Compare Holi Festival of Colours by World Expeditions vs India Golden Triangle Tour by Odynovo

Day 1 Join Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel (check in 1400 hours). There are no activities planned for the rest of the day so you are free to explore this bustling capital city. India’s capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city but certainly one of the most interesting. Delhi comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to this Muslim history. New Delhi is the imperial city created as India’s capital by the British, intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings displaying various modern styles of architecture. For those arriving early, explore some of the many attractions on your own - explore the Janatar Mantar, wander the local markets, catch the metro anywhere, visit the Crafts Museum, Indira Gandhi Museum or Birla House (the site of Gandhi’s assassination) or relax in the magical Lodi Gardens. Overnight: Hotel Justa or similar

meals : Array

Day 2 Sightseeing in Delhi, afternoon transfer to Agra

This morning after breakfast we undertake a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi visiting the Red Fort (closed on Mondays), Jama Masjid & Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Birla Temple and India Gate and drive past government secretariat buildings. Designed by the builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jehan, the Red Fort is famous for its delicate carvings and Royal Chambers. The Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of the father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Humayun’s Tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Himayun. Its design and layout is based on the description of Islamic paradise gardens and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. The Qutab Minar has walls inscribed with intricately carved quotations from the Koran and is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. We will have dinner at the hotel and overnight in Delhi. Overnight: Hotel Grand Imperial or similar

meals : B,D

Day 3 Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-Ma-Daula

Built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal the beauty of the Taj Mahal is unmatched. On the death of his beloved wife, in wild extravagance, Shah Jahan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. The Agra Fort, with its grand courtyards, royal pavilions and palaces, it is a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul Empire. The most impressive part of the Fort is the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects, and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries. We also visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’; it was built before the Taj Mahal by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her parents. The first Mughal building to be faced with white marble and where ‘pietra dura’, (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used. Agra is a great place to try barbecue meats (kebabs) mixed with Indian spices. Petha, pieces of white pumpkin dipped in sugar syrup, and Gajak, a crumbly sweet made with sesame and jaggery, are delicious local sweets and sold everywhere - try them. Overnight: Hotel Grand Imperial or similar

meals : B,D

Day 4 To Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikr

We have an early breakfast at the hotel and in the morning drive to Jaipur (238 km – 6 hours approximately) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. The ghost city Fatehpur Sikri was built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. There’s the imperial Jami Masjid, the tomb of Shaik Salim Chisti who predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jehangir, the Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public Audience and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines. We arrive in Jaipur by lunch time. In the evening we enjoy a visit to a traditional Indian cinema (Rajmandir) to enjoy a Bollywood movie. Rajmandir was the dream of Shri Mehtab Chandra Golcha who wanted a cinema hall that will transcend the traditional cinema experience and showcase more than just movie. He wanted a cinema hall that could accommodate his audience in style and elegance giving them the feeling that they are the royal guest of a palace and are invited for a complete entertainment experience. Rajmandir has witnessed many movie premiers over the years, and has become one of the most popular cinema halls in India. We enjoy a two night stay at Hotel Mandawa Haveli (or similar accommodation). We have dinner at the hotel and overnight in Jaipur.

meals : B,D

Day 5 Experience the Holi festival

We have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the renown Holi Festival (with colours). Holi is a religious spring festival that is celebrated by Hindus, it is called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy and is the most vibrant of all. The main day, Holi is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. People exchange colours and spray coloured water on one another... whether you participate or just watch others, you are sure to be covered in colour, wet or dry! Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Jaipur. Overnight: Hotel Mandawa Haveli (or similar accommodation)

meals : B,D

Day 6 Morning excursion to Amber Fort, trip concludes

After breakfast at the hotel, we head out for a morning excursion to the Amber Fort, the honey coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills just north of the town centre. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open to striking views of the gorge. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderness hues and the intriguing Chamber of Mirrors. Following our morning spent at the Amber Fort our trip will conclude with a transfer either the airport of the railway station.

meals : B,D

Day 1 Arrival, Delhi

Overnight: Delhi
Upon your arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, meet a private representative and transfer to your hotel. A brief introduction of your India tour will be made on the way. The rest of the day is for you to recover from jetlag.

Day 2 Delhi

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, your tour in India starts with a visit to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, one of the largest mosques in India. And then immerse yourself in local life aboard a rickshaw around the bustling Chandni Chowk. Take a glance at Red Fort en route to Qutub Minar which has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. Later, you will arrive at Gandhi Smriti, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of the Nation, followed by Humayun's Tomb. Enjoy a drive in your private car along with the famous city landmarks, including India Gate, President's House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings. You can stop to appreciate any site or take photos anywhere. The last spot of today is Laxmi Narayan Temple, the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi - Agra

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

Today, take a drive of 4.5 hours to Agra. Any stopover for a coffee break or taking photos is available en route at your request. Upon arrival, you will visit Mehtab Bagh (also called Moonlight Garden) and catch the first glance at the Taj Mahal.

Day 4 Agra

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast
You will visit the spectacular Taj Mahal in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat. Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna River built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor of India, in memory of his favorite wife. The building is considered a memorial to love and it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World initiative in 2007. Later, continue to discover Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India, built of a kind of red sandstone. In the end, pay a visit to I'timād-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

Day 5 Agra - Jaipur

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
Start a drive about 5 hours west to Jaipur this morning. On the way, pay a visit to Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century. After arriving in Jaipur, check-in and have a good rest.

Day 6 Jaipur

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will head for Amber Fort with a jeep ride up to the entrance. The fort, built with red sandstone and white sandstone on a hill, is known for its artistic Hindu-style elements that are evident around palaces. Within, you will find Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. On your way back to Jaipur city, stop at Nahargarh Fort with great views and the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for photo opportunities. Continue to discover the Maharaja City Palace and Jantar Mantar. You will have a chance to glance at pink rose residential and business areas before returning to the hotel.

Day 7 Jaipur – Delhi, Departure

Meal: Breakfast
After check-out of your hotel, you will be transferred back to Delhi (4.5-5 hours). Upon arrival, our representative will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.