WONDERS OF INDIA AND NEPAL

Day 1: (Saturday - October 26) BOGOTÁ - MADRID

SDeparture from your city of origin to Madrid. Overnight on board.

Day 2: (Sunday - October 27) MADRID - DUBAI

Arrival in Madrid, we wait a couple of hours to continue the connection to Dubai. Overnight on board. And finally we continue to our final destination Delhi.

Day 3: (Monday - October 28) DELHI

Upon arrival in Delhi. Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at New Delhi International Airport. Meet and assist with company representative or tour guide and transfer to hotel.

Mystery, magic, chaos. Welcome to Delhi, the city of Djinns, and 25 million people. Like an Eastern Rome, the capital of India is littered with relics of lost empires. A succession of armies stormed the Indo-Gangetic plain and stamped their identity on the vanquished city, before disappearing in rubble and ruins like the conquerors before them. Modern Delhi is a chaotic tapestry of medieval fortifications, Mughal mausoleums, dusty bazaars, colonial-era urban planning and mega-malls. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in, accommodation and overnight.

Day 4: (Tuesday - October 29)DELHI.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Delhi.  The first stop would be Raj Ghat, this quiet and very well maintained park contains a simple black marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948.

You will then be taken to Old Delhi market, just before entering the market, you will board a 'Rickshaw' to navigate through the small lanes of Chandni Chowk. Pass by the majestic Red Fort and go through the main Chandni Chowk road straight to Khari Baoli; Asia's largest spice wholesale market selling all kinds of spices, herbs, nuts and food items like rice, tea etc. Hop on your rickshaws and go through the small lanes of Kinaari Bazaar; lane for Indian clothing accessories like borders etc., Dariba Kalan; lane for silver market. Get off and say goodbye to your Rickshaw Puller at Jama Masjid; The capital's largest mosque, a beautiful corner of calm in the heart of Old Delhi's chaos, is built 10 meters high. It can hold a mind-boggling 25,000 people.

After visiting the Jama Masjid, proceed to visit Humayun's Tomb: The most perfectly proportioned and captivating of Delhi's mausoleums, Humayun's tomb seems to float above the surrounding gardens. This monument

influenced the Taj Mahal.

Later we will visit the Lotus Temple (photo stop): Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986. Styled like a lotus flower, with 27 immaculate white marble petals, the temple was created to bring together various religions (closed on Mondays). Return to the hotel, overnight.

Day 5: (Wednesday - October 30) DELHI - JAIPUR.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and start your tour of New Delhi. Arrival at Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple: Crowned by golden domes, this beautiful white marble gurdwara was built on the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed before his death in 1664.

Next, visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament Street: A walk along the main monuments of Lutyen Delhi, a symbol of the colonial development of the capital. (Note: This is a high security area and access to roads is restricted many times. Therefore, the scenic drive is subject to all security clearances).

Later we will visit Qutub Minar: it is a 73 m high victory tower, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom of Delhi. The tower has five distinct floors, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapering from a diameter of 15 m at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. Also visit a Kashmiri cooperative, enjoy a Kashmiri 'Kahwa' tea here as you witness artisans presenting their local arts and products.

After sightseeing tour of Delhi, start your journey to Jaipur (270 km / 4-5 hours). Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in at the hotel, overnight.

Día 6º: (Jueves – 31 Octubre) JAIPUR

Desayuno en el hotel. Continúe con la visita turística de la ciudad de Jaipur. Visite Jantar Mantar, un gran recinto cubierto de hierba que contiene dieciocho enormes dispositivos de medición astronómica de piedra construidos entre 1728 y 1734. En el corazón de la Ciudad Rosa se encuentra el magnífico Palacio de la Ciudad, construido originalmente por Jai Singh en la década de 1720 y que no ha perdido nada de su pompa y esplendor originales.

Post City Palace, camine hasta el Hawa Mahal para hacer una parada fotográfica. Aquí, tendrás tiempo libre en los mundialmente famosos mercados locales de Jaipur. Regrese a su vehículo a la hora predefinida.

Más tarde, haga una parada fotográfica en Jal Mahal, posiblemente la vista más serena en medio del caos de Jaipur es el hermoso Jal Mahal Jaipur, el Palacio del Agua. También hay que hacer paradas cortas en los talleres de joyas y alfombras de Jaipur para presenciar cómo los artesanos locales crean maravillas a partir de materias primas. Regreso al hotel, alojamiento.

Day 7: (Friday - November 01) JAIPUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to visit Amber Fort. Elephant ride uphill and downhill by Jeep in the fort. The nostalgic Amber Fort, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is one of the best known and most visited forts in India. No wonder it ranks high on the list of Jaipur's top attractions.

During the descent, visit a very patrimonial structure: Panna-Meena ka kund, which is a square-shaped stepped well, with adjoining stairs on all four sides and a room on the north wall. Return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

In the evening, stroll through the city to see the Festival of Lights. Diwali celebrations are adorned with lit firecrackers and colorful lights decorating the houses. Hotel accommodation in Jaipur

Day 8: (Saturday - 02 November) JAIPUR - AGRA

Breakfast at the hotel. Later check out and transfer to Agra (250Kms/04-05 hrs).

Agra has been immortalized as the City of the Taj. However, it doesn't take much for the wandering eye to discover that there is more to Agra than just the legendary Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery.... A freeze frame of a resplendent era long gone. On arrival, check in at the hotel, rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Day 9: (Sunday - 03 November) AGRA

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not only for its shimmering beauty, but for the deep planning and design that went into its creation, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate marble carvings compete with the beautiful hard stone for attention. Lapis lazuli, carnelian, mother-of-pearl, agate and emerald are inlaid in floral and geometric motifs in the marble itself (The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

Next visit to Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in 1565 AD, this Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Inside the Fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, etc.

Later proceed to visit Itmad-ud-daula: Built entirely of white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna exhibits a strong Persian influence. Also visit a marble workshop; local craftsmen display their skill with marble inlay work in these workshops. The craftsmen of Agra are believed to be the descendants of the artists who were royal workers at the Taj Mahal. Return to hotel, overnight.

Day 10: (Monday - 04 November) AGRA - JHANSI - ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO.

Upon arrival in Jhansi, transfer to Orchha (16 km/30 minutes).

Suggested train: 12002-Bhopal Shatabdi/Agra Cantt Junction - Jhansi /07:45-10:45 hrs

Visit Orchha Fort, one of the prides of the Bundela dynasty. The Orchha Fort complex includes; Jahangir Mahal was built in the 17th century by the Bundela ruler, Veer Singh Deo. It was built to honor Emperor Jahangir's first visit to Orchha. The Raj Mahal Palace, a square structure in which two wings have five stories on three sides and four stories on one side, the ceiling of the royal chamber has been delicately painted with vibrant colors. On the walls of the palace hang many other paintings illustrating scenes from the Ramayana and the glory of the Bundela court.

When you are done visiting the attractions of Orchha, return to the road to Khajuraho (190 km / 5 hours). Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check into a pre-booked hotel. Overnight at hotel;

11th day: (Tuesday - 05 November) KHAJURAHO - VARANASI.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, the western group of temples includes the temples of Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha and Nandi. This group of temples has approximately 870 wonderful sculptures engraved on the interior and exterior walls. Just after entering the western group, the plaque on the right offers a brief introduction to the history of Khajuraho. The main attraction here is a Shivling and the beautiful flower carving in the shrine of the temple. The three outer sections of the walls depict the sculptures of Hindu gods, goddesses and mythological creatures. Later transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, meet and assist the company representative and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, take an E-rickshaw ride and walk through the bustling and busy Varanasi market to reach the Ganges River Ghat. Witness the Ganges Aarti.

Every evening at sunset, an elaborate Ganga Aarti (river worship) ceremony with fire and dance takes place at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. Led by a group of young pandits (priests), the ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell and continues with the waving of incense sticks and the circling of large lighted lamps that stand out dramatically against the darkening sky. Transfer back to the hotel for the night.

Day 12: (Wednesday - 06 November) VARANASI

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges, pass by many Ghats and experience the Ganges life. Each Ghat comes with its purpose, it can be religious, for yoga, for cremation, for washing clothes or just for fun. A walk through the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor brings you closer to the locals and their beliefs;

Return to your vehicle and stop by Banaras Hindu University, long considered a center of learning, Varanasi's tradition of high quality education continues today at Benares Hindu University, established in 1916.

The Bharat Mata temple, built in 1918, has an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent inside. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, northeast of Varanasi, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath, a very sacred Buddhist religious site, is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Ganges and the Gomati. Popular sights include the Dhamek Stupa, the Sarnath Museum and the Chaukhandi Stupa. Transfer back to the hotel, rest of the day is free for own activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: (Thursday - 07 November) VARANASI - KATHMANDU

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu via Delhi. Arrival at Kathmandu airport. Meeting with our company representative, warm welcome and then transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel and overnight.

Day 14: (Friday - 08 November) KATHMANDU

After breakfast, full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Bhaktapur City, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.

Bhaktapur City: Bhaktapur's Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagodas and shikhara-style temples clustered around a fifty-five-windowed brick and wood palace. The square is one of the most charming architectural works in the valley, highlighting the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched atop stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking down from their shrines, the wood carvings at every place - struts, lintels, mullions, spandrels, doorways and windows - all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main elements of interest in Durbar Square are: The Lion Gate, The Golden Gate, The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, the Art Gallery and the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

Boudhanath: Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia and has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound stands thirty-six meters high. The stupa stands on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan traders rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and thus Nepal's "Little Tibet" was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the valley to observe the Tibetan way of life. Monks walk in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands, and prostration rituals are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on hands and knees, bowing to their lord.

Many people believe that Bouddhanath was built in the 5th century, but definitive evidence is lacking. The stupa is said to bury the remains of a Kasyap sage who is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Legend has it that a woman petitioned a Valley king for a donation of land needed to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by the skin of a buffalo and her wish was granted by the king. He cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and surrounded a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give him the land.

The Bouddha area is a visual feast. The surrounding stalls sell colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewelry, hand-woven carpets, masks and khukuri knives. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio stores and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently located restaurants with rooftop patios offer good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.

Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in 879 A.D. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver-plated doors and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda's construction. The Guheswari temple, restored in 1653 AD, represents female "strength". It is dedicated to Satidevi, Shiva's first wife, who gave her life in the flames of her father's fire ritual.

A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a 6th century Buddha statue, an 8th century statue of Brahma the creator and many other temples. Other places to visit are the Rajrajeswari temple, built in 1407, Kailas with lingas over 1,400 years old, the Gorakhnath temple and the Biswarup courtyard. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering puja worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction.

The Bagmati River flows nearby and the cremation grounds of Arya Ghat are here. We strongly advise photographers not to take pictures of cremations and mourning families. Sadhus, sages who follow the Shiva lifestyle, can be seen covered in ashes and loincloths. They ask you for money if you want to take pictures of them. The main courtyard of Pashupatinath can only be entered by people of Hindu faith. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for the night.

Day 15: (Saturday - November 09) KATHMANDU

After breakfast, we head out for the second day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. This day you will see the following points.

Patan City: Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is a charming mix of palatial buildings, artistic courtyards and elegant pagoda temples. A World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing a variety of bronze statues and religious monuments. A notable monument here is the 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. Tibetan Refugee Camp: This camp was established in 1960 under the initiative of the International Red Cross and the Swiss Development Corporation in partnership with the Government of Nepal. Its main objective is to help Tibetan refugees to do something good and support themselves, and some carpet and handicraft industries have been operating.

Swoyambhunath: The four seer eyes of the Swoyambhunath stupa watch over the valley from the top of a 77 m high hill on the western side. This most glorious stupa in the world, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu valley from a primordial lake. The surroundings of Swoyambhunath are covered with small Chaityas and monasteries, as well as some Hindu temples. The National Museum and the Natural History Museum are located at the foot of the hill.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. It is the place where the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription placed on the palace wall with writings in 15 languages. Kumari Temple: The Kumari Temple is the residence of the Living Goddess. Kumari, known as the Virgin Goddess, has some specialties, must be chosen from a typical Newari cast without body marks or injuries and will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty. Kasthamandap: Kasthamandap is believed to have been built from the wood of a single tree in the 16th century located near the Kumari Temple. Kathmandu is named after this temple. Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 16: (Sunday - November 10) KATHMANDU - DELHI - MADRID

Breakfast. In the morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. Wait at the airport to board the connecting flight to Dubai to Madrid. Overnight on board.

Day 17: (Monday - November 11) MADRID

Arrival in Madrid, transfer to the hotel. Free time to visit the city. Accommodation;

Day 18: (Tuesday - November 12) MADRID - BOGOTA.

Breakfast. At the indicated time, departure to the airport to take your flight back to Bogota.