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India and Bhutan Holidays & Guided Tours: Taj Mahal + Tigers Nest Monastery

India: Golden Triangle + Bhutan

16 NIGHTS FROM:

$5,740

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

IPZ16D

• India and Bhutan Holidays

• Old & New Delhi

• Taj Mahal, Agra

• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

• Jaipur

• Thimphu & Tashichho Dzong

• Punakha Dzong

• Chimi Lhakhang Monasetry

• Tigers Nest Monastery

• India and Bhutan Guided Tours

Our India and Bhutan holidays & guided tours combine two fascinating countries - one Hindu & one Buddhist. First explore the cultural treasures of India's Golden Triangle, including the incomparable Taj Mahal, then fly to peaceful Bhutan to experience its ancient cuture & visit Tigers Nest monastery, Tashichho Dzong (fortress), Punakha Dzong & othe sites. English speaking driver/guides & all sightseeeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient capital of kingdoms and empires that is now a sprawling metropolis.

Delhi's strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power and today it is a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old walled city and New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles, with the old city retaining its past traditions whilst New Delhi strives to match the pace of the 21st century.

Day 2

Today enjoy a full day private tour of modern New Delhi and the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi, which came to prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital here from Agra.

In Old Delhi enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through 300-year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with noisy shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and foods, and past the Jama Masjid (or Friday Mosque), the largest in India, and drive past the imposing walls & battlements of the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace in the Mughal Empire. We continue to the Raj Ghat - the simple but moving memorial on the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

In the afternoon our tour of New Delhi starts with a visit to the Qutub Minar, an ancient victory tower built of red sandstone and marble in 1199 and still the tallest minaret in India. With its imposing cylindrical towers and surrounding ruins, it is today a World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, that inspired the Taj Mahal.

We drive along the Rajpath - the capital's broadest avenue - where you will see the imposing arch of the India Gate war memorial, Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence built for the Viceroy of India, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill.

Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.

Day 3

This morning we drive 3.5-hours from Delhi to the ancient city of Agra, set along the banks of the Yamuna River and originally the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Along the way we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre. This facility provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears.

Afterwards we continue to Agra, which is world renowned as the home of the Taj Mahal - that great symbol of love built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century as a memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.

In the late afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh Gardens that are located across the river from the Taj Mahal, to enjoys your first views of this magnificent edifice at sunset.

Day 4

Rise early this morning to visit the stunning Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit and see the dome subtly change its colour.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, later in the day we visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long that encompasses an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort where he remained until his death - spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting place of his beloved wife.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You are allowed a maximum of 3-hours at the monument and cannot take in anything except your camera, water and essential medicine. From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.

Day 5

This morning we leave Agra and travel 1-hour to the magnificent red sandstone royal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the emperor Mohammad Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city was abandoned due to water shortage, when the capital was moved north to Delhi, and in more recent years the fort has provided a dramatic backdrop to several famous films.

We then drive 15-minutes to Bharatpur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) travelling for 2.15-hours to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel situated near Ranthambore National Park. This world famous tiger sanctuary was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India, covering an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).

Note: At Fatehpur Sikri there is a short transfer from the car park in a local bus, that will be very full and will not be air-conditioned.

When you board the train take only a small day pack, as your main luggage will remain with your driver. To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children, where a road transfer will be substituted. This will also be done during adverse weather conditions.

Day 6

This morning enjoy a private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Early morning is the best time to see tigers, but be aware that it is extremely difficult to find them in the jungle and sightings are never guaranteed. Best viewings are generally at the end of the dry season (March to May, although it is extremely hot from April onwards), when the tigers search out the waterholes - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.

Other animals you can hope to see include leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, caracal, civet, desert cat, mongoose, ratel, sloth bear, langur & macaque monkeys, wild boar, palm squirrel, flying fox, porcupine, long-eared hedgehog, marsh crocodile, tortoise and softshell turtle. Also antelope such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and black buck.

In the afternoon return to the park for another game drive. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, there are over 270 bird species - including eagles, falcons, owls, greylag geese, flamingos, parakeets, fly catchers, bee-eaters, grebe, terns, woodpeckers, hornbills and kingfishers.

Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year

You will need to take a copy of your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.

Day 7

Today we drive 4-hours from Ranthambore National Park to the chaotic and colourful "Pink City" of Jaipur that is home to over 3 million people.

On arrival enjoy a tour of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage. Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.

We then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Our day finishes with a visit to the nearby City Palace, the former Royal Residence part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.

Day 8

This morning we visit the imposing Amber Fort - another World Heritage Site.

This magnificent royal palace was built from pale yellow & pink sandstone and white marble and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You will enter via the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where returning armies would display their war booty and women could view them from the veiled windows of the palace. Once inside explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.

After lunch (own account) enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can touch and feed him, and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.

In the evening enjoy the unique experience of dining with a local family, where you will taste spicy Rajasthan food and gain insight into their lifestyle, with different generations living under the same roof.

Note: If you would like to take a gift for your hosts, we suggest flowers. Avoid edible items, because of varying religious and dietary restrictions.

Day 9

At leisure to explore more of the city of Jaipur with your driver providing your transport. You can walk through the old walled city, explore its many bazaars and shop for textiles.

Alternatively enjoy an optional Market Tour with a cooking demonstration by a local chef, or an optional elephant interaction.

You can also take an optional morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its leopards, or visit the town of Sanganer known for its textiles and paper prints (pay entrance fees locally).

Day 10

Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to the bustling city of Delhi.

You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel situated near the airport.

Day 11

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Paro in Bhutan. Your flight will take you over the mighty Himalayas with spectacular views of the snow-peaked mountains, including Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest (8,850m).

You will be met at Paro Airport by your guide, who will drive you into this small town. After refreshments we drive across the valley to visit the lovely Ta Dzong (fortress), an ancient conical shaped watchtower built to defend the Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century - and now the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious 'thangkha' (scrolls), paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamp collection.

Just below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founding father of Bhutan. The dzong was built on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche (also called Guru Padmasambhava) who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 7th century.

At the end of the day we drive 1.5-hours to Thimphu, the tiny capital city of this remote mountain kingdom. Along the way we pass Tamchhog Lhakhang, a small private monastery with a traditional iron chain suspension bridge. The monastery was built in the early 15th century by the great master architect Yogi Thangtong Gyalpo, who built many iron bridges throughout Bhutan and Tibet.

With Tibet to the north and India to the south, this 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' is the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism - with chanting red-robed monks, sacred monasteries that sit precariously on sheer cliffs, and fluttering prayer flags that line the high ridges. Check into your hotel in this scenic valley in the western interior, where traffic is directed by policemen - as Thimphu is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

In the evening you can dine at a restaurant in town or at your hotel, sampling local cuisine such as ‘ema-datsi’ – the national dish of Bhutan, which is a delicious gooey dish of chilli and cheese.

Day 12

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, as your guide shows you some of the most important landmarks of the city of Thimphu. You can decide what you would like to see and your guide will plan your sightseeing accordingly.

We suggest starting with a visit to the massive Tashichho Dzong, a Bhuddist monastery and fortress situated on the northern edge of the city with an amazing gold-leaf roof. Today this is the seat of Bhutan's government and where the king's Throne Room is located.

For a fascinating insight into the local culture visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum that resembles a Bhutanese village and brings to life Bhutan's ancient cultural heritage - with traditional cuisine, dance, religion and industry.

At the Zorig Chusum Institute (meaning '13 Arts & Crafts') you can see students creating traditional arts and crafts and admire their fine creations.

The Textile Museum has an exquisite collection of traditional fabrics and textiles, established under the patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother (Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck) to also educate and train people in the ancient art of weaving.

The small but charming Royal Postal Museum shows the evolution of communications and the postal system through anecdotes, artefacts and a rich assortment of stamps produced over the years. You can even create your own stamp with your picture on it, to send postcards to your family and friends.

The Jungshi Paper Factory produces traditional handmade paper from the Daphne plant. You can observe the entire process of producing authenic Bhutanese paper (called 'deh-sho'), using ancient traditional methods. This paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and for writing prayer books. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Alternatively you can walk around the city and visit the bustling weekend Farmer's Market or walk across the traditional wooden bridge to the open craft bazaar on the other side of the river. Be sure to try 'ema-datsi' - a chilli and cheese curry that is the national dish.

Later in the afternoon we can take a short drive up to Takin Nature Preserve. Takin, which have the head of a goat and the hooves of a cow, are unique to the Eastern Himalayas and are the national animal.

In the evening we take a short drive to see the giant bronze statue of the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest and tallest Buddha statues in the world - offering a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city below. On the way back we can visit the lovely Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed stupa with a beautiful golden spire dedicated to Bhutan’s third king - Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Day 13

Today we leave Thimphu and drive to the old capital Punakha. Along the way we stop at Dochula Pass (3,048m). On a clear day, from here you can enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Puensum (7,550m). We also visit the lovely 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupa).

We then descend through forest of hemlock and rhododendrons to the warm Punakha Valley. As we continue the short drive we pass by Lamperi and the Lamperi Botanical Park, whose surrounding forest is home to 29 of the 46 species of rhododendrons found in Bhutan.

After lunch we stop in Lobesa to visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery which sits snugly on a hilltop and is dedicated to the divine madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is also known as the Temple of Fertility, as it is a place of pilgrimage for childless couples. You can take an easy 20-minute walk through paddy fields and Sopsokha Village to the monastery, or drive along a dirt road to the base of the hill and take a short walk up. Spend time at the monastery and learn more about this great leader, who often used outrageous methods to convey Dharma teachings. You can also meet the young monks at the monastery and interact with them.

We then continue northwards along the river, passing rice paddies and the newly established town of Kuruthang. In the distance across the valley you will soon see the magnificent 17th century Punakha Dzong, where the royal wedding took place in 2011. We visit this amazing fortress that sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Mo Chhu (female) and the Pho Chhu (male), which are distinctive colours of green and blue. You can walk across the Punakha Zam, one of the best example of a 'bazam' (cantilever bridge) in the country. There is also a small museum which you can visit.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907 and this lovely dzong is the second oldest and second largest in the country, and one of Bhutan's most majestic structures. It is contains the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara (Compassion Buddha) that is said to have miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School of Buddhism, when he was cremated.

Day 14

This morning we leave Punakha and drive upstream past the Punakha Dzong and down to the riverside.

From here we walk to the lovely Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten (stupa), which sits on a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley. It was built by the Queen Mother and is dedicated to the king and the peace of the country. From the car park, it is a fairly easy one hour walk across paddy fields and through broad-leaf forest, and from the top the view of the lush valley below is breathtaking. Enjoy a picnic lunch in these quiet surroundings.

We then walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, which is perched high above the very swift Po Chhu River and spans 160 to180m. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong. It is mainly used by locals from the other side of the town, as it is a short cut to the Punakha Dzong.

We then drive slowly to Paro, with stops along the way. On arrival you can stroll around the town, join a cookery class or shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 15

Today enjoy an energetic hike up the mountain to view the enchanting Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery that clings dramatically on a huge rock cliff, 900m above the valley.

It is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who spread Buddhism across the Himalayas, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated for three years in a small cave, where the main shrine of the monastery stands today. Wear good walking shoes, as you will need to hike for 2 to 3 hours each way along winding footpaths through pine forests (with occasional short steep climbs) and ascend many steps - but once you get there you will be rewarded with panoramic views over the forested valley below. Afterwards enjoy lunch at the roadside café, with a magnificent view of the monastery in the background.

Later in the afternoon we drive along the river to see the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 as a fortress to commemorate the victory of Bhutan against Tibetan invaders from the north. The Dzong is now undergoing a massive renovation to restore it to its original state. On a clear day, you will see the magnificent Mount Jhomolhari (7,313m) in the distance. On the way back, you can visit the lovely Kyichhu Lhakhang monastery, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan Emperor Songten Gampo.

Later in the evening you can enjoy a traditional hot-stone bath in a farmhouse. River stones are placed in an open bonfire till they are red hot and then placed in wooden tubs, which heats up the water and releases beneficial minerals to soak in.

Day 16

Transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Delhi in India.

You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel situated near the airport.

Day 17

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight home.

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