India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi
India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi
13 Days Starting in Kathmandu, Nepal and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Kathmandu, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2613-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu, Nepal
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairfield By Marriott Kathmandu
Meals Included: None
Welcome to Kathmandu. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 : Kathmandu - Excursion To Patan
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairfield By Marriott Kathmandu
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Madin
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Madin
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: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India.
Day 6 : Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
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: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Center
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: Sawai Madhopur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abhyaran Resort & Spa
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: Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abhyaran Resort & Spa
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Four Points By Sheraton Jajipur, City Square
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Four Points By Sheraton Jajipur, City Square
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, Hotel Madin, Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Center, Abhyaran Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Jajipur, City Square, and Ibis New Delhi Aerocity.
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Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Sightseeing
Visits to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Bouddhanath, Durbar Square, Fatehpur Sikri, Hanuman Dhoka, Humayun's Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Patan, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and to various attractions as per the itinerary.
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Tour Director and Local Guides
Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are included to ensure a smooth and informative experience.
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Small-Group Discoveries
Select tour dates offer Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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
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.
Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
Mode of Transport
Transportation between cities and to various attractions as per the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Ranthambore National Park?
In Ranthambore National Park, you can expect to see Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more during morning and afternoon game drives.
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What is the significance of the Amber Fort in Jaipur?
The Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,' 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.
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What unique experience is offered in Jaipur?
In Jaipur, you will visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them employed and off the streets. You will learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English.
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What should I know about the departure on the last day?
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.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of hotels, including the Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, Hotel Madin in Varanasi, Jaypee Siddharth Hotel in New Delhi, Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Center, Abhyaran Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Jajipur, City Square, and Ibis New Delhi Aerocity. These hotels offer amenities such as pools, fitness centers, spas, and free Wi-Fi.
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What UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Bouddhanath, Durbar Square, Fatehpur Sikri, Hanuman Dhoka, Humayun’s Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Patan, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What can I expect during the visit to Agra?
In Agra, you will visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Taj Mahal at sunset. The Agra Fort includes the Mughal Palace, audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days.
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What activities are included in the tour in Varanasi?
In Varanasi, you will board a boat near dawn to watch the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You will observe pilgrims practicing yoga, meditating, or taking a ritual bath. In the evening, you will witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats leading to the sacred Ganges River.
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What will I see in Delhi during the tour?
In Delhi, you will see India Gate and the Presidential Palace, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, visit Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
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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.
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Monday - 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 90 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 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.