Best of Nepal & India: Kathmandu, Varanasi & the Golden Triangle

Hotel Himalaya is distinguished by its 180 degree panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas from where it draws its name, an intimate sense of luxury and an address near the business district. The hotel is strategically situated at the gateway to the ancient city of Patan nestled against the backdrop of the commercial hub of the Capital. Hotel Himalaya is the leading 4 star deluxe hotel in Nepal offering a resort atmosphere ideal for both business and leisure travellers just a stone throw away from the Patan Durbar Square the ancient palace of the Malla Kings and a world Heritage Site. The hotel offers 125 well-appointed spacious modern rooms available in executive and deluxe categories.

Start today's exploration by visiting Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, which houses the former royal palace as well as several renowned temples and shrines. Enter the Nasal Chowk courtyard and proceed to the Temple of the Living Goddess, or Kumari House, where you will find Hindus worshipping young girls thought to be representatives of divine female energy. Visit Swayambhunath, a 2000-year old temple with a magnificent white dome, known as the "monkey temple". Painted on its base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, and above each pair of eyes is the third eye, which signifies the wisdom of looking within. Next, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple has a richly ornamented pagoda which houses the sacred linga of Lord Shiva. (Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple but can view it from a special vantage point.) You will also witness devotees taking ritual dips in the Bagmati River, a place of cremation where thousands of pilgrims come to pay their respects. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), travel a short distance to Patan, one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. Sometimes referred to by its old name of Lalitpur, "city of beauty", Patan is known for its fine arts as well as for its spectacular Durbar Square. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site and its surrounding courtyards and temples, spend some time browsing at the Tibetan Handicraft Centre, a fair trade cooperative which benefits Tibetan refugees.

Set out to explore Bhadgaon, about a half-hour's drive from Kathmandu. Also known as Bhaktapur, or the "city of devotees", Bhagadon was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Visit Durbar Square with its array of temples, and the Palace of 55 Windows. Continue to scenic Nagarkot, about one hour from Bhadgaon, which offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley as well as the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan range. It's also affords excellent views of Mount Everest on a clear day. Return later in the afternoon to Kathmandu.

Radisson Hotel Varanasi, is a four-star hotel boasting modern architecture, warm hospitality and a convenient location in the heart of the city's main business district. Whether you're travelling on business or leisure, you will be delighted by the hotel's spacious accommodations and top-notch services. Each of the 116 hotel rooms at the Radisson Varanasi has been carefully designed to provide you with an outstanding stay.

Early morning, proceed to the ghats for a boat ride on the River Ganges. As your boat slowly drifts along the misty river you will witness so many fascinating sights - devotees having their ritual bath, the performing of religious ceremonies or "puja", to the rising sun, an ancient tradition that is still followed today. The shimmering red and gold hues on the waters of the river seem to cast a magical spell on the devout worshippers. The haunting sound of the chanting of mantras and hymns, coupled with the sweet fragrance of incense, fills the air with mystery and engulfs the senses of its spectators and offers an experience of ultimate bliss.

Today you will explore the city. A visit to the Bharat Mata Temple is an interesting experience since, unlike other temples in India which all house deities of gods and goddesses, this is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, the statue of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of an undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. Every evening, as dusk descends you will proceed to the ghats to witness the Ganga Aarti being performed. It's a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The rays of the setting sun cast their mystical shadows upon the darkening water. All along the banks shimmering lights of the tiny oil lamps 'diyas' flicker in the darkness lighting up the darkness with tiny specks of light.. An aarti is a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Goddess Ganga, also affectionately referred to as Maa Ganga, goddess of the most holy river in India. The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees will cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess's purification and blessing. The ceremony of the priests worshipping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps is an unforgettable sight.

The Grand Hotel New Delhi is set amidst 10 acres of lush green gardens. The hotel is in the vicinity of Capital's exclusive residential and commercial areas. The hotel offers 390 elegantly designed rooms & suites.

Today begin your tour of Old and New Delhi at the Red Fort. India's history has been closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of a three-century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free from colonial rule. From there you will be visiting India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways on a rickshaw through "Chandni Chowk" and Raj Ghat a simple square platform of black marble found on the banks of the Yamuna, at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination on 31st January 1948. Next today you will proceed toward New Delhi were you can see such sights as India Gate, a war memorial commemorating the Indian Soldiers killed in WWII, Parliament House and Rashtrapati, the official home of the President. Plus also visit Humayun's Tomb with its several tombs of past emporers and Qutab Minar, India's tallest stone tower, considered an architectural wonder.

Royal Orchid is strategically located just 2.5 kilometres from the airport and 10 kilometres from the city railway station. Hotel Royal Orchid with its elegant furnishing, decor and blend of sophistication, flamboyance with a relaxed attitude make this an ideal stay for all discerning travellers. This property houses 130 rooms along with 9 plunge pool rooms which includes a plunge pool suite with the finest amenities and elegant furnishings.

Drive along the streets of Jaipur, to Amber Fort, stopping en-route to view and photograph the Palace of Winds. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen façade which catches the welcome breeze or "Hawa".

Continue on to the Amber Fort. On the crest of a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata, the fort evokes thoughts of legends and fairy tales. The fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that its outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work.

Amber Fort is divided into four sections, with each being accessible via large staircases from a central location, or from a broad pathway leading to each of the sections. The pathways are currently used to transport visitors via an elephant ride. The main entrance of Amber Fort, Surajpol, leads to the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard of the Fort where the staircase to the palace is located. In ancient times, Jaleb Chowk was the area where returning armies were paraded back home.

Your exploration of the city continues with a visit to the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Amongst the pleasures of the Palace is a museum with ample evidence of opulence.

Next to the city palace is Jantar Mantar, literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This Observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was built on a grand scale and was way beyond its time. This was modeled after the one that was built in Delhi, the then Mughal capital. He had constructed a total of five, of which the one in Jaipur is the largest.

Continue with a stroll through a local spice market and learn about the many Indian spices. In India from time immemorial spices like cardamom, ginger, mint, cinnamon and cloves have always been used to create mouth-watering aromatic dishes. Spices have always been more than just ingredients that add flavour and aroma to foods and have been known to have magical healing powers. They have been used as appetizers, digestives, anti- oxidants, and preservatives.

En-route to Jaipur you will explore Fatehpur Sikri, a stunningly red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century and now entirely deserted.

Jaypee Palace Hotel is a glorious blend of red sandstone and marble spread over an unbounded 25 acres of elegantly landscaped luxuriant greenery. The hotel is centrally located in the main tourist district of Agra. The hotel is sprinkled with enormous water bodies and endless walkways, this magical creation impeccably blends Mughal and contemporary architecture with modern amenities. There are 341 guest rooms including 15 Suites and 40 Executive Rooms.

Visiting the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking experience, and what better time to visit this magnificent monument than in the calm early morning hours. You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 6:30am in winter, and 5:00am in summer, to make the most of the sunrise. The Taj Mahal is often thought of as a monument to love, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan's tomb now rests beside his wife's. Spend an hour in quiet contemplation of this exquisite mausoleum and its calm surroundings, including gardens, accompanied by your guide.

Set out with your guide to visit the magnificent Agra Fort, set on a hillside overlooking the Yamuna River. With a history dating back to the 11th century, the primary structure of today's fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar, completed in 1573 after eight years of work by four thousand builders. Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (the same Shah who built the Taj Mahal), had a penchant for buildings made of white marble, and tore down some earlier structures in the fort to have new ones constructed, including Musamman Burj and Khas Mahal. In a bizarre twist of fate, the Shah was put under house arrest here for the last eight years of his life, with a view of his beloved Taj Mahal. Exploring this city within a city, including the mosques, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of these royals, their courtesans and servants. Afterwards, continue to the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah, known as the Baby Taj. Housing the tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg (Mumtaz Mahal's grandfather), the Baby Taj was commissioned by Nur Jahan (wife of Jehangir), and is similar in style to the tomb she built for Jehangir near Lahore. The mausoleum is built entirely from marble and features delicately carved lattice screens.

Located in the serene sub-city of Dwarka, the Radisson Blu Dwarka welcomes guests with its 209 modern rooms and suites, superior services and a wide range of on-site dining options. Explore Dwarka and New Delhi from the comfort of the Radisson Blu, located just 20 minutes from the commercial hub of the city. This hotel in Dwarka is near New Delhi's international and domestic airports, as well as shopping and entertainment venues.