HOLI TOUR

INTRODUCTION INDIA

India is a largest South Asian country with diverse terrain. The history of India dated back to the third millennium BC, when Harappan civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. India has a wide range of ethnic and cultural diversity. It is less a nation and more a collection of countries. Throughout central and southern India there are tribal populations such as Mundas, Oraons and Santals, there are Dravidian groups in southern India such as Tamils and the Malayalam-speaking peoples in Kerala. In the north, Bengalis, Kashmiris, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Rajputs, and Marathas are among the prominent groups. India shares many of its cultural groups with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A Hindi proverb states: "Every two miles the water doth change, and every four the dialect." India has 1,653 dialects. There are about twenty-four languages that are spoken by more than a million people. TRIP OVERVIEW:

Destinations covered: Delhi, Agra (Mathura), Jaipur, Amritsar (Hosiarpur), Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer &

Delhi

TRAVEL TIME BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Delhi/Agra: Drive (Approx. 4.5 hours)

Agra/Jaipur: Drive (Approx 5.5 hours)

Jaipur/Amritsar: Flight (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Amritsar/Hoshiarpur: Drive (Approx 2 hours) Hoshiarpur/Amritsar: Drive (Approx 2 hours) Amritsar/Udaipur: Flight (Approx 5.5 hours) Udaipur/Jodhpur: Drive (Approx 5.5 hours) Jodhpur/Jaisalmer: Drive (Approx 5.5 hours) Jaisalmer/Delhi: Flight (Approx 1.5 hours) DETAILED ITINERARY:

04 MARCH|WEDNESDAY ARRIVE IN DELHI

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Flight detail – To be advised Meals Included – Dinner

Welcome to Delhi!

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport terminal, our representative will receive you at the visitor’s lounge, with a paging sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi. 05 MARCH|THURSDAY DELHI

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more obvious. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British during 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens architecture, is a spacious and well-designed metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs.

Today start the drive along with Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; lined with ornamental canals the views in both directions are imposing. Drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Standing at the crest of Raisina Hill, Lutyen’s 20th Century architectural masterpiece was built for the viceroy during British rule and is now the President’s residence.

Thereafter visit to Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad. Take a cycle rickshaw through the chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, where trading continues in the maze of shops as it

has done over the Centuries. Stop at the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. Afternoon visit one of the most inspirational monuments of Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb. The earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. Surrounded by well maintained gardens it is a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit.

End the day with visit to the majestic Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. A holy place for Sikhs across the world, the holy waters of its pond are believed to have healing properties. The Gurudwara grounds include a community temple, a community kitchen, a school, a library and an art gallery. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

06 MARCH|FRIDAY DELHI - VRINDAVAN - AGRA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journey Time – Approx. 4.5 hours drive Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner Today early morning commence your drive to Agra. En-route stops at Vrindavan to witness a unique Holi which is not celebrated with conventional dry or wet colors, but with flowers, and hence the name Phoolon wali holi (Flowers' Holi). The Flower’s holi is celebrated at the Banke Bihari temple at Vrindavan, The gates of the temple open around 4pm and the

Flower's Holi starts right after that. However, unlike other Holi festivities this is a short affair of just about 15-20 minutes during which flowers are thrown at the devotees by the temple priests

After the sightseeing commence your drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in at your hotel. Agra, a city whose origins can be traced back to the days of the Mahabharata (the epic poem of Great India). Agra, part of the Delhi Sultanate was captured by a Persian-Turkic emperor, made into a capital and later gained prominence under Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan. Evening is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

07 MARCH|SATURDAY AGRA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner Early morning visit Taj Mahal for during sunrise. Taj Mahal – the magnificent mausoleum, which the emperor Shahjahan had built for his queen, Mumtaz and India’s own jewel in the list of 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Let our storyteller guide weave tales of Agra and the mausoleum, as also the romance between Shahjahan and Mumtaz.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Agra and visit Agra Fort - one of the most important and robustly built stronghold of the Mughals, embellished with a number of richly decorated buildings – the Agra Fort. Let our guide tell you the rich, evocative Mughal history of Agra Fort, where emperors like Babar, Humayun, Akbar, among other historic characters take centrestage. Afternoon visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah - Follow the road less traveled with Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble tomb built for the grandfather of Mumtaz (the queen interred at the Taj Mahal) also known as Baby Taj, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see Taj Mahal from opposite side of Yamuna River. Mehtab Bagh garden – which legend claims was to be site of a Black Taj that the emperor Shah Jahan wished to build for himself, facing the monument he’d built for his love. Instead the Mehtab Bagh is a four garden layout, typical of Mughal constructions worldwide – with beautiful flowering plants, pools and fountains. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

08 MARCH|SUNDAY AGRA - JAIPUR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journey Time – Approx. 5.5 hours drive Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner Today commence your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at your hotel.

Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well-planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-colored terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds. Evening proceed for Cooking Demo with Dinner with local family at Jaipur. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur. 09 MARCH|MONDAY JAIPUR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your day with a visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11

km north of the City. Now a deserted complex crowning the crest of a hill with panoramic views, Amber

Fort is extremely well preserved and a fascinating place to explore. The forts majestic ramparts follow the

natural contours of the ridge and the palace is full of hidden gems – the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors),

Jas Mandir with its latticed windows and glass inlay work and Zenana.

Thereafter visit the opulent Maharaja's City Palace which occupies the heart of Jai Singh II’s city and has been home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. A superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the interiors of the Palace are lavishly furnished and decorated and the Museum houses a fabulous collection of textiles, art and crafts and arms.

Afterwards visit Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer, in 1728. End the day with visit to Hawa Mahal Palace also known as Palace of Winds. Evening is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

10 MARCH|TUESDAY JAIPUR - AMRITSAR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flight – Spice Jet Flight SG 3562 (1855/2025 hours) Meals Included – Breakfast & Lunch

This morning enjoy the FESTIVAL OF HOLI - One of the major festival of India and is the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word 'Holi' draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people.

Evening you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Amritsar.

Arrive Amritsar, you will be met on arrival at the airport and will be transferred to hotel. Evening is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Amritsar.

11 MARCH|WEDNESDAY AMRITSAR - HOSHIARPUR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journey Time – Approx. 2 hours drive Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

This morning visit Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrines in Sikhism and is alive with religious fervour and sacredness. Its divinity is a thing that can only be experienced and not described. After going through a tumultuous period of demolitions, it was rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1830 purely with marble and gold. It is the view of the resplendent shrine, glistening in the centre of the tank that brings an infinite calmness. It is located right in the heart of Amritsar and is easily reachable from any part of the city. Serving as a symbol of brotherhood and equality, Golden Temple is visited by people from all over the world who come here to seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment. Later after breakfast visit Jallianwala Bagh and Katra Jaimal market. Afterwards commence your drive to Hoshiarpur and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Towards late afternoon proceed to explore Holla Mohalla festival - It is an event that coincides with the Indian festival of Holi celebrated all over northern India. Together the words “Hola Mohalla” stands for “mock fight”. During this festival, processions are organized in the form of army type columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers and proceeding to a given spot or moving in state from one gurdwara (Sikh Temple) to another. Evening is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Hoshiarpur.

12 MARCH|THURSDAY HOSHIARPUR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Full day is at leisure to explore the Holla Mohalla festival. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel is Hoshiarpur. 13 MARCH|FRIDAY HOSHIARPUR - AMRITSAR - DELHI - UDAIPUR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journey Time – Approx. 2 hours drive Flight: Amritsar/Delhi: Air India Flight AI 118 (0915/1030 Hours) Flight: Delhi/Udaipur: Air India Flight AI 471 (1320/1430 Hours) Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner This morning commence your drive to Amritsar airport for your onwards flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and connect with your onward flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur airport, you will be met on arrival at airport and will be transferred to hotel.

Udaipur is an oasis nestled in the lap of the Aravalli Mountain range and has a tranquil serenity that belies its tumultuous past. Udaipur, originally a thriving caravanserai later became a capital of local, royal clans. Udaipur’s serene lakes, beautiful gardens and magnificent palaces lend it a nostalgia that has often earned it

the acclaim of being one of the most romantic places in the world. Apart from a place in history, Udaipur has been immortalized in contemporary culture in iconic films from Jewel in the Crown, James Bond’s Octopussy to Gandhi. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur. 14 MARCH|SATURDAY UDAIPUR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your day with visit to the City Palace. City Palace is blend of stern Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art. This is the largest palace in Rajasthan sprawled out over an area of 5 acres, built between the 16th and 20th centuries. From here continue on towards the Jagdish Temple, a three-storied wonder of architecture comprising of an intricately sculpted spire, beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings and painted walls dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer in Hindu mythology. Thereafter visit Saheliyon Ki Bari. Late afternoon enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Lake Pichola listening to the lapping of the water alongside your boat, one of the most beautiful ways to take in the city of Udaipur. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

15 MARCH|SUNDAY UDAIPUR - JODHPUR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey Time – Approx. 5.5 hours drive Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner Today commence your drive to Jodhpur and en-route stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples. Set in a secluded wooded valley of the Aravali Hills, the 15th century Ranakpur Temple complex is one of the five great holy places of the Jain faith. The grand scale and the sheer architectural complexity of the white marble temple along with its exquisite sculptural ornamentation makes it the single most impressive example of Indian temple architecture - it is a hymn in marble. Each of the temple’s pillars is carved with different patterns of floral motifs and the play of light and shadow on the pillars as the sun moves is one of the glories of this monument.

After sightseeing continue drive to Jodhpur and on arrival check-in at your hotel.

Epitomizing the romance and feudal splendor of Rajasthan with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort towering over it, the city of Jodhpur was once a flourishing trade center for opium, silk and copper. Painted a brilliant shade of blue, Jodhpur is the last bastion of fort ramparts, colorful bazaars, animated people with their storytelling traditions before the desert sands and dunes stretch away towards the horizon. Late afternoon take a walk in the Old City. Step back in time with our Old City Walk of Jodhpur, as you explore the older quartiers of the ‘blue city’. Then take a stroll through the bazaars of the old city where you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to copper pots and pans! Sardar Bazaar, as it is known, has several beautiful havelis primarily made of red sandstone.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

16 MARCH|MONDAY JODHPUR - JAISALMER

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey Time – Approx. 5.5 hours drive Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your day with visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts, described by the author Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants”. Its forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded in 1459, the sandstone fort was added to by later rulers between 17th and 19th centuries. Explore the massive fort complex and the exquisite museum collection. From coronation thrones to pleasure palaces and sunken gardens, the Mehrangarh Fort houses a citadel of immense grandeur. Thereafter visit Jaswant Thada - this white marbled architecture is a memorial site of a Rajput clan. This cenotaph was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. After sightseeing commence your drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaisalmer.

17 MARCH|TUESDAY JAISALMER

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Today start the sightseeing of Jaisalmer with a visit to Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila. It is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer City. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it originates its name. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar Desert.

Thereafter visit The Patwon Ji ki Haveli, it is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis.

Afterwards visit Jain Temples, the marvelous treasures of the desert city. Having archaeological value as

well as religious sentiments associated with it. Dating back to the 12th and 15th century, these temples have

intricate designs on it.

Later afternoon enjoy the Camel ride on Sand dunes. Evening is at your leisure to relax at the hotel or you may explore the surrounding area/local market on your own.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaisalmer.

18 MARCH|WEDNESDAY JAISALMER - DELHI

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flight: Spice Jet Flight SG 478 (1035/1200 Hours) Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred to airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi, you will be met on arrival at the airport and will be transferred to hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

19 MARCH|THURSDAY DELHI - ONWARDS DESTINATION

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flight: To be advised Meals Included – Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to airport for flight to onwards destination.

***BON VOYAGE***

Price Per Person in USD– For Holi Festival and Holla Mohalla (March’2020) - Hotel or stay

3 stars

Cost for a person traveling alone ------------- 3990

Cost per person when 2 people travel --- 2265

Cost per person when 4 people travel --- 1830

Cost per person when 6 people travel --- 1920

Cost per person when 8 people travel --- 1760

Cost per person when 10 people travel --- 1660

Supplementary bed supplement -------------------------- 700

INCLUDED

• Stay 2 nights in Delhi

• Stay 2 nights in Agra

• 2 nights hotel in Jaipur

• NOT INCLUDED

• Air tickets and airport taxes

• Items of a personal nature such as

laundry, phone calls, caring for guides /

• 1 night in Amritsar

• 2 nights in Hosiyarpur

• 2 nights in Udaipur

• 1 night in Jodhpur

• 2 nights in Jaisalmer

• 1 night in Delhi Near airport

• Daily breakfast + Dinner in hotels.

Except breakfast on 1st day and dinner

on last day. Also dinner on Holi day on

that day Lunch is included. All meals at

Hosiyarpur during Holla Mohalla

• Assistance at the airport and check-in at

the hotel

• Elephant / jeep ride at Amber Fort.

• Dinner with local family at Jaipur

• Flower Holi (Rose water) at Vrindavan

• Traditional Holi at Jaipur

• Holla Mohalla Festival at Hosiyarpur

• Boat Ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur

• Camel ride at Jaisalmer

• Transportation by AC private vehicle

(01-02 Pax – AC Tata Indigo / 04 Pax –

AC Toyota Innova / 06-10 Pax – AC

Tempo Traveller)

• Entry fees to monuments.

• Services of a French-speaking guide

during the tourist visits. (01 – 04 Pax –

Local French Guide & 06 – 10 Pax –

Accompanying French Escort)

• Vehicle with English speaking driver.

• 01 bottle of mineral water per person /

drivers, etc.

• Visa fees

• Anything that is not mentioned in the

inclusions.

• Camera / video camera fees applicable

to monuments

day in the vehicle.

• Journal in a vehicle.

• Surprise gift.

• Driving Allowances, Tolls and

Government. Service tax

HOTELS OFFERED:

City Nights Category A Meal Plan

Delhi 2 Justa Panchsheel Park Breakfast + Dinner

Agra 2 The Retreat Breakfast + Dinner

Jaipur 2 Park Inn Breakfast + Dinner

Amritsar 1 Hotel Sarovar Regency Breakfast + Lunch

Hosiyarpur 2 Citrus County Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Udaipur 2 The Lavitra Breakfast + Dinner

Jodhpur 1 Ratan Vilas Breakfast + Dinner

Jaisalmer 2 Mandir Palace Breakfast + Dinner

Delhi 1 Justa Gurgaon Breakfast + Dinner