Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Old Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
879/HOL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16 + if accompanied by an adult.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the exuberant festivities of Holi - India’s most dazzling celebration, when streets throughout the country are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Sunday 09th March 2025. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2: Old Delhi
Location: Old Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
Later this afternoon we depart Delhi and head to Agra, the home of the famous Taj Mahal. Upon arirval we'll check into our hotel and this evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. Early this morning we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal for sunrise, India’s most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity watch the sunset fade over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos!
After breakfast back at the hotel we will make our way to the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.
Continue to either Karauli or Dholpur. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Day 4: Karauli
Location: Karauli
Meals Included: Breakfast
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. Travel to Jaipur today and head out on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur. This morning we will visit the impressive 16th century palace complex, Amber Fort. A jeep will take you to the sprawling fortress, which is laid out over four levels and overlooks the shimmering Maota Lake.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Jaipur. Friday 14th March 2025. Today is the day that India celebrates the fabulous Holi Festival. This ancient Hindu festival originated as a celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring in honour of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Vishnu when he was tricked into near death by his father, King Hiranyakashipu. Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is an important part of Hindu tradition.
What better way to kick off the day with an optional hot air balloon ride (booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information)?
Afterwards, it's time to let the festivities begin. Indians across the nation gather together with family and friends to throw coloured powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water. We will celebrate with locals - white kurta pyjamas will be provided to protect your clothes, as will organic colours for you to throw as you join the celebrations. After dancing away to Rajasthani folk music, we will be treated to a traditional Indian lunch.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at the swimming pool or visit a local temple in the evening with your tour guide.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur - Delhi. Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Day 8: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday 16th March 2025. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. Make your own way to the airport or contact us to book a departure transfer.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
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7 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
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Holi essentials - Kurta pyjamas (they must be white), colours, water pistols etc
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Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Karauli or Dholpur
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Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur
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Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
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Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sights
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
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Departure Airport Transfer
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Entrance Fees: USD$70-80pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
15 + if accompanied by an adult.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 - 4 star
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.