Tour Plan
To understand and experience the great culture of India, there can be no better way than to join and revel in its numerous exciting festivals. Experience the real beauty of India in our tours which are timed to coincide with some of most exciting festivals.
Duration | 06 Nights / 07 Days |
Destination Covered | Delhi – Jaipur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi |
Exclusions |
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Itinerary
On arrival in Delhi an included transfer will take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure. Overnight: Delhi
After breakfast, your exploration of India's capital city commences with a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi drive past to Red Fort, - a marvel in red sandstone and visit the Raj Ghat, - memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, - the largest mosque in India. Proceed to Chandni Chowk to savour the ambience of an oriental, crowded bazaar. Continue to New Delhi; pass by India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I), the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy's residence) and the Parliament House. Visit the imposing Lakshmi Naryan Temple, Humauin;s Tumb see the 12th century Qutab Minar - gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the Ashoka iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years and the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. In the evening have a group dinner at restaurant. Overnight in Delhi hotel, Meal: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel, proceed to Jaipur by surface and on arrival check-in at hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or independently explore this pick city. Overnight at Jaipur (Meals Breakfast)
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofty hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon. In the morning excursions to Amber Fort with an Elephant ride up the hill and descend by jeep followed with city tour Later we visit a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dyeing and block printing before touring the City Palace and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory. Overnight at Jaipur (Meals Breakfast)
It's an early start today as the festivities of Holi bring thousands of people out onto the streets in a dazzling display of colour and good cheer. Celebrated every year in February or March, the ancient Hindu festival of Holi 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 to his near death by his father King Hiranyakashipu. Today Holi is a time when Indians across the nation gather together with family, friends and neighbours to throw powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water as they run through the streets. Shops and businesses close down for the day, and on the eve of the celebrations a bonfire is held to remember the story of Prahlada and Vishnu. While this is the mostly believed story, the myths and legends that surround Holi differ around the country, but the basic principle remains the same. Holi is meant to symbolise the triumph of good over evil, the importance of love and of happiness, and supports the formation of new friendships. In the morning drive to Bharatpur and on arrival check-in and then you can pull up a chair and watch the Holi celebrations taking place out on the lawn. For those wanting to get involved we'll be providing white kurta pyjamas for you to wear and organic colours for you to throw. In this game of cat and mouse, stealth and the art of surprise will serve you well. After a bombardment of powder bombs and shower of water in every imaginable colour we'll hatch an escape plan to Keoladeo Ghana National Park for a late afternoon bicycle rickshaw ride and bird-watching. Overnight at Bharatpur ( Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel, and then proceed to Agra visit Fatehpur Sikri en-route, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. Later continue drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Overnight at Agra (Meals Breakfast)
After breakfast at hotel drive back to Delhi and on arrival check –in into the hotel for day use. Later check-out and transfer to the international airport to board flight for onward destination. (Meals Breakfast)