Holi – The Celebration of Colours

Welcome to incredible India! An Ekno representative will meet you and escort you to our hotel upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of your day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need restaurant recommendations or general provisions.

After breakfast we will visit the many wonders of New Delhi – the ancient and serene Humayun’s Tomb, the majestic India Gate and the wide modern boulevards of Rajpath. We will finish with a visit to the fascinating Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum which is housed in the former prime minister’s residence.

After lunch we will spend the afternoon shopping at one of Delhi’s bustling outdoor bazaars where you can soak up the atmosphere and search for unique treasures. In the evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant specialising in fine Indian cuisine.

After breakfast we will take a late morning drive from Delhi to Agra, home of the majestic and unparalleled Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra we will visit the impressive red sandstone Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in fond memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal has been described as the world’s most extravagant monument to love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Many roof top restaurants boast magnificent views of the Taj and you may wish to dine out in one of these as the sun sets on Agra and its most famous monument.

Rise and shine early to witness a once in a lifetime event, a spectacular sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is India’s most-photographed monument, and today you’ll see why. Built between 1632 and 1653, the stunning white marble of the Taj has the ability to change colour during the changing light of day.

After visiting the Taj, return to the hotel for breakfast. We will then travel by car to Jaipur, the capital city of the desert state of Rajasthan. We will reach this famous ‘pink city’ by mid afternoon. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the many sights and delights of the bustling Jaipur Bazaar.

Holi! Today is the day that Indians from across the nation (largely regardless of religious affiliation) gather together with family, friends and neighbours to celebrate spring. Join in or watch as people throw colourful powders, drench each other with water pistols, and splash coloured water around.

While the myths and legends that surround Holi differ across the country, the basic principle remains the same. Holi is meant to symbolise the triumph of good over evil, the importance of love and of happiness, and supports the formation of new friendships.

After breakfast, you can watch or participate in the Holi celebrations taking place on the hotel lawn. For those eager to join in, we’ll provide organic colours for you to throw. Today is a wonderful day to observe the colourful processions as they pass by the hotel and to relax and contemplate new beginnings.

On our third day in Jaipur, we’ll visit the magnificent and imposing Amber Fort. The fort was built in 1592, and has seen renovations and improvements for over two centuries. Its name is said to derive from the many jewels that are used for decoration inside…come and see for yourself! You can choose to walk, take a jeep, or ride on a jeep up to the fort’s entrance. The ascent to the fort, no matter your mode of transportation, is full of unbeatable views. Once inside the fort, wander the palace corridors; including the spectacular Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) and white marble pavilion, Jai Mandir.

After visiting the fort we will head back to Jaipur for a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks. We’ll visit the gorgeous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the many colourful bazaars and the City Palace Museum. The museum is filled with a rich collection of Rajasthani costumes and medieval armoury.

After breakfast, we will return to Delhi by car. The latter part of the afternoon is free to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. In this buzzing metropolis there is so much to see and do, simply ask and our representative will be able to point you in the right direction.

Our tour concludes after breakfast. Bid ‘phir milenge’ (until we meet again) or continue onward to another exotic destination in India. We will transfer you to the airport for your onward international or domestic flight. We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon.