An introduction to the festivals of India.
16Nights|17Days touring
Group size: 2-6 travellers, guaranteed departure
The sound, the colour, the fragrant air, the press of humanity… get ready for daunting yet enchanting experiences back to back as you embark upon a once in a life time adventure of two most famous festivals of India–Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair. Come join us as we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights commemorating the triumph of good over evil. Witness the pale brown sandy dunes of Pushkar as they erupt into a colourful frenzy during the camel fair. Arrive in style as we receive you as you come off your flight, escort you through immigration and customs, retrieve your baggage and travel by luxury ground transport to your hotel. Explore the Taj Mahal – an enduring masterpiece, stay at unique hospitality venues known only to the most discerning, knowledgeable travellers – the best kept secret royal homes, see Bengal tigers and leopards in their natural habitat, alongside local villages and much much more…….
MUMBAI – AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR – SHAPURA – UDAIPUR – KUMBHALGARH – NARLAI – JODHPUR – ROHET – PUSHKAR – DELHI
16th Oct Mumbai arrival
Kindly advise your flight details
Upon arrival, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. VIP welcome, kindly look out for ‘Serene Journeys Placard with your name on it’ as you walk out aerobridge.
Overnight at hotel.
17th Oct Mumbai
After a morning at leisure, explore the city’s classic sites, including the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch with a design that reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, see the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world and a wonderfully colorful spectacle to behold.
Evening around 7PM, enjoy a welcome dinner alongside fellow guests.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)
18th Oct Mumbai – Delhi – Agra
By Vistara UK970, departure Mumbai @0845hrs, arrival Delhi @1100hrs
Early breakfast and we drive to Mumbai airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we receive you at the airport and drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, check in to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
19th Oct Agra
Pay your first visit to the masterpiece this sunrise, when the rising sun lends a warm orange tint to its marble face. Flawless in its proportions and breathtaking in its beauty, the Taj Mahal looks as though it were painted onto the sky itself — a vision of unrivalled magnificence.
Later come back for breakfast and brief rest.
Around 10am, we then go on a guided sightseeing of the impressive Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble, Agra Fort presents a formidable exterior and a graceful interior. Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed the Baby Taj, the exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg. Visit the local market, watch the locals shopping as they prepare to celebrate the festival of lights.
Evening go out with our guide to celebrate Diwali with an Indian family, watch the fireworks & the streets become lively. Get ready to be fed with lots of India sweets.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
20th Oct Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast and around 9.30AM we drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar as his palace in the 16th century and then later abandoned, “ruined” Fatehpur Sikri is a fairy-tale ghost city of delicately carved red sandstone.
Later continue to drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
21st Oct Jaipur
After breakfast around 8AM, we go on a guided sightseeing of Jaipur. We will visit Amber Fort, the former capital of royal Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills. We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. Also, we visit the Solar Observatory – an astronomical treasure house.
Later visit the local market selling fabrics to jewellery and lots more, get ready to bargain the Indian way 🙂
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
22nd Oct Jaipur – Shahpura
After breakfast around 9AM, drive to Shahpura Bagh, an authentic royal home stay experience in Rajasthan. Life is unhurried here. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Later visit Dhikhola Fort, a short 30 minute drive from the Bagh brings you to village Dhikhola, a quaint and rustic village where time has stood still. Visitors can explore the village and the fort owned by the family. Then enjoy a sundowner with one of the royal family overlooking the village from the fort.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
23rd Oct Shahpura – Udaipur
After breakfast, we drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.
Following an afternoon at leisure, enjoy a private cruise to Jag Mandir, a palace of splendidly carved marble on an island in Lake Pichola.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
24th Oct Udaipur
After breakfast, around 9AM visit the City Palace, a marble complex of palaces and galleries that offers unforgettable views of the lake and its surroundings. Take a private tour of the Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakesh Palace, and stroll through Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor). Also visit the Vintage and classic car collection museum.
Rest of the day is at leisure / own activities
Evening, we visit Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat, the 17th century old historic mansion. Enjoy Dharohar a cultural event held inside Bagore ki haveli. This event is a musical concert combining 7 traditional Rajasthani folk dances performed.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
25th Oct Udaipur – Narlai via Kumbhalgarh
After breakfast, around 9AM we drive to Narlai en-route visiting Kumbhalgarh. One of the many forts built by Rana Kumbha (r 1433–68), under whom Mewar reached its greatest extents, this isolated fort is perched 1100m above sea level, with endless views melting into blue distance. The journey to the fort, along twisting roads through the Aravalli Hills, is a highlight in itself.
Later continue to drive to Narlai. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Hidden away in the heart of Aravalli Hills, at the foot of a mammoth granite rock, surrounded by forested hills and rocky outcrops, Rawla Narlai is a beautifully maintained heritage resort, which was once a hunting lodge of Jodhpur’s Royal family. Still owned by members of the Jodhpur family, the resort is now transformed from a mere hunting lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel albeit with all its original character and structure retained.
Evening we go for dinner at the step well. Taste the flavor of true Rajasthani royal hospitality at the 16th Century old Baori (Step-well) of Rawla Narlai. The journey that begins when you gather at the courtyard, sip a welcome drink with the resident royal who will regale you with stories & history of the locals while you get adorned with the turbans & scarf and transportation by bullock carts are arranged for you. Guided by a local into the dusk, swaying to the movement of the cart, watching the village slowly going to sleep and the starlit sky unfolding above you, passing the yogi who meditates by the blazing fire, you reach your destination that is lit by hundreds of lamps. Following this experience is the culinary journey that ignites your taste buds with elaborate fare offered over the next couple of hours while being entertained by the local jogi singing the devotional folk songs in his rich melodious voice. This culinary experience ends with the return to the hotel courtyard by our jeeps and a welcome cup of calming herbal tea.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)
26th Oct Narlai
OPTIONAL: Morning go on a village walk with one of the locals and visit to cave temple.
Enjoy a half day trip on the meter gauge train that still runs through beautiful countryside, especially after the rain as the waterfalls can be experienced. A journey by the train along with local villagers and then pick up at the end station by car / jeep followed by a drive back to Hotel. It is the best way to enjoy the rugged and beautiful countryside!!!
Evening tea by lake side.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
27th Oct Narlai – Rohet via Jodhpur
Leisurely breakfast, and around 9AM, we drive to Rohet en-route visiting Jodhpur.
We go on a guided sightseeing of Mehrangarh Fort, the massive fort which in olden days must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels. We then proceed to the armoury and Jaswant Thada – the Royal Crematorium. Visit the clock tower and walk around the town.
Later continue to drive to Rohet. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
28th Oct Rohet
Leisurely breakfast and around 11AM we go on a village jeep safari visiting the Bishnoi tribes, the Brahmins and the potters. Also try your hand on the opium tea.
Rest of the day is at leisure / indulge with several activities available at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
29th Oct Rohet – Pushkar
After breakfast around 8.00AM, we drive to Pushkar to witness India’s ultimate rural festival.
Pushkar festival has religious origins which draws pilgrims from far and wide to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar’s lake and pray to Lord Brahma. The sand dunes of Pushkar appear in the carnival mood. There is a huge inflow of pilgrims, camel traders, and tourists. It is a fascinating sight, and a great opportunity to witness the colors, aromas and mood of an old traditional style Indian festival. A huge carnival is held. There are musicians, dancers, acrobats, magicians, snake charmers, rides and food stalls to entertain the guests.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)
30th Oct Pushkar – Delhi
By Ajmer Shatabdi train 12016, departure Ajmer @1545hrs, arrival Delhi @2240hrs, on 1st AC
Today morning, we will attend Pushkar fair.
Afternoon, we drive to Ajmer railway station to board Shatabdi Express train for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will receive you at the station and drive you to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
31st Oct Delhi
After breakfast around 10.00AM, we go on a guided sightseeing of Old Delhi. Visit the great Jama Masjid, the most important mosque in India. Then set off on an exciting rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, inching your way through a maze of ox carts, cars and the occasional wandering cow, explore the spice markets, jewellery market & the clothes market. We visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi, visit Gandhi Smriti (Birla House). Later on to Humayun’s Tomb, a Mughal complex that prefigured the Taj Mahal. Visit Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India.
At 5PM, with our compliments, indulge in a 60MIN complete relaxation and rejuvenation massage treatment and ease stressed muscles from your travels, by a male therapist.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
01st Nov Delhi departure
Kindly advise your flight details
Today we transfer you to the airport to board your onward flight.
Hotels envisaged / similar
*Rooms are based on standard rooms
| City | HOTELS |
| MUMBAI | THE WATERSTONES HOTEL |
| AGRA | DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON |
| JAIPUR | KHANDELA HAVELI |
| SHAHPURA | SHAPURA BAGH |
| UDAIPUR | THE TRIDENT |
| NARLAI | RAWLA NARLAI |
| ROHET | ROHETGARH |
| PUSHKAR | PUSHKAR FAIR CAMPS |
| DELHI | THE CLARIDGES |
TOUR QUOTE & VALIDITY:
| Number of person | Cost per person |
| Minimum 02 Paying Pax | US $5350 approx |
| SGL Room Supplement | US $1400 approx |
LAST DATE FOR BOOKING IS 1ST AUGUST 2017.
INCLUSIONS:
- 16 nights hotel accommodation. Stay in hotels on room & breakfast basis unless specified in the itinerary.
- Arrival & departure assistance at airport.
- VIP welcome on arrival in Mumbai as you walk out the aerobridge
- Transportation using an air conditioned AC Innova car (SUV type)
- Services of English speaking local guides as per the program
- Services of a full time tour leader
- Entrance fee to the monuments as per the program (01 time visit)
- A relaxing massage treatment in Delhi with our compliments
- Welcome dinner in Mumbai
- Visit to Taj Mahal at Sunrise
- Celebrate Diwali with an Indian family
- Celebrate Pushkar festival
- Holi celebration in Jaipur
- Private boat cruise to Jag Mandir on Lake Pichola
- Romantic step well dinner in Rawla Narlai
- Half day trip on metre gauge train experience with the locals
- Evening tea by lake side, watch the sunset in Narlai
- Morning village walk / cave temple visit (optional)
- Train ticket for the sector Ajmer – Delhi on 1st AC
- Domestic flight tickets for the sector Mumbai – Delhi
- All presently applicable taxes
EXCLUSIONS:
- Any International Airfare | travel insurance | visa fees
- Any item of personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mineral water etc.
- Any other meals (except those mentioned above).
- Camera fee at the monuments
- Tipping, etc.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
We advise all customers to purchase traveller’s insurance in case of interruption, accidents, illness, or anything else that may come up.
Unless stated differently on the tour, cancellations received 120 days prior to departure date will be refunded in full less a 10% handling fee. Thereafter, cancellation fees are as follows:
- 119 to 90 days prior to departure = 25% of tour cost
- 89 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of tour cost
- 59 to 30 days prior to departure = 75% of tour cost
- 29 days prior to departure forfeits full tour price, including no shows.
If the tour is cancelled by Serene Journeys, a full refund of all deposits and/or payments will be given.
PRECAUTIONS DURING YOUR TRAVEL IN INDIA
We advise all customers to purchase traveller’s insurance in case of interruption, accidents or illness
Here is a list of precautions which will help you to enjoy your holidays in India fully. You need to be very attentive and careful about your documents, luggage and health during your India travel.
- On streets keep all money in zipped pockets.
- Keep all your important documents like passport, health certificate and international driving permit with you always.
- Most of the diseases in India are water born there for always keep a flask of boiled water with you and never eat anything from shops or stalls which serve uncovered eatables.
- Always keep a medical kit with you when you travel to India and stock up on aspirins, diarrhea tablets, insect cream, salt tablets and other first-aid essentials.
- Always buy beverages and juices of good brand and check the seal and expiry date before buying.
- Always peel your own fruit and vegetables, stay clear of raw vegetables salads, raw sugarcane or (a big cause of amoebic dysentery) iced cane-juice.
- While traveling in dry climate you need to have a lots of fluids and to soak up all the excess liquid you might want to pick some solid eatables like biscuit, bread etc.
- While traveling in dry places like Rajasthan have lots of water in-store with u.
- If you wish to over stay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office.
- For personal side trips in the city, try to use pre-paid taxis/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for fare chart when you travel within India. Lots of reliable app based taxis like Uber, Ola etc are available as well.
For reservation query, please email us at robin@serenejourneys.co
steve@serenejourneys.co (for UK and Ireland ONLY)
Robin is the founder of Serene Journeys, a boutique travel company in India and a freelance travel photographer, birder and rural explorer. Follow him on Instagram @ serenejourneys or Facebook @ Serene Journeys or tweet @serenejourneys1