India & Nepal

 

People say it’s a life-changing experience. And there’s no doubt that when you make the incredible journey to India and Nepal, you’ll return with a new outlook on life and endless extraordinary memories. Fascinating and intriguing, this is a world that’s far removed from our western way of living.

Our wonderfully designed tour encompasses the very best that Northern India has offer. From fascinating Delhi and the Taj Mahal to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, you’ll visit holy temples and mosques, exquisite palaces, the mighty fortresses of the Moghul Empire and many powerful reminders of the past glories of the Raj.

Nothing quite prepares you for the breathtaking beauty and majesty, the purity of the white marble, its exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones or constantly shifting colours of the Taj Mahal. Created by thousands of craftsmen for Emperor Shah Jahan, in his wife’s memory, with whom he fell in love at first sight it is one of the eight wonders of the world, and still stands today as a symbol of eternal love.

Nearby is the 11th century Agra Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage site, fought over, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries to become a walled city housing palaces, pavilions, mosques, gardens and priceless treasure, as befits the seat of the vast Moghul Empire.

City of temples, palaces and “ghats” descending to holy waters, Varanasi has been a cultural and religious centre for thousands of years. Legend has it that the city was founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva 5,000 years ago, growing famous for its fine muslin and silks, perfumes, ivory works and sculpture. Certainly 3,000 years old, it’s one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. One of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, nearby, Buddhism was founded. You’ll see for yourself the towering Dhamekh Stupa where Buddha is said to have revealed his Eightfold Path to nirvana.

Then it’s off to Nepal, a complete contrast and rich in some of the world’s most astonishing natural beauty. You’ll take a once-in-a-lifetime flight to the Himalayas seeing the staggering white peaks of Mount Everest, visit the captivating mediaeval city of Kathmandu, seek out rhinos, bears and tigers on an elephant-back safari through the jungle, and share the peace and tranquillity of Buddhist monks at prayer.

Can you picture yourself on the summit of Mount Everest? Probably not!, but few people will ever get as close as you will when you take a flight on our private plane, soaring high above the clouds to the vast scale of the immense Himalayas. It’s incredible to think here you are at the highest point on the planet, something you probably have never contemplated you could ever experience. You can take photographs of this amazing panoramic view from the cockpit.

Chitwan National Park brings you close to one of the world’s finest natural wonders. Hills, raging rivers, flood plains, tropical forests, grassland and lush vegetation, the park is home to migratory birds, rhinos, leopards, elephants, bears, and of course the elusive and endangered Bengal tiger. Seeing this wonderful wildlife in the traditional way, on elephant back, is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll be amazed and rewarded every day by the most dazzling and colourful array of unexpected sights, heady aromas, and a true culture shock of astonishing contrasts.

People say it’s a life-changing experience. And there’s no doubt that when you make the incredible journey to India and Nepal, you’ll return with a new outlook on life and endless extraordinary memories. Fascinating and intriguing, this is a world that’s far removed from our western way of living.

Our wonderfully designed tour encompasses the very best that Northern India has offer. From fascinating Delhi and the Taj Mahal to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, you’ll visit holy temples and mosques, exquisite palaces, the mighty fortresses of the Moghul Empire and many powerful reminders of the past glories of the Raj.

Nothing quite prepares you for the breathtaking beauty and majesty, the purity of the white marble, its exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones or constantly shifting colours of the Taj Mahal. Created by thousands of craftsmen for Emperor Shah Jahan, in his wife’s memory, with whom he fell in love at first sight it is one of the eight wonders of the world, and still stands today as a symbol of eternal love.

Nearby is the 11th century Agra Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage site, fought over, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries to become a walled city housing palaces, pavilions, mosques, gardens and priceless treasure, as befits the seat of the vast Moghul Empire.

City of temples, palaces and “ghats” descending to holy waters, Varanasi has been a cultural and religious centre for thousands of years. Legend has it that the city was founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva 5,000 years ago, growing famous for its fine muslin and silks, perfumes, ivory works and sculpture. Certainly 3,000 years old, it’s one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. One of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, nearby, Buddhism was founded. You’ll see for yourself the towering Dhamekh Stupa where Buddha is said to have revealed his Eightfold Path to nirvana.

Then it’s off to Nepal, a complete contrast and rich in some of the world’s most astonishing natural beauty. You’ll take a once-in-a-lifetime flight to the Himalayas seeing the staggering white peaks of Mount Everest, visit the captivating mediaeval city of Kathmandu, seek out rhinos, bears and tigers on an elephant-back safari through the jungle, and share the peace and tranquillity of Buddhist monks at prayer.

Can you picture yourself on the summit of Mount Everest? Probably not!, but few people will ever get as close as you will when you take a flight on our private plane, soaring high above the clouds to the vast scale of the immense Himalayas. It’s incredible to think here you are at the highest point on the planet, something you probably have never contemplated you could ever experience. You can take photographs of this amazing panoramic view from the cockpit.

Chitwan National Park brings you close to one of the world’s finest natural wonders. Hills, raging rivers, flood plains, tropical forests, grassland and lush vegetation, the park is home to migratory birds, rhinos, leopards, elephants, bears, and of course the elusive and endangered Bengal tiger. Seeing this wonderful wildlife in the traditional way, on elephant back, is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll be amazed and rewarded every day by the most dazzling and colourful array of unexpected sights, heady aromas, and a true culture shock of astonishing contrasts.

Supplier info: Riviera Travel

Since their inception 25 years ago, Riviera Travel have endeavoured to exceed the expectations of the discerning traveller, on their fascinating and innovative European and Worldwide escorted tours.

They have passion for quality and looking after all their guests in the most personal manner possible and really ‘go the extra mile'. Over the years they have received many commendations from many household names in the publishing industry. They have recently been voted by the members of one of the country's most respected consumer organisations in their biannual survey of travel companies, as one of the UK's top two Tour Operators and the most outstanding of all in terms of value for money - by some considerable margin.

Riviera Travel offers European and Worldwide Escorted Tours by Eurostar and by Air.

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