Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
18 Days Starting in Mumbai, India and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park Area, Chitwan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAP2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
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 Globus Independent tour . 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, le
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Mumbai,India
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point
Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MUMBAI• 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. (B,L)
Day 3: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point
Meals Included: Breakfast
MUMBAI• 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.(B)
Day 4: Mumbai,Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Accommodation Name: TatSaraasa Resort & Spa, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
MUMBAI–UDAIPUR• Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes.”(B)
Day 5: Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Accommodation Name: TatSaraasa Resort & Spa, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
UDAIPUR• 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.(B,L)
Day 6: Udaipur,Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
UDAIPUR–DELHI• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B)
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI• 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. (B,L)
Day 8: Delhi,Agra
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI–AGRA• 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.(B,L)
Day 9: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
AGRA• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. • In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”
Day 10: Agra,Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AGRA–JAIPUR• 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 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. (B,L)
Day 11: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. (B)Today's I-Time TipsPerhaps, join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.
Day 12: Jaipur,Kathmandu,Nepal
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Vivanta Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPAL• Fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi). (B)
Day 13: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Vivanta Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
KATHMANDU• 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.(B,L)
Day 14: Kathmandu,Bharatpur,Chitwan National Park Area
Location: Chitwan National Park Area
Accommodation Name: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KATHMANDU–BHARATPUR–CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK AREA• 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. (B,D)
Day 15: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitwan
Accommodation Name: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHITWAN AREA• Chitwan is a diverse eco-system and home to spectacular wildlife including the greater one-horned rhino, tiger, elephant, leopard, and sloth bear. You’ll also have the chance to spot over 500 species of birds. • Join your experienced naturalist for morning and afternoon game activities: choice of game drive, bush walk, or boat excursion. • This evening take in a Tharu cultural performance at your lodge.(B,L,D)Today's I-Time TipsTake advantage of the lodge pool, relax with a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar.
Day 16: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitwan
Accommodation Name: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHITWAN AREA• 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!(B,L,D)
Day 17: Chitwan Area,Bharatpur,Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Vivanta Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHITWAN AREA–BHARATPUR–KATHMANDU• Today, transfer to Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.(B)
Day 18: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
KATHMANDUYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Trident, Nariman Point in Mumbai; TatSaraasa Resort & Spa in Udaipur; Le Meridien in New Delhi; Trident in Agra; Jaipur Marriott Hotel in Jaipur; Vivanta in Kathmandu; and Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan.
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Meals
Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 3 dinners.
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Guided Sightseeing
Private guided sightseeing tours in Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu, and Chitwan National Park.
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Transportation
Flights from Mumbai to Udaipur, Udaipur to Delhi, Jaipur to Kathmandu (via Delhi), and Kathmandu to Bharatpur.
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Excursions
Excursions to Elephanta Island, Amber Fort, and a flightseeing tour to see Mount Everest.
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Cultural Experiences
Visits to local markets, traditional Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhavan, and Ladli training program.
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Wildlife Activities
Game drives, bush walks, and boat excursions in Chitwan National Park.
What's Not Included
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Liability Waiver
All game viewing is done at your own risk.
A signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. -
Taj Mahal Closure
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Visits will be rescheduled to the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur. -
Elephanta Caves Closure
Elephanta Caves is closed on Mondays.
Mumbai sightseeing days will be flipped in these instances.
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
Meals
Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 3 dinners
Notes
All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Friday. In this instance, we will visit on the morning before transferring to Jaipur. Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays. In this case, we will exchange this visit with Mumbai sightseeing.
Accommodation
Mumbai: Trident, Nariman Point Udaipur: TatSaraasa Resort & Spa, Udaipur Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi Agra: Trident, Agra Jaipur: Jaipur Marriott Hotel Kathmandu: Vivanta Kathmandu Chitwan: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as witnessing Mumbai’s fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system, visiting a traditional Dhobi Ghat, exploring the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, taking a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk in Delhi, and visiting Ladli, a training program for orphaned children in Jaipur.
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What wildlife can I expect to see in Chitwan National Park?
In Chitwan National Park, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including the greater one-horned rhino, tiger, elephant, leopard, and sloth bear. The park is also home to over 500 species of birds.
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What are the highlights of the guided tour in Udaipur?
The guided tour in Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan, the Jagdish Temple, and the Crystal Gallery. Additionally, there is a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Kathmandu?
In Kathmandu, the activities include a flightseeing excursion to see Mount Everest, a private guided tour to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, and a visit to Patan's Durbar Square. Additionally, there is a visit to Hanuman Dhoka and the Temple of Kumari.
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What is the significance of the Taj Mahal visit?
The visit to the Taj Mahal is significant as it includes a special visit at sunrise. The Taj Mahal is an extravagant marble monument built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.
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What are the options for game activities in Chitwan National Park?
In Chitwan National Park, you can join your experienced naturalist for morning and afternoon game activities which include a choice of game drive, bush walk, or boat excursion. Additionally, there is an option to visit a nearby village to learn about local life.
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What is included in the sightseeing tour of Delhi?
The sightseeing tour of Delhi includes an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. It also includes a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a visit to Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
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What is the significance of the visit to Elephanta Island?
The visit to Elephanta Island is significant as it includes exploring the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the mid-5th century. The caves feature rock-cut sculptures and carvings, including the beautiful Sadashiva, which represents three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer.
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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.
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