Globus Independent India & Nepal: Colorful Cultures & Wondrous Wildlife(IAP2)
18 Day Package from Mumbai to Kathmandu
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 (2024)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIA | | | Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in. | | Day 2 | 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) | | Day 3 | 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) | | Day 4 | MUMBAI–UDAIPUR | | | • Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes.”(B) | | Day 5 | 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) | | Day 6 | UDAIPUR–DELHI | | | • Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B) | | Day 7 | 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) | | Day 8 | 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) | | Day 9 | 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)Explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.” | | Day 10 | 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 and destitute 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) | | Day 11 | 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)Join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur. | | Day 12 | JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPAL | | | • Fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi). (B) | | Day 13 | 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) | | Day 14 | 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) | | Day 15 | 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)Take advantage of the lodge pool, relax with a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar. | | Day 16 | 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) | | Day 17 | CHITWAN AREA–BHARATPUR–KATHMANDU | | | • Today, transfer to Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.(B) | | Day 18 | KATHMANDU | | | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Included Globus Meals Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 3 dinners
Globus 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.
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