India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi
India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi
13 Days
Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal, Lalitpur, Varanasi, India, Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2613-2025
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3900 (USD)Tour Overview
Embark on a vibrant adventure of culture, and wildlife in Nepal and India. Start in fascinating Kathmandu where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka and the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s exciting Durbar Square. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River. In Delhi, visit the India Gate and the pink Presidential Palace. You’ll travel through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar before departing Delhi for Agra. Here, you’ll marvel at the splendid Taj Mahal at sunset as the sun rays reflect changing hues of the spectacular marble monument to love. 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. Continue with two nights in the pink city of Jaipur—home to the legendary Amber Fort. Explore its alabaster Hall of Victory and incredible Chamber of Mirrors. Visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace Museum to browse ancient art and artifacts. This value-minded tour to see the treasures of Nepal & India is not to be missed!
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu,Nepal
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Welcome to Kathmandu. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Kathmandu,Excursion To Patan
Location: Kathmandu, Lalitpur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, travel 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). Stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites.
Day 3: Kathmandu,Varanasi,India
Location: Kathmandu, Varanasi, India
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your morning 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, believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Later, fly to Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Near dawn, board a boat and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga, meditating, or dipping into the water for a cleansing ritual bath. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River.
Day 5: Varanasi,Delhi
Location: Varanasi, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India.
Day 6: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar, and visit Jama Masjid. After lunch, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship).
Day 7: Delhi,Agra
Location: Delhi, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. End your day with a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build.
Day 8: Agra,Fatehpur Sikri,Sawai Madhopur
Location: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Sawai Madhopur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. After lunch, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park.
Day 9: Sawai Madhopur,Ranthambore National Park
Location: Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax.
Day 10: Sawai Madhopur,Jaipur
Location: Sawai Madhopur, 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 employed and off the streets. Learn about the project and interact with the children and help them practice their English.
Day 11: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” 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. The afternoon and evening are at yours to explore Jaipur.
Day 12: Jaipur,Delhi
Location: Jaipur, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 13: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Notes
Some flights depart Delhi very early in the morning. In these cases, breakfast is not included on day 13, and you will have to depart for the airport late in the evening of day 12 or just after midnight on day 13.
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Bouddahanath|Durbar Square|Fatehpur Sikri|Hanuman Dhoka|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Patan|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Accommodation
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
The Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu welcomes you with a winning combination of space, style, and functionality. Its convenient location places you in the heart of the city so you can enjoy easy access to must-see destinations.
Hotel Madin
The Hotel Madin has worked hard to set itself apart from other hotels in Varanasi. Rooms introduce a refreshing mix of upscale decor and value-for-money conveniences and are furnished with all the modern amenities to make your stay most comforting. When it comes to dining, the all-day Coffee Shop, pool side barbeque, and rooftop restaurant serve a menu of expansively global yet charmingly local dishes. Finally, guests can rejuvenate at the spa, workout in the gym, or take a dip in the refreshing pool.
Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
Experience first class hospitality at the elegant Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, located in the commerical hub of New Delhi. After a day of exploration dine in the hotel's restaurant or relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the pool. The hotel also offers a spa and fitness center.
Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Center
The Jaypee Palace Hotel is spread over an unbounded 25 acres of elegantly landscaped luxuriant greenery. Sprinkled with enormous water bodies and endless walkways, this magical creation impeccably blends Mughal and contemporary architecture with modern amenities.
Abhyaran Resort & Spa
This lovely hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, free WiFI, lounge, and spa services.
Four Points by Sheraton Jajipur, City Square
The Four Points by Sheraton, City Square is all about choices. With plenty of ways to relax from an outdoor pool to spa and steam rooms. Dine at the all-day restaurant, The Eatery, which features both continental favorites and regional specialties or drop by Bar Bar for a drink and enjoy views of the Aravali Hills.
Ibis New Delhi Aerocity
This modern hotel is conveniently located by the airport and offers a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, lounge, café, and free Wi-Fi.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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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 happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Monday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Monday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.