9 DAYS ~ FROM £1,545
This ancient festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima, which comes at the end February or early March depending upon the full moon. The central ritual of Holi is the throwing and applying of coloured water and powders on friends and family, which gives the holiday its nickname – Festival of Flowers. Simplistically, Holi celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'evil'. Markets buzz with activity as eager shoppers begin preparations: buying special delicacies and coloured powder, heaped high, from the roadside stalls for the festival.
Delhi • Varanasi • Khajuraho • Agra • Delhi
Day 1. To Delhi
Fly London to Delhi on direct Jet Airways flight.
Day 2. Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi including a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar to Jama Masjid and visit Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight stay at the Maidens.
Day 3. On board Train to Varanasi
Morning sightseeing of New Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and the Qutab Minar. Overnight train in 1st a/c sleeper to Varanasi.
Day 4. Varanasi
Morning arrival in Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first discourse. Visits will include the Dhamekha Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological museum and Ashoka’s ruined Pillar. Evening cycle rickshaw ride to the evocative Ghats to observe the evening prayers. Later watch the lighting of bonfires on Holi eve. Two nights stay at the Taj Ganges.
Day 5. Celebrate Holi festival with local family
After breakfast transfer to the residence of a local family. Spend the day with the family and experience the true meaning and expression of this happy festival. Lunch is arranged with the family. Late afternoon transfer back to the hotel.
Day 6. To Khajuraho
Morning flight to Khajuraho. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Taj Chandela.
Day 7. To Agra
Morning sightseeing of the amazing Temple complex at Khajuraho with its astounding carvings. Afternoon transfer to Jhansi station to board Shatabdi train to Agra. Overnight stay at the Trident.
Day 8. Agra
Dawn visit to the Taj Mahal: the eternal poem to love. After breakfast visit the impressive Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Evening Shatabdi train to Delhi. Overnight stay at Ashok Country Resort.
Day 9. To Heathrow
Fly to Heathrow on direct Jet Airways flight.
Suggested extensions: Jaipur & Goa
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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