Holi – The Festival of Colours!!
India’s festivals are not mere events; they are immersive spectacles, deeply entrenched in history, mythology, and the human spirit. They transform entire towns and cities into vibrant, living theatres of devotion and revelry. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Holi celebrations of Mathura and Vrindavan—a festival not merely of colors but of unshackled joy, an exuberant outburst of spring’s arrival and divine love. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan, where his childhood legends echo through time, become a stage for Holi unlike any other. Here, colors are not thrown; they are flung with abandon, painting the air with hues of red, yellow, and saffron, turning the very atmosphere into a swirling canvas of emotion. The celebrations are layered in centuries of devotion, from the playfulness of Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully chase men with sticks, to the ethereal Phoolon ki Holi, where petals replace powders in a fragrant, dreamlike spectacle. This is not a festival you merely observe; it is one that consumes you, demanding participation in its chaos, laughter, and unrestrained energy. To stand amidst it is to feel India’s pulsating heart—timeless, dynamic, and fiercely alive
Welcome to our tour, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Overnight at Claridges, Delhi (Heritage Pool View Room - Upgraded) (No Meals)
At 10:00 am, we will proceed for the guided tour of Old Delhi. We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawala (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
When in Old Delhi, we will also do a short walking tour of the Spice Market. This living, breathing, working market is no show for tourists, and for the faint hearted. As you walk along the streets you will witness the traders selling spices. Cumin, aniseed, Indian cinnamon, cardamom and anything else you could desire. You have to ask for what you want. Don’t feel shy. The quality of spices from these wholesalers, who mostly trade in kilograms, is beautiful, and they retail their goods for unbelievable prices.
Following the tour of Old Delhi, we will recommend a restaurant for lunch (Lunch not included)
Next we will embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the QutabMinar - 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, this vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world we will also visit the Parliament House as well as witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.
Following our drive pass to the Lutyens Delhi area, we will now visit the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, and commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.
Overnight at Claridges, Delhi (Heritage Pool View Room - Upgraded) (B)
Morning we will drive to Vrindavan.
Upon arrival in afternoon, we will witness the Holi festivals in Mathura and nearby areas.
Holi, the festival of color’s is one of the most joyous festivals of India. It is the time to let go of all the inhibitions, enjoy the experience of youthful exuberance and celebrate life with colours. Holi is celebrated all through India with great fervor and vivacity. However, if you want to experience the traditional Holi, then you must not miss the Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura or the Braj Bhumi. Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura and Barsana is visited by a number of people from all over the world. After all, it is an epic celebration. Although there is a fixed date for Holi, the celebration starts from Basant Panchami and continue beyond the day of Holi (Phalgun Purnima). To experience the best of Holi, we arrive a few days before the actual Holi. And of course, it will be a field day for the photographers during Holi. There will be red, yellow, orange colours all over. There are various events being celebrated in various places.
Overnight at Radisson Hotel, Vrindavan (Superior Room) (B)
At 8:00 am, we will drive to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, we will visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime – Taj Mahal.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations.
After the visit of the Taj Mahal, we will recommend a hotel where you may use washroom facilities in public areas of the hotel. You may also choose to have lunch (not included)
Following lunch, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.
Overnight at Hotel, Grand Mercure, Agra (Taj View Room– Upgraded) (B)
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur en route we will stop at the deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.
Following the visit, we will continue our drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will check in to hotel, Hilton.
Overnight at Hilton, Jaipur (Guest Room) (B)
At 8:30 am, we will visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
We would also stop at Jal Mahal palace for photos. (From outside only)
Next, we will visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipur’s. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a Jeep. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.
Then, we will visit the Panna Meena ka Kund. This beautiful place was constructed during sixteenth century. The place was mainly utilized as a place of social meetings. People from nearby places come here for getting water, swimming or just to hang out with their loved ones. During ancient times, this place was utilized mainly as water protects pool. This beautiful Kund has a unique architecture and styling. This Kund was designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers.
Later, we would drive to visit Dera Amer. The latter offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness, making it an ideal destination for a memorable outing. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with warm hospitality and welcomed into the serene surroundings of the property. The highlight of the experience is the sumptuous lunch served amidst the rustic beauty of the Aravalli Hills. You can indulge in a lavish spread of traditional Rajasthani cuisine, featuring delicacies bursting with flavours and spices. After lunch, a variety of activities await you, including thrilling elephant interactions, where you can feed, bathe, and even paint these majestic creatures under the guidance of expert mahouts. With its perfect blend of gastronomic delights and immersive experiences, Dera Amer promises a day filled with unforgettable moments amidst the natural beauty of Jaipur's countryside.
Afternoon, we will proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Hilton, Jaipur (Guest Room) (B)
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