Colors of India
& The Holi Festival

Delhi

This morning, we will explore the walled city of Old Delhi, where traditional life has seen little change. We will visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Then, we’ll 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. Next, we hop on rickshaws (pedi-cabs) to navigate the old Chawri Bazaar, savoring the ambiance of an Oriental and Indian marketplace.

After lunch, we proceed to visit New Delhi, covering Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures ever erected in India. We’ll explore the government buildings, the President’s House, and the India Gate. From here, we visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple for followers of the Sikh religion. You’ll get a chance to volunteer at the Gurudwara’s free kitchen and to be part of “Vand Chakko,” the Sikh uplifting concept that translates to ‘share and consume together.’

Dinner will be at the stunning Haveli Dharampura, including a live private Kathak performance.

Overnight: Oberoi Delhi Hotel

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and is considered one of the highlights of any trip to India. You will be enveloped by its uniquely spiritual atmosphere and understand why it is considered one of the holiest places in India.

We will enjoy lunch at Chowk Restaurant and then take an exclusive boat ride on the River Ganges. Instantly, you will feel the spiritual life emanating from every corner of this incredible city, ending the cruise with a ‘Diya Daan’ at sunset – to pay homage to your ancestors by immersing oil lamps into the Ganges.

We will witness a mass of worshippers as they pray near the water by the light of open flames, with the scent of incense filling the air. An aarti is a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by chanting or songs in praise of Mother Ganga.

Dinner will be at the Terrace at BrijRama Palace Hotel.

Overnight: Taj Ganges Hotel

Varanasi

Our second day in Varanasi begins with an exclusive pre-dawn boat ride on the River Ganges. This is our unique opportunity to experience the blue light of dawn, travel through Varanasi’s misty, winding streets, and watch as the banks teem with morning worshipers. See people lost in prayer, washing themselves, doing laundry. The cycle of life is laid bare in Varanasi, and this is particularly evident on the cremation ghats.

After breakfast back at the hotel, other highlights of the day will include the Bharat Mata Temple and the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. We will also see Emperor Aurangzeb’s Mosque, the Well of Knowledge, and Vishwanath Temple, known as the “Golden Temple.”

We indulge in a “Benarasi Thali” lunch at Shree Shivaay restaurant followed by a visit to the holy Buddhist city of 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 artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Overnight: Taj Ganges Hotel

Varanasi – Delhi – Agra

A five-star view of the Taj Mahal

A travel day takes us by plane and road through the spectacular north of India as we make our way to Agra, home of the truly awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a teardrop on the face of eternity.’

Our evening invites us to relax and enjoy the facilities at our five-star hotel, which boasts a world-famous, exclusive view of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel

Agra – Fatehpur – Bharatpur – Jaipur

Visit Taj Mahal at Sunrise

Our early morning departure will reward us with access to one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Taj Mahal. Our private tour will allow us time to luxuriate in the morning mist and the soft red glow of the sun hitting the dazzling pearl walls of this monument to love.

After breakfast, we explore the massive and majestic Agra Fort, perhaps the best-preserved red-sandstone fort in India. The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a remarkable amalgamation of Indian and Central Asian architectural styles. It embodies the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and its significance in India’s history through its roles as a residence, military base, and symbol of power.

As our journey is intended to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Holi Festival, our evening arrival in Jaipur will take us to a local home to participate in Holika Dahan celebrations. Holika Dahan or the lighting of a bonfire takes place on the eve of Holi and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.

Overnight: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Jaipur

Today is Holi – The Festival of Colors

We believe one of the most joyous experiences will happen today. It begins at Narain Niwas Palace where we have the privilege to participate in a private Holi Celebration with live music and a delectable local lunch.

Holi is the most colorful and joyous festival of the Hindu calendar, 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 medicinal significance. The festival is due to a legend of King Hiranyakashipu, who wanted to be worshiped as a god; most of his people did, but not his son Prahlad, whose devotion was to Lord Vishnu.

After our private celebration, we return to our hotel. We encourage you to spend the rest of your afternoon and evening enjoying the luxurious amenities on this palatial property. 

Overnight:  Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Jaipur

“The Pink City” boasts of many remarkable sites, both ancient and modern. This day is filled with a full immersion into all of the extraordinary sites and shopping it has to offer. We begin at the Amber Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century, it houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, and gardens.

You don’t have to be a passionate shopper to appreciate the Anokhi Museum – Anokhi is a highly successful textile company which, from its beginnings almost 40 years ago, helped resurrect the languishing Rajasthani block printing textile industry.

Other sites today include the mesmerizing eight stories of the Panna Meena Step Well, a private tour of the center of Jaipur, where its nickname as ‘The Pink City’ will become apparent with every photo op, The City Palace, Mubarak Mahal, the astonishing Jantar Mantar Observatory, The Central Museum, and finally, the ultimate experience of Jaipur, shopping!

 Overnight:  Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Udaipur

The City of Lakes

Considered by most Indians as the ultimate vacation destination, no visit to Udaipur is complete without first visiting the ancient Nagda (16th Century AD) and Eklingji (734 AD) temples. After lunch at the impressively modern Raas Devigarh Fort Palace Hotel, we arrive at Bagore Ki Haveli to witness a cultural dance performance.

This Haveli is built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The palace has over a hundred rooms and an impressive display of costumes and modern art. It is the perfect setting for the evening’s entertainment of Rajasthani traditional dance and music while enjoying the view of Lake Pichola.

Overnight: The Leela Palace Hotel

Udaipur

Today, we will tour The City Palace, which overlooks 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. Many of the items were custom-made for the royal House of Mewar. Stroll through the renowned Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, famous for its lush green lawns, marble art, and fountains.

After lunch at the Royal Repast Restaurant, we will visit the Mewar School of Art and meet with the master artist and take a painting class. We will also see a rare skill – Jal Sanjhi, or the “art of drawing on water.”

Next, we depart on 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.

We conclude our day with our Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: The Leela Palace Hotel

Gurgaon

Today, we will fly from Udaipur back to Delhi. We will arrive at The Oberoi Hotel, Gurgaon, located on the outskirts of Delhi. Spend the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.

Overnight: The Oberoi Hotel, Gurgaon

Depart Delhi

Finally, as we say goodbye, all our Source Journeys travelers will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to ensure an easy departure to your home or next destination. If you would like assistance with your airfare to and from Delhi, we are happy to assist.

Remember, this itinerary follows an optional 7-day extension to Bhutan.