India & Nepal - Tigers, Taj & Temples
India & Nepal - Tigers, Taj & Temples
India & Nepal - Tigers, Taj & Temples
17 Days
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Vanaashrya, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
19944
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5362
$4800 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$562
Tour Overview
Discover the glorious ‘Golden Triangle’ cities, Ranthambhore’s protected tigers, and an ancient land in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas.
Begin your wonderful adventure in Delhi, India’s delightful, bewildering capital, before visits to Agra - home to the peerless Taj Mahal - tiger refuge Ranthambhore National Park and Jaipur - with its majestic Amber Fort, are followed by a stay in the jungle resort at Vanaashrya. You’ll then fly to Nepal, the beautiful Himalayan kingdom, where ancient, mythic Kathmandu, magical Pokhara at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range, and UNESCO-listed Chitwan National Park are unforgettable highlights.
For changes to the 2024 itinerary, please see Further Info.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Delhi
Location: Delhi
Your holiday begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Delhi.
Day Two – Included Delhi Sightseeing Tour
Location: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for lunch. This afternoon, explore the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower on a guided tour.
Day Three – Delhi Guided Tour And Agra’S Taj Mahal At Sunset
Location: Delhi, Agra
This morning a guided tour of the Old City will reveal Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi's cremation site. You'll also see the Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. Later, you'll see some of the city's Imperial highlights including the India Gate war memorial, the vast boulevard of the Rajpath and Parliament House.
Later we'll plot a course for Agra, India's City of Love and site of the exquisite Taj Mahal. Built as a monument to undying love by grief-stricken Shah Jahan, after the death of his beloved wife, the Taj is seen in all its glory at sunset with a guided tour which will also take in the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort.
Day Four – See Abhaneri’S Stepwell And Journey To Ranthambhore
Location: Agra, Ranthambore National Park
Start your day with the unforgettable view of the Taj Mahal at dawn, seen from across the Yamuna River. Later, you'll visit Abhaneri, a small town famed for its amazing baoris (stepwells) and the mighty Harshat Mata Temple. Discover the architectural beauty of the Chand Baori stepwell and its intricate carved panels.
Leaving Abhaneri you'll travel to Ranthambhore National Park, one of the prime examples of Indian conservation and your base for two nights. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, this national park stands atop a 600-metre-high hill range and plays host to a number of India's elusive and endangered tigers.
After lunch you're free to relax for the afternoon, then in the evening enjoy the 'tiger talk' with a local naturalist, in preparation for tomorrow's adventure.
Day Five – Included Ranthambhore Safaris
Location: Ranthambore National Park
This morning you'll enjoy the first of two guided tours in search of some of the park's most revered inhabitants; striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and of course tigers (and maybe even a leopard). After lunch there will be another chance to see these and many other incredible creatures at close quarters, on your second guided tour into the park.
Day Six – Optional Ranthambhore Fort And Travel To Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
An optional excursion this morning brings the chance to visit Ranthambhore Fort. We'll then travel through Rajasthan to Jaipur, India's pink city, for a two-night stay. Settle into your heritage hotel in downtown Jaipur, and enjoy the on-site facilities, including a cooling outdoor pool.
Day Seven – Included Visit To Amber Fort And Jaipur City Tour
Location: Jaipur
Visit Amber, ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, with its magnificent palaces and temples dominated by the stronghold of the Amber Fort. Climb by Jeep to the Fort, and marvel at the royal halls and the splendid views from the ramparts.
This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Jaipur, introducing the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the amazing astronomical observatory built by the city's founder Jai Singh II. Dinner tonight is with a local family in Jaipur.
Day Eight – Visit Bhangarh Fort En Route To Vanaashrya
Location: Jaipur, Vanaashrya
Bid farewell to Jaipur and journey across the desert plain to Vanaashrya. En route you'll make a stop at the atmospheric ruined fort of Bhangarh, dating from the 17th Century, where you'll enjoy a welcome tea or coffee. After a relaxing afternoon, hop onto a camel cart and visit the local village before a pre-dinner cookery demonstration with the chef. You'll spend the night in your private, air-conditioned, cottage designed to give a sense of the India of the past.
Day Nine – Included Heritage Transport Museum Visit
Location: Delhi
En route back to Delhi, for your final night's stay in India, we'll make a stop at the intriguing Heritage Transport Museum, which showcases the development of road, rail and air in India.
Day 10 – Fly To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Early this morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the short flight to the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, set in the foothills of the Himalayas, and as colourful, bustling and intoxicating a city as any on earth. On arrival, your local guide and coach will be waiting to take you to visit Patan city where you can enjoy a walking tour before going to the hotel.
Dinner this evening will be at the legendary Rum Doodle restaurant in the company of a Sherpa or Everest summiteer who will answer all of your questions about the world's ultimate climb.
Day 11 – Travel To Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Leaving Kathmandu, today, you'll follow a scenic route through the Himalayan foothills to Pokhara on the shores of Lake Phewa. Spend two nights in this beautiful location, enjoying distant views of the Annapurna range and triangular Fishtail Mountain.
Day 12 – Climb Sarangkot Hill And Explore Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Wake before dawn to drive a short way to Sarangkot Hill. Climb to the viewing platform, approximately 45 minutes up an at times steep but safe walk from the halfway station, and from which the breath-taking panorama of the world's highest mountain range unfolds as the sun rises.
You'll return to the hotel for breakfast before a fascinating day of visits to beautiful Davis Falls, the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Gurkha Memorial Museum, as well as an afternoon cruise on Lake Phewa.
Day 13 – Travel To Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
This morning your coach will take you west to Chitwan National Park and the Jungle Villa resort, your home for two nights, close to the park's headquarters. Enjoy lunch on arrival, before an afternoon ox-cart ride to a local Tharu (an indigenous population with unique culture) village.
Day 14 – Included Wildlife Tours
Location: Chitwan National Park
Rise early this morning to join a guide for a canoe trip along the Rapti River, home to gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles, and rare bird species. After a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Centre return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by an exciting jeep safari, as you join a naturalist guide an head in search of one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, sloth bears, wild boar and - for the very fortunate - Bengal tigers.
This evening, end your stay with a traditional tribal dance performance.
Day 15 – Return To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Returning to Kathmandu, you'll spend a last evening in the Nepalese capital and enjoy your final dinner at a traditional restaurant with a cultural dance show.
Day 16 – Included Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Location: Kathmandu
Enjoy a guided tour of the Nepalese capital. Highlights will include the UNESCO-listed Old City and the temples and pagodas of Durbar Square. You'll also visit Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
Later you'll be transferred to the airport for a flight to Delhi where you'll spend your last night.
Day 17 – Fly Home
Location: Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport this morning and board your daytime flight home.
What's Included
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15 nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation with 10 lunches in a series of four-star and five-star standard hotels in Delhi (2 nights), Agra (1), Ranthambhore (2), Jaipur (2), Vanaashrya (1), Kathmandu (3), Pokhara (2) and Chitwan (2), plus one nig
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A guided tour of Agra
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Three safaris
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Return flights to Delhi via Dubai (returning from Kathmandu via Dubai)
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An internal flight from Delhi to Kathmandu
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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15 nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation with 8 lunches in a series of four-star and five-star standard hotels in Delhi (3 nights), Agra (1), Ranthambhore (2), Jaipur (2), Vanaashrya (1), Kathmandu (2), Pokhara (2) and Chitwan (2), plus one nigh
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Tipping is included for airport and hotel porters, restaurant and monument staff, naturalists and rickshaw drivers. Tipping is at your discretion for your tour manager, driver and driver’s assistant
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Free wifi and bottled water is available every day on board the coach journeys
Taj Mahal restoration work
The white marble of the Taj Mahal is being gradually cleaned in a process that will take up to four years. Parts of the monument's surface may be covered during this process though your visit and access to the main dome is not likely to be restricted.
Passports and visas
British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for 180 days after your return date from India.
British CITIZENS and most other European nationals satisfying certain conditions may use the online e-Tourist Visa application process at a cost of $10 (US) per person for entry to India for arrivals in the months of April, May and June or $25 (US) per person for arrivals in other months. Fees are subject to change. Other passport holders must apply for a full visa.
Note that all travellers of Pakistani descent, regardless of citizenship, will generally be subject to more detailed processing by the Indian authorities, which can take up to four months from application.
A visa is also required for Nepal and this can be purchased on arrival. The current cost is $25 (US).
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
2024 departures
On 2024 departures for this tour, the last night's accommodation in Gurgaon will be replaced with an extra night in Vanaashrya, where you'll now spend two nights. You'll no longer include a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum on this tour.
Taj Mahal restoration work
The white marble of the Taj Mahal is being gradually cleaned in a process that will take up to four years. Parts of the monument's surface may be covered during this process though your visit and access to the main dome is not likely to be restricted.
Passports and visas
British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for 180 days after your return date from India.
British CITIZENS and most other European nationals satisfying certain conditions may use the online e-Tourist Visa application process at a cost of $10 (US) per person for entry to India for arrivals in the months of April, May and June or $25 (US) per person for arrivals in other months. Fees are subject to change. Other passport holders must apply for a full visa.
Note that all travellers of Pakistani descent, regardless of citizenship, will generally be subject to more detailed processing by the Indian authorities, which can take up to four months from application.
A visa is also required for Nepal and this can be purchased on arrival. The current cost is $25 (US).
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
2024 departures
On 2024 departures for this tour, the last night's accommodation in Gurgaon will be replaced with an extra night in Vanaashrya, where you'll now spend two nights. You'll no longer include a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum on this tour.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024Thursday - Saturday
Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Thursday - Saturday
May 08, 2025 - May 24, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% 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 newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.