Rajasthan with Nepal Tour

Day 01: Delhi

On arrival in New Delhi, the guests will be received at the International Airport by the Castle & King rep. – please keep a lookout for him as soon as you collect your luggage and walk towards the exit gate in the arrival terminal (we request you not to leave the terminal building until the rep. has made contact with you and there is a lot of construction presently at the airport). Assistance and transfer by car to the hotel where room is reserved for immediate check-in.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 02: Delhi – Udaipur
By Flight:

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Airport for flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, you will be received by the Castle & King representative at the hotel and assist in check-in and provide time for the morning sight seeing.

Udaipur: The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Enjoy evening at leisure at the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 03: Udaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at CITY PALACE. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, coloured glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely SAHELION-KI-BARI GARDENS, THE JAGDISH TEMPLE AND THE LOCAL FOLK MUSEUM.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of LAKE PICHOLA. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the JAG MANDIR PALACE (the other island palace in the middle of the lake), and spend some time there.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 04: Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur
By Surface: 260 KMS / 06 HRS

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Jodhpur. En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be received by local representative of Castle & King, who assist you in check-in and provide the time for the sightseeing tour of the city.

Jodhpur: Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD MEHRANGARH FORT looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 05: Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city.

The awe inspiring Mehrangarh Fort takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor’s list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces, with intricate carved ‘jalis’ and panels that take your breath away. Seven heavily fortified gateways led to the palaces, armoury and royal chambers. Few of these gates remain but the palaces are impressive in their variety and ornamentation. The notable ones are the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), with its beautifully painted walls, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) with its Shringar Chowk (coronation seat) featuring peacock armrests and gilded elephants, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the Sileh Khana, the Umaid Vilas and the Daulat Khana. At the Daulat Khana, visitors get to see a rich and varied collection of royal memorabilia, fine Rajput miniatures and Ragmala paintings. Jaswant Thada, a few metres below the fort, is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors. The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder, built in 1812, with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times!

In the evening, visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 06: 30th Sep, 08 Jodhpur – Jaipur
By Surface: 290 KMS / 06 HRS

After early breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, you will be received by Castle & King’s local representative at the hotel who provides assist in check-in and provide time for the sightseeing.

JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honour of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 07: Jaipur

In the morning, car and guide will report to the hotel and provide excursion to Amber Fort where elephant ride will be arranged to the Fort. Amber is known as Amer in local Jaipur dialect and is owned by the Jaipur family trust and was founded around the tenth century A.D. The entire sprawling complex of courtyards, halls, palaces and apartments is separated by several gates.

Continue city tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace - the private residence of Maharaja Bhawani Singh of Jaipur and his family where part of the palace is open to public and has a museum with a very interesting armory, Observatory known as `Jantar mantar' was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur's grandfather who had a passion for astronomy. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five story façade which overlooks the walled city's main thoroughfare and is built in quaint pink sand-stone and is studded with 953 little windows and was used for the ladies of the royal household to sit and watch local people and their activities.

After sightseeing in the evening, car and driver are available at disposal for local shopping. Jaipur is a great place for shopping for precious stones, silks, home furnishing, sari's etc. – Castle and King recommends the following places to shop:

Anokhi or Soma or Cottons (for Cotton Clothing and home furnishing)

Channi Handicraft and Textiles

Hot Pink at the Narain Niwas Haveli (for Indian Fashion clothing)

Gem Palace or Gem Plaza for Jewels

We recommend walking down the famous Johari Bazaar of Jaipur which has many stores selling silver, traditional costumes etc.

Rana’s in Johari Bazaar for Saris and Silks

Enjoy evening at leisure at the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 08: Jaipur – Ranthambore
By Surface: 180 KMS / 03 HRS

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Ranthambore. On arrival in Ranthambore, you will be received by Castle & King’s representative at the station who provides immediate transfer to the hotel assists in check-in and provide time for the sightseeing.

Ranthambore is a national park and tiger reserve in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur, which is also the nearest airport. The nearest town and railway station is at Sawai Madhopur, 11 km away.

The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km², and is famous for its tiger population, and is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. Other major wild animals include the leopard, dhole, wild pig, sambar`, chital and the gaur.

Major wild animals found in the national park include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild pig, sambar, chital and the gaur. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles.

In the afternoon, proceed for the safari in the jungle.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.


Day 09: Ranthambore

You have full day game viewing inside the jungle (two safaris).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 10: Ranthambore – Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
BY TRAIN: KOTA JANSHATABDI {2059A (Dep: 0710, Arr: 0925)}

BY SURFACE: 290 KMS / 06 HRS

After early breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to station for the train to Bharatpur. On arrival in Bharatpur, you will be received by Castle and King’s representative at the station who provide immediate transfer to Agra en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
On arrival in Agra, our representative will assist you in check-in and provide time for the sightseeing.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing of the city visit to The Agra Fort also built by Akbar in1565 Ad - the construction is dominated by red-sandstone and houses the beautiful pearly mosque also it is from here that Shah Jahan imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb looked across the Yamuna River in the last few days of his life at the Taj Mahal also visit Itmadullah's Tomb known as the Baby Taj Mahal and built between 1622-26 Ad by Nur Jahan the wife of Jahangir in memory of her father Ghias-ud-Din-Beg. From Itmadullah’s Tomb – a wonderful view of the River and the public laundry can be seen which is very interesting.

In the evening, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset - perhaps one of the best times to view and visit the monument. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 11: Agra – Delhi
By Surface: 240 KMS / 05 HRS

Early morning proceed for the drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be received by the Castle & King representative at the hotel and assist in check-in and provide time for the sight seeing.

In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing. Visit Old Delhi, the Red Fort - built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 of the Mughal Dynasty. Opposite the Red fort is the Jama Masjid – the mosque also built by Shah Jahan and is the largest in India. A Rickshaw ride through the Market Place of Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square) will be provided through the narrow lanes famous for its small silver stores, antique, Indian Saree shops. Incense and ‘Ittar’ (the raw form of perfume products) and the ancient Bird hospital. Also visit the Kinari Bazaar (bridal Market) and the Spice market both of which offer a wonderful photo-opportunity.

Drive past the India Gate and Presidential Palace area (photo stops) known as Raj Path (Kings Way) is a wonderfully planned wide boulevard with ornamental ponds on each side and trees that are now more than 100 years old that the British had planted to give shade in the summer and are pollen free. An integral part of Lutyen’s Delhi – At the eastern end of Raj path is India Gate – 42 meter high Stone memorial constructed to commemorate who died in the North Eastern Frontier (towards Afghanistan) and nearly 85000 names are inscribed on the walls. At the far West side of the Boulevard is Rastrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) – the home of the former Viceroy of India and now the Residence of the President of India. The building was completed in 1929 and is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Western Architectural styles (visit inside the Palace is not permitted due to security reasons).
Also visit Mahatma Gandhi's residence (Birla house) where he was assassinated and is now an interesting Museum based on Mahatma Gandhi’s life and ideology.

Stop for lunch at one of Delhi’s fine restaurants. Castle & King recommends the following:

Ø Bukhara at the Sheraton (Indian Barbeque and perhaps India's finest restaurant)

Ø Olive Beach at the Diplomat Hotel - stylish Italian Restaurant

Ø Spice Route at the Imperial hotel (South East Asian food)

Ø Ego Thai (Friends Colony for Thai Food)

Ø Olive (Fashionable Bar and Restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean food)

Ø 'Taipan' the Chinese Restaurant at the Oberoi or Oberoi 360 which is a world cuisine restaurant.

Ø The Veda Restaurant in Connaught Place. (Indian)

Ø The 1911 Gardens of the Imperial Hotel.

It is recommended to make table reservations and do advise the driver/guide your preference and he will arrange for the same. (lunch on direct payment).

After lunch sightseeing of New Delhi will be arranged visiting Qutab Minar (13th century) built by the Slave Dynasty King Qutab-ud-din-Aibaq. After visiting Qutab Minar stop at the statue of Mahavir (Jain Sect) which is perched on a hill near the Qutab Minar and offers very nice view of the area. Drive past the Chattarpur Temple Complex – the largest Hindu temple complex in Delhi where all the different types of Indian Temple architecture (ancient and modern) can be seen.
In the Evening, visit to the Humayun's Tomb at sunset which is a wonderfully preserved Mughal monument.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Delhi – Kathmandu
By Flight: 9W 264 (Dep: 0630, Arr: 0815)

Early morning proceed for the drive to International Airport for the flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by Castle & King’s representative at the airport who provides immediate transfer to the hotel, assist in check-in and provides time for the sightseeing.

In the afternoon, Car and guide will report to the hotel and provide sightseeing of Patan City and Museum and the Monkey temple as well as sightseeing of Kathmandu city visiting Durbar Square, - known as Hanuman Dhoka and ancient Royal Residential Quarters, Mahadev and Parvati Temples (Hindu Temples) and Machhendra Bahal holy place for Hindus and Buddhist and the temple house of Kumari - the living Goddess and also visit Swayambhunath - the oldest Buddhist stupa. Also visit the Pashupatinath Temple – one of the most sacred temples of the Hindu’s – this is a richly ornamented pagoda which houses the sacred Shiva Lingam – Chronicles indicate the temples existence prior to 44 A.D. Only Hindus are permitted inside the main shrine – but do spend time witnessing the rituals etc.

Evening at leisure – we recommend visit to Thamel where they have good Nepalese restaurants and a great place to pick up Buddhist Thankas (painted scrolls) and other gifts.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 13: Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city again. Visit Kirtipur and Dakshinkali in the morning. Later proceed for the Patan. The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 14: Kathmandu – Pokhra
By Surface: 200 KMS / 06 HRS

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Pokhra. On arrival in Pokhra, our Castle and King’s representative will help you check into your hotel. Spend a leisurely evening before retiring for the night. Embark on a detailed sightseeing tour of Pokhara including the beautiful Pokhara Lake. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure with several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 15: Pokhra – Kathmandu – Delhi - Home
By Flight: IC 814 (Dep: 1615 – 1730)

After early breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Kathmandu Airport for the flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be received by Castle & King’s representative at the airport from where you connect for the onward destination.