DAY 1 → Depart the UK on your outbound flight with Jet Airways via Delhi, arriving in Kathmandu the next day.
DAY 2 → On arrival in Kathmandu, capital of the world's newest republic – Nepal, transfer to the Hyatt Regency hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Over the next two days, enjoy two mornings of sightseeing that will include visits to Pashupatinath & Bodhnath, Durbar Square, the complex of temples at Swyambhunath and also the nearby town of Patan, which is renowned for its skilled metal workers.
DAY 5 → Transfer back to the airport for your Air India flight down from the Himalayas to the exquisitely exotic city of Varanasi on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. On arrival, transfer to the Taj Gateway Hotel for a two night stay. Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and has been a religious and cultural centre for thousands of years, and to this day attracts more than a million Hindu pilgrims every year. Next morning, a full day tour will take in the fascinating Ghats – steps down to the holy waters of the Ganges – to witness the ceremonial bathing, followed by a cruise on the mighty river itself. Later visit temples and bazaars and the labyrinthine streets of the old city, including a chance to converse with a Hindu scholar.
DAY 7 → Morning transfer back to the airport for your Jet Airways flight west to Khajuraho, a city renowned for its exquisite collection of medieval Hindu and Jain temples that are particulary noted for their intricately carved and often quite erotic stone exteriors and sculptures. Upon arrival, transfer for an overnight stay at the with an afternoon excursion to visit the nearby temples (please call for details).
DAY 8 → Leave Khajuraho to visit historic, riverside Orchha with its huge palace-fort. Continue on to Jhansi (approx. 112 miles, 4 hours) and transfer to the Shatabadhi Express Train to Agra for a two night stay at the (approx. 2½ hours). Next morning, explore India's most iconic landmark, and perhaps the greatest monument to love ever built, the Taj Mahal. Follow that with a trip to impressive Agra Fort, a building less famous than the Taj Mahal, but no less impressive. Your afternoon is free to relax or explore further at your leisure.
DAY 10 → Your journey continues on to Jaipur, with a stop en route at the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1570 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, only to be mysteriously abandoned just fifteen years later. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to the Sheraton Rajputana for a two night stay (approx. 163 miles, 6 hours). Next morning, enjoy the sites of the ‘Pink City’, so called as the whole city was once painted pink to welcome the then Prince of Wales back in 1853. To this day avenues remain painted pink giving the city a distinctive look.
DAY 12 → A transfer day will take you across Rajasthan to the mega-city that is Delhi, upon arrival, check into the Le Meridien, New Delhi for a two night stay (approx. 160 miles, 5 hours). Next day, partake in an orientation tour of the city taking in Old and New Delhi, the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the government district. Finish your tour this evening with a farewell dinner with a local family.
DAY 14 → Transfer to the airport for your return flight with Jet Airways to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.
TIGERS OF RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore National Park is a key focus of Project Tiger’s conservation plans in Rajasthan.
DAY 12 → Drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore for three nights at Sawai Madhopur. Three game drives in open top canters are included.
DAY 15 → Catch the Jan Shatabdi express train (approx. 5½ hours) to Delhi for two nights at the Le Meridien including a city tour.
DAY 17 → Fly Jet Airways, arriving Heathrow the same day.
NB → Ranthambore is closed Jul01-Sep30. Please note the canters are compact.
BEACHES OF GOA
The perfect relaxing end to your tour.
DAY 14 → Fly Jet Airways to Goa for five nights at the Zuri Whitesands (please call for details and alternative hotels).
DAY 19 → Fly to Delhi to connect with your Jet Airways flight, arriving Heathrow later the same day.
KERALA BEACH
Relax and unwind on the tranquil beaches of Kerala.
DAY 14 → Jet Airways flight to Trivandrum and transfer to the Taj Green Cove for a five night stay.
DAY 19 → Transfer back to Trivandrum for your Jet Airways flight to Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the Trident Hotel for one night.
DAY 20 → Fly Jet Airways to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.