Lumbini Holidays
Sample Itinerary - REF INDIA 1120
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Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to India. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Day 2: Delhi
Today we explore both Old and New Delhi - the order of New Delhi is a huge contrast to the unorganised chaos of the Old City. But both are just as appealing. Highlights we be the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more.
Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur
This morning we drive to Jaipur, affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4: Jaipur
This morning we visit the delicate pink, magnificent fort-palace of Amber - a wonderful example of Rajput architecture just north of Jaipur. Subject to Government regulations, we will arrive in style on an elephant! Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.
Day 5: Jaipur - Bharatpur
Today we drive to the small rural village of Bharatpur, walking the dusty village lanes we gain an insight into local life and traditions. We stop in on a charming haveli with its small courtyard and lawned gardens. After hotel check in at Bharatpur, we visit the Bird Sanctuary.
Day 6: Bharatpur - Agra
En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort. At sunset we enjoy a visit to the legendary Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), the most extravagant monument ever built for love.
Day 7: Agra - Orchha
Today, we travel by express train to Jhansi and drive onward to Orchha. Situated on the banks of the River Betwa, Orchha is set amongst a wonderful complex of well-preserved 16th century temples and palaces, we enjoy an afternoon visit or Orchha city.
Day 8: Orchha - Khajuraho
Travelling south-east, we arrive in Khajuraho - home of the resplendent Hindu temples which were built during the Chandela dynasty over a 100 year burst of creative genius from 950-1050 AD. We enjoy afternoon sightseeing.
Day 9: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Today we bid farewell to Khajuraho and fly east to Varanasi. Perhaps the holiest city in India, Varanasi, also known as the city of Shiva, is also one of the oldest cities on earth. Sitting on the banks of the holy River Ganges, it has been a centre of learning and civilisation for more than 2000 years and is a place of Hindu pilgrimage.
Day 10: Varanasi
This morning, we enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges where we’ll view the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the many riverbank ghats (riverside steps). Later, we embark on a tour of the city and also to Sarnath. At sunset consider re-visiting the ghats for the evening pilgramage, remarkably different from the dawn ritual.
Day 11: Varanasi - Lumbini
Today we drive north and cross the border into neighbouring Nepal. Our destination is Lumbini, where we can visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha in 623BC. The Lumbini Garden is famous for the Ashokan Pillar, which offers epigraphic evidence of Lord Buddha’s birth. Afternoon sightseeing.
Day 12: Lumbini - Chitwan N. P.
Leaving Lumbini, we drive to Royal Chitwan National Park, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest National Parks in Asia, Chitwan supports a population of a variety of species including Indian one horned rhino, bison, sloth bear, wild boar, deer, leopard and of course the magnificent, if elusive, Bengal tiger.
Day 13: Chitwan N. P.
Widely acknowledged as one of the finest National Parks in Asia, Chitwan supports a population of a variety of species including Indian one horned rhino, bison, sloth bear, wild boar, deer, leopard and of course the magnificent, if elusive, Bengal tiger. Full day game drive for your chance to sight some of the many species of wildlife in the park.
Day 14: Chitwan N. P. - Pokhara
Today we drive to Pokhara. Perhaps the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular backdrop panorama of the Annapurna range. Although the highest among them is Annapurna (8091m), it is the fish tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) spectacularly rising behind Lake Phewa that completes the vista.
Day 16: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Driving north, we arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Resembling a medieval city of temples, shrines and living gods, Kathmandu is Nepal’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city, a meeting place of a dozen ethnic groups and once one of the most important points on the caravan routes between Tibet and India. Today we visit Pashupathinath, Swyambhunath, Boudhnath Darbar Square and a Tibetian Refugee Camp.
Pondicherry
Settled in the early 18th century by the French, Pondicherry on the Bay of Bengal in the state of Tamil ...
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