Excellent
Diwali, Festival of Lights
Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the vibrant Festival of Light, Diwali. Celebrate the victory of light over darkness as India illuminates with colourful lights, lanterns and liveliness aplenty.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
DelhiEnds
DelhiRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
26th Oct 2024Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star & heritage hotelsCountries
IndiaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 7, Dinner: 2Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
Day 1 - Delhi
Saturday 26th October 2024. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2 - Old & New Delhi
Day 2 - Old & New Delhi
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a group Namaste dinner for departures in 2024. Please note there is no dinner included for departures in 2025.
Day 3 - Taj Mahal
Day 3 - Taj Mahal
Agra. Today we will tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India’s most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos!
We will also visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.
Day 4 - Karauli or Dholpur
Day 4 - Karauli or Dholpur
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning, we drive to either Karauli or Dholpur. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please note: Lunch will be included in 2024. Please note there is no lunch included for departures in 2025, instead you will have time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
Day 5 - Jaipur
Day 5 - Jaipur
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 6 - Jaipur
Day 6 - Jaipur
Jaipur. What better way to kick off the day with an optional hot air balloon ride? Booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information.
Afterwards, enjoy a breezy jeep ride to Amber Fort, a 16th century fortress laid out over four levels, and overlooking the glistening Maota Lake. Known for its artistic architecture, the palace is built with pearly-white marble, and pale yellow and pink sandstone. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 7 - Diwali in Delhi
Day 7 - Diwali in Delhi
Jaipur - Delhi. Today we drive back to Delhi. This is what you've been waiting for - the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, so you can be sure to see every market and building adorned with colourful lights and lanterns. There's plenty to do - from perusing the markets, to visiting the nearby temple, where locals will be offering prayers to their deities.
After visiting a local temple, we enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel and soak up the Diwali experience.
Day 8 - Delhi
Day 8 - Delhi
Saturday 2nd November 2024. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Delhi
Double
Twin
Single
Post-Tour Accommodation - Delhi
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Explore the vibrant and colourful streets of Old Delhi on this walking tour that takes you to some of the most famous and delicious spots in the city. This tour is the perfect way to experience the authentic, diverse cuisine and culture of Old Delhi.
$125
per passengerDelhi Airport Transfer One Way (per vehicle / max 2 persons)
$55
per passengerTour Extensions
Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.
This add-on is a 4-day tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh that can be booked in conjunction with any of our India group tours, city breaks or private tours.
Double
Twin
Single
Hotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews