![Experience North India & Celebrate colorful Holi Festival in Agra Experience North India & Celebrate colorful Holi Festival in Agra](https://travelpack.com/public/imagedb/sysimgdocs/rszimages/Experience-North-India-Celebrate-colorful-Holi-Festival-in-Agra_pk29091_1.gif)
Highlights: Delhi - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur
Deposit: £150.00 per person
Other Departures: Manchester - £2379, Glasgow -£2365
Based on 4- 8 Pax Travelling together (sharing double) £ 1854.00 per person
Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday
Tour Highlights:
Participate in Holi Celebration on 18 Mar'22 in Agra Which Includes:
- Welcome drink (Non / Alcoholic Beverages
- Herbal Colors, Waters Guns & Water Balloons
-Special Lunch
Live Traditional Music
You will be given traditional costumes to wear: Kurta Pajama (For Both Men and Women)
-Traditional Turbans
-Open Shower and changing room facility
Visit the World Famous Erotic Temples in Khajuraho & Taj Mahal in Agra
Enjoy Train Journey: on India's fastest Shatabadi Express trains: Delhi /Jhansi and Jhansi Agra in Executive airconditioned Class
* Cycle Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi
Jeep Joy ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
* 09 Nights Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast Basis 4* plus hotels
* Services of Local English speaking guide as per the itinerary; transfers, sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in the itinerary by air-conditioned car
* Services of Local English speaking guides in each city during the sightseeing ( as per the itinerary)
Local Representative's assistance at airports, Hotels, Railway stations (during transfers and sightseeing)
The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes at the end of February or early March. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests & fertility of the land. The story is of the arrogant king who attempts to kill his son Prahlad worshipping lord Vishnu but fails each time. Finally, the king’s sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning sits with a boy in a huge fire. However, prince Prahlada come out untouched, while Holika burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
This festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha
Itinerary:
12th Mar’22 Sat: London Heathrow to Delhi by By Qatar Airways (Via Doha )
13th Mar'22 Sun: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport. Upon arrival at Delhi airport welcome, meet, and assisted by our representative and transfer to Hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel
14th Mar'22 Mon: Delhi
After breakfast enjoys a city tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, This is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and is made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. Drive Pass Red Fort (closed on Monday) – the 17th-century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Board the 'cycle rickshaw' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue-heading west from the Fort. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer at one time.
New Delhi visited Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture is considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal.
The Qutab Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base of 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Drive Pass) once the Viceroy’s residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chhattris “Hindu” and the graceful colonnades very “British”. It has 340 rooms.
The India Gate (42m), C commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, glows the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight stay at Hotel
15th Mar'22 Tue: Delhi to Jhansi by train Shatabadi Express: 0600-1045 Hrs
Transfer from Hotel to New Delhi railway station to board the train for Jhansi
1045 Hrs: Arrive Jhansi railway station
Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station drive to Khajuraho visiting Orchha - a small peaceful town in Tikamgrah district of Madhya Pradesh, the ancient capital of Bundelkhand with its 16th and 17th-century palaces and temples situated on the banks of the Bitwa river, gives a glimpse of a bygone era – the ‘India of the Maharajas’. The town was established by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501. Upon arrival at Orchha you will enjoy visiting Ram Raja Temple there is a fascinating tale behind the history of the temple. Royal Cenotaphs there are fourteen Chatrreis or memorials to the rulers of Orchha and Jehangir Mahal
Later continue drive to Khajuraho - was the religious and political capital of the Chandela Rulers who built 85 temples to the glory of God, out of which only 22 remain today. The temples can be divided into 3 main geographical groups. Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh have the largest group of medieval temples each studded with countless sculptures of extraordinary grace and delicacy. The temples of Khajuraho, are true, celebrations of the stylized and refined courtly accomplishments of beauty, love, and creative arts. Upon arrival at Khajuraho, check-in at Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel
16th Mar'22 Wed: Khajuraho
Today after breakfast enjoy a temple tour of Khajuraho
Western Group of Temples including Varaha Temple – This small rectangular temple, built on a rock foundation has a pyramidal roof of receding tiers, supported on 12 pillars. In the middle of the shrine stands a monolithic, colossal image of Varaha (Roar). The image is carved of one piece of yellow sandstone and is exquisitely finished to a glossy luster. Nandi Temple – This temple is really a pavilion containing a colossal image of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva. Lakshmana Temple – This temple dedicated to the Vaikuntha-a form of Vishnu, distinguished by three heads respectively of a lion, man, and boar, is the earliest and best-preserved temple of Khajuraho. Visvanatha Temple – True to its traditional name “Visvanatha”, it is dedicated to Shiva. Although the stone Linga alone survives today, there is no doubt by its architectural grandeur and sculptural exuberance, that it is a monument worthy of a king of Khajuraho.
Eastern Group of Temples including Brahma Temple. It is because of the four-face Linga, which now forms the main city of the shrine, that it is popularly called the temple of Brahma. Three faces of the Linga are benign whereas the Southern face shows a Skull on the “Jatamukta”, protruding eyes, and a gaping mouth. This temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu as is evident from the carvings on the doorways. Vamana Temple Dedicated to Vamana (dwarf) incarnation of Vishnu. Unlike the other temples, critic scenes are conspicuous here by their absence, except of the roof pediments. Javari Temple Again dedicated to Vishnu, this is a small, well-proportioned shrine. the temple is a gem of architecture and is remarkable as much for its ornate entrance, as for the slender soaring outline of its spire. Ghantai Temple The Ghantai temple is locally so-called because of the chain-and-bell (Ghanta) motifs prominently carved on its tall pillars. The Ghantai is dedicated to the Digambara Set of Jainism. Adinatha Temple. The temple enshrines a modern image of Adinath in place of the old one, of which only the pedestal has survived.
Overnight stay at Hotel
17th Mar'22 Thu: Khajuraho to Jhansi by surface (Approx. 180 Kms, 4 Hrs)
Jhansi to Agra by train 1842-2115 Hrs
Breakfast at Hotel
In time drive from Hotel to Jhansi railway station to board the train for Agra – a medieval city on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. Agra achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings. Most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 2115 Hrs: Arrive Agra railway station. Upon arrival at Agra railway station transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
18th Mar'22 Fri: Agra
Enjoy Grand Holi Celebrations to experience an Indian Holi – Complete with "Music, Thandaai, Gulaal , Pichkari, Sweets and Water Balloons" this three hour engagement shall prove to be a highlight of their Indian trip. Further, our experienced Agra Walks tour escorts shall explain to guests the relevance of Holi in India and the stories which lead up to such a celebration.
ATTRACTIONS:
Live Musicians with Dhol
Thandaai – The traditional Holi beverage
Gujiya, Namkeen, Hot Pakoras, and other colored Indian sweets.
Herbal, Eco-friendly Abeer & Gulaal with Pichkaris
Exclusive Holi Kit to each guest
Interaction with locals and Balloon Filling activity with Tug of War, Kite Flying, Shampoo and other fun games
White Kurtas, Holi Caps, Shower caps, Plastic pouches for mobile phones, whistles, and disposable slippers shall be provided to all guests
Holi ke Rang, Phoolon ke sang – Watercolor made with Tesu flowers for colorful & fragrant color water – non-chemical.
'Bura Na Maano Holi Hai' – Holi wrist bands
Group photo – soft copies
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel
19th Mar'22 Sat: Agra to Jaipur by surface (Approx. 265 Kms, 6 Hrs)
Morning visits the world-famous monument, Taj Mahal, by sunrise (Closed on Fridays) – Overlooking the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is a classic example of Mughal architecture, with the Taj itself built as a mausoleum at the northern end of an extensive formal walled garden designed in the charbagh style and structured on the Islamic theme of ‘paradise’. The whole site was built by Shah Jahan between ad 1632 and 1653 as the final resting place of his favorite wife Arjumand Bann Begum (also known as Mumtaz Mahal) who died in ad 1631 shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. Upon his death in ad 1666, Shah Jahan was buried alongside his wife in the Taj.
Return to Hotel for Breakfast
After breakfast check out from Hotel and proceed to visit Agra Fort – Agra Fort was originally a brick fort and the Chauhan Rajputs held it. It was mentioned for the first time in 1080 AD when a Ghaznavide force captured it. Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort. He governed the country from here and Agra assumed the importance of the second capital. He died in the fort in 1517 and his son, Ibrahim Lodi, held it for nine years until he was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526. He built several palaces, wells, and a mosque in the fort during his period.
Later drive from Agra to Jaipur - Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh - II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur was the first planned city in India. This town is also referred as Pink city for the color of buildings in its wonderful old city. The city was painted pink to honor the visit of Prince Albert of England in 1882.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri - which is a beautiful and deserted medieval city, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire’s splendor
Upon arrival at Jaipur, check-in at Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel
20th Mar'22 Sun: Jaipur
This morning excursion to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037 by Jeep
Afternoon enjoys the city tour visiting The Maharajah’s City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Deve Temple, and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar – This is the largest and best-preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five-story structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine tellies work and balconies have 953 inches and windows. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal grandstand for palace women.
Johari Bazaar – The main bazaar is in the old city for jewelry and saris.
Overnight stay at Hotel
21st Mar'22 Mon: Jaipur to Delhi by surface (Approx. 258 Kms, 6 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Jaipur to Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi, check-in at Hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel.
22nd Mar’22 Tue: Delhi to London Heathrow by Qatar Airways (via Doha)
Transfer from Hotel to Delhi airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow
Offer Includes
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Airport taxes
- All transfers, sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in itinerary by air conditioned vehicle
- Services of Local English speaking guide as per the Itinerary
- Cycle Rickshaw / Battery Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi
- Jeep Joy ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Train fare for the sector Delhi, Jhani & Jhansi, Agra by Executive air conditioned chair car
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
Meal Plans
- As per Itinerary