Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days

Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days

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8 Days From

$1055

Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India

Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

879/HOL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1055 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through India, celebrating the vibrant Holi Festival of Colour in Jaipur. This cultural tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Explore the majestic Amber Fort and the ghostly city of Fatehpur Sikri, and wander through the historic Agra Fort. In Jaipur, immerse yourself in the lively Holi festivities, complete with traditional attire and organic colours. Enjoy guided tours of iconic sites like the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, and relax in charming heritage hotels. With an English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned transport, and a mix of included meals, this small group tour promises an authentic taste of India's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Highlights

  • Holi – Join the celebrations at the Festival of Colour in Jaipur and throw powdered colour bombs.

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the most enduring symbols of love.

  • Discover the highlights of Delhi, including Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Rajpath.

  • Explore the famous Amber Fort in Jaipur with a guided tour and enjoy views over Maota Lake.

  • Walk around the ghostly city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned more than 400 years ago.

  • Admire the impressive Agra Fort and explore behind its fortified walls.

  • Visit the highlights of Jaipur, including the beautiful City Palace and Jantar Mantar space observatory.

Places You'll See

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, India

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: hotel

Sunday 09th March 2025. 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 Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.





Later this afternoon we depart Delhi and head to Agra, the home of the famous Taj Mahal. Upon arirval we'll check into our hotel and this evening is at leisure.

Day 3: Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. Early this morning we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal for sunrise, 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 watch the sunset fade over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos!





After breakfast back at the hotel we will make our way to the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.





Continue 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).

Day 4: Karauli

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. Travel to Jaipur today and head out on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.

Day 5: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Jaipur. This morning we will visit the impressive 16th century palace complex, Amber Fort. A jeep will take you to the sprawling fortress, which is laid out over four levels and overlooks the shimmering Maota Lake.





The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.

Day 6: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Jaipur. Friday 14th March 2025. Today is the day that India celebrates the fabulous Holi Festival. This ancient Hindu festival originated as a celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring in honour of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Vishnu when he was tricked into near death by his father, King Hiranyakashipu. Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is an important part of Hindu tradition.





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, it's time to let the festivities begin. Indians across the nation gather together with family and friends to throw coloured powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water. We will celebrate with locals - white kurta pyjamas will be provided to protect your clothes, as will organic colours for you to throw as you join the celebrations. After dancing away to Rajasthani folk music, we will be treated to a traditional Indian lunch.





Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at the swimming pool or visit a local temple in the evening with your tour guide.





Day 7: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Jaipur - Delhi. Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world’s largest Hindu temple.

Day 8: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday 16th March 2025. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. Make your own way to the airport or contact us to book a departure transfer.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 - 4 star & heritage hotels

  • Holi essentials

    Kurta pyjamas (they must be white), colours, water pistols, and other essentials for the Holi festival are included.

  • Guided sightseeing

    Guided sightseeing tours are included in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Karauli or Dholpur.

  • Travel by jeep to Amber Fort

    Travel by jeep to the beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur is included.

  • English-speaking Indian tour guide

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more.

  • Specialist guides at some sights

    Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides are included at some sights.

  • Airport arrival transfer

    An airport arrival transfer on day 1 is included.

  • Private air-conditioned vehicles

    All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tip for your tour guide is not included.

    It is recommended to allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller.

  • Departure Airport Transfer

    Departure airport transfer is not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees of USD$70-80 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.

Age Policy

15 + if accompanied by an adult.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles, including a jeep ride to the Amber Fort in Jaipur. An airport arrival transfer is also included on day 1.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in 3-4 star and heritage hotels, including stays at the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli or the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace in Dholpur, offering a blend of Oriental and Art Deco architecture.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the significance of the Holi Festival celebrated during the tour?

    The Holi Festival is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It honors Prahlada, who was protected from flames by Vishnu, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is an important part of Hindu tradition.

  • What activities are included during the Holi Festival celebration on the tour?

    During the Holi Festival, participants will join locals in throwing colored powder bombs, firing water pistols, and splashing colored water. White kurta pyjamas and organic colors will be provided. The celebration includes dancing to Rajasthani folk music and enjoying a traditional Indian lunch.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star and heritage hotels. In Karauli, guests may stay at the Palace Bhanwar Vilas, and in Dholpur, at the Raj Niwas Palace, both of which are heritage-listed hotels.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour on the first day and a hot air balloon ride on the day of the Holi Festival.

  • What is the mode of transportation to Amber Fort in Jaipur?

    Travel to Amber Fort in Jaipur is by jeep, which will take you to the sprawling fortress.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more, and there are services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sights.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

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10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$1055 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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