India & Nepal Adventure: 15-Day Itinerary
November 29 - December 13, 2025
Travelers: Utsav Dixit, Elinor Dixit, and American friends group
Transportation: Private Mercedes Benz van with driver for Delhi-Agra-Gorakhpur circuit, flights for Nepal and Kerala
Phase 1: Delhi Discovery (Nov 29 - Dec 1)
Day 1 - Saturday, November 29: Arrival in Delhi
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Check-in: Luxury hotel in Central Delhi (Connaught Place area or New Delhi)
- Evening: Welcome dinner at Indian Accent or Bukhara restaurant
- Night: Rest and recover from jet lag
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Dwarka Sector 12 or similar 4-star hotel
Day 2 - Sunday, November 30: Old Delhi Exploration
- Morning: Visit Red Fort and Jama Masjid
- Mid-morning: Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk markets
- Lunch: Street food tour in Old Delhi (paranthas at Paranthe Wali Gali)
- Afternoon: Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial) and India Gate
- Evening: Sunset at Humayun's Tomb
- Dinner: Rooftop restaurant overlooking Delhi
Day 3 - Monday, December 1: New Delhi & Modern Culture
- Morning: Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple
- Lunch: Khan Market for shopping and cafes
- Afternoon: National Museum or Crafts Museum
- Evening: Connaught Place for shopping and colonial architecture
- Night: Prepare for early departure to Agra
Phase 2: Agra & The Taj Mahal (Dec 2-3)
Day 4 - Tuesday, December 2: Journey to Agra
- Early Morning: Depart Delhi by private car/van (3-4 hour drive)
- Late Morning: Check into hotel in Agra
- Afternoon: Visit Agra Fort
- Late Afternoon: Mehtab Bagh for sunset Taj Mahal views
- Evening: Traditional Mughlai dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Agra or Taj Hotel & Convention Centre
Day 5 - Wednesday, December 3: Taj Mahal & Return
- Pre-dawn: Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal (magical experience!)
- Morning: Explore Taj Mahal grounds thoroughly
- Late Morning: Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
- Afternoon: Drive back to Delhi
- Evening: Free time or shopping in Delhi
Phase 3: Wedding Celebration Option (Dec 4)
Day 6 - Thursday, December 4: Gorakhpur Wedding (Optional)
Option A - For Friends Who Want to Experience Indian Wedding:
- Early Morning: Flight from Delhi to Gorakhpur (1 hour flight)
- Full Day: Attend Utsav's friend's Indian wedding celebration
- Experience: Traditional ceremonies, Indian wedding feast, cultural immersion, authentic Indian wedding customs
- Evening: Return flight to Delhi OR overnight in Gorakhpur
- Note: Amazing opportunity to experience authentic Indian wedding traditions!
Option B - For Friends Who Prefer to Stay in Delhi:
- Full Day: Leisure and exploration day in Delhi
- Morning: Spa treatments or visit to Lotus Temple
- Afternoon: Shopping at Khan Market, Select City Walk, or Connaught Place
- Evening: Explore India Gate area, visit Lodhi Gardens
- Optional: Day trip to nearby attractions or cultural sites
- Dinner: Group dinner at a rooftop restaurant
Phase 4: Nepal Himalayan Adventure (Dec 5-8)
Day 7 - Friday, December 5: Journey to Nepal
- Morning: Entire group reunites in Delhi (wedding attendees return by morning flight)
- Afternoon: Group flight from Delhi to Kathmandu together (1.5 hours)
- Evening: Check into hotel in Thamel district
- Night: Welcome dinner with traditional Nepali dal bhat - group celebration!
Accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti or Dwarika's Hotel
Day 8 - Saturday, December 6: Kathmandu Valley
- Morning: Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
- Late Morning: Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Lunch: Traditional Newari cuisine
- Afternoon: Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest in the world)
- Evening: Thamel district for shopping and cafes
Day 9 - Sunday, December 7: Himalayan Views
- Early Morning: Mountain flight over Everest (weather permitting)
- OR Alternative: Drive to Nagarkot for Himalayan sunrise
- Afternoon: Visit Bhaktapur - medieval city with stunning architecture
- Evening: Cultural show with traditional Nepali dances
Day 10 - Monday, December 8: Adventure Day
- Morning: White water rafting on Trishuli River (moderate level)
- OR Alternative: Paragliding in Pokhara (if time permits)
- Afternoon: Return to Kathmandu
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Nepal
Phase 5: Kerala Backwaters & Beaches (Dec 9-12)
Day 11 - Tuesday, December 9: Flight to Kerala
- Morning: Fly from Kathmandu to Kochi via Delhi
- Afternoon: Arrive in Kochi, check into heritage hotel
- Evening: Explore Fort Kochi - colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets
- Night: Kathakali dance performance
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Kochi or Casino Hotel
Day 12 - Wednesday, December 10: Religious Heritage & Culture
Morning: Explore Fort Kochi - colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets
Religious Heritage Options:
Option A - Jewish Heritage Tour:
- Visit Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
- Explore Jewish history in Kerala dating back to 1568
- Walk through spice markets with Jewish historical connections
- Learn about the Cochin Jewish community
Option B - Christian Heritage Tour:
- Visit St. Francis Church (oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was first buried)
- Explore Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
- Visit St. Mary's Cathedral Forane Church
- Learn about Kerala's ancient Christian traditions (St. Thomas Christians dating to 52 AD)
Both Groups:
- Lunch: Traditional Kerala meal (fish curry and rice)
- Afternoon: Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) - historical significance for all
- Evening: Sunset cruise in Kochi harbor
Day 13 - Thursday, December 11: Backwaters Experience
- Morning: Drive to Alleppey (1.5 hours)
- Full Day: Houseboat cruise through Kerala backwaters
- Experience: Traditional Kerala lunch on boat, village visits, bird watching
- Overnight: Sleep on houseboat under the stars
Day 14 - Friday, December 12: Beach Paradise
- Morning: Disembark houseboat, drive to Kovalam Beach (2 hours)
- Full Day: Beach relaxation at Lighthouse Beach
- Activities: Ayurvedic massage, beach sports, local seafood
- Evening: Beachside dinner with fresh catch of the day
- Overnight: Beach resort
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay or similar beach resort
Phase 6: Departure (Dec 13)
Day 15 - Saturday, December 13: Farewell
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in Trivandrum
- Afternoon: Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport
- Evening: Departure flights back to New York
Transportation Arrangements
Delhi-Agra-Gorakhpur Circuit: Private Mercedes Benz van with experienced driver
- Delhi to Agra: 3-4 hours drive
- Agra to Gorakhpur: 6-7 hours drive (for wedding)
- Gorakhpur back to Delhi: 7-8 hours drive
- All Delhi city tours: Same Mercedes van
International & Domestic Flights:
- Delhi to Gorakhpur: Optional flights for wedding attendees (1 hour flight)
- Gorakhpur to Delhi: Return flights for wedding attendees (morning departure)
- Delhi to Kathmandu: Group flight together (1.5 hours) - entire group travels together
- Kathmandu to Kochi: Group flight via Delhi connection (4-5 hours total)
- Trivandrum to Delhi: Direct flights for international connections
- Group booking recommended for better rates and seat coordination
Nepal Ground Transportation: Private vehicle with local English-speaking guide
Kerala Ground Transportation: Private car/van with driver familiar with backwater routes
Special Highlights for Your American Friends
Religious Heritage & Cultural Sites:
- Jewish heritage sites in Kochi (Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town)
- Christian heritage sites in Kochi (St. Francis Church, ancient Christian traditions)
- Multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Traditional Indian wedding experience (optional)
- Himalayan mountain views and adventure activities
- Kerala backwater village life
Foodie Experiences:
- Delhi street food tours
- Mughlai cuisine in Agra
- Traditional Nepali dal bhat
- Kerala spice tours and seafood
- Cooking classes available at several stops
Adventure Activities:
- Mountain flight over Everest
- White water rafting in Nepal
- Houseboat cruise in Kerala backwaters
- Rickshaw rides through old markets
Shopping Opportunities:
- Chandni Chowk markets in Delhi
- Agra marble inlay work
- Nepali handicrafts in Thamel
- Kerala spices and tea
- Traditional textiles throughout
Practical Tips
Best Time: Late November to mid-December is perfect weather for all destinations
Visas: Ensure US passports have Indian visas; Nepal visa on arrival available
Health: Consult travel doctor for any recommended vaccinations
Currency: Indian Rupees and Nepali Rupees (USD widely accepted)
Packing: Layers for varying climates, comfortable walking shoes, formal wear for wedding
Estimated Budget: $2,000-2,500 per person for excellent value with quality 4-star accommodations and comprehensive cultural experiences
Detailed Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
Flights:
- Round-trip international flights (NYC-Delhi): $800-1,000
- Domestic flights (Delhi-Gorakhpur-Delhi): $100-150
- International flights (Delhi-Kathmandu): $250-300
- Flights (Kathmandu-Kochi): $280-350
- Domestic flights (Kerala-Delhi): $120-160
- Total Flights: $1,550-1,960
Accommodation (13 nights) - 4-Star Quality:
- Delhi: Radisson Blu Dwarka Sector 12 - $70-90/night
- Agra: Radisson Hotel Agra or similar - $75-95/night
- Gorakhpur: Hotel Clarks Inn (wedding night) - $40-55/night
- Kathmandu: Hotel Yak & Yeti or Radisson - $65-85/night
- Kerala: Radisson Blu Kochi/quality beach resorts - $80-110/night
- Total Accommodation: $650-850
Transportation (Ground):
- Mercedes Benz van (Delhi-Agra circuit): $25-35 per person
- Nepal ground transport with guide: $35-50 per person
- Kerala ground transport: $30-40 per person
- Total Ground Transportation: $90-125
Activities & Experiences:
- Monument entries & guided tours: $80-120
- Mountain flight over Everest: $160-200
- White water rafting Nepal: $50-70
- Houseboat cruise Kerala: $100-140
- Cultural shows & performances: $50-80
- Total Activities: $440-610
Meals:
- Good restaurants and local experiences: $25-35 per day
- Mix of hotel dining and authentic local cuisine
- Total Meals (15 days): $375-525
Miscellaneous:
- Tips, shopping, personal expenses: $150-250
- Travel insurance: $60-90
- Visa fees: $40-60
- Total Miscellaneous: $250-400
Smart Value Choice: This optimized itinerary maintains excellent quality experiences while choosing reliable 4-star accommodations like Radisson Blu properties - ensuring comfort, cleanliness, and international standards at better value pricing.
Emergency Contacts & Local Support
- Keep Utsav's Indian contact numbers handy
- Hotel concierge services at each location
- Private driver contact information
- Travel insurance recommended for all participants
This itinerary balances cultural immersion, adventure, relaxation, and special experiences that will give your American friends an unforgettable taste of India and Nepal!