Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife
18 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Mumbai, India, Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, Bharatpur, Chitwan National Park Area, Chitwan Area, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAP2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India and Nepal than this incredible Independence by Globus journey. Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Udaipur, explore the Jagdish Temple and take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. On to Nepal and the treasures of Kathmandu. Soar above the Himalayas to see Mount Everest and journey to Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. Other visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. In Chitwan National Park, safari is the name of the game. Embark on game activities in search of a variety of wildlife including rhino, tiger, leopard, and elephant. You’ll also have a chance to visit a local village and take in a fascinating cultural performance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Mumbai,India
Location: Arrive In Mumbai, India
Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.MUMBAI-FLOWERS.jpg
Day 2: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MUMBAI• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. • Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. • Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. (B,L)MUMBAI-CHHATRAPATI-SHIVAJI.jpg
Day 3: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
MUMBAI• Today, enjoy an excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the mid-5th century.• Start with a ferry ride to the island where you’ll have ample time to explore the seven caves rock cut caves and the carvings and sculptures within them. One of the highlights is the beautiful Sadashiva, which represents three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer.(B)VARANASI-HINDI-WOMEN.jpg
Day 4: Mumbai,Udaipur
Location: Mumbai, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
MUMBAI–UDAIPUR• Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes.”(B)UDAIPUR-CARVING.jpg
Day 5: Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
UDAIPUR• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. • After some free time in the middle of the day, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.(B,L)UDAIPUR-CITY-PALACE.jpg
Day 6: Udaipur,Delhi
Location: Udaipur, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
UDAIPUR–DELHI• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B)DELHI-INDIAN-FOOD.jpg
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. • Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B,L)DELHI-RED-FORT.jpg
Day 8: Delhi,Agra
Location: Delhi, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI–AGRA• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. • Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). • After lunch, drive to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.(B,L)DELHI-QUTUB-MINAR.jpg
Day 9: Agra
Location: Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
AGRA• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. • In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”AGRA-TAJ-MAHAL.jpg
Day 10: Agra,Jaipur
Location: Agra, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AGRA–JAIPUR• 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 children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)JAIPUR-JANTAR-MANTAR.jpg
Day 11: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. (B)Today's I-Time TipsPerhaps, join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.JAIPUR-AMBER-FORT.jpg
Day 12: Jaipur,Kathmandu,Nepal
Location: Jaipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPAL• Fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi). (B)KATHMANDU-STUPA.jpg
Day 13: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
KATHMANDU• Start your day early with a flightseeing excursion to see Mount Everest. During the 50-minute flight, glimpse some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas including Mount Everest. You’ll also gain a better understanding of Nepal’s extreme geography.• Later, a private guided tour takes you 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). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites.(B,L)KATHMANDU-MOUNT-EVEREST.jpg
Day 14: Kathmandu,Bharatpur,Chitwan National Park Area
Location: Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Chitwan National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KATHMANDU–BHARATPUR–CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK AREA• Your morning private 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 and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. • Later, fly to Bharatpur and transfer to your lodge on the banks of the Rapti River, your base for exploring Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,D)KATHMANDU-TEMPLE-OF-KUMARI.jpg
Day 15: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitwan Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHITWAN AREA• Chitwan is a diverse eco-system and home to spectacular wildlife including the greater one-horned rhino, tiger, elephant, leopard, and sloth bear. You’ll also have the chance to spot over 500 species of birds. • Join your experienced naturalist for morning and afternoon game activities: choice of game drive, bush walk, or boat excursion. • This evening take in a Tharu cultural performance at your lodge.(B,L,D)Today's I-Time TipsTake advantage of the lodge pool, relax with a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar.CHITWAN-BENGAL-TIGER.jpg
Day 16: Chitwan Area
Location: Chitwan Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHITWAN AREA• Continue exploring Chitwan National Park on morning and afternoon game activities with an experienced naturalist: choice of game drive, bush walk, or boat excursion. • You may also choose to visit a nearby village to learn about local life.• Tonight, enjoy a special bush dinner!(B,L,D)CHITWAN-BOAT.jpg
Day 17: Chitwan Area,Bharatpur,Kathmandu
Location: Chitwan Area, Bharatpur, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHITWAN AREA–BHARATPUR–KATHMANDU• Today, transfer to Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.(B)KATHMANDUSTREET-FOOD.jpg
Day 18: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
KATHMANDUYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)KATHMANDU-HOLY-MAN.jpg
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Bouddahanath|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Chitwan National Park|Durbar Square|Elephanta Caves|Hanuman Dhoka|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Patan|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Meals
Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 3 dinners
Notes
All game viewing is done at your own risk. We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.Elephanta Caves is closed on Mondays. Mumbai sightseeing days will be flipped in these instances.
Accommodation
Mumbai:Trident, Nariman PointUdaipur:TatSaraasa Resort & Spa, UdaipurDelhi:Le Meridien New DelhiAgra:Trident, AgraJaipur:Jaipur Marriott HotelKathmandu:Vivanta KathmanduChitwan:Barahi Jungle Lodge
Check out our Q&As
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
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.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Saturday
Nov 20, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Nov 21, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024Monday - Thursday
Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Nov 27, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Monday - Thursday
Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024Friday - Monday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024Monday - Thursday
Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 11, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Dec 12, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Friday - Monday
Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 15, 2024 - Jan 01, 2025Monday - Thursday
Dec 16, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 17, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 18, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 19, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Friday - Monday
Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 06, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 22, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025Monday - Thursday
Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 24, 2024 - Jan 10, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 11, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 26, 2024 - Jan 12, 2025Friday - Monday
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 13, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 14, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 15, 2025Monday - Thursday
Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 17, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.