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Wildlife Tours of India and Nepal
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra -Khajuraho
- Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Nagpur - Delhi - Varanasi - Kathmandu -
Pokra - - Kathmandu - Delhi
Day 1 : Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international
airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel.
Relax.
 DELHI,
the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect
introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window
to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi - Jaipur
By Road : 260 Km in 6 hr
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be
traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh
II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis,
it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of
the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City
because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen
Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant
ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592,
and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior
belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu
styles finds its ultimate expression.
Explore the city markets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 3 : Jaipur - Ranthambhore
By Road : 156 Km in 3 hr
Proceed for sightseeing of the city after breakfast.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh
of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri
Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved
of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts
of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of
Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey
structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork
and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built
in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the
palace women.
Proceed to Ranthambhore and reach by late afternoon.
Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch some slides
on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the
Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness,
standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of
eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in
tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle.
Ranthambhore <the_town.html> - perhaps the best place in the
world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park
<the_sanctuary.html> has had more Tiger sightings than any other
National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The
land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this
majestic beast has been recorded.
 It
spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to
steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical
hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys
to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great
Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill
ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by
the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type, further classified
as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus
pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree,
capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree
are good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant
part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are
rich source of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms
magnificently around mid-April. During the period, Kachida and Anatpura
provide an amazing view, like a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive
Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white trunk stand out conspicuously.
Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with greyish trunks at the
banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted
atop hills are noticeable.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck weeds, lilies
and lotus.
A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing
host to tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth bears,
wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species
of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden
Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle
way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings,
frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even
evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.
Overnight will be at resort.
Day 4 : Ranthambore
Breakfast will be at the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris
with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
 Day
5 : Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
By Road: 200 km in 4 hr
Proceed to Bharatpur after breakfast
Just 176 km from Delhi is a very special wilderness - the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the
world. The Maharaja of Bharatpur artificially created the lake and
wetland in the 19th century. By building small dykes and dams and
diverting water from an irrigation canal, he converted this low-lying
area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few years, the
new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support thousands
of water birds.
Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird
watchers. Over 375 species of birds are found here and raised paths,
camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A quiet
ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also unforgettable
experience. The cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open
bills, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and multitudes of
others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colors and
elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading
over the floating vegetation.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the
Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places for this rare
species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birds
with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400
km from their summer retreats.
Colorful kingfishers, graceful pelicans rare Siberian cranes and Trans-
continental fliers - the migratory water - fowl are amongst the 375
species of birds found in the Keoladeo National Park. The most spectacular
nesting is that of the egrets, storks, herons and cormorants, which
make over 10,000 nests every year. This makes outstanding bird havens
of the world. The park covers an area of 28.73km.
The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is incomplete without an account
of the migratory waterfowl. The most prominent waterfowl coming to
this park are bareheaded and greyleg geese. Ducks also create a lot
of fluttering in the lakes. The ducks usually found here are pintail,
widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, etc.
Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the predatory birds-tawny
eagles, spotted eagles short-toed eagles imperial eagles and fishing
eagle also arrive. They all form the apex of the biological pyramid
of the sanctuary and complete the avian food chain of the ecosystem.
There are large herds of the nilgai, chital, wild boar and fear cows
in addition to a few herds of sambar.
Reach and check in at the hotel. Proceed on RICKSHAW for viewing the
birds. RICKSHAW PULLERS have been trained by the forest department
in bird watching and are knowledgeable.
Return to the lodge in the evening and relax.
Overnight will be at Bharatpur.
 Day
6 : Bharatpur - Agra
By Road : 92 km in 2 hr
In the early morning visit the water land to enjoy bird watching.
Return to hotel for breakfast and then proceed by surface to Agra
enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Proceed to visit FATEHPUR SIKRI - The deserted, red Sandstone City,
Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th
century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city
and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it’s
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the
days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway
in the world.
Arrive Agra and transfer to hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed
the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the
Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}.
Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices,
of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies,
and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals
still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects
its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling
streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma
of Mughlai cuisine.
In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Agra including Agra Fort
and Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at will be at hotel.
Day 7 : Agra - Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Agra and visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525
AD.
Transfer to airport to connect flight for Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho
and transfer to hotel.
SITUATED IN THE HEART OF INDIA, IN THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH, KHAJURAHO
IS A FASCINATING VILLAGE WITH A QUAINT, RURAL AMBIENCE AND A RICH
CULTURAL HERITAGE, HONOURED BY THE WORLD AS INDIA’S UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION
TO HUMAN CIVILISATION. THE CHANDELA DYNASTY BUILT EIGHTY-FIVE TEMPLES
HERE. TWENTY REMAIN AS EMBODIMENTS OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURAL AND SCULPTURAL
ART AT ITS MOST EVOLVED STATE. EVEN TEN CENTURIES AFTER THEY WERE
CONSTRUCTED, THE TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO REFLECT AN ETERNAL PHILOSOPHY
RELEVANT TO ALL MANKIND. THE TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO IS A WORLD HERITAGE
SITE AND BELONG NOT JUST TO INDIA BUT TO THE WORLD. KHAJURAHO IS ONE
OF THE FEW MILLENNIUM DESTINATIONS OF THE WORLD.
In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing of world famous Khajuraho
temples. Overnight stay will be at Hotel.
Day 8 : Khajuraho - Bandavgarh
By Road : 250 km in 8 hr
In the morning after breakfast proceed by surface for Bandavgarh National
Park.
 Reach
and check in at the resort.
Bandavgarh is a new National Park with a very long history. Set among
the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles (437sq
km) it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game,
including a large number of Tigers. This is also the White tiger country.
These have been found in the old state of Rewa for Many years. Maharaja
Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951. This white Tiger, Mohun
is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior
to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandavgarh had long
been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve of the Maharaja of
Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting - otherwise
the wildlife was well protected. It was considered a good omen for
Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat
Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
There are 32 hills in this part of the park, which has a large natural
fort at its center. The fort’s cliffs are 2625 feet (800 meters)
high, 1000 feet (300 meters) above the surrounding countryside. Winter
temperatures (Nov-mid-February) vary from almost freezing at night
to around 68 degree Fahrenheit in the daytime. Summer nights are also
cooler than the daytime temperatures, which rise to 104 degree Fahrenheit.
This park is closed during the breeding season, which coincides with
the monsoon (July-October). Rainfall in the park averages 50 inches
(120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh has been a center of human activity and settlement for
over 2000 years, and there are references to it in the ancient books,
the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana. Legend has it that Lord
Rama, hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, stopped at Bandavgarh
on his way back to his homeland after defeating the demon King Ravana
of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who had engineered a bridge between
the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said to have built Bandavgarh’s
Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother Lakshmana who became
known as Bandavdhish “The Lord of the Fort”. Lakshmana is
the particular God of the fort and is regularly worshipped in a temple
there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park are caves dug into the sandstone
to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi inscriptions dating
from the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for
example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the
3rd century AD, from that time onwards Bandavgarh was ruled by a succession
of dynasties including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built
the famous temples at Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings, the direct ancestors
of the present Royal family of Rewa, established their dynasty at
Bandavgarh in the 12th century. It remained their capital till 1617
when the center of court life moved to Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms) to
the north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh became more and more
deserted until forest overran the area and it became the royal hunting
reserve. This helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although
the Maharajas made full use of their rights. Each set out to kill
the auspicious number of 109 Tigers.
At independence Bandavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja
until he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park
in 1968. After the park was created poaching was brought under control
and the number of animals rose dramatically. Small dams and water
holes were built to solve the problem of water shortage. Grazing by
local cattle was stopped and the village within the park boundaries
was relocated. The Tigers in particular prospered and the 1986 extension
provided much needed forest to accommodate them.
Bandavgarh is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide
range of other game. The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern
terai forests, but the best time to see the park inhabitants is still
the summer months when water becomes scarce and the undergrowth dies
back.
Relax in the evening watching slides on wildlife at the resort.
Overnight will be in the lodge.
 Day
9 : Bandavgarh
Breakfast will be in the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris
with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 10 : Bandavgarh - Kanha
By Road : 255 km in 6 hr
After breakfast drive to Kanha.
This is the place that has been described by RUDYARD KIPLING in his
great book "The Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla district
of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that extends
over an area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded
by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep
rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the
valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country,
the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and
in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the
habitat of the high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries - Hallon
and Banjar of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of these was subsequently
disbanded .The area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion
of the tiger population in the year that followed led to the area
being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.
Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian
Fox, Sloth bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha
or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some
200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills,
where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species and in the
grassy forest clearings. Water birds can be seen near the park’s
many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water
birds and the area in front of the museum.
Reach in the afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight will be at the Kanha Resort.
Day 11 : Kanha
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris
with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 12 : Kanha
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris
with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 13 : Kanha - Nagpur
In the morning proceed for safari in the park. Have breakfast at the
resort or during the safari and freshen up at the resort.
Start for Nagpur and reach by evening.
Relax for the night at Nagpur.
 Day
14 : Nagpur - Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Spend day relaxing at the
hotel or spending time at local markets. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 15 : Delhi - Varanasi
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at
Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
VARANASI IS THE WORLD’S MOST ANCIENT LIVING CITY. SUNRISE ON
THE RIVERFRONT, AS SEEN FROM A BOAT, CAN BE SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING
SIGHT. CROWDED WITH TEMPLES, AND ITS LABYRINTH OF STREETS, THE CITY
ATTRACTS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TOURISTS. THE RELIGIOUS CAPITAL OF
HINDUISM, VARANASI IS THE CARPET MANUFACTURING PLACE OF INDIA. IT
WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS KASHI - THE CITY THAT ILLUMINATES. THE PRESENT
NAME IS DERIVED FROM THE FACT THAT THE CITY IS AT THE CONFLUENCE OF
THE RIVERS VARUNA AND ASI.
Visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of
the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his
first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist
monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection
of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Varanasi.
Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother
India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple,
commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of
the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white
marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university
in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque
of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 16 : Varanasi - Kathmandu
Drive early morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the
sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living
traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions.
(To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to
appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of
the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide
and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight
unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks
to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise
in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the
cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops
are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful
are coming and going. Also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while
returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Kathmandu after a leisurely breakfast.
Reach Katmandu.
The Katmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of
Nepal, is the first for the majority of visitors to Nepal. Once a
separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities - Katmandu,
Patan and Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples,
elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. There
are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the valley.
Day will be free to relax and shop around. Overnight will be at Kathmandu.
 Day
17 : Kathmandu
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Day tour will be covering Swambhunath
and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old
temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of
the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations
solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built
by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the
God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi
Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath
Temple.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous
gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the
Indra Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan
Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited
inside the museum. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays
and government holidays.
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath situated on the top of a hill
west of the city, is on the most popular and instantly recognisable
symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially know as the 'monkey templ'
after the large tribe of handsome monkeys which guards the hill and
amuses visitors and devotees with tricks, including slinding gracefully
down the double banisters of the main stairway to the temple. The
roving monkeys quickly snatch up any offerings of food made by devotes
and will just as quickly grab anything you may be carrying.
Overnight will be at Katmandu.
Day 18 : Kathmandu
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a visit to PASUPATINATH & BOUDDHANATH.
Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath,
with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the
holiest shrines for Hindu. It is Top Hindu temple of the world. Although
only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see
the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from
the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies
8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the
biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.
Proceed for a full day visit of PATAN & BHAKTAPUR.
Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, lies just across the
Bagmati River from Kathmandu, but it's a much quieter and less frenetic
place to visit. The city is justly proud of its temples and artisans
and it is their handiwork that provides the focus of the stunning
Durbar Square - choc-a-block with the largest display of Newari architecture
in Nepal. It includes the Royal Palace, which contains a richly decorated
bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple.
Look up to the roof struts to see carvings of figures engaged in quite
athletic acts of intercourse. A few minutes' walk north of the square
is the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery guarded by sacred tortoises
that potter around the courtyard; and the Kumbeshawar, reputedly the
oldest (1392) temple in Patan. South of the square is an area of charming
streets lined with metal smiths and Brassware shops. Patan's other
attractions are flung further. Among them is a collection of four
stupas, thought to have been built over 2500 years ago, and Nepal's
only zoo, which features a reasonable assortment of rhinos, tigers,
leopards and bird life. Palm readers gather in the park outside -
they may be able to point out which animal you'll be reincarnated
as.
Proceed to Bhaktapur.
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four
square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of Devotees still retains a medieval
charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders
of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla
rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and
weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving,
the Bhadgaolen topi (cap) and curd. The city lies about 14 km east
of Kathmandu.
Spend the rest of the day visiting the intricately carved buildings
and other areas that interest you.
Overnight will be at Kathmandu.
 Day
19 : Katmandu - Pokhra
By Road : 200 km/5 hr
Proceed to Pokhra after breakfast.
Pokhra is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude
of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the
city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a
population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers
stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes
and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an
ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become
the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations
but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Pokhra is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India
and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts
of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya.
This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous
warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis,
another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime
temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees
in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September
is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country.
Best time to visit is between October and April.
The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhra focus around two districts
known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively).
These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are
a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhra bazaar.
Reach Pokhra at 2:30 pm, transfer to hotel, refresh & relax with
the spectacular panorama of Annapurna range forming the backdrop.
Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna
I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna
I (8091m), it is Machhapuchhre (the fishtail), which dominates all
others in this neighborhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline,
the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed
mountain.
In the later day, enjoy the stroll around the valley with the boat
ride (optional) on the famous PHEWA LAKE.
Overnight will be in Pokhara.
Day 20 : Pokhra
Start your day with the early morning visit to Sarangkot for the fabulous
sunrise.
Drive back to hotel for breakfast after the spectacular sunrise
Visit the famous Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s)
locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall), an awesome waterfall
lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport on the highway to Tansen.
Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David…) was washed away
by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground
passage beneath the fall.
Bindhyabasubu Temple at the old bazaar, Seti Gandaki, the boisterous
river running completely underground at the places, Mahendra cave
(House of Bats), the natures’ wonder at Pokhara & Pokhara
Museum
After lunch, start our exploration of the city by driving to the Begnas
Lake & Rupa Lake located 15 Km from Pokhara divided by a forested
hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, offering the perfect nature retreat
with their relative seclusion.
Overnight will be in Pokhara.
Day 21 : Pokhra - Kathmandu
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to airport for flight to Kathmandu. Reach and take connecting
flight to Delhi.
Reach Delhi and transfer to hotel for the day. Proceed for last minute
shopping before proceeding for the FAREWELL DINNER and then onwards
to airport for flight home.
TOUR ENDS
Wildlife Tours of India and Nepal, Wildlife Holiday
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