Merveilles de l'Inde et du Népal en 15 jours

Breakfast. Full-day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.

We begin our first visit to this magical country by exploring New Delhi and its main monuments:

Visit the Qutub Minar, started in 1193, marking the establishment of the first Muslim kingdom in northern India. This five-storey victory tower was begun by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by his successor Iltutmish. It was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam.

Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, built by his senior widow and mother of Emperor Akbar. This is the first example of Mughal architecture in India and is believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal.

New Delhi, with its ceremonial gardens, the magnificent Parliament House, and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s residence), reflects the grandeur of a bygone era.

Visit India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial, built by architect Edwin Lutyens to commemorate Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars of 1919. It bears the names of the fallen soldiers. An eternal flame known as Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) was added in 1971.

In Old Delhi, which rose to prominence when Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, we explore Chandni Chowk, a 300-year-old market filled with a maze of narrow streets bustling with food stalls, noise, and vibrant crowds. Ride through the market by cycle rickshaw.

Continue to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, designed by Shah Jahan. Originally named Masjid-i-Jahanuma, it means "mosque commanding a view of the world."

Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, father of Indian independence.

Drive past the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, later plundered by Nadir Shah and British troops.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known for its distinct pink-colored buildings—a color symbolizing hospitality in Rajput culture. Founded by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, the city is surrounded by hills crowned with palaces and forts. Camels and colorfully dressed locals reflect its desert heritage. The markets are full of handwoven textiles, crafts, and souvenirs.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. At 07:00 hrs, pickup from the hotel to visit Amber Fort (ascent by elephant, descent by jeep).

Ride an elephant to the top of the hill where Amber Fort is located. From here, enjoy views of the historic city of Amber and Maota Lake. Amber was once the capital of the Jaipur state. Construction began in 1592 under Maharaja Man Singh, a Rajput commander in Akbar’s army, and was later expanded by Jai Singh I and II.

En route, stop for a photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in 1799 with its five-story façade designed for royal ladies to watch street life while remaining unseen.

Afternoon visit of the City Palace, the former royal residence now partly a museum, still housing the royal family. The palace complex includes a weapons museum and a textile gallery showcasing garments and fabrics from across India.

Continue to Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world, built by Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. It contains 17 instruments, many still in working condition.

Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the local market before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

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Breakfast. Drive to Agra with en route visits to Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri is a small village in northern Rajasthan, known for its post-Gupta and early medieval monuments. Visit Chand Baori, one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells, and the Harshat Mata Temple, symbolizing 10th-century temple architecture.

Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585 in honor of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, whose blessing led to the birth of Akbar’s three sons. This abandoned city blends Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.

After the visit, continue to Agra. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah.

The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a stunning masterpiece combining Islamic, Persian, Indian, and Turkish architectural styles. Built over 17 years by 20,000 artisans from across the world, it's considered a "poem in white marble."

Visit Agra Fort, begun by Akbar in 1565 and completed by his successors. It blends defensive architecture with palatial design, offering a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.

Then visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg, built by his daughter Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. This is the first Mughal structure made entirely of marble and the first to use pietra dura inlay extensively.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Transfer to the railway station to board the train to Jhansi.

Continue by road to Khajuraho, stopping en route at Orchha, a town with temples and palaces built by the Bundela rulers between the 16th and 17th centuries. Explore its fort complex, which includes temples, cenotaphs, and memorials.

After the visit, proceed to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Visit the Eastern and Western Groups of Temples in Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela dynasty.

In the Western Group, see the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and Chaunsat Yogini, a Jain temple devoted to the 64 attendants of Goddess Kali.

In the Eastern Group, visit Ghantai Temple, dedicated to Vishnu’s dwarf incarnation (Vamana), and Javari Temple, along with three beautifully carved Jain temples.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Drive to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Morning city tour of Varanasi, including Bharat Mata Mandir and Durga Temple.

Excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon (Dharma Chakra Pravartan). Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, temple ruins, monasteries, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to fine Buddhist sculptures.

Later, proceed to the Ganges River to witness the evening Ganga Aarti, a collective prayer with lamps and chants on the riverbanks.

Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Early morning (around 05:00 AM), boat ride on the Ganges River. Witness pilgrims bathing and performing rituals. Also see the cremation ghats where bodies are cremated in accordance with Hindu tradition.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO) features palaces, temples, and courtyards from 1200 to 1768 A.D. and reflects the religious and cultural life of the city.

Swayambhunath Stupa (UNESCO), also known as the Monkey Temple, is more than 2,500 years old and stands atop a green hill offering panoramic views of the valley.

Patan, also known as the City of Fine Arts, is rich in traditional architecture. Patan Durbar Square is admired for its exquisite wood carvings and palace architecture, dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO) is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO) is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the most important sites of Tibetan Buddhism, built in the 5th century.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former capital, is famous for its preserved medieval atmosphere, wood carvings, and the Golden Gate. Located 14 km east of Kathmandu, it offers a glimpse into Nepal’s traditional lifestyle.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast. Morning free for personal activities. In the afternoon, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.