Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
18 Days
Visiting: Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Chitwan National Park, Chitawan, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAP2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India and Nepal than this incredible Independence by Globus journey. Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Udaipur, explore the Jagdish Temple and take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. On to Nepal and the treasures of Kathmandu. Soar above the Himalayas to see Mount Everest and journey to Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. Other visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. In Chitwan National Park, safari is the name of the game. Embark on game activities in search of a variety of wildlife including rhino, tiger, leopard, and elephant. You’ll also have a chance to visit a local village and take in a fascinating cultural performance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Mumbai,India
Location: Mumbai
Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. • Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. • Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 3: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, enjoy an excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the mid-5th century.• Start with a ferry ride to the island where you’ll have ample time to explore the seven caves rock cut caves and the carvings and sculptures within them. One of the highlights is the beautiful Sadashiva, which represents three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer.
Day 4: Mumbai,Udaipur
Location: Mumbai, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes.”
Day 5: Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. • After some free time in the middle of the day, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.
Day 6: Udaipur,Delhi
Location: Udaipur, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. • Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Day 8: Delhi,Agra
Location: Delhi, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. • Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). • After lunch, drive to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.
Day 9: Agra
Location: Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Agra,Jaipur
Location: Agra, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” • After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. • Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills.
Day 11: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12: Jaipur,Kathmandu,Nepal
Location: Jaipur, Kathmandu, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi).
Day 13: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Start your day early with a flightseeing excursion to see Mount Everest. During the 50-minute flight, glimpse some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas including Mount Everest. You’ll also gain a better understanding of Nepal’s extreme geography.• Later, a private guided tour takes you 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). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites.
Day 14: Kathmandu,Bharatpur,Chitwan National Park Area
Location: Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Chitwan National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Your morning private sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. • Later, fly to Bharatpur and transfer to your lodge on the banks of the Rapti River, your base for exploring Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 15: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitawan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitawan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Continue exploring Chitwan National Park on morning and afternoon game activities with an experienced naturalist: choice of game drive, bush walk, or boat excursion. • You may also choose to visit a nearby village to learn about local life.• Tonight, enjoy a special bush dinner!
Day 17: Chitwan Area,Bharatpur,Kathmandu
Location: Chitawan, Bharatpur, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, transfer to Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 18: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Bouddahanath|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Chitwan National Park|Durbar Square|Elephanta Caves|Hanuman Dhoka|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Patan|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Notes
All game viewing is done at your own risk. We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.Elephanta Caves is closed on Mondays. Mumbai sightseeing days will be flipped in these instances.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 3 dinners
Accommodation
Mumbai:Trident, Nariman PointUdaipur:TatSaraasa Resort & Spa, UdaipurDelhi:Le Meridien New DelhiAgra:Trident, AgraJaipur:Trident, JaipurKathmandu:Vivanta KathmanduChitwan:Barahi Jungle Lodge
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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