Experience the vibrant colors and contagious joy of India's iconic Holi festival on our exclusive tour! Immerse yourself in the world's largest celebration of colors, where vibrant hues and lively rhythms fill the air. Explore the Divine land of Varanasi, India’s famous Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), and Royal land of Rajputs (Rajasthan). Wonder the beauty of the Taj Mahal, get imbibed in spirituality on boat trip along Holy River Ganges, and get the Royal treatment visiting legacy of the Maharajah, and forts with valorous histories, and search for the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore Safari. Visit ancient temples and mosques, and experience the warm hospitality of local communities as they celebrate this joyous occasion. It also delves you into daily life through village and market walks and unforgettable tastes of local cuisines. Witness the traditional 'Holika Dahan' ritual, indulge in gujiyas and thandai, and revel in the colorful festivities with locals. Join us for an unforgettable adventure of music, dance, and colorful revelry that will leave you with lifelong memories!
| Start | Delhi, India |
| Finish | Delhi, India |
| Theme | Explorer |
| Destinations | India |
| Physical rating |
 |
| Style |
Original |
| Ages |
Min 15 |
| Group size | Min 1 – Max 12 |
| Trip code |
HHSN |
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your Vibrant Colorful Holi Tour with Incredible India begins. Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in northern part of the country. Arrive Delhi by International Flight. Meet your representative at airport and proceed to hotel. Check in and relax. Evening on leisure.
Start your day with Delhi sightseeing. Visit Jama Mosque which is one of the oldest mosques in Delhi. Hop in Rikshaw and explore narrow lanes of one of the oldest markets in India Chandni chowk, proceed to smell flavors in air of various Indian spices and enjoy with Locals. Move on to Raj Ghat. Welcome Lunch @ local Ethnic Restaurant. Visit Gandhi Smriti, Parliament House, Secretariat buildings and much more. Transfer you to New Delhi Railway Station to board evening train to Varanasi, with packed dinner and travel kit.
Arrive at Varanasi, a Holy City of Uttar Pradesh dating to 11th century B.C. It is regarded as Spiritual Capital of India. Transfer from Varanasi Railway Station to hotel for check in and relax. Visit Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple. Explore Sarnath, just 13 kilometers away from Varanasi, significant Buddhist pilgrimage- Buddha gave his First Sermon (Dhamek Stupa). Visit Sarnath Temple, Sarnath Museum and be a witness of Evening Aarti (lighting ceremony) at Ganges.
Explore guided sightseeing in Varanasi. Private Boat Ride at Ganges River is a wonderful experience watching Ghats, Cremation places and Temples , Pay a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Get submersed in the spiritual vibes of Varanasi. Transfer to Varanasi Railway Station to board evening train to Agra, with packed dinner and travel kit.
Arrive at Agra. Agra’s notable historical period began during Sikandar Lodi's reign. Agra was capital of Mughal Empire under Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Transfer to hotel for check in and relax. Take guided tour to explore Old city of Agra where to witness busy bazaar where locals do their shopping, visit worldwide famous sweet shop established 100 years ago. Lunch at South Indian Style Restaurant. In afternoon, start your Rustic Village Tour (Meeting and interaction with Locals, exploring kitchen, house and markets, also get to know how they spend day to day life). At Sunset visit Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Take guided tour along banks of Yamuna River to iconic Agra Fort which was designed by Emperor Akbar in 1565 to be military structure. See live demonstration of inlay work.
Holi Celebration (Play Holi with Organic Colors, Special Cooling Drink (Thandai) and try some special sweets prepared during this festive season along with lunch). Holi the festival of Colors, Fun and Frolic rejuvenates the social framework of harmony and togetherness without any discrimination.
Drive to Bharatpur (57 km/1.10 hrs.). Enroute visit abundant city of Fatehpur Sikri once capital of Mughal during rule of Akbar the great. Head over to lunch at heritage hotel. Transfer to Bharatpur Railway Station to board Super-Fast train to Ranthambore(Tiger Reserve). Arrive at Ranthambore and transfer to hotel for check in and relax.
Ranthambore National Park is vast wildlife reserve near town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. It was former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Its landmarks include imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on hilltop, and Ganesh Mandir temple. Early morning Canter Safari with naturalist (1st trip included). Afternoon 2nd Canter Safari on own (optional). Evening at leisure.
Early morning Canter Safari on own with naturalist (optional). Drive to Jaipur “Pink City” (188 km/3.30 hrs.) founded by Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh II. Arrive in Jaipur check in and relax. Evening Walking tour of Albert Hall Museum Area. Dinner with Rajasthani Folk Dance.
Visit Amber Fort- Set on hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, fort is example of Rajput architecture and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its beautiful buildings. Popular attraction at foot of the hill is elephant ride that takes tourists up to Amber Fort, while returning from fort enjoy Jeep Ride. After lunch head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Enjoy black and white photograph taken by 150-year-old Camera while exploring local bazaar. Pass by Hawa Mahal and walking tour of local Bazaar full of jewellery, textiles and folk arts. Evening at leisure.
Transfer overland to Jodhpur (265 km / 4.30 hrs.) | Blue City, Rajasthan`s second largest city, Check in hotel and relax. Evening at Leisure. Explore Mehrangarh Fort, 15th Century fort- Set on rocky outcrop, fort overlooks walled city, where many buildings are painted the city’s iconic shade of blue. Visit Jaswant Thada and Explore walking tour of Clock Tower and fruit/vegetable / Spice markets. Evening at leisure.
Transfer overland to Narlai (130 km / 2.30 hrs.), village in Desuri tehsil of Pali district in Rajasthan. Explore guided sightseeing – Leopard Safari, Elephant hill walk and Village walk. Here, you will meet and interact with Local villagers. Evening at Leisure.
Transfer overland to Udaipur ‘Venice of India’ (130 km / 2.30 hrs.) formerly capital of Mewar Kingdom and founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559. It’s set around a series of artificial lakes. En route visit beautifully carved white marble Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Arrive at Udaipur, check in the hotel and relax. Evening at Leisure.
VisitCity Palace, monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for intricate peacock mosaics. Enjoy your boat ride on picturesque Lake Pichola to marvel at island palaces of Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. Visit Jagdish Temple, Crystal Gallery and Saheli Ki Bari. Evening on leisure. Tonight, grab a drink and cheers to a wonderful trip travelled.
Transfer you to Udaipur Airport to board flight to Delhi. If you’d like to extend your stay, please connect ahead of time.Transfer to IGI Airport to board flight to Onward Destination / back home.
Hotel (12 nights), Train (02 nights)
Full time English Speaking Chauffeur Driven private transport with fuel from Arrival to Departure in SUV/ Van for comfortable transfers and drives.
Train
AirlinesSpecial information
Let’s join on your first Indian meal at 8am, with your group members at a hotel restaurant.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting all details and welcome questions at this time. If you are going to be late please let us know, ask reception or look more information in Lobby or with Front Desk on where the meeting will take place.
Ans: Indian and subcontinent are now open for international travel.
Ans: New bookings made for travel through December 31, 2022, fall under our Booking policy, which allows you to change or cancel your reservation up to 30 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-related reason (some exceptions apply).
Ans: For information on India Compass health and safety protocols, consult Safeguarding Your Health on Your India Compass Journey. Prior to travel, all guests are required to sign an online India Compass Health & Safety Acknowledgement attesting to their physical wellbeing prior to travel and willingness to comply with all health and safety protocols.
Ans: India Compass requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all Journeys, for departures beginning September 1, 2022.
Ans: India Compass accepts all approved vaccines per the World Health Organization covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who. Guests must also comply with country vaccination requirements for entry.
Ans: Yes, all guests, including children, must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all journeys.
Ans: All guests will be required to show proof of full vaccination at the Welcome Briefing. Guests are advised to carry both an original vaccination certificate and a picture on their phone. Digital passports are accepted for guests who were vaccinated outside of the U.S.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should
have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
If you require assistance obtaining a visa, contact our Cal India Tours Team.
India and subcontinent requires valid tourist visa to enter in country; see Essential
Information for details as it pertains to your journey.
Below are links of Consulates of India in U.S you can reach there directly for more information:
https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/
https://cgihouston.gov.in/
https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/
https://indiainatlanta.gov.in/
Be sure to register with your nearest embassy or consulate for the destinations included in your
journey. U.S. citizens can register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(step.state.gov/step). Canadian citizens can enroll in Registration of Canadians Abroad at
travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health
Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your
destination. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before
departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
Be sure to pack your original COVID-19 and other vaccination certificates and required health
documentation in your personal carry-on baggage in case you are asked to show them on arrival.
Cal India Tours recommends travelling with some currency and at least three different major credit cards, such as
Visa, Mastercard and Amex, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank
and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as
confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations.
many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at
authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may
be required for exit.
While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service
before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan
options while travelling abroad.
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout
your journey, although Internet access may be poor to non-existent in remote destinations. Note
there are restrictions on access to social media sites or what content you can view or send online.
Many websites and smartphone apps allow you to check the forecast and time zones for specific
destinations. We recommend weather.com and timeanddate.com/world clock. Upon arrival, the
time on most smartphones will automatically adjust to the local time.
Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your
carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild
upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
Take care to observe safe health practices when travelling: Wash or sanitize your hands often.
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If
you begin to feel unwell at any point in your journey, please inform your guide.
Be sure to bring your own face masks and any other PPE you require during travel; a supply of
masks will be on hand where needed. We also recommend travel-sized hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.
Guests must wear a mask in accordance with local regulations and service provider
requirements. All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and
conditions.
Plan on packing light — many Cal India Tours journeys include domestic flights that impose much stricter
weight restrictions than your international carrier. Consult the Packing List and Baggage
Restriction’s specifics provided in Essential Information. Be sure to also confirm baggage
limitations with your international carrier before packing.
The typical attire on Cal India Tours journeys is relaxed and informal during the day. Choose comfortable,
versatile clothing that can be layered to account for changes in the weather throughout the day.
Smart casual is appropriate for evenings. Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to
recharge your electronics at your hotel or aboard ship.
will provide you luggage tags at the time of arrival. Please use these tags, even if your
bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for Cal India Tours staff to find and manage your luggage
for you.
Be sure to reconfirm your international flights 24 hours prior to your departure. Tickets for any
internal flights, if included on your itinerary, will be issued by Cal India Tours representatives at your
destination and presented to you as needed.
We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as Cal India Tours cannot be
responsible. Use safes where available to secure your valuables, especially passports, money,
jewelry, electronics and medications. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you
have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your
luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.
Your Cal India Tours local representative meets you at the airport when you arrive .See your itinerary for additional arrival
instructions.
If you are interested in shopping, your Cal India Tours guide may recommend local shops; however, Cal India Tours is
not responsible for the quality or value of merchandise. Any purchases and shipping are at your
sole discretion.
Be sure to review your credit card receipts before signing, paying special attention to currency
conversion. We recommend taking items with you in lieu of shipping them whenever possible.
Keep receipts and items together.
Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, including small children. Note
photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask
your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.
Tipping on Cal India Tours journeys varies depending on where and how you travel. Consult the Tipping
Guidelines provided for your journey in Essential Information.
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars).
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