19-Day South Asia Panorama

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax and recover from jet lag in the afternoon. 

Overnight: Kathmandu

After breakfast, firstly drive you to the city for an exploration in the medieval city of Kathmandu to discover the rich culture of the Newari people with bustling narrow streets. You will visit the vegetable & spice market in Ason and many courtyards there that form the base of living in Kathmandu. And continue to jammed bazaars and Kumari Temple which houses the living Goddess. After that, move to have an external view of Taleju Temple and then visit Kal Bhairab. 

Afternoon, step into the temple of Swayambhunath - a stupa on the top of a hill - for an overlook the scenery of Kathmandu Valley. Later proceed to Patan city (about 15min driving) to visit the Patan Durbar Square - one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast

Begin your today’s exploration from Pashpatinath Temple - one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. After, move to visit Boudhanath Stupa - the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world.

Afternoon you are escorted to Bhaktapur city (about 40min driving) where you will discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the seven UNESCO's World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Later continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan Temple which boasts a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast

Morning flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival at the airport of Paro, be greeted and transferred to the capital Thimphu. Pass by Tamchog Lhakhang iron bridge on the way. 

After hotel check-in, have lunch at a local restaurant and visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in honor of the 3rd king and Buddha Dordenma Statue where Asia's biggest bronze Bhudda statue sits. Next go to Takin Sanctuary to see Bhutan's unique National animal Takin, before visiting Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu and the central administrative centre (open after 5 pm from Monday to Friday).

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set off to Punakha this morning, en route stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight - Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan).

Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive back to Paro and start today's tour with Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative centre. Later visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and ends at a local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine.

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you'll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari.

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Say goodbye to Bhutan. After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel where our representative helps you check in and briefs you about the following tours. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel, then your tour guide will escort you to Old Delhi for the magnificent Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque; then a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on rickshaw.

Pass by Red Fort before drive to New Delhi for the tallest stone tower in India, 800-year-old Qutub Minar surrounded by ancient Hindu and Muslim complex. Continue to Raj Ghat - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive along the city landmark of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings. Finish today with an insight into the local religion at a colorful Hindu Temple - Laxmi Narayan Temple (closed on Monday).

Tips: Female tourists are asked to wear robes before entering Jama Masjid. If you don’t have one, rent from the temple, which costs 50 rupees.

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, head to Agra by private A/C car, stopover for coffee break or photo opportunities are at your request any time en-route. Hotel check-in upon your arrival in Agra. The afternoon is free for you to rest.

Note: Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

Today you start from an early morning visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) which frees you from the crowds and heat in daytime. This white-marble world wonder was built by a great emperor in memory of his beloved.

After breakfast, visit the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle and proceed to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-dualah, also called Baby Taj for its resemblance of the Taj Mahal. The rest of the day is at leisure, the vehicle with driver is at your disposal. You can explore the city in your style or explore some local markets.

Tips: Strict security check is needed before entering Taj Mahal. Foods, plastic bags, chargers, etc are all prohibited things. We suggest you catch the sunrise view in the early morning for the temperature is relatively cool and avoid the peak time.

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast then head east to Jaipur, en-route stop to explore the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs), one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Lunch time after that and then proceed to Jaipur. Hotel check-in on arrival and rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit hillside Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state; inside you'll also experience the kingly palaces incl. the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).

Drive back to the 'pink city' of Jaipur, followed by a visit to the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Your tour guide will show you the best angle for a perfect picture. Continue to the City Palace Museum for its superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury; do check the local time yourself at Jantar Mantar - the largest stone observatory in world that still in service today. Drive through the pink rose residential and business areas before you are escorted back to the hotel. 

Tips: There are a lot of venders hard sell around Amber Fort, if you have no interested in their goods, then don't show any. Even "no thanks" is dispensable. 

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy some leisure time in Jaipur this morning. Vehicle with the driver is at your disposal. You can go to a local market for a last minute shopping or rest in the hotel.

In the afternoon, be met and escorted to the airport in Delhi for your international flight to Colombo. Upon your arrival in Colombo, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur guide of India Odyssey Tours and escorted to your hotel in Negombo for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax. 

Note: Buddhism is extremely respected in Sri Lanka, any disrespectful words or acts may cause deportation or denial of entry, e.g. Buddha tattoos, kissing/climbing/riding Buddha statue, drinking inside a temple, etc. 

Overnight: Negombo
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and head for to Pinnawala where you can visit the Elephant Orphanage and get in close proximity with semi-wild elephants during their morning feeding and river bathing. After lunch, proceed to Sigiriya for its 5th-century legendary sky citadel of “Lion Rock” - arguably the most impressive site in Sri Lanka; although a steep climb is requested, the views and frescoes are definitely worth the effort. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Dambulla and have a good relax.

Note: Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.

Overnight: Dambulla
Meal: Breakfast

This morning head for Ceylon's old capital of Kandy, en route with time to visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and appreciate some magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings dating back to 2nd century B.C.

Once in Kandy, you will pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth - Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine. The evening Puja Ritual held in the temple will offer you a chance to discover the special atmosphere and ultimate spiritual importance of this famous temple.

Overnight: Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

Head for Galle after breakfast. En route stop for an interesting visit to 300+ varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees at Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. Upon your arrival in Galle, check in to hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure. 

Overnight: Galle
Meal: Breakfast

This morning visit Asia's best preserved colonial sea fortress of Galle Fort, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later take a stopover at a turtle hatchery on the beach; set up for conserving the endangered turtle population, the hatchery will introduce you more about this creature when letting you to stay close to with them.

Upon arrival in Colombo, your chauffeur guide will show you around the city including the Gangarama Temple of Colombo, mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum, etc. 

Overnight: Colombo
Meal: Breakfast

Today is free at your leisure until your chauffeur guide pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal: Breakfast