From Buddha to Bollywood - 2009/10 Departures - Overland Trip

Itineraries (Kathmandu - Mumbai)

KATHMANDU: Arrival in Kathmandu.

KATHMANDU: Morning walking tour of the exciting city of Kathmandu.

Travel to the border between Nepal and India. Nearby is the town of Lumbini, where Siddhartha Gautama - better known as the Buddha - was born. If time allows there may be the option to take an excursion to Lumbini.

VARANASI: Continue to Varanasi for an intense introduction to India. The streets are alive with endless colour, spices, markets, rickshaws and everything else that makes up an Indian town. Join the pilgrims praying on the banks of the Ganges, explore the exotic temples dotted along its banks, or bargain in the bazaars. Approx. 8 hours driving

Early morning Ganges boat trip to see the sun rise over the holy river followed by a walk through the old city.

VARANASI: Full free day. Overnight sleeper train to Delhi. Approx 12 hours train journey

DELHI: Arrive in the Indian capital and transfer to our hotel. Afternoon free.

DELHI – AGRA: Early morning express train to Agra. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided tour of the Taj Mahal, reputedly the most beautiful building in the world. Approx 3 hours train journey

JAIPUR: Drive to Jaipur via the exquisite former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Approx 5 hours driving

JAIPUR: Morning orientation tour of Jaipur; in the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort on a hilltop outside the city.

PUSHKAR: Drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. Afternoon at leisure to explore the lakeside with its many holy men, pilgrims and temples. Approx 3 hours driving

KHEJARLA: Travel to Fort Khejarla, residence of the former ruling family who will be your hosts. Approx 3 hours driving

CHANDELAO: Drive to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Afternoon optional jeep safari to the villages near Chandelao where we see local craftsmen at work. (US$10) Approx 1 hour driving

CAMEL SAFARI: We drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. Approx 4 hours driving, 2 hours camel ride

JAISALMER: Cross the desert to the fortress city of Jaisalmer. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with palaces, mansions of rich merchants (havelis), and Jain temples that were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Approx 4 hours driving

JAISALMER: A free day to explore this amazing city with its medieval atmosphere.

JODHPUR: Continue to Jodhpur. Afternoon visit to the impressive Meherangarh Fort, with fantastic views across this blue city. Approx 5 hours driving

UDAIPUR: Drive via the magnificent Jain temples of Ranakpur to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur. Approx 7 hours driving

UDAIPUR: Morning tour of Udaipur. Afternoon at leisure to seek out a bargain in the markets or relax in a friendly café overlooking the lake.

AHMEDABAD: We travel to Ahmedabad, a city with ancient monuments displaying a unique mix of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this city. A major attraction is the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years, which we may have the option of visiting.

Express train to Mumbai. The rest of the day is at leisure; you may choose to visit the famous ‘Gateway to India’, Mumbai’s most famous landmark.

MUMBAI: Tour ends.