Overview
Timeless India: Tigers & Traditions with Kathmandu
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal—one of the New7Wonders of the World—where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to create a towering white-marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless mine of experiences. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on two thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Observe the striking Ganga Aarti, a spiritual worship ceremony, on the ghats leading down to the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism. Your journey concludes in fascinating Kathmandu for guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka and the residence of the Living Goddess at the Temple of Kumari. Travel to Bouddhanath—one of the world’s largest stupas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal—and marvel at the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this Small Group Discovery tour of India and Nepal.
Highlights of Timeless India: Tigers & Traditions with Kathmandu
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour:
- Orientation tour of Delhi with visits to Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb
- [LF] Rickshaw ride through historic Chandni Chowk market
- Indian cuisine cooking demonstration with a local chef
- Sunrise guided visit to the Taj Mahal
- Tour of Agra Fort
- Two open-air safari game drives in Ranthambore National Park
- Guided tour of Amber Fort
- Visit to a vocational training program for children in Jaipur
- [LF] Home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, including sari- and turban-tying demonstration
- Visits to Fatehpur Sikri, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar
- Take a boat ride at dawn to observe the Hindus’ devotional bathing and meditation rituals in the Ganges River
- Witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the steps leading to the Ganges
- Excursion to Sarnath
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with visits to Hanuman Dhoka, the Temple of Kumari, and Bouddhanath
- Visit Patan and Durbar Square
- Intra-vacation flights as listed in the itinerary
Notes
In the interest of safety and ensuring wildlife well being, cell phones are banned in several national parks and tiger reserves across India—including Ranthambore National Park. Before your game drives, you will be required to leave your phone at the hotel. Personal cameras are still permitted. Your Tour Director will also have a camera and can take photos on your behalf if you are not carrying your own.
Transportation
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Bouddhanath|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Durbar Square|Fatehpur Sikri|Hanuman Dhoka|Humayun's Tomb|Jantar Mantar|Patan|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Product Group
Timeless India: Tigers & Traditions
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA Hello, Delhi! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
Day 2
DELHI Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Day 3
DELHI–AGRA Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
Day 4
AGRA Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Rise early for a bucket-list visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.
Day 5
AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)
Day 6
RANTHAMBORE AREA The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on today’s guided game drives via small-capacity vehicles perfect for your group.
Day 7
RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the “Pink City” ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (B,L)
Day 8
JAIPUR Jewels of Jaipur Today, travel by Jeep to visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Later, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEPROMISING FUTURES Ladli is a training program empowering orphaned children by teaching them the valuable vocational skills they need. During your visit, you’ll learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this meaningful organization is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Rising above the hills of Jaipur, this fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Your small group is invited to visit the home of a local noble family to share a home-prepared dinner. You’ll also learn the art of sari-and-turban tying in the beloved tradition of India.
Day 9
JAIPUR–VARANASI Where Tradition Flows on Today, fly to Varanasi (via Delhi), revered as India’s holiest city along the sacred Ganges River. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight. (B,D)
Day 10
VARANASI Sacred Rituals Near dawn, board a boat to watch a meaningful religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga or meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Later, travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Early this evening, experience the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT FIRE & WATER Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river’s edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float “diyas” (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
Day 11
VARANASI–KATHMANDU, NEPAL Going to Kathmandu Today, fly to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, where you will be met by a Globus representative. (B)Please note: Your Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu is as outlined in the itinerary.
Day 12
KATHMANDU City Sights & Goddess Lights Join your Local Guide for morning sightseeing starting with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLIVING FAITH Discover the mysteries of the Temple of Kumari, where the Living Goddess is believed to reside. Here, the manifestation of the Divine Mother is said to dwell in a young girl who embodies shakti-the divine energy representing riches, strength, beauty, and knowledge, revered as the creative force of the universe. The temple is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree and features a four pillar hall, from which the sounds of string and percussion instruments are said to emanate. A mysteriously beautiful sight!
Day 13
KATHMANDU–PATAN EXCURSION The Power of Faith Today, travel with your Local Guide 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. (B,L)
Day 14
KATHMANDU Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Le Meridien New Delhi | Ideally located in the heart of New Delhi, the luxurious Le Meridien New Delhi stands tall over the historic landscape of Lutyen's Delhi. The hotel features a sophisticated and modern design, and sweeping views of New Delhi. | Delhi | Windsor Place, New Delhi | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Grand Mercure, Agra | Inspired by the rich heritage Agra, the Grand Mercure Agra captures the city's essence in its architecture, flavours and experiences. With the Taj Mahal in the background, the rooftop restaurant is a great place to take in spectacular views. | Agra | Fatehabad Rd | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | The Tigriss Ranthambore | The Tigress Ranthambore promises premium luxuries of a heritage style abode adjacent to Ranthambore National Park. It welcomes guests to soak in the grandeur of royalty, warm hospitality and exciting activities. Rooms are tastefully designed with modern amenities to ensure a stay that is comfortable and memorable. | Ranthambore National Park | Ranthambore Road | Moderate Deluxe |
| 4 | Jaipur Marriott Hotel | Experience a winning combination of traditional luxury and modern convenience at the Jaipur Marriott Hotel. Entrenched in the cultural legacy of India's Pink City, | Jaipur | Ashram Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Rajasthan | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Radisson Hotel Varanasi | The Radisson Hotel Varanasi, located in the heart of the city's illustrious business district, boasts 116 spacious rooms, modern architecture, and amenities including high-speed Internet access, multiple dining outlets, and an on-site spa. It provides easy access to top attractions like Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga ghats, and many other temples. During your stay, be sure to take advantage of a fitness center, open air pool, and on-site restaurant with a lounge. | Varanasi | The Mall, Cantonment | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Vivanta Kathmandu | Located in the vibrant Patan district of Kathmandu, the Vivant Kathmandu whisks guests into an oasis of modern comforts in one of the most far-flung locations in the world. Guestrooms are sophisticated and versatile. After a day of exploring the city head up to the rooftop pool and bar for the finest views over Kathmandu. | Kathmandu | Jhamsikhel Road 3, Lalitpur | Superior First-Class |
