Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the exuberant festivities of Holi - India’s most dazzling celebration, when streets throughout the country are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Delhi
Thursday 21st March 2024. Welcome to India for the Festival of Colour! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel where the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore, you may wish to visit Akshardham, the worlds largest Hindu temple, before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
Overnight: Delhi
Delhi sightseeing
After breakfast, we set off on a day of sightseeing in India’s capital. In Old Delhi we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - the largest and oldest mosque in India. Discover the site of Gandhi’s cremation at Raj Ghat before we continue our tour in New Delhi. Walk down the ceremonial Rajpath, formerly known as the Kings Way, and see the India Gate monument. Tonight we enjoy a Namaste dinner.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur
Delhi - Jaipur. Say goodbye to Delhi today as we travel to the iconic UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur, which earns its nickname from the pink painted buildings in the Old City that heralded a visit from the Prince of Wales in 1876. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the beautiful City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, featuring 19 separate astrological instruments.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
The lofty Amber Fort
You may wish to join an optional Hot Air Balloon Over Jaipur early this morning for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over palaces, temples and hill-top fortresses. Later we travel to the impressive 16th century Amber Fort, which we reach by jeep. This sprawling fortress is laid out over four levels and sits on the shimmering Maota Lake. After our tour we visit a local cotton weaving house before we return to Jaipur.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
India celebrates Holi
Jaipur - Bharatpur. Monday 25th March 2024. Today is the day that India celebrates the fabulous Holi Festival. This ancient Hindu festival originated as a celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring in honour of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Vishnu when he was tricked into near death by his father, King Hiranyakashipu. Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is an important part of Hindu tradition.
Indians across the nation gather together with family and friends to throw coloured powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water across the streets. We have the opportunity to join the celebrations in Bharatpur - white kurta pyjamas will be provided to protect your clothes, as will organic colours for you to throw as you join the celebrations.
After the fun there is time for us to get cleaned up before we pay a visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park and enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride around this important wetland reserve, home to numerous bird species.
Overnight: Bharatpur | Breakfast, Dinner
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort & Taj Mahal
Bharatpur - Agra. Today we discover the eerie Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was abandoned more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water. After our visit we continue to Agra and explore inside the fortified walls of the striking Agra Fort, former residence of the Mughal emperors. Our final stop of the day is the most famous monument in India - the legendary Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by 20,000 workers, the Taj Mahal was dedicated to the memory of the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, who sadly died in childbirth. We enjoy a guided tour of this extravagant symbol of love. Overnight - Agra.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Return to Delhi
Agra - Delhi. We return to Delhi this morning and the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Red Fort and watch its famous Sound and Light show when it gets dark.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Goodbye India!
Thursday 28th March 2024. Our adventure comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All departure dates from 1 Apr 2023 are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. Prior to this date a departure is guaranteed with 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Park Inn by Radisson New Delhi, Delhi
Set in the heart of one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Delhi, the Park Inn by Radisson offers a comfortable stay in India’s bustling capital. With contemporary guestrooms which feature en suite bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. Enjoy al fresco dining and drinks at the 24-hour RBG Bar & Grill, which serves tasty traditional Indian fare and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the hotel's sparkling pool or work up a sweat in the fitness centre. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and a short walk from a metro station, it's easy to reach popular sites such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate and Connaught Place.
Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar, Delhi
Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is a modern hotel, located in the heart of bustling Delhi NCR. With Mayur Vihar Metro Station less than 550 yards away, providing easy access to the commercial hubs of Noida, South Delhi and Connaught Place. Comfort is guaranteed in the contemporary guest rooms, which feature an ergonomic chair, high speed WiFi, in room safe and LED TV. Relax and unwind in the outdoor infinity pool and workout at the 24 hour Fitness Centre. There's a choice of dining options, with Café on 3, offering Indian and international delicacies, overlooking the infinity pool and a beautiful alfresco area, while the Kylin Experience restaurant serves delicious Asian cuisine and tasty signature cocktails
Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Udai Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Set amongst 2 acres of landscaped gardens, the Udai Vilas Palace is a traditional hotel located right in the heart of Bharatpur city. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped with comfortable beds and large windows. The hotel is famous for its barbecue nights and Rajasthani folklore evenings, where you will be enthralled by traditional music and dance performances. Keoladeo National Park, one of the most well-known bird sanctuaries in India, is also just a five-minute drive away.
Royale Regent Hotel, Agra
The stylish Royale Regent hotel offers views of the magnificent Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool, so guests can gaze at this World wonder while sipping on a cocktail and retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy an array of flavours in the onsite garden or mutli-cuisine restaurant.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 6 recent reviews
There was always someone to meet us at the destinations. Tour guide Mahi was knowledgable and cared about our wellbeing. We had a great group and we all got on well. This was the first time I had visited India and it has left me with the most wonderful memories I just want to go back. We also did a tour the week before and again the tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They also asked us what we wanted to do and never rushed us.”
The Holi Festival Tour was a convenient way to see the some of the major sites of India and join the spirit of Holi”
Yusuf was the best guide I have ever encountered on any guided tour. ( I have been on quite a few). He was compassionate and caring. He stuck to the timing of the tour whilst always retaining a calm and fun demeanor.
The tour itself was very well laid out and I think in the short time we had, we got to see as much as possible of the World Heritage sites. (I think it was 8 in total - which Yusuf mentioned) ”
Amazing tour & great guide ”
Amazing Tour Loved it. Want to come back and do the tour again but this time during the festival of lights. Superb Tour Leader, Sat was the best ever tour guide, very easy to talk to, approachable, understandable. Also our Coach/Bus Driver 'Goldie' is what he told us to call him, was a great driver, not once did I feel uneasy in that madness of traffic, and also Manjeet who helped Goldie with the Coach/Bus, he was very friendly, and always kept the coach/bus clean and tidy(even after we celebrated Holi, felt sorry for Manjeet this day). All and All absolutely thrilled and cant wait to get back.”
My overall feedback from the tour is Excellent. I really had a great time with the group and the all travel experience, restaurants and accommodation.
The tour guide, Yussuf, was excellent always there to help and ensure that the group could have the best of the tour.
110% Happy, was way much better than i expected I would definitely recommend. ”
HI Mark,
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you and your team for your help last Wednesday. We did get home the next day after a stressful 24 hours. Although the stress was relieved a bit once we got a nice cold Kingfisher in our hand!
I would be grateful if you would extend our gratitude to the Delhi office, especially Filbin Francis who was a star, getting us to and from the airport and checked back into the Almondz! We'd previously met Filbin in Varanasi and didn't think our paths would cross again, little did we know. Putting a positive spin on it we got to spend an extra night in Delhi and revisited a fabulous restaurant we'd discovered at the beginning of our adventures. (Indi-que)
As for the tour....what can we say. It was a fabulous experience, one we shared with people from all corners of the world and we thoroughly enjoyed nearly all aspects of it.
We salute Satendra Sharma, our India tour guide, for marshaling the 27 strong group every day. He was a great guide who was highly organised, professional yet great fun to be around.
He did a fantastic job of getting us to all the sights on time and filling our minds full of knowledge on each place, we have the utmost respect for the man as his job wasn't the easiest dealing with 27 very different personalities!
We had a fabulous time with him throughout the tour and every day revealed a new and exciting highlight. Our personal highlight was Varanasi and the Ganges boat trip, Sat went over and above arranging an evening trip to the ghat for those of us who wanted it.
Although Holi and the Taj Mahal are close seconds.
Also a big shout out to Ajay our Nepali guide and his "little boss" who also carried out a fabulous job showing us the highlights of his beautiful country.
The sights and experiences we had throughout the tour were amazing and these two guides are a credit to your company!
Regards ”
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There was always someone to meet us at the destinations. Tour guide Mahi was knowledgable and cared about our wellbeing. We had a great group and we all got on well. This was the first time I had visited India and it has left me with the most wonderful memories I just want to go back. We also did a tour the week before and again the tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They also asked us what we wanted to do and never rushed us.”
