India & the Festival of Colors – Holi

Description

Holi Tour India departure: Special
VALIDITY: March 01, 2026
DURATION: 10 days
VISITS: Delhi – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi

Day 1, “Holi” tour India, march 01, sunday: arrival Delhi

Upon arrival, you will be given a traditional welcome and transferred to your hotel. Room available from 14:00 hrs. Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world, offers the charming atmosphere of Old Delhi and the modernity of New Delhi. The perfect blend of old and new worlds makes it a fascinating place to explore.

Accommodation.

Optional Visit: Akshardham Hindu Temple with Sahaj Anand Water Show – USD $80 per person
Includes – Private air-conditioned transportation, Spanish-speaking local guide, and entrance fees.

In the afternoon, visit the Akshardham Hindu Temple (closed on Mondays), a true masterpiece recently built thanks to donations from thousands of wealthy Hindus. This place encapsulates 10,000 years of culture, with all its grandeur, beauty, hope, and blessings. The Sahaj Anand Water Show is an impressive 24-minute performance using a variety of captivating media to bring to life a story from the Kena Upanishad. Multicolored lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets, and surround sound, synchronized with lights and live actors, create a mesmerizing and inspiring presentation. International experts worked alongside BAPS volunteers and sadhus to produce this one-of-a-kind experience. Return to the hotel.

Day 2, “Holi” tour India, march 02, monday: Delhi.

Breakfast. Morning tour of Old Delhi, passing by the Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in India. Narrow lanes filled with shops create the lively feel of old Delhi shopping. Dating back to the 17th century, Chandni Chowk once had a tree-lined canal reflecting the moonlight—hence the name meaning “moonlit place.”

Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Rajghat, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi, “Father of the Nation,” was cremated on January 31, 1948. Continue to the Gurudwara, the Sikh temple, an architectural beauty. The Sikh religion practices “Seva” or “Sewa,” meaning selfless service without expectation of reward. Volunteers, known as Sevadars, work in the community kitchen. You will have the chance to participate as a Sevadar—making chapatis, preparing lentils and vegetables, and serving meals, an uplifting experience of giving back to the community.

Lunch included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi, including Qutub Minar, a 72 m tall tower built by India’s first Muslim ruler, Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Drive past government buildings: Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Residence), Parliament House, and India Gate (Triumphal Arch).

Accommodation, breakfast, and lunch.

Day 3, March 03, Tuesday: Delhi – Udaipur (flight not included)

Breakfast. Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur (flight not included). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Udaipur, also known as the “Venice of the East” and the “City of Lakes,” is a center for performing arts, crafts, and renowned miniature paintings.

In the afternoon, enjoy a shared boat ride on Lake Pichola with a visit to Jag Mandir Palace, followed by traditional folk dances at Lok Dharohar. Later, witness “Holika Dahan” at Jagdish Chowk—the first day of the popular festival of colors, Holi. A sacred bonfire is lit on the full moon night of Phalguna, symbolizing the triumph of divine power over demonic forces according to Hindu mythology. Return to the hotel.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Breakfast. In the morning, enjoy the colorful “Holi” celebrations at Jagdish Chowk with the locals. Holi, the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. People throw brightly colored powders and spray colored water in a joyous atmosphere.

Later, celebrate Holi with a local family, enjoying traditional Indian food. Lunch included.
Experience includes: Welcome drink (non-alcoholic), herbal colors, water pistols, water balloons, lunch, traditional kurta pajama (for both men and women), and turbans. Afternoon free for independent activities.

Accommodation, breakfast, and lunch.

Day 5, “Holi” tour India ,march 05, thursday: Udaipur

Breakfast. Morning visit to the City Palace, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles atop a hill with panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the Monsoon Palace. The 300-year-old complex consists of 11 palaces, making it the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Continue to Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, followed by a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake and a visit to Sahelion-ki-Bari, or “Garden of the Maidens.”

Afternoon excursion to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda (approx. 2 hours round trip). Eklingji is a 1,000-year-old temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nagda, once the capital of Mewar, is home to ancient temples from the 7th century, set beside a lotus-covered lake. Return to Udaipur and visit the Ahar Cenotaphs Museum, the cremation site of Mewar’s rulers.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Day 6, March 06, Friday: Udaipur – Jaipur by Train

Packed breakfast. Transfer to the train station for your journey to Jaipur (operates only on Sundays/Wednesdays/Fridays).
Departure: Udaipur 07:50 hrs, Vande Bharat Express.
Arrival: Jaipur 14:10 hrs.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the “Pink City” due to the terracotta color applied in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Birla Temple to witness the evening “Aarti” ceremony. Originally known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is built of pure white marble and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Optional: Rajasthan Folk Dance Show with Dinner – USD $80 per person (min. 3 pax)
Includes – Private air-conditioned transport and dinner. Dinner and cultural dance show at Narain Niwas Palace.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Day 7, March 07, Saturday: Jaipur

Breakfast. Morning visit to Amber Fort, with jeep ride up and down. Built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I, it is a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, overlooking Maotha Lake. Continue to Jal Mahal, the restored royal pleasure pavilion.

Afternoon visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, home to the former royal residence and a museum of Jaipur’s royal heritage. Then see Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds,” and Jantar Mantar, the best-preserved astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II.

Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through Jaipur’s bazaars, visiting Bapu Bazaar (textiles) and Johari Bazaar (jewelry), and exploring fruit, vegetable, and spice markets.

Optional: Cooking Session with a Rajput Family – USD $107 per person (min. 3 pax)
Includes – Private air-conditioned transport and dinner. Experience includes welcome ceremony, cultural discussion, cooking demonstration, hands-on session, and dinner with the host family.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Day 8, March 08, Sunday: Jaipur – Agra

Breakfast. Drive to Agra (approx. 240 km / 5 hrs), visiting Abhaneri en route to see Chand Baori stepwell. Continue to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. Afternoon visit to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565.

Optional: Live Sufi Show – USD $92 per person (min. 3 pax)
Includes – Private air-conditioned transport and show tickets. Attend “Mohabbat-the-Taj,” a Bollywood-style performance telling the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Day 9, March 09, Monday: Agra – Delhi

At sunrise, visit the Taj Mahal* (closed Fridays), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction took 22 years and 20,000 artisans. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then drive to Delhi (approx. 210 km / 3-4 hrs). Transfer to the hotel.

Note: Visitors have a maximum of three hours inside the Taj Mahal complex; exceeding the limit incurs a fine of approx. USD $10 per person.

Accommodation and breakfast.

Breakfast. Room available until 12:00 hrs. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your international flight (check-in 3 hours prior to departure).

**End of services**

SERVICES INCLUDED

• 09 nights’ accommodation at the hotels mentioned or similar, including taxes.
• Daily breakfast.
• 01 Lunch + 01 Lunch on “HOLI” day in Udaipur.
• Transfers from/to airport/hotel/airport by air-conditioned car/minivan/bus with Spanish-speaking assistance.
• Handling of one piece of luggage per person at airports.
• Guided visits and excursions as per the itinerary by air-conditioned car/minivan/bus.
• Spanish-speaking accompanying guide from Day 02 until return to Delhi (Day 09).
• Train ticket Udaipur/Jaipur in Executive Chair Car air-conditioned class (subject to availability).
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Shared boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
• Traditional welcome at the airport with marigold garlands or rose petals.
• Welcome package including a personalized welcome letter, detailed itinerary, India map, notebook with pen, pre-stamped postcards, and a gift.
• Mineral water in the vehicle.
• Shoe covers for visiting the Taj Mahal, temples, mosques, etc.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service in the vehicle during the entire trip (in some areas signal may be weak and connection slow).
• 24/7 Spanish-speaking Concierge service.
• Visa processing.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• International flights and airport taxes.
• Transportation, trips, and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any meals except those mentioned in the itinerary.
• Passport and visa fees.
• Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, faxes, Wi-Fi, massages/spa, etc.
• Any tips for drivers, guides, restaurant waiters, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The above rates are based on current taxes and monument entrance fees. Should there be any changes, prices will be adjusted accordingly.
• Standard check-in time is 14:00 hrs, and check-out time is 12:00 noon.
• In case of exchange rate fluctuations, the above-mentioned prices will change.
• Prices are not valid from December 22 to January 05.
• There is a limited number of licensed elephants at Amber Fort, and sometimes there are not enough elephants available due to the growing number of travelers. Also, the elephant ride may not operate during religious festivals. In such cases, we will use jeeps as an alternative to reach the fort

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