Road to Rainbows, India (9 Days)

$1,550.00

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

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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.

March 17-25: Holi Edition

Celebrate Holi - India's spring festival- in 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.

October 26 - Nov 3: Diwali Edition

Celebrate Diwali - the Hindu Festival of lights - in a local home and be part of the family celebration. Since its the tradition to wear new clothes on this holiday, the tour will include the option to have your own custom sari or lengah made.

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 + Welcome dinner

DAY 2 | DELHI | Walking tour of Old Delhi + Visit the Ancient fort of Feroz Shah Kotla + Sip chai while listening to soul-stirring music by local musicians + Rooftop dinner.

Day 3 | MATHURA | Drive to Mathura (3hr) + Experience the festival of Holi in the very holy land of Lord Krishna.

Day 4 | AGRA | Drive to Agra (1.5hr) + Wander the great Taj Mahal and 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 | RANTHAMBORE National Park | 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, tigers are easily spotted even in the day time, as well as leopards nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. 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. Opt to drift over the Pink City in a hot air balloon and experience the mesmerizing views of the forts and palaces nestled among the Aravalli ranges. Enjoy the plethora of colours and sounds of this city from up above. In the evening get a taste of the vibrant Rajasthani culture at Chokhi Dhani enjoy your Rajasthani dinner along with traditional village celebrations.

Day 8 | JAIPUR | Morning bicycle tour of Jaipur through the lazy paths lined by forts and lakes. The ride is a slow one and has various stops in between. You will be able to witness prayers being offered at a local temple, sip tea at a tea shop, have the famous ‘Lassiwalas’ Lassi in earthen pots and finally appreciate the city in a whole new light.

Day 9 | DELHI | Checkout and drive to the airport for your onward flight back home.

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Important itinerary details (PDF)