Road to Rainbows India: Celebrate Holi (10 Days)

$1,550.00

International flights are not included. Travellers are responsible for booking their own flights.

. . .

Not ready to pay the full amount? Click here to hold your spot with a $250 deposit, and pay in instalments.

...

Want to book a private departure for your group of 5 or more? Click here.

India. From the spices, textiles, food, flower petals, saris, and turbans - colour radiates from every corner.

This 9-day adventure was crafted to give you an authentic and lesser travelled journey through the Golden Triangle route; taste your way through the winding streets and listen to the soul-stirring music of local musicians in Old Delhi, wander the grounds of the great Taj Mahal in Agra and sip a cup of chai at a cafe that empowers women survivors of gender-based violence, spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park, and opt to float above the Pink City of Jaipur in a hot air balloon.

Plus, witness two different but spellbinding festivals depending on the departure you choose. This is one of Origin's more fast-paced itineraries, but its only because there is so much good to see, so little time.

Celebrate Holi

Holi is an agricultural festival in India celebrating the arrival of spring. We will be celebrating is the charming village of Mathura, one of India's most spiritual cities. Ever seen those photos of people covered in rainbow powder and wanted to join in? Here's your chance.

See full photo gallery

ADD ONS

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Pink City, Jaipur (1 hr): The Lonley Planet dubs Jaipur as India's most flamboyant states. Float above its colourful streets, and view its many majestic forts and palaces from above. (+$190 USD)

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Airport Pickup + Hotel Check-In + Orientation at 6:00pm.

DAY 2 | DELHI | Morning walk and street food breakfast in Old Delhi + relax in the tranquil Lodhi gardens + group welcome dinner.

Day 3 | MATHURA | Drive to Mathura (3hr) + walk the winding streets of this village and develop a deeper understanding of Hindu culture and religion. Partake in friendly colour throwing in the streets!

Day 4 | AGRA | Drive to Agra (1.5hr) + Wander the great Agra Fort + Lunch at Sheroes Hangout - a restaurant staffed by women who are survivors of acid attacks. Learn more about the organization here.

Day 5 | TAJ MAHAL + RANTHAMBORE National Park | Witness the sunrise during a morning guided tour of the Taj Mahal. Drive to Ranthambore NP ( 5.5 hr). Upon arrival, check in and take the night off to relax and recharge. (PST, theres a pool!)

Day 6 | RANTHAMBORE National Park | Sit back, relax and enjoy a safari through one of the largest National Parks in India. Here wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and deers can be easily spotted - and if you are lucky, you will spot one of the park's 67 tigers. It is a home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest banyan trees in India. + Return to the hotel for one more night to relax and recharge.

Day 7 | JAIPUR | Drive to Jaipur. Take the afternoon to relax by the hotel pool or start exploring this city on foot.

Day 8 | JAIPUR | Opt to watch the sun rise from a hot air balloon ride above the pink city. Spend the afternoon touring its enchanting markets and streets.

Day 9 | DELHI | Checkout and drive to the airport for your onward flight back home. Arriving in Delhi by 1pm.

. . .

Important itinerary details (PDF)