9 DAYS ~ FROM £1,524
One of the biggest festivals of the Hindu calendar is Diwali, celebrated with lots of passion. The festivity lasts for five days with the third day, the Festival of Lights, being most important. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness. Like Holi, it honours the victory of good over evil. Diwali is celebrated with people lighting clay lamps and candles all around their homes. Fireworks are always associated with this festival – the more noise the merrier! Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings from the Goddess of Wealth. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14 year exile.
Delhi • Agra • Jaipur • Neemrana • Delhi
Day 1. To Delhi
Depart Heathrow on direct Jet Airways flight.
Day 2. Delhi
Morning arrival in Delhi. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets of Chandni Chowk bazaar to Jama Masjid, then visit Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight at the Maidens.
Day 3. To Agra
Morning sightseeing of New Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and the Qutab Minar. Afternoon drive to Agra. Two nights at Taj View.
Day 4. Agra
Awe-inspiring sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. After breakfast visit the Agra Fort a fusion of Mughul architectural styles and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 5. To Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur enroute visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Mughul Emperor Akbar. Three nights at the Samode Haveli.
Day 6. Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort meandering up the winding road seated upon a caparisoned elephant. Inside, the interior reveals murals, frescoes, paintings and complex mirror work. In the afternoon visit the extraordinary Astronomical Observatory, Palace of Winds and City Palace Complex with its fascinating museum.
Day 7. Celebrate Diwali festival with a local family
Day at leisure until evening transfer to the residence of your hosts. After dinner transfer back to the hotel.
Day 8. To Neemrana
Morning drive to Neemrana. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Neemrana Fort.
Day 9. To Heathrow
Morning transfer to Delhi airport to board direct Jet Airways flight to Heathrow
Suggested extensions: Goa
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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