group tour
15 DAYS INCREDIBLE INDIA INCLUDING HOLI FESTIVAL
India is spectacular, it’s spiritual, it’s diverse and a crazy riot of colour. Architecturally rich, alluring and unpredictable. She will challenge you & possibly overwhelm you, right before she inspires you and warms your soul to its core!
TOUR STARTS
5 Mar 2020
START LOCATION
New Delhi, India
TOUR ENDS
19 Mar 2020
END LOCATION
New Delhi, India
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Taj Mahal
- Experience the explosion of colour, music and dance of Holi
- Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar & the Lotus Temple
- Chandi Chowk by rickshaw
- Rural visits in Devta & Abheneri villages
- Cooking classes in local home
- Help out at SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Centre
- The fabulous Pink City of Jaipur
- Visit Baby Taj and Agra Fort
- View the ancient 13 storey step well of Chand Baori
- Experience the Hindu ceremony of Aarti
- Upgrades – Sri Lanka or Mount Abode Nature Retreat
- Watch the ceremonies & rituals on the Ganges
- Varanasi – one of the most fascinating places on Earth
1
Day 1:
Welcome to Incredible India!
Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi where you will be received and welcomed in the traditional Indian way before being transferred to your hotel.
Depending on arrival time we may visit Lakshminarayan Temple – a modern Hindu Temple.
Afternoon to rest and relax before our first meet up at 6 pm in the accommodation lounge for your official welcome and meet and greet your fellow travellers. Our guide will give you a rundown of the adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi.
Meals: As per airline.
Activities: Transfer to accommodation, Lakshminarayan Temple (if time permits).
2
Day 2:
Delhi – Time To Enter The Urban Jungle
Get your local on and enjoy rickshaw ride in the busy bazaar of Chandni Chowk and the spice market – Khari Baoli which will engulf your senses with the delicious aromas of fresh spices. Your eyes won’t know where to look with a brisk business trade and thousands of people moving about their day, it really is an exciting ride.
Drive through impressive boulevards and buildings such as President’s Residence, India Gate and others in Lutyen’s Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Chandi Chowk, drive by President’s Residence, India Gate.
3
Day 3:
Tombs, Minars & Temples
After breakfast, we will be picked up and enjoy a guided tour of this historical city which includes a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.
Visiting the unique structure of Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar today will be a day to learn a little of the history of India. The afternoon is well rounded out with a visit to the serene and ethereal Lotus Temple. Be mindful to remove your shoes and observe silence as you take some time to soak up the peace and serenity
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.
4
Day 4:
Delhi To Jaipur With Traditional Village Visit
Today we depart Delhi for Jaipur but have a fabulous stop off at a rural village Devta. Enjoy a village walk and the opportunity of interacting with the locals and a delicious home cooked meal by the local community.
Drive further to reach the magnificent pink city Jaipur, on arrival check in at your hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: Traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, light lunch.
Activities: Devta Village.
5
Day 5:
Local Markets & Family Dinner
After breakfast, option to visit the Albert Hall, Birla Temple and Patrika Gate. In the afternoon have lunch in the market restaurant. If you’d prefer, have a relaxing morning at the hotel and meet up with the group later on.
Around 4 pm we will leave to enjoy a cooking class with traditional dinner and also see the Holi Ka Dahan. Holi Ka Dahan is an extremely popular tradition and is celebrated with fervour all across the country and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.
Accommodation: Traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Activities: Local market, Albert Hall, Birla Temple, Patrika Gate, dinner with local family, Holi Ka Dahan celebration.
6
Day 6:
Happy Holi – It’s Time To Get Your Colour On!
Celebrate the spectacular festival of Holi with gulal (coloured powders), music and dance! We will supply your outfit/dress for the traditional celebrations. Expect an action-packed morning of fun and laughter when we get a tour the Pink City by tuk tuk to see the Dhulandi festival in all its glory via the old narrow city streets.
After Holi celebration and lunch we will transfer back to the hotel to wash and change. The afternoon is kept free.
Accommodation: Traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Activities: Holi Festival with locals.
7
Day 7:
Jaipur – Full Day Guided Tour Of The Pink City
Up early for morning Aarti of Lord Krishna at Govind Dev Ji Temple. We will also visit the local vegetable and flower market, an opportunity to see the daily market life of the growers and even have a chat with the sellers. A beautiful morning not to be missed.
Back to our hotel for breakfast and short relax before we head out on a guided sightseeing tour of stunning Jaipur. We will visit the majestic hilltop fort of Amber housing the beautiful mirror palace and elaborate Ganesh Pole.
Have lunch in the local market restaurant before we visit the Gatore Ki Chhatriyan and City Palace and its vast treasure of rare manuscripts, paintings and other collections. Visit other monuments and palace (if time permits).
Accommodation: Traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Activities: Guided tour of Jaipur, morning Aarti, veg & flower market.
8
Day 8:
Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
And we’re off to Agra. En-route visit beautiful stepwell ‘Chand Baori’ in Abhaneri village.
It’s then on to Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. The Fatehpur Sikri complex houses tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces, which surprisingly have withstood the ravages of time and are still in good condition.
Continue drive to reach Agra. On arrival, check in at our hotel.
Early evening, if time permits, we will venture to the back side of Taj Mahal to watch the sunset. The rare sight of Taj from the fields with the river in the front is simply magical.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Imperial, Agra.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Chand Baori, Fatehpur Sikri, transfer to Agra.
9
Day 9:
Baby Taj & Agra Fort
This morning begins with a visit to Agra Fort and the Shah Burj. Shah Jahan spent years of confinement, at the hands of his son Aurangzeb, in Agra Fort looking wistfully at the Taj Mahal.
Then we are off to the Baby Taj. Itmad-ud-daula has a special place in the chronicles of both history as well as architecture because it is the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of marble and the story of Itmad-Ud-Daulah is an inspirational rag to riches saga.
The tomb is as interesting as the life of the person for whom it was built. You can hear the enthralling full story on site while viewing this marvel.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Imperial, Agra.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Baby Taj, Agra Fort.
The Taj Mahal is closed Fridays and Public Holidays so these days in Agra may swap around to fit in all activities.
10
Day 10:
The Grand Taj Mahal
Up early to get the best view of the Taj Mahal during sunrise. Built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains.
After you’ve explored the Taj Mahal, we return back to the hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure.
Ensure you stay hungry as around 2 pm we will leave for a street walk tour with an English speaking expert to experience the delicious Agra street food. Taste delightful local cuisine from some of the oldest and most reputed food joints in the city. All the food items have been personally tested and are as safe.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Imperial, Agra.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Taj Mahal, street food tour.
11
Day 11:
Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre
Morning breakfast in the hotel and free time to relax or set out on your own adventure.
This afternoon around 2 pm we proceed to Wildlife SOS – elephant conservation and care centre. SOS collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to rehabilitate severely abused captive elephants in distress.
Here, several elephants that used to spend their days doing hard work in often harsh conditions are living out their retirement years in peace and safety. No longer forced to bear heavy loads, or walk on hot pavement, these majestic creatures are finally able to spend their days happily, with frequent baths, a nutritious diet, and good veterinary care.
Back to our hotel to pick up our bags and transfer to Agra railway station to board the overnight train to Varanasi.
Accommodation: Overnight in air con sleeper coach on the train. Refer to our post under FAQ’s on train travel in India.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Wildlife SOS visit.
12
Day 12:
Banaras, Varanasi – Life, Death & The Ganges
“Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Mark Twain.
Varanasi (or Benaras), is one the most colourful and fascinating places on earth with surprises around every corner.
Most travellers agree that Varanasi is not for the faint hearted with its various rituals of life and death however it is a magical and challenging city that may turn into one of your favourites!
On arrival at Varanasi, transfer to your hotel for early check in. Rest of the day is kept free to walk to the Ghats or explore the narrow back-lanes of one of the oldest cities in the world on your own and at leisure.
It is a sensory overload with sounds, smells and touts but a really special time for you to explore and create memories of your own.
You will see pilgrims come to the ghats lining the Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones. It’s a particularly auspicious place to die since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
In the evening we will take a boat ride tour to witness holy rituals on Ghats during Ganga Aarti ceremony – a very spiritual experience!
Accommodation: Hotel Ganges View, Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Transfer to accommodation.
13
Day 13:
Varanasi, Land Of Shiva To Delhi
Call it the land of Shiva or simply a historic city that has several mysteries concealed deep within, this holy city has a spiritual legacy that dates back to more than 3000 years. Varanasi has stayed an important pilgrimage centre in India and for those visiting from outside the country, it reflects authentic India.
Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on river Ganges to witness holy rituals on Ghats. Later take a guided sightseeing tour of major tourist attractions of Varanasi city including an excursion to Sarnath – where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
In the afternoon we make our way to the airport for our quick flight back to Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi. (Breakfast)
Flight to book: Varanasi to Delhi – Air India Flight AI405. Departs Varanasi 4.50pm and arrives in Delhi 6.25pm. Approx. $90 AUD
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Boat ride on Ganges, Sarnath visit, transfer to airport.
14
Day 14:
Delhi & The Sikh Temple
Morning breakfast then we visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to attend the morning ceremony and if you like, can participate as a server to the many thousands who partake in the grand communal feast at the Temple.
The feast runs 24 hours a day where anyone can participate in cooking, washing, cleaning, feeding and other activities at the Langar (feast) Hall.
After the visit, transfer back to our hotel for some leisure time.
Accommodation: Hotel Thikana, Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
15
Day 15:
It’s A Sad Farewell
Morning is kept free to explore at your leisure. You may also enjoy last minute shopping at the local market, Dilli Haat or Delhi depending on your departure time.
Ensure you’re back and ready for your transfer to the airport and onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Transfer to airport.
