Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through India, celebrating the vibrant Holi Festival in Jaipur. Experience the thrill of throwing powdered color bombs and dancing to Rajasthani folk music. Discover the architectural marvels of Delhi, including Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, and explore the majestic Amber Fort with stunning views over Maota Lake. Witness the sunrise at the iconic Taj Mahal and delve into the history of Agra Fort. Enjoy guided tours of Jaipur's City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Stay in charming 3-4 star and heritage hotels, and travel comfortably in private air-conditioned vehicles. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and festive celebration, all under the guidance of an English-speaking Indian tour guide. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi, Jama Masjid
Accommodation: Hotel
Monday 2nd March 2026. 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. ...more ...less
Day 2: Jaipur
Location: Delhi, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Jaipur. This morning, we embark on a packed sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest and oldest mosque, before experiencing the vibrant energy of Chandni Chowk with an exciting rickshaw ride through its bustling bazaar. Later, we drive to Jaipur, the Pink City. Upon arrival, we stop at a textile shop, where you'll have the chance to try on traditional Kurta Pyjamas, browse India's famous fabrics, or even have garments tailored to your liking. We then continue to our hotel for check-in.
Day 3: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Lunch
Jaipur. Wednesday 4th March 2026. 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 4: Jaipur
Location: Amber Fort, Jaipur, City Palace, Jaipur, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Accommodation: 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. Afterwards, we head out on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur, Karauli, Dholpur
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur
Meals Included: Dinner
Jaipur - Karauli/Dholpur. Today, we travel 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 6: Old Delhi
Location: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Karauli/Dholpur - Agra. 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. Later this afternoon we depart Delhi and head to Agra, the home of the famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival we'll check into our hotel and this evening is at leisure.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi, Humayun's Tomb, Rajpath, India Gate
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Agra - Delhi. This morning, we drive back to Delhi where we will enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument. Afterwards, check in to our hotel with our final night at leisure.
Day 8: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Monday 9 March 2026. 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
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Holi essentials
Kurta pyjamas (they must be white), colours, water pistols, and other essentials for the Holi festival are included.
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Guided sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours are included in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Karauli or Dholpur.
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Travel by jeep to Amber Fort
Travel by jeep to the beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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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.
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Departure Airport Transfer
Departure airport transfer is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees of USD$70-80 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.
Age Policy
15 yrsMode 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
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What is included for the Holi festival celebration?
For the Holi festival celebration, kurta pyjamas (which must be white), colours, water pistols, and other essentials are included.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more, and there are also specialist guides at some sights.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided 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.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will 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, which offer a blend of Oriental and Art Deco architecture.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
No, entrance fees are not included. They are estimated to be USD$70-80 per person, paid in local currency.
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Is there an airport transfer included at the end of the tour?
No, a departure airport transfer is not included. You will need to make your own way to the airport or contact the tour provider to book a departure transfer.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit for future tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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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.
Holi, Festival of Colour - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Jaipur, Amber Fort, Jaipur, City Palace, Jaipur, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur, Karauli, Dholpur, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Agra, Humayun's Tomb, Rajpath, India Gate ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
879/HOL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests