When it comes to whizzing around Kathmandu, auto rickshaws are the only way to go. See the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath and the city's most sacred Hindu site, Pashupatinath.

Cross the Rapti River to reach our lodge in the village of Sauraha. Take a jungle safari on elephant-back and hopefully spot rhino, tigers and leopards (oh my).

Lumbini was the site of Buddha's birthplace way back in 563BC. See some temples and the Ashoka Pillar.

One river, thousands of uses: bathing, praying, cremating the dead, laundromat, notorious hangout for The Beatles. You name it, and someone's done it in the Ganges.

Flowers, chocolates, diamonds, mini-breaks - all these gestures will seem lame once she's been to the Taj. You're going to need to think bigger.

This is a little gem of a village. Explore nearby temples and forts and sleep in a 16th century castle. Warning: your hand will get tired from all the waving and your mouth will ache from all the smiling. The locals here are extremely friendly.

The Maharajah's harem was not allowed to be seen, so The Palace of the Winds was built so they could see what was going on outside. It's a big honeycomb-shaped structure, with about 1000 tiny latticed windows for peeking through.

This place has barely changed in centuries and it doesn't get many travellers. It's a real "off the beaten track" experience (slightly off topic, but has anyone actually seen this beaten track?)

Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur, on the edge of the Thar Desert. Sadar Market is the place for fisherman's pants (handy in India, daggy at home), carpets, incense and tea.

Udaipur is often referred to as the Venice of the East. Why? Well here's a hint - it's not because of all the roads. Then it's an overnight train to Delhi. Snorers, you will be named and shamed.

By now you've had long enough to accept that in India, cows are more important than you. It's just one of the many weird and wonderful things you'll tell your friends when you get home.

- Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites. - Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Kathmandu including Bodhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath; Lumbini including temple complexes, Ashoka Pillar and Maya Devi Temple; Varanasi's back lanes and crowded alleyways; Agra including the Taj Mahal; Jaipur including Amber Fort, Old Bazaar and The Palace of the Winds; Jodhpur including Meharangarh Fort and Sardar Market; Udaipur including City Palace and Jagdish Temple; and Delhi including Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place. - Morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness the rituals on the ghats. - Royal Chitwan National Park – elephant ride with wildlife guide, lodge accommodation and entrance fees. - Off-the-beaten-track experience in Tordi Garh – village walk, visit to ruined temples and a fortress, and a jeep safari. - Overnight accommodation in 16th Century Tordi Palace. - Stay at Nimaj Bagh and a village walk to meet the locals. - Free time to explore Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Delhi. - Overnight train from Varanasi to Agra and Udaipur to Delhi. Accommodation in air-conditioned sleeper class with three-tier sleeping berths (two sheets, a blanket and a pillow provided per person).

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights unless specified. Some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally.