India 2024 with Optional Extension to Nepal

Airline: Emirates Airline
 

Airline: Emirates Airline

New York to India

• Date: 06 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 204
• Depart: 10:40 AM (JFK)
• Arrive: 8:10 AM+ AM (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 07 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 516
• Depart: 9:55 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 2:40 PM (DEL)

Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representatives and transfer to your hotel

Hotel: Shangri-La Eros Hotel

• Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
• Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque

After breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi, a city full of fascinating contrasts, where by day, temples are packed with the devout, and by night, hotel discos are filled with the affluent. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple, which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.

Continue to Gandhi Smriti, a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Then, drive past the Red Fort and continue by bicycle
This afternoon visit New Delhi, the city reflecting the British's legacy. Whereas the walled old city is all tradition in all its facets, New Delhi is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st-century standards. Your tour to New Delhi begins with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the 234-foot high tower made of sandstone, known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan, the tallest stone tower in India, and an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue past the India Gate, and then proceed past the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will enjoy sumptuous Indian food.

Hotel: Shangri-La Eros Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Transfer to the city of Agra
• Evening visit to Sheroes Hangout

This morning, make your way to the city of Agra. In terms of ambiance, Agra is still associated with the Mughal period. Besides being great rulers, the Mughals were also great builders and preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra and its neighborhoods. There are many beautiful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces, and aesthetically laid out gardens, each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in.

This evening, visit Sheroes Hangout, a café that employs women who have suffered from debilitating acid attacks. In order to regain their self-esteem and livelihoods, this café is solely run by these survivors.

Hotel: Trident Agra
Meals: Breakfast

• Rise early for a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal
• Discover the Agra Fort
• Afternoon excursions in the local markets
• Evening High Tea with a local family

Rise early before sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the world's wonders. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations and yet another example of impressive Mughal architecture.
 

This afternoon, explore the local markets where you should do your best to bargain for marble products and high-quality leather wallets, shoes, and belts. Later, visit the "Petra Dura Workshop," where you'll find beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit, enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine-quality marble inlay pieces.
This evening, you are a guest for High Tea. This special treat, arranged exclusively for your group, allows you to meet and interact with an Indian family and learn more about life in India.

Hotel: Trident Agra
Meals: Breakfast

• This morning visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the “Baby Taj”
• Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur
• Transfer from Sawai Modhopur to Ranthambore National Park

After breakfast, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the “Baby Taj,” the first Mughal structure entirely built from marble. Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur and the Ranthambore National Park was originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1972 the park was acquired by Project Tiger, a tiger conservation program, and became a National Park in 1980. Now the park is one of the best locations in India to get a close view of tigers and other wildlife. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive the short distance to your hotel for check-in.

Hotel: The Tigress Spa & Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Early morning jungle safari to spot wildlife
• Get a second chance to spot wildlife on an evening jungle safari

Rise early for the best opportunity to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park in open-air vehicles. Return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Enjoy another chance to see wildlife on the evening jungle safari.

Hotel: The Tigress Spa & Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• This morning travel to Jaipur, the magnificent Pink City
• The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure

After breakfast, board your touring coach for Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City due to its pink stucco buildings in imitation of sandstone. Here you find invincible forts and magnificent palaces and gardens, waves of dunes, and serene lakes. Little seems to have changed except for the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses. After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the colorful streets and bazaars.

Hotel: Marriott Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

• Discover the ancient capital of Amber, en route brief stop at the Palace of Winds
• Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur
• This evening, join a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur

This morning visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En route, take a brief photo stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Famous for its beehive-like structure, the Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, from where the cloistered ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.

Continue to the Amber Fort, begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent wall paintings and some inlaid with precious stones and mirrors.

This afternoon, embark on a tour of Jaipur, including the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens, courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The City Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armories, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings.

Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur held exclusively for your group.

Kindly note that you will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Overton Travel has made the compassionate decision not to include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process of training these brilliant animals is not up to our ethical standards. In addition, elephant backbones are delicate and not meant to carry the weight of saddles and people. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Hotel: Marriott Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
• Enjoy dinner with fellow travelers

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, the sacred heart of Hindu India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. It is probably the oldest inhabited city in India and one of the world’s most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, and many Hindus wish to spend their retirement here in the latter part of their lives.

Tonight, enjoy dinner with fellow travelers.

Hotel: Taj Ganges Varanasi
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

• Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges
• Exciting city tour of Varanasi
• Enjoy an evening aarti ceremony

This morning at dawn, depart for an unforgettable experience on a boat ride on the river Ganges, stopping at the most important bathing ghats. From your boat, you will witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims, which follow centuries-old tradition and the belief that those who die in Varanasi or whose mortal remains are immersed in the holy Ganges will be incarnated to human life in the next birth.
 
After your early morning tour of the bathing ghats, return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, board your touring coach for a visit to the city of Varanasi, including Vishwanath Temple, Benaras Hindu University, and the Bharat Mata Temple. Explore Vishwanath Temple from the outside; dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. Continue to Benares Hindu University, considered the largest residential university in Asia.

This evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at the Assi Ghat. This ceremony celebrates the religious significance and history of Varanasi, replete with tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots.

Hotel: Taj Ganges Varanasi
Meal: Breakfast

• This morning explore Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists
• Visit the Sarai Mohana weaving village
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
• Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Before your flight, drive to Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Enjoy free time independently exploring the many stupas and temples or visiting the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the “Lion Capital of Ashoka .”This statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become an emblem of modern India and a symbol on the Indian flag. Next, make your way to Sarai Mohana, a village well-known for its silk weaving. Meet with a local and discover the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into weaving a traditional saree, which can take from 15 days to 6 months to complete.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight home or to the hotel for the Nepal Extension

Hotel: Roseate House Aerocity
Meal: Breakfast

Airline: Emirates Airline
India to New York

• Date: 17 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 515
• Depart: 9:25 PM (DEL)
• Arrive: 11:55 PM  (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 18 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 203
• Depart: 2:35 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 8:15 AM (JFK)

• Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
• Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel
• Visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass-through customs. Upon exiting the terminal, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast

• Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
• Travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
• In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’

This morning, you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City, located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, shops, and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then Patan Durbar Square, where you will see the sky-piercing temple of Taleju.

In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval, and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast

• Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
• In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance

In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, and statues of the kings of Nepal.

In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari Temple, Taleju Temple, Shiv Parvati Temple, and Kal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds, and smells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

• Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight
• Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the USA
• Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Meal: Breakfast

Airline: Emirates Airline

NEPAL EXTENSION:

India to New York

• Date: 21 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 515
• Depart: 9:25 PM (DEL)
• Arrive: 11:55 PM  (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 22 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 203
• Depart: 2:35 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 8:15 AM (JFK)

Full Package Price

• $4,899 per person (double occupancy)
• $5,849 per person (single occupancy)

Land Only Package 
(international flights and transfers NOT included)

• $4,199 per person (double occupancy)
• $5,149 per person (single occupancy)

Note: In the Land Only package you will make your own flight arrangements and transportation to/from the hotel upon arrival and departure. Overton Travel can assist you with these arrangements upon request.

Payment Schedule

Deposit: Due at the time of booking:  $300 (Non-Refundable)

1. Installment #1: Jun 20, 2023: $1,000
2. Installment #2: July 20, 2023: $1.000
3. Installment #3: Aug 20, 2023: $1,000
4. Installment #4: Sep 20, 2023: $1,000
5. Installment #5 - Final Payment: Oct 20, 2023 - Remaining Balance

We greatly appreciate your reservation for this exceptional journey!

Your upcoming experience in INDIA promises to be truly delightful. 

In preparation for this adventure, we would like to offer a few gentle reminders of the following:

PASSPORT:

It is essential for your passport to maintain at least six months of validity past the return date (expiration date of August 17, 2024, or later) and must have at least 2 blank pages.

VISA:

For US citizens planning to visit India, it's essential to obtain a visa before traveling. 

To streamline the application process and minimize potential delays, you can opt for an electronic visa (eVisa) through official Indian Visa website.

You may refer to this link below for more details: 

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

The eVisa option offers a swift and convenient application process, as you can submit your applications and required documents online. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa confirmation electronically.

The cost of the eVisa is $35 and it’s valid for a duration of 30 days from the date of arrival in India.

Please note that the fees and requirements may be subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest information and guidelines on the official Indian Visa websites before initiating your visa application. 

IMMUNIZATIONS:

Mandatory immunizations are not a prerequisite for traveling to India. Nonetheless, it is advised by the CDC that you consider a series of immunizations to safeguard your well-being.

We kindly urge you to review the CDC's recommendations, accessible via the provided links: 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india

NOTE: The CDC recommended the Yellow Fever Virus vaccine for travelers going to India. 

To ensure timely preparation, we recommend contacting your doctor to schedule an appointment. They will be able to provide personalized guidance on necessary immunizations and their optimal scheduling.

Airline: Emirates Airline

New York to India

• Date: 06 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 204
• Depart: 10:40 AM (JFK)
• Arrive: 8:10 AM+1 (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 07 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 516
• Depart: 9:55 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 2:40 PM (DEL)

India to New York

• Date: 17 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 515
• Depart: 9:25 PM (DEL)
• Arrive: 11:55 PM  (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 18 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 203
• Depart: 2:35 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 8:15 AM (JFK)

NEPAL EXTENSION:

India to New York

• Date: 21 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 515
• Depart: 9:25 PM (DEL)
• Arrive: 11:55 PM  (DXB)

Layover in Dubai

• Date: 22 February 2024
• Flight #: EK 203
• Depart: 2:35 AM (DXB)
• Arrive: 8:15 AM (JFK)

We encourage all travelers to purchase a travel protection plan at the time of initial trip deposit. 

Overton Travel uses Travel Insured International. Click here to review and purchase a travel protection plan from them: Travel Protection

You can purchase travel protection through the supplier used by Overton Travel or any other supplier you choose.

Rise early for a game drive in open-air vehicles in Ranthambore National Park. The park is one of the best locations in India to get a close view of tigers and other wildlife.