An introduction to Holi celebration, the Indian way
16Nights|17Days touring
Group size: 2-6 travellers, guaranteed departure
DELHI – AGRA – JAIPUR – RANTHAMBORE – BUNDI – CHITTAURGARH – UDAIPUR – KUMBHALGARH – NARLAI – ROHET – JODHPUR – DELHI
27th Feb Delhi arrival
Kindly take the flight which arrive Delhi by 1600hrs or earlier.
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.
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.
28th Feb Delhi – Agra
After breakfast, around 8AM we drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and brief rest.
Around 2pm, we start our 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.
Then pay your first visit to the masterpiece this sunset, 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.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
1st Mar Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Leisurely 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.
Later in the evening, witness the ritual of people light bonfire to mark the occasion of evil spirits in a ritual called Holika Dahan. Prahlad, a young follower of Lord Vishnu was forcefully taken into the burning fire but escaped the fire which proved to be a miracle. This was thus regarded as the triumph over evil.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
2nd Mar Jaipur
This morning, celebrate the victory with vibrant colors, singing, dancing, eating delicacies and celebrate the joyous moment of life by socializing with everyone. People dance to the beats of drums, sing, play games, drink bhanng and enjoy the festival in full energy and spirit.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
3rd Mar Jaipur – Ranthambore NP
After breakfast around 8AM, check out and 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.
We then drive to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife reserve which was a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)
4th Mar Ranthambore NP
Early morning go on a tiger safari on an open jeep, sharing. Later come back for breakfast.
Later in the afternoon, go for another jeep safari.
Overnight at hotel (all meals)
5th Mar Ranthambore NP – Bundi
Leisurely breakfast and we drive to Bundi, a captivating town with narrow lanes of Brahmin-blue houses, lakes, hills, bazaars, and a temple at every turn, Bundi is dominated by a fantastical palace of faded parchment cupolas and loggias rising from the hillside above the town.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel and freshen up.
Later go on a guided visit to Bundi Palace. This extraordinary, partly decaying edifice – described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the work of goblins rather than of men’ – almost seems to grow out of the rock of the hillside it stands on. The Taragarh Fort crowns the crest of a steep hill overlooking the town, while the Garh Palace spills picturesquely down the hillside. This palace is Bundi’s – and Rajasthan’s – jewel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
6th Mar Bundi – Udaipur via Chittaurgarh
After breakfast, around 9AM, we drive to Udaipur en-route visiting Chittaurgarh fort. Chittorgarh (the fort, garh, at Chittor) is the largest fort complex in India, and a fascinating place to explore. It rises from the plains like a huge rock island, nearly 6km long and surrounded on all sides by 150m-plus cliffs. Its history epitomises Rajput romanticism, chivalry and tragedy, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many Rajputs.
Later continue to drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
7th Mar 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. Later come back to the hotel for brief rest.
Late afternoon, enjoy a private sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
8th Mar 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)
9th Mar 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)
10th Mar Narlai – Rohet via Jodhpur
Leisurely breakfast, and around 10AM 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)
11th Mar 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)
12th Mar Rohet – Jodhpur – Delhi
By Jet Airways 2552, departure Jodhpur @11.35hrs, arrival Delhi @13.15hrs
After breakfast and around we drive to Jodhpur airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival, we receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Brief rest and around 3PM, 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.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast)
13th Mar Delhi
After breakfast around 10.00AM, we go on a guided visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi, visit Gandhi Smriti (Birla House). Later on to ISCKON temple, Bahai’s temple and 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)
14th Mar 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 |
| DELHI | The Park |
| AGRA | DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON |
| JAIPUR | KANDELA HAVELI |
| RANTHAMBORE | NAHARGARH FORT |
| BUNDI | THE HADOTI PALACE |
| UDAIPUR | THE TRIDENT |
| NARLAI | RAWLA NARLAI |
| ROHET | ROHETGARH |
| DELHI | THE CLARIDGES |
TOUR QUOTE & VALIDITY:
| Number of person | Cost per person |
| Minimum 02 Paying Pax | INR 332,764 per person
(US $5199 approx) |
| SGL Room Supplement | INR 78,136 per single
(US $1220 approx) |
INCLUSIONS:
- 15 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 Delhi 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 twice
- Visit to Taj Mahal at Sunset
- Celebrate Holi eve, lighting of fire in Jaipur
- 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)
- Domestic flight tickets for the sector Jodhpur – 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.