Colors of India
& The Holi Festival

MARCH 8-19, 2025

11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS

FROM $10,898 PER PERSON 

Experience Timeless Beauty and Mesmerizing Cultures

Colorful, outrageous, romantic, and wild, India is a beautiful enigma, delivering spectacular natural beauty in every shape and form. Its vibrancy will astound you, the five-star luxury and unparalleled service will impress, and nothing compares to the warmth of its people. On this journey, you’ll experience the India of your imagination and far beyond.

We begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. After touring the colorful bazaars and ancient UNESCO sights of Old Delhi, we continue to Agra for a sunrise visit of the timeless Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Rajasthan unfolds like a beautiful tapestry. From the pink sandstone City of Jaipur to the picturesque and romantic City of Udaipur, there are hill forts, palaces, gardens & temples to amaze you.

With superb local guides and incomparable service, Source Journeys has curated this luxury small group LGBTQ+ journey to take you through the very best of this unforgettable country.

Following our trip to India, we’re offering an extension to Bhutan from March 19-25, 2025

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take a Rickshaw Ride in Ancient Delhi
  • Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars
  • Colorful Holi Celebration at a Palace in Jaipur
  • Experience the magical allure of the Taj Mahal 
  • Marvel at the White Palaces from Lake Pichola in Udaipur
  • Take in the Beauty of the City of Lakes from the Leela Palace
  • Witness an Ancient Ritual in Varanasi, India’s Spiritual Capital.
  • Hand Selected Luxury 5-Star Accommodations
  • Exclusive LGBTQ+ Luxury Tour Limited to 18 guests
  • Extensions to Bhutan

Itinerary

MAR 08

Delhi

VIP Meet & Assist upon arrival and transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel. Our representative will facilitate and assist you in clearing immigration, collecting baggage from the baggage belt, and then guiding you through the Green Channel gate of Indian Customs. At the hotel, our concierge will assist you with the necessary check-in formalities. For the rest of the day, relax and enjoy this five-star hotel’s world-class spa, restaurants, and amenities. Arrival Airport Delhi (DEL)

“I knew it was going to be an amazing trip when I walked off the plane in Delhi, and there was a representative there to greet me with a golf cart to rush me through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Normally, they don’t meet until outside of baggage claim, so I was very impressed with this level of service as well as all the other details that were taken care of.”

– Greg Shoemake, India -2023

Overnight:  Oberoi New Delhi Hotel

MAR 09

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

MAR 10

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

MAR 11

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

MAR 12

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

MAR 13

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

MAR 14

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

MAR 15

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

MAR 16

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

MAR 17

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

MAR 18

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

MAR 19

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.

Extension

Post-Trip: The Mystical Wonders of Bhutan, March 19-25, 2025

Continue the adventure and join the Source Journey’s team to experience The Mystical Kingdom of Bhutan

Accommodations

The Oberoi, New Delhi

The Oberoi, New Delhi, is an iconic luxury 5-star hotel in New Delhi. It is located in the center of India’s cosmopolitan capital city. It is 30 minutes from the Domestic Airport and 45 minutes from the International Airport. The interiors are a contemporary interpretation of Sir Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi architecture. The hotel is also equipped with state-of-the-art clean air technology, which promises air quality on par with global standards.

The hotel has 220 rooms and suites inspired by Lutyens’ New Delhi design, with authentic furnishings and handpicked artwork. All feature large picture windows that frame unmatched views of the Delhi Golf Course on one side and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. All accommodations radiate luxury. From the rich polished teakwood floors to the spacious walk-in closets, magnificent Italian marble bathrooms, and oak wood desks. Each room also has comfortable seating and complimentary high-speed Internet. In case you hunger for a gourmet midnight snack, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and has 24-hour butlers waiting to serve you. Premier Plus Rooms and all suites have complimentary access to the exclusive Resident’s Lounge.

The Oberoi Amarvillas

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, enjoys an unrivaled position among luxury hotels in Agra, being located just 600 meters from the iconic Taj Mahal. Each of our rooms affords uninterrupted views of this ancient monument to love, while elements of the layout and design pay homage to its Mughal splendor.

The hotel is approached along a sweeping driveway, verdant with native trees and lit by flaming torches. Just inside, a Mughal-style quadrangle is ornamented with cascading fountains and framed by an arched passageway and gold leaf frescoes.

By day, guests can travel in our private golf buggies to the Taj Mahal. At night, they can savor a candlelit dinner beside its soft silhouette. The hotel offers a range of specially curated Oberoi Experiences designed specifically for this luxury resort in Agra and this majestic Mughal city.

The hotel offers all guests complimentary access to high-speed Internet for up to four devices. Enjoy a quick break and rejuvenate with a couples’ therapy in a private spa suite with Taj Mahal views.

Guests can stretch out with a swim in the magnificent pool before savoring fine international and specialty Indian cuisine in our luxury dining restaurants in Agra, or unwind with an Oberoi signature cocktail; the only bar in the world with Taj Mahal views.

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

130 contemporary rooms and suites are set on 48.562 acres of landscaped gardens. The fine dining restaurants rank among the best in the city, serving international cuisines as well as sumptuous thalis that celebrate the region’s soulful food culture, inspired by produce from the hotel’s own organic garden. The fitness and spa facilities complement global lifestyles, while a dedicated concierge service guides guests through the sepia-tinted narrow lanes of old Varanasi, heady with the fragrance of sandalwood and a wealth of architecture, art, and textiles. True to the city’s timeless spirit, this 5-star hotel in Varanasi shifts gears from urbane luxury to spiritual epiphanies without missing a beat.

Rambagh Palace Hotel

Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has gracefully transitioned through many royal phases—from the home of the queen’s favorite handmaiden to a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites, which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. The palace retains its elaborate splendor, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas, and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. Within this most glorious of palaces, showcasing the best of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, you also experience the best fine-dining restaurants in Jaipur. Enjoy a royal Indian feast at Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom built in the 18th-century French style with huge crystal chandeliers. Harmonize your mind and body with yoga and meditation. Over the years, it has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles, and Jacqueline Kennedy.

“The Rambagh Palace was over-the-top wonderful and staying at the Oberoi looking at the Taj Mahal was so special. All of the hotels were great during the trip.”

– Jonathan Moore, India – 2023

The Leela Palace Kempinski

The Leela Palace Kempinski is located at Lake Pichola and showcases views of the Aravalli Mountains. Guests can choose from 80 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. All rooms have luxury amenities and picture-perfect views of Lake Pichola and its majestic palaces.

The Leela Palace hosts an ideal setting for fine dining. Restaurants serve exotic dishes under the stars, namely, the Sheesh Mahal and the Library Bar. Furthermore, the hotel has a spa overlooking Lake Pichola. The Spa offers various therapeutic treatments.

Oberoi Gurgaon

Gurgaon is the business and commercial center of India’s National Capital Region. It has an iconic skyline of towering skyscrapers, an intricate road network, and a clean, efficient metro train service.

Just minutes from the international and domestic terminals, you will find the best hotel in Gurgaon. The Oberoi, Gurgaon, is a five-star hotel and a striking example of contemporary design, where an ocean of blue meets walls of green and is topped off with a dazzling silver and glass jewel box. Spacious rooms and suites with magnificent views, fine dining from across the globe, and a host of 24-hour services, including a personal butler, a spa, and a business center.

Pricing

CategoryDouble OccupancySingle OccupancyAvailabilityBook Now
Deluxe Room$10,898 / person$15,898 / personAvailable BOOK NOW
Available

Deluxe Accommodations - Double Occupancy

$10,898 per person
Available

Deluxe Accommodations - Single Occupancy

$15,898 per person

Included in this Journey

  • VIP Meet & Greet upon arrival at Delhi  Airport
  • All Deluxe Accommodations throughout
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • Welcome Dinner in Delhi
  • 7 Lunches & 3 Dinner throughout
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Holi Celebration followed by Lunch in Jaipur
  • Private English-speaking guide
  • Transfers and excursions by a private modern air-conditioned bus
  • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary (One Time only)
  • Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
  • Exclusive Boat ride on Lake Pichola
  • Portages at Airports and Hotels
  • Still, Camera fees to the places of visit
  • Source Journeys Tour Escort

Not Included in this Journey

  • Proof of Comprehensive Travel Insurance is Required for this Journey
  • International Airfares
  • Domestic Airfares – $589
  • India Visa Fees
  • Gratuities – Estimated $350 per person
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • All items of Personal Nature
  • Airport taxes (if any)
  • Covid-19 Test (if applicable)

Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two consecutive blank pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting. An entry Visa will be required. Arrival and Departure Airport (DEL)