EXOTIC INDIA & NEPAL
A cultural tour of India & Nepal

This tour offers both continuity and rich diversity and is a very popular combination for tourists who wish to enjoy cultural tour of two countries. From the majestic Moghul buildings in Northern India to the stunning mountains of Nepal, this is a journey not to be missed. The inclusion of the Sariska Game Park adds to all of this the excitement of seeing the Indian wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, after immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Moghul India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India.
Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. (B, D)

Day 03: Delhi / Sariska (Drive 239 Kms / 148 miles)
An interesting countryside drive brings us to Sariska. In the afternoon we visit the famous Wildlife Sanctuary, home cheetah, antelope, sambar, and other wildlife.
Overnight: Hotel in Sariska (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: Sariska / Jaipur (Drive 111 Kms / 69 miles)
From here we continue on a scenic countryside drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After enjoying the panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. One of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. (B, D)

Day 06: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (Drive 230 Kms / 143 miles)
Another interesting countryside drive gets us first to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Moghul king Akbar the Great, and later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Moghul architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. After our visit here we continue to the city home of the world famous Taj Mahal. Evening free.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Agra
Morning we start our tour with the Taj Mahal, a World Heritage Site. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. The afternoon is free to shop for the Taj replicas; wood works and leather goods that the descendants of the builders of the Taj are still famous for. (B, D)

Day 08: Agra / Khajuraho (Train)
Today we board the famous Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi and continue by coach to visit Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. After our visit to Orchha we proceed to the city that houses the splendid temples.
Overnight: Hotel in Khajuraho (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples that have been designated as a World Heritage Site. The temples were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only about 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Evening you can enjoy an optional Sound & Light Show. (B, D)

Day 10: Khajuraho / Varanasi (Flight)
After further sightseeing of Khajuraho we take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi - amongst the oldest living city in the Sub Continent. We start our Varanasi experience with a visit to old part and also visit Bharat Mata Temple housing a big relief map of India in marble. Varanasi is famous for its many temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir beside the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb. The city is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where such silk sarees are weaved. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000 years old city.
Overnight: Hotel in Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Varanasi / Kathmandu (Nepal) (Flight)
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief of the holiness of the Ganges and every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced so different from anything else what may have seen anywhere in the world. Later we tour Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Later we fly to Delhi to connect with flight to Kathmandu - capital of the Kingdom of Nepal, a very spiritual land isolated by the high Himalayas. An early afternoon flight gets us to Kathmandu, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal, home to the world's highest mountain, the Everest.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Kathmandu
In the morning we visit the various towns in the Kathmandu Valley, all designated World Heritage Sites, including the famous Gilded Copper Gate in Bhadgeon, the Hindu Temple of Shiva and the Buddhist shrine of Boudhnath. Later we drive through the countryside to Patan to see more beautiful art and architecture. We also visit the Tibetan Refugee Craft Centre and explore the temples, pagodas and palaces of Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Evening is free to loiter through the bazaars and get an opportunity meeting the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu, home. (B, D)

Day 13: Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a mountain town that offers an excellent venue for soul searching and this is your day to do that exploring this fascinating valley, or you can embark on an optional scenic mountain flight over the breathtaking Himalayas to see Mount Everest. A farewell dinner, Nepali style, will be our goodbye to the Himalayas. (B, D)

Day 14: Kathmandu / Home Bound
We bid farewell to Kathmandu and Himalayan Nepal as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight back home. (B)

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Jan 23, Feb 20, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21, Jun 18, Jul 16, Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 19 & Dec 03
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International Airfare (except Kathmandu / Delhi which is included) Meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, D=dinner) Departure / Border taxes Domestic & Regional airfare: Khajuraho / Varanasi / Kathmandu Visa Fees / Insurance Train fare Agra/Jhansi sector   Entrance Fees to museums and other sites   Local English speaking guides at each destination   Road taxes, parking fees   All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary   Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Valid from 1st Jan '12 to 15th Apr '12 Double Occupancy 2 Paying Pax Single Room Supplement Option 1 US $ 3850 US $ 1225 Option 2 US $ 4675 US $ 1575 HOTELS City Option 1 Option 2 Delhi (2 Nights) Jaypee Siddharth – 5 Star (Standard Room) Taj Palace – 5 Star Deluxe (Deluxe Room) Sariska ( 1 Night) Sariska Palace – Heritage (Standard Room) Sariska Palace – Heritage (Standard Room) Jaipur (2 Nights) Country Inn Suites -5 Star (Standard Room) Jai Mahal Palace -5 Star Deluxe (Luxury Room) Agra (2 Nights) Clarks Shiraz-5 Star (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel -5 Star (Standard Room) Khajuraho (2 Nights) Jass Radisson – 5 Star (Standard Room) Taj Chandela – 5 Star Deluxe (Superior Garden View) Varanasi (1 Night) Ramada Plaza – 5 Star (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel Ganges – 5 Star Deluxe (Standard Room) Kathmandu (3 Nights) Yak & Yeti-5 Star (Standard Room) Soaltee Crown Plaza – 5 Star (Standard Room)
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast US $ 1200 USA - East Coast US $ 1000
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.