A potpourri of India's rich heritage. The chivalry of the Rajputs, splendours of the Taj, exotic sculptures of Khajuraho, and the eternal city of Varanasi on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Contrasted with its rich flora and fauna, catch a glimpse of the great Indian tiger, wild elephants, bison, deer, and a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. Kathmandu is the capital city of the Hindu Kingdom and Shangri La of the east, Nepal. It is situated in a huge valley at the foot of Mt. Everest. Your senses will soar as you drink in the panoramic vistas of the holy Himalayas.
Drive to Jaipur or optionally take the early morning train stopping en route at Amber for a tour of the hilltop fort on elephant back. Check into the Palace Hotel. Post lunch tour of city palace, observatory and palace of winds. Evening view puppet show. Overnight Jaipur.
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Ranthambore arriving by lunch. Check into Jungle Resort, post lunch jeep tour of the park with a naturalist. Evening view tiger film as you enjoy a bonfire dinner. Overnight Ranthambore.
Drive to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary via a brief stopover at Karauli Palace for lunch. Check into the forest lodge/palace. Evening rickshaw/canoe tour of the sanctuary to view a variety of migratory birds including the rare Siberian crane. Overnight Bharatpur.
Morning free to bird watch and view wildlife on a cycle rickshaw. Later drive to Agra via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Check into the hotel. Post lunch tour of the Taj Mahal and the fabulous Agra fort. Overnight Agra.
Morning tour of ltmad-ud-ullah. Later, board the afternoon flight to Khajuraho. Transfer to hotel. Evening tour of the southern group of the famous Chandela temples. Overnight Khajuraho.
Morning tour of the eastern group of temples. Later, board the afternoon flight to Varanasi. Transfer to hotel. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges to view ghats. Overnight Varanasi.
Half-day city tour of temples and Sarnath. Post-lunch flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Kathmandu.
Half-day tour of the city palace. Patan and Swayambhunath. Evening view Nepalese cultural dances. Overnight Kathmandu.
Fly to Chitwan National Park. Transfer to Jungle Lodge. The park is known for its tiger and rhino sightings. Safaris are conducted on elephant back, canoes, and land rovers. Overnight Jungle Lodge.
Morning and evening jungle safari. Overnight Jungle Lodge. I I. CHITWAN / DELHI: Fly to Kathmandu for a connecting flight to Delhi.