Colors of India
& The Holi Festival

Delhi

This morning we explore the walled city of Old Delhi, where traditional life has changed little. See the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  Drive past the Red Fort, also built by Shah Jahan, and finally, visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.   We then hop on rickshaws (pedi-cabs) to ride around the old Chawri Bazaar and savor the ambiance of an Oriental and Indian marketplace.

Post lunch proceeds for a visit of New Delhi covering Humayun’s Tomb the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal & the Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Explore the government buildings, the President’s house, the India Gate. From here you visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the followers of the Sikh religion.  Get a chance to volunteer at Gurudwara’s free kitchen and to be part of “Vand Chakko” the Sikh uplifting concept that translates to ‘share and consume together.’

Overnight: Oberoi Delhi Hotel

Delhi to Agra

Morning drive to Agra, upon arrival check in to the hotel

Agra Fort – massive and majestic, the red sandstone fort in Agra, built by Emperor Akbar, is perhaps the best-preserved fort in India. Construction of this crescent-shaped fort 2.5 km in circumference commenced in 1565. Contained within the huge double outer walls up to 20m high and broken by a series of huge gates, the fort is almost a city within a city. Today these palatial buildings are silent witnesses to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and are exemplars of Islamic architecture and decoration.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvillas

Agra – Delhi – Varanasi

Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise

Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of the early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its color changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white; it’s well worth visiting at different times.

Taj Mahal – built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, the Taj Mahal is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a teardrop on the face of eternity.  Transfer by road to Delhi Domestic Airport for flight to Varanasi.

Overnight: Taj Ganges Hotel

Varanasi

An exclusive boat ride on River Ganges followed by a brief walk through the ghats

Observing the early morning riverside rituals from a boat on the Ganges is a special experience. In the blue light of dawn, travel through Varanasi’s misty, winding streets and board a private rowboat, watching from the water as the sun rises and the banks begin to crowd with worshippers.

One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi has a uniquely spiritual atmosphere and is one of the holiest places in India. Temples of note include the Bharat Mata Temple and the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. Take an exclusive boat ride on river Ganges followed by blessing ceremony, end the cruise with a ‘Diya Daan’ at sunset – to pay homage to your ancestors by immersion of oil lamps into the Ganges.

Overnight:  Taj Ganges Hotel

Varanasi – Jaipur

Sarnath – Lord Buddha gave his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The huge Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where Buddha first preached. The Sarnath Museum has a small but extremely impressive collection of Buddhist artefacts including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Transfer to Varanasi Airport to board SpiceJet Airlines flight to – Jaipur On arrival, transfer to Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel.

Overnight: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Jaipur

Visit Amber Fort by jeep both ways followed by a visit to Anokhi Museum and Panna Meena step well

Amber – Originally the ancient capital of the Kachawahas clan from 1037 the ancient town of Amber is dotted with ancient temples, Havelis, and step wells. High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls sits the impressive Amber Palace.  Panna Meena Step Well – The eight stories Stepwell was built in the sixteenth century as a sort of community gathering area. A place where people could come for water, a swim, a chat with a neighbor or relax.

Tour the City Palace by passing through the main entrance and begin by visiting the Mubarak Mahal, built in 1890 it houses the Textile and Costume Museum.

Visit a local home to participate in Holika Dehan celebrations followed by dinner with the family

Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfire takes place on the eve of Holi. The day is also popularly called ‘Chhoti Holi’ or the ‘Small Holi’. The bigger event – play with the color takes place on the next ‘big’ day. Holika Dahan is an extremely popular tradition and is celebrated with fervor all across the country and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.

Overnight:  Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Jaipur – Today is Holi – The Festival of Colors

Transfer to Narain Niwas Palace to participate in Holi celebrations with live music followed by lunch

Holi – possibly the most colorful and joyous festival of the Hindu calendar is celebrated at the end of the winter season to welcome Spring. At this festival, distinctions of caste, class, age, and gender are forgotten as people have fun throwing paint and colored water at each other. As many of the colors derive from natural plants, and the festival takes place during a seasonal change, it was believed that the plants and their colors had a medical significance. The festival is due to a legend of King Hiranakashyapu who wanted to be worshipped as a god; most of his people did but not his son Prahlad whose devotion was to Lord Vishnu.

Overnight:  Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Jaipur – Udaipur

Transfer to Jaipur Airport to board for the flight to Jaipur.

Nagda – is one of the ancient palaces of Mewar, dating back to the 16th century AD. Visit the Sas-Bahu group of temples, dedicated to the family deity of the rulers of Mewar.  The palace has over a hundred rooms and some very interesting displays of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli are delicate work and well preserved too.
The haveli now stages delightful evening’s entertainment; the pleasurable performance of Rajasthani traditional dance and music in the moody surroundings of the haveli. It is an ideal place for evening entertainment while enjoying the view of Lake Pichola.

Overnight:  Taj Lake Palace Hotel

Udaipur

Sightseeing tour of Udaipur city including a visit to Crystal Gallery
The City Palace over-looks Lake Pichola and houses an impressive museum that includes an outstanding collection of miniature paintings. Housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace is the Crystal Gallery, the largest private collection of crystal in the world. Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains.
Visit Mewar School of Art and meet with the master artist including Jal Sanjhi Art experience

A painting is equal to thousand words, which means a beautiful painting is equal to millions of words. Enjoy a brief workshop at the Mewar School of Art. The workshop begins with a brief talk about the history of miniature painting followed by a painting class. You will also see a rare skill – Jal Sanjhi or the “art of drawing on water”.

An exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola. From the boat, you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.

“Farewell Dinner” at Sheesh Mahal fine dine restaurant at the hotel

Overnight:  Taj Lake Palace Hotel

Gurgaon

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Udaipur Airport to board Air India flight.
On arrival, transfer to The Oberoi Hotel, Gurgaon; located on the outskirts of Delhi.

Depart Delhi

Early morning transfer to Delhi International Airport Terminal 03 to board flight for onward destination or extension to Buthan. Stay tuned for details on Buthan Extension.