INDIA-NEPAL GRAND ODYSSEY: FROM THE TAJ TO BUDDHA’S BIRTHPLACE

Upon your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, you will be warmly greeted by your professional chauffeur who will assist with your luggage and escort you to your private, air-conditioned vehicle.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey. In the evening, you may choose to take a short orientation walk near your hotel or enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (can be arranged on request).

Embark on a full-day exploration of India’s vibrant capital.

Begin in Old Delhi. Visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. From there, experience a thrilling rickshaw ride through the narrow, bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where spice markets, silver bazaars, and centuries-old shops create an unforgettable sensory experience. Drive past the iconic Red Fort (Lal Qila), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After lunch (own arrangement), explore New Delhi. Drive along the ceremonial Rajpath to view India Gate, a war memorial, and the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning precursor to the Taj Mahal, and end the day at Qutub Minar, a 73-meter-tall victory tower and another UNESCO-listed monument.

Depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the Pink City. The scenic drive takes you through the rural landscapes of northern India.

Upon arrival, the evening is free for you to explore the vibrant local bazaars of Jaipur, known for textiles, gemstones, and handicrafts, or simply relax.

Drive to the hilltop Amber Fort, a sprawling Rajput fortress with a network of palaces, halls, and gardens. Enjoy a thrilling jeep ride (or optional elephant ride) up to the main entrance. Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and enjoy panoramic views of Maota Lake.

Return to the city to visit City Palace, which still houses the Jaipur royal family. Explore its museums, courtyards, and art collections. Nearby, marvel at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and UNESCO site. End the day with a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), with its intricate honeycomb façade.

Depart for Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a well-preserved ghost city that served as the Mughal capital for a brief period under Emperor Akbar. Explore the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), Jama Masjid, and the tomb of Salim Chishti.

Continue your journey to Agra, arriving by late afternoon.

Rise early for the highlight of your Indian journey: a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Witness the marble mausoleum transform in color as the sun rises over the Yamuna River. Your guide will share stories of Emperor Shah Jahan’s eternal tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Ample time is provided for photography and quiet reflection.

Later, visit the imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed red sandstone fortress where Mughal emperors once ruled. Explore its palaces, audience halls, and mosques, with distant views of the Taj Mahal.

The afternoon is at leisure. You may choose to explore local marble inlay work, a craft for which Agra is renowned.

Depart for Orchha, a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival, explore Orchha’s remarkable palace complex, including Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Rai Praveen Mahal. Walk along the Betwa River to see the chhatris (cenotaphs), a series of striking memorials that reflect the town’s Bundela Rajput heritage.

Depart for Khajuraho. In the afternoon, explore the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the intricate erotic sculptures and exquisite artistry that adorn these 10th-century Chandela dynasty temples. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple alone features over 800 sculptural panels, making it a masterpiece of medieval Indian architecture.

Take a morning flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. (Alternatively, a scenic drive is available for those who prefer overland travel.)

Upon arrival, settle in. In the evening, proceed to the Ganges River to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This ancient ritual of fire, sound, and devotion, performed by young priests in unison, is a profoundly moving spiritual spectacle.

Awaken early for a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Glide past the sacred ghats where pilgrims perform rituals and yogis meditate. Witness the morning rituals as the city awakens along the riverbanks.

Return for breakfast. Later, drive to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses the famous Ashokan Lion Capital — India’s national emblem.

Depart for the India-Nepal border at Sunauli/Belahiya. After completing exit formalities, cross into Nepal and continue to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Upon arrival, you may take a quiet evening walk through the Lumbini Garden, where Maya Devi is said to have given birth to Prince Siddhartha in 563 BCE.

Dedicate the day to exploring Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, which houses the precise marker stone indicating Buddha’s birthplace. Stroll through the Lumbini Garden, where the sacred Pushkarini Pond and the Ashokan Pillar — erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE — stand as enduring symbols of peace.

Explore the monastic zone, divided into the East and West Monastic enclaves, featuring exquisite temples and stupas built by Buddhist communities from across the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Depart for Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, transfer to your jungle lodge.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a village walk to experience the culture of the indigenous Tharu community, followed by a visit to the Rapti River to witness a spectacular sunset.

Embark on a full day of wildlife adventures in Chitwan National Park.

Begin with an early morning jeep safari or elephant safari (as per park regulations) into the dense jungles. Look for the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger (with luck), sloth bears, spotted deer, wild boars, and over 500 species of birds.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the Rapti or Narayani River, where you can spot mugger crocodiles, gharials, and a variety of aquatic birds. Return to the lodge for cultural performances in the evening.

Depart for Pokhara, a tranquil lakeside city nestled beneath the Annapurna range. The scenic drive offers glimpses of rural Nepali life, terraced fields, and distant mountain views.

Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Phewa Lake, where the reflection of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain dances on the calm waters. Spend the evening strolling along the Lakeside promenade, lined with cafes, bookshops, and handicraft stores.

Rise early for a pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot Hill, the premier viewpoint for sunrise over the Himalayas. Watch as the first rays of sunlight illuminate Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and the entire Annapurna range in a breathtaking display of gold and crimson.

Return to the city for breakfast. Later, explore Devi’s Falls, the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (with views of the waterfall from within), and the World Peace Pagoda, a gleaming white stupa perched atop a hill overlooking the lake and mountains.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Pokhara at your own pace. Optional activities include:

• Paragliding over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as your backdrop
• Zip-lining — one of the longest and steepest in the world
• Short trek to Australian Camp or Dhampus for closer mountain views
• Mountain biking around the lake or through rural villages
• Ayurvedic spa or simply relaxing by the lake with a good book

Your chauffeur is available to take you wherever your interests lead.

Depart for Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, nestled in a valley rich with ancient art, culture, and living traditions. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River and ascends through winding mountain roads to the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon arrival, check in and spend the evening at leisure.

Begin your exploration of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Observe the cremation ceremonies (a profound experience) and the countless temples and ashrams that dot the sacred grounds.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk among the prayer wheels and observe monks in meditation.

In the afternoon, explore Patan Durbar Square, known for its exquisite Newari architecture, Krishna Mandir, and the Patan Museum housed within a former royal palace.

Begin the day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The ancient stupa, with its all-seeing eyes of Buddha, is one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites.

Afterwards, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic heart of the city. Explore the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess Kumari), and the intricately carved temples that surround the square.

The remainder of the day is free for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel or relaxing at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your Grand Odyssey through India and Nepal.

After breakfast, your chauffeur will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your departure flight, bringing your 21-day journey through India and Nepal to a close.