Essence of India with Holi

Arrive Delhi. Meet & assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid, – The largest mosque in India. Drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Rickshaw ride in the bustling bazaars of Chandani Chowk. Also Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).

Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi including the visit to the 12th century Qutab Minar. Later visit Lakshminarayan temple. Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Varanasi. After arrival at Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Evening rickshaw ride till the river front to witness Aarti Ceremoney at River Ganges. Overnight at the Hotel.

This morning an early start for a dawn boat ride on the Ganges River. Ritual is a very important aspect of Hinduism and there is no better place to observe it than at the Ganges. You will view the thread ceremony, head shaving and food being offered to the departing souls. A walk through narrow twisting lanes will give you a chance to witness the various rituals of the pilgrims and followed by city tour including Bharat Mata Temple, Shanta Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu University. Drive back to hotel for breakfast.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath (9 kms). This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. Overnight at the Hotel.

Breakfast at the Hotel. In time transfer to Airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. On arrival proceed for city tour of Khajuraho visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a ‘world heritage site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty.

These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art. Overnight at the Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Orchha. After arrival visit Orchha Amongst the various imposing monuments important ones are the Jehangiri Mahal the Raj Mahal and Ram Raja Temple. In time transfer to Jhansi Railway station to board the train for Agra

Arrive Agra and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

At Sunrise Visit Taj Mahal undoubtedly one of the most romantic buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man’s proudest creations to commemorate his love (Friday Closed).

Later drive back to Hotel for Breakfast.

Post breakfast experience the festival of colors, Holi, arguably one of the most popular festivals of India. Spring-time is synonymous with festivity and the best reflection of that is the festival of Holi. Resplendent with vibrant energy, Holi is not just a splash of colours but a myriad of experiences.

India’s most vivid, joyous festival; Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a time to play with colours. It’s an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance and of course, lots of bright colours.

For many it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colours, which is also known as ‘Gulal’.

They spray people with coloured powders while dancing and singing. Wearing white for Holi has become something of an unwritten rule; people usually wear white on Holi just so that have all the different shades of Holi colours stand out on their clothes. While enjoying the festivities you are bound to hear people saying Holi hai (It is Holi)!

There are always some things to keep in mind while celebrating the festival:

• Make sure that your face is well creamed/oiled before and after the play.
• Apply a thick coating of nail paint on your nails so that they remain protected and don’t get coloured!
• Oil your hair well, so that colour doesn’t stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
• Most import of all – have fun and enjoy the spirit of Holi.

Below items are including in Holy Celebration-:

• A pair of kurta – Pyjama
• Playing with herbal colors & pichkaris (water gun)
• Cultural event
• Lunch
• Bottle of beer

Evening visit Agra Fort. The fort is really a city within a city, which embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-I-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower and many more monuments”.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to JAIPUR enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri is the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Famously known as the city of ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory of South India. Arrive Jaipur & check in at hotel.

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Morning: visit of Amber Fort riding on elephant back. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from

Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Later: – city tour of Jaipur which begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast leave for Jodhpur by surface. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Evening: free for leisure activities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later: visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort (meaning Majestic Fort) is one of the largest forts in India. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.

Later drive to Udaipur enroute visiting Jain temples of Ranakpur.

On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning: City tour of Udaipur to visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal-studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple.

This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake.

Evening: Boat Ride at Lake Pichola. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

LEAVE DELHI

Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival transfer to the Airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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