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 Jaipur in a hot air balloon.
Plus, visiting India during a religious festival is an incredible opportunity to get a unique perspective into the country and its people. You'll love every minute.
This is one of Origin's more fast-paced itineraries, but its only because there is so much good to see, so little time.
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. We get to Mathura a day before the official celebration of Holi so that we can participate in a more relaxed celebration, and avoid the crazy crowds!
Passengers will experience Holi when they travel on the March 2021 departure.
DAY 1 | DELHI | Airport Pickup + Hotel Check-In + relax. Sleep: Hotel Jivitesh, or similar
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DAY 2 | DELHI | Morning welcome meeting + explore Old Delhi by rickshaw + visit Delhi's oldest mosque, Jama Masjid + learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshgang Gurudwara + relax in the tranquil Lodhi gardens + group welcome dinner.
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Day 3 | AGRA | Enjoy a scenic drive to Agra (4hr) after breakfast. Sit down to a mouthwatering meal at the Sheroes Hangout - a restaurant staffed by women who are survivors of acid attacks; this entrepreneurial café gives survivors a chance to earn a livelihood by themselves.
Wander the grounds of the great Taj Mahal at sunset. Sleep: Hotel Royal Regent or similar
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Day 4 | DHOLPUR | Morning exploration of the best preserved fort in India, the majestic Agra Fort; catch a glimpse into the official royal residence of emperors of the Mughal Dynasty to the seventeenth century.
Drive to Dholpur (1.5hr), a nature-lush town on the Chambal River + walk the winding streets of this village + hear the legend of Rajasthani valor. Sleep: Raj Niwas Palace or similar
Day 5 | RANTHAMBORE | Drive to Ranthambore (4 hr) one of the oldest National Parks in India. CHILL OUT by the pool + recharge + group dinner. Sleep: Shergarh Resort, or similar.
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Day 6 | RANTHAMBORE National Park | Sit back, relax and enjoy a jeep drive through one of the largest National Parks in India. Here wild boar, sambar, sloth bear and deers can be easily spotted - and if you are lucky, you will spot one of the park's 67 tigers.
Stop into shop at a craft shop with glittering goods produced by women in the community,
Day 7 | JAIPUR | Rise early to salute the sun on the hotel grounds taught by a local instructor before continuing to Jaipur. Explore the colourful markets on foot. Sleep: Lemon Tree Premier or similar
Day 8 | JAIPUR | Opt to watch the sun rise from a hot air balloon ride above the pink city (+$260 USD).
Take a ride up to the Amber Fort, followed by a rickshaw ride tour of this enchanting pink city, with The Pink City Rickshaw Company - a not for profit organization that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low income households in Jaipur.
ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY IF TRAVELLING OVER HOLI
Play Holi with a family from the community, and enjoy a Holi lunch!
Day 9 | DELHI | Departure day! Get dropped off at the Jaipur airport for your internal flight back to Jaipur. Arriving in Delhi by 2pm.
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Important itinerary details (PDF)Arrival and Departure airport transfer
8 Breakfasts | 1 Lunch | 2 Dinners
- 8 nights accommodations in clean, comfortable hotels (double-share)
- Morning walk through Old Delhi + street food breakfast
- Experience the festival of Holi in Mathura
- Taj Mahal visit
- Visit to Sheroes Hangout - a restaurant committed to supporting the victim of acid attacks
- Safari through Ranthambore NP
- Traditional Rajasthani dinner
- Explore the Pink City
- Free time to explore
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Pink City, Jaipur (1 hr): The Lonely Planet dubs Jaipur as India's most flamboyant states. Float above its colourful streets, or surrounding villages, depending on what the wind direction has in store! (+$260 USD/$350 CAD)
This is a weather dependant activity; if this activity is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will receive a 100% refund for this service.