Holi Festival Tour

You will spend the day visiting Delhi’s major attractions including India gate and Humayan’s tomb. Try some of Delhi’s famous street cuisine for lunch and explore the old Delhi market by rickshaw. We will also take a heritage walking tour in Food Street, Spice market and Chandni chowk. Explore ParantheWaliGali. The atmosphere here the old part of Delhi is filled with high pitched shouts of shop owners and chaos from the busy streets.

As the world goes by, you will be drawn by the aromas of stuffed parathas being dipped into a large cauldrons, where they emerge golden and beautifully transformed. Hard to resist a snack at this point. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast we will transfer you to Delhi airport to board the flight for Varanasi. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. For Hindus, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Varanasi is a lifetime goal.

Moreover, Hindus believe that dying at Varanasi and being burned along the west bank of the river will help them escape samsara, the cycle of reincarnations. It is no wonder that Varanasi is considered by many to be the quintessence of Indian culture.

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Later in the afternoon you will visit Sarnath where lord Budhha gave his first sermon. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

LIFE ALONG THE GHATS IN VARANASI:
Early morning we will take you to river Ganga to enjoy a boat ride and observe the life along the Ghats [steps leading to the river.

Life along the ghats of Varanasi is a vibrant mix of religious rituals, daily life, and spiritual significance, all intertwined with the Ganges River. The ghats serve as a stage for a constant flow of activities, from holy dips and prayers to cremation rituals and everyday commerce. The atmosphere is a sensory overload, with the sounds of chanting, the scent of incense, and the bustling crowds creating a unique and memorable experience. After the boat ride return to your hotel. Later enjoy a heritage walking tour of Old city with your private tour guide. In the evening you will witness a prayer ceremony at river Ganga. Overnight in Varanasi.

Transfer to Varanasi airport. Fly to Delhi. Arrive and directly drive to Agra. On arrival check into your hotel. Later visit of Agra fort. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Agra hotel.

Sunrise visit of Tajmahal. Return to hotel for breakfast. Check out. Drive to Jaipur. On the way visit of Abhaneri stepwell.

Chand Baori is in Abhaneri, a small village with one of India's deepest and largest step wells (also known as tank gardens). Step wells are unique to India. They were used as cool places of resort, as pools for ritual cleansing before a temple visit and as a water supply for dry weather. Continue towards Jaipur. Arrive and check into your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.

Jaipur, the Pink City, blends culture, architecture, and history. Amer Fort showcases Rajput artistry. Hawa Mahal's windows offer unique views. Jantar Mantar displays ancient astronomy. City Palace reveals royal heritage. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is a city that combines culture with authenticity and stunning architecture. A place that is embedded in history, art, and magnificent views, combining the ultimate views of the iconic Hawa Mahal and the majestic Amer Palace. Whether you are a foodie and a fan of spices that make your taste buds go crazy, or you are a shopaholic who is a fan of vibrant hues and beautiful patterns , Jaipur has something to offer everyone. You will visit Amber Palace, Wind Palace, Water Palace and Jaipur bazars. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast drive to Ratangarh, a sleepy little town on the highway between Jaipur to Bikaner. Arrive and check into your guest house. As this is not a touristic place accommodation options are very basic and minimum. After checking in we will take you to a nearby village where dance groups from different villages gather and showcase their skills and performances. Very electric and colorful atmosphere to witness! There will be probably few thousands people from nearby village to cheer up and make noise for their loved and preferred dance group. This is a unique opportunity to witness such festivities. After dinner the real scenes unleash!
Unexplored, unexploited, away from common tourists, authentic, captivating, unique and interesting Holi festival at this little known village near Ratangarh will be the highlight of your tour.

The village plays the ubiquitous host to a unique, fun-filled celebration, Geendar Utsav [festival], just days before Holi.

Geendar festival spread over three days and two nights that celebrates the different hues of spring to the beat of traditional musical instruments, nagada, and dhol along with dhap and chang. Geendar dance that has men dressed in colourful costumes, from lehenga-choli to mini-skirt, tube tops and hats, and disguised in different characters swaying to folk music taking centre stage at the celebration.

Masters of disguise
A variation of Gair dance, Geendar is also performed exclusively by the menfolk while the women stand on the sidelines and watch them perform, cheering and hooting for them in between, and enjoying the fun-filled role reversal for a change.

While performing this dance, men form two concentric circles, and while grooving to the tune of traditional folk music, they move diagonally and swap their positions to add swag to their performance that begins just after sundown and continues through the night. During the nights preceding Holi, the tiny hamlet comes to a grinding halt and becomes the perfect stage for these untrained but passionate dancers to flaunt their moves, as they groove in joy carrying sticks and at times even gleaming swords to add an element of drama to their performance, and people peeping from rooftops, balconies and along the streets to catch a glimpse. The celebration lasts for almost while night until 4 am next morning. But after spending few hours witnessing this unique festival we will return to our hotel.

In the morning those who wish to play Holy and get drenched with colours can come and join to play Holi with villagers. Late in the afternoon drive to Bikaner.

After breakfast visit of Bikaner fort. A majestic fortress from the regal days of Bikaner. Rising majestically from the sandy expanse of the Thar Desert, the Junagarh Fort stands as a monumental testament to the vision and architectural prowess of Bikaner's rulers. After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On the way visit of a unique rat temple. Those who are scared of rats can stay outside and take a walk in the nearby market. Continue drive to Jodhpur. Arrive and check into your hotel.

Visit of Jodhpur fort. The fort is named Mehrangarh, meaning ‘fort of the sun’ – a reference to the Jodhpur clan’s mythical descent from the sun god Surya. Over 500 yards long, its wall rises in places to a height of 120 feet and is 70 feet thick.

The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput (one of the warrior rulers of the historical region of Rajputana), and served as the capital of the princely state of Jodhpur. Across the courtyards, past the 7 massive gates, are some elegant palaces with their dazzling illuminates. Spot these ancient treasures & imagine the erstwhile court as you walk along inside Mehrangarh Fort. The fort is recognized as one of the best-maintained forts in India. Later drive to Jawai. Arrive and check into your hotel.

Early morning enjoy a jeep safari to spot the leopards. Return to hotel for breakfast. Drive to Udaipur. On the way visit of Ranakpur Jain temple.

This stunning 15th-century marble temple honours Adinath, the founder of the Jain religion. Considered to be one of the finest examples of architecture in Rajasthan, the Ranakpur Temple complex stands on a plinth in a remote and beautiful valley. The construction of the temple began in 1439 and it took around 50 years to complete.

Continue drive towards Udaipur. Arrive and check into your hotel. Overnight in Udaipur.

Udaipur, often called the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East," is a mesmerising destination in Rajasthan that offers myriad sights in the desert state. With its palatial architecture, scenic lakes, and bustling markets replete with regional trinkets, Udaipur is the perfect place to unwind yourself. Start your day with a royal experience by visiting the City Palace, one of the most stunning architectural marvels in Rajasthan. Founded in the 16th century by Udai Singh after a sage's advice, it is Rajasthan's largest palace complex. Built over 400 years by 22 maharajas, it boasts a harmonious blend of jharokhas, columns, and towers, and overlooks Lake Pichola. You will explore its ornate courtyards, balconies, and museums filled with historical artefacts, paintings, and royal attire.

After soaking in the regal beauty of the City Palace, and a hearty Rajasthani meal to refuel yourself, head down to Lake Pichola for a serene boat ride. Drift past the picturesque Jag Mandir Palace and the iconic Taj Lake Palace that seems to float on the water. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast we will transfer you to Udaipur airport to board a flight for Delhi from where you will have your onward flight back home. To allow enough time to do check in formalities, please note that your outbound flight should be after 5 pm from Delhi to onward destination.