Overview
Witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World. Here, Mughal Emperor...read more Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Next, you’ll travel to fascinating Kathmandu, Nepal. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka. Visit the residence of the Living Goddess at Temple of Kumari, and travel to Bouddhanath—one of the world’s largest stupas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Marvel at the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India and Nepal.
Itinerary
Hello, Mumbai!
Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history - now India's premier seaport and home to the "Bollywood" movie industry.
Magical Mumbai
Join your Local Guide for an orientation of the city's famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B/L)
Packed Lunches & Loyal Pilgrimages
Today, witness Mumbai's tiffin lunch box delivery system. Later this afternoon, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LUNCH BOX HEROES: Each day dabbawalas (box carriers) deliver thousands of home-cooked lunches to people at work. Using a simple coding system of colours, numbers, and letters, deliveries are made with nearly 100% accuracy. Watch and learn this fascinating process starting at Churchgate Station where the dabbawalas transfer the boxes onto local trains for distribution. Ride on one of the trains to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and see the boxes being sorted for final delivery.
Sacred Rituals
Near dawn, board a boat and watch a meaningful religious ritual-the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, practicing yoga or , meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FIRE & WATER: Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Observe scents and sounds of the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river's edge as it has been done for centuries. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float "diyas" (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (B)
Delhi Delights
Today's sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb, and take a rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B/L/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - MARKET HIGH: Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Remembrance & Worship
This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: As Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
Moghul Monuments
Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOVE REMEMBERED: Rise early for a bucket-list visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.
By Road & Rail
Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B/L/D)
The Game is Afoot
Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.
Jaunt to Jaipur
Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the "Pink City" ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (B/L)
Jewels of Jaipur
Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - PROMISING FUTURES: Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FORMIDABLE FORTRESS: Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan," built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.
Going to Kathmandu
Today, fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi), Nepal's capital city. (B)
City Sights & Goddess Lights
Join your Local Guide for morning sightseeing starting with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LIVING FAITH: Discover the mysteries of the Temple of Kumari where the Living Goddess resides. Here, the manifestation of the Divine Mother is believed to live in the young girl who embodies The Energy - all riches, strength, beauty, and knowledge of the creator of the Universe. They believe the temple was constructed from the wood of a single tree, featuring a 4-pillar hall where sounds emanate from string and percussion instruments. A mysteriously beautiful sight!
The Power of Faith
Today, travel with your Local Guide to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Stop in Durbar Square, the city's centre of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (B/L)
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 15 Breakfasts
- 8 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
- Mumbai Trident, Nariman Point (Moderate Deluxe)
- Varanasi Taj Ganges, Varanasi (Superior First-Class)
- Delhi Le Meridien New Delhi (Moderate Deluxe)
- Agra Trident, Agra (Superior First-Class)
- Sawai Madhopur Ranthambhore Kothi (Superior First-Class)
- Jaipur Jaipur Marriott Hotel (Superior First-Class)
- Kathmandu Vivanta Kathmandu (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Asia through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with professional Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Asia. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus takes care of the components that make your tour unforgettable, so just sit back and relax. Read more
Experience Asia like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
