transfers, and the entire sensory experience will last approximately three hours.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart the approximate 245 kilometres for Agra. On the way, you will visit Chand Baori Step Well, located opposite a temple known as Harshat Mata Temple. It is believed that the Chand Baori step well has a religious connection, which is the reason it was built in front of the temple.
On arrival to Agra, check into the hotel. Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice, the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World. So awe-inspiring is the monument that Agra has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they cannot help but wonder, if a man they see contentedly smoking a hookah, is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal.
This afternoon enjoy a visit to Agra Fort (Red Fort). A fascinating sight, it showcases a high level of ornamentation and the Kohinoor diamond was reportedly part of the furnishings.
The fort's artwork mixes Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour.
Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history, arts and innovative architectural style, including its garden design, which influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Red Fort Complex.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will have the option to rise early and visit the Taj Mahal just after sunrise (at approx. 06:00) and return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. 1350 rupees - approx. $25 AUD - and only available for purchase on tour) or you can visit just after breakfast at 09:00 (included).
The world-famous Taj Mahal is where you will see the undeniable beauty that incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.
Early this afternoon check out of the hotel and travel approximately 210 kilometres back to Delhi. On arrival, check into the hotel.
Please note: If purchasing the premium package, dinner will be included on this day.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi Airport, roughly 20 kilometres northwest of the city.
On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade centre when Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC.
American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
Since ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of the Hindu Renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi for divine blessings.
In the evening, witness the glittering Aarti ceremony at the Ganges river.
Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today, enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges river.
After breakfast, depart for a city tour of Varanasi. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, offer the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats (steps) built along the banks for access to the river for religious activity also form a major source of attraction here.
Other interesting places you will visit include Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Archaeological Museum.
In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is devoted to Lord Shiva, the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. It is about 15 kilometres from the holy city of Varanasi, where Buddha conveyed his long-esteemed first oration. The illustrious Mantra, "Buddham Sharnam Gachhami", owes its foundation to Sarnath.
Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Please note: Some flights may depart after midnight (technically day 19).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Arrive in Australia (or New Zealand).
Please note: Some flights may arrive + 1 day.
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