India & Bhutan Tour : A Cultural Odyssey

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing tour with first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk  oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Today at Chandni Chowk, explore the narrow alleys & colorful markets & local shoppers.. enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

"After breakfast, we'll go to Agra. Agra is a beautiful city with many amazing old buildings from the Mughal Empire. You'll see the famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri - all three are very special and protected by UNESCO.

When we arrive in Agra, we'll check-in to the hotel and rest for a bit. Then, we'll visit the Agra Fort, which looks like the Red Fort in Delhi. Inside, you'll see three amazing rooms: the Hall of Public Audience, the Hall of Private Audience, and the Palace of Mirrors.

In the evening, we'll visit the Taj Mahal, a stunning white marble building that took 22 years to build. It's a symbol of love and dedication. Did you know that it changes color depending on the time of day? It's pinkish in the morning, white in the evening, and golden at night! Watching the sunset there is truly amazing. We'll stay overnight in Agra."

"After breakfast, we'll visit Fatehpur Sikri on the way. This old city was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar and has many amazing buildings that show the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. We'll have lunch at a local restaurant and then drive to Ranthambore.

Ranthambore is a 16th-century town that's famous for its beautiful Mughal architecture and rich history. We'll see the Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world! When we arrive, we'll check-in to the hotel.

Ranthambore is also known as the "Abode of Tigers" because it's one of the best places to spot Bengal Tigers. We'll also get to see traditional village life in Rajasthan. We'll stay overnight at the hotel in Ranthambore."

The Ranthambore National is a wide expanse of wilderness in Ranthambore. It is a favored spot for avid travelers and photography enthusiasts. It is renowned as one of the topmost places in India with the highest number of Bengal tiger spotting. It also comprises of a years-old Ranthambore Fort, overlooking the entire sanctuary, built in 944 AD. Head for an early morning Ranthambore Wildlife safari where you will soak in the natural beauty and rich wildlife including Leopards, Jackals, Gazelle, Boars etc. - especially Tigers. As per 2014 census, there are about 62 tigers present here. Also, watch animals moving around freely around the lake in this national park. After a thrilling safari ride, return to the hotel. Settle in for breakfast and relax for some time. Later in afternoon, proceed with an evening safari to Ranthambore National Park and continue exploring this natural habitat of various wild animals. Overnight stay at hotel in Ranthambore.  

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. JAIPUR: Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewellery. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings. Upon arrival at Jaipur, you will check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur. 

You will then go to the home of a local Jaipur where you will learn about basic Indian ingredients and spices. Following the host's instructions followed by cooking class  you will prepare a meal of authentic local dishes and then enjoy it together.

"After breakfast, we'll explore Jaipur. First, we'll visit the Amer Fort, a 16th-century palace with beautiful halls, pavilions, and private chambers. Take an elephant ride and enjoy the stunning views of the fort reflected in the lake.

Next, we'll visit the City Palace, which has many interesting things to see like silver vessels, courtyards, and private chambers. Then, we'll head to Jantar Mantar, a special place for studying the stars and planets, with the world's largest sundial.

After that, we'll visit the Hawa Mahal, a beautiful palace with 953 intricate windows and latticework. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to shop for souvenirs like textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts in Jaipur's famous markets. We'll stay overnight at the hotel in Jaipur."

On the morning of the, hit the road to go to New Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel. The day is free for leisure activities .

After breakfast, you will be transfered to airport flight to Bhutan  and on arrival you will be transfered to Thimphu hotel

"After breakfast, we'll start our Thimphu tour. First, we'll visit the King's Memorial Chorten, a famous monument built in 1974 to remember the 3rd king of Thimphu.

Next, we'll see the Buddha Dordenma, a huge bronze statue of Buddha on a hilltop, which is believed to bring peace and happiness to the world.

Then, we'll visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which shows us what traditional Bhutanese life was like. The museum is special because of its unique setting.

After that, we'll go to the Sangaygang BBS Tower, which has great views of the whole Thimphu valley. Take some photos here!

We'll also visit the Changangkha Lhakhang temple, which is over 900 years old and is said to be the oldest temple in Thimphu. It's a special place dedicated to the Buddha of Compassion.

In the evening, we'll take a walk from the city to the Clock Tower Square and meet some locals along the way. We'll stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu."

"After breakfast, we'll drive to Punakha. It's a beautiful place in the Himalayan mountains.

On the way, we'll stop at:

- A very old fortress called Simtokha Dzong

- A high mountain pass called Dochula Pass for amazing views

- A town called Wangdue Phodrang with old Buddhist sites

When we get to Punakha, we'll check-in to the hotel and have free time. We'll stay there overnight."

After breakfast, your Punakha sightseeing tour begins with visit to the 15th century Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) also known as the Fertility temple located on a small hilltop. This extraordinary temple blessed by Drupa Kinley (believed to be the King of Fertility), has exciting tales to tell. Walk through the Punakha Suspension Bridge - the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan - stretching over the Po Chhu Lake. This bridge leads your way to the Punakha Dzong - one of the most spectacular Dzongs of Bhutan. This Dzong built by a Tibetan Buddhist monk is where various ancient kings of Bhutan have been crowned. Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. It is a royal example of Bhutanese art and architecture that was primarily built for the well-being of the King of Bhutan and kingdom. Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha. 

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Paro: This city extends from the confluence of the Rivers Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu. It is a picturesque town of Bhutan dotted with elegant, traditional-style, various Buddhist temples and monasteries dating back to 14th century and the most iconic landmark - the Tiger’s nest - a Buddhist monastery carved out into a 4,000-foot high cliff in 1692. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Day free to explore. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

"After breakfast, we'll go on a sightseeing tour in Paro. First, we'll visit the Chelela Pass, one of the highest roads in Bhutan (13,084 feet above sea level). Enjoy the amazing views of the snow-capped mountains!

Next, we'll visit:

- Rinpung Dzong, a fortress and monastery that protected Bhutan from invaders

- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan (built in 659 AD)

- Tiger's Nest Taktshang, a spiritual place where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century (more than 10,000 feet above sea level)

Note: The trek to Tiger's Nest can be challenging as the trail gets steeper. We'll stay overnight at the hotel in Paro."

After breakfast, check-out at the hotel and our company representative will transfer you to the Paro Airport for your flight back home.