Northern India 2025 – Holi and the Holy

This booming metropole by the Arabian Sea has a reputation for being the 'city that never sleeps'. From colonial architecture dating back to the 17th century, to an unmissable skyline, Mumbai has something for everyone. The imposing Gateway of India, the gorgeous Marine Drive and the beautiful CST station are some of the major tourist spots. On Day 1, you'll be picked up from the airport and taken to our hotel where you'll meet the others and settle in. In the afternoon, we'll explore and walk around followed by a Welcome Dinner to get to know each other as we start this adventure together!

Accommodation: Hotel Fort Residency CPAI (Or Similar)

We’ll have breakfast at our accommodation and move out and explore the city and experience how millions of people travel to work every day in the Mumbai local and get Lunch at an iconic spot. Later we’ll go on a Food and History Walking Tour. After this, we can choose to go to a pub/club to experience Nightlife in Mumbai or choose to relax and retire early for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel Fort Residency CPAI (Or Similar)

After Breakfast on Day 3, we’ll make our way to the Airport for our flight to Udaipur. Once we reach Udaipur we’ll settle in and go out for some sightseeing and a stunning Sunset Viewpoint from the Fort overlooking the city. Like any other major city in Rajasthan, Udaipur has numerous palaces and forts, but what sets it apart are its beautiful lakes. A lot of the palaces here have been built right on the banks of its five major lakes.

Accommodation: Madri Haveli CPAI (Or Similar)

This morning after breakfast we’ll head out to go to a Cooking Class and learn how to make our own authentic Rajasthani Lunch from Shashi Ji in her home. After all the hard work, we can have a leisure day, explore the city and splurge on a little shopping, or just relax at a Cafe overlooking one of Udaipur's lush lakes.

Accommodation: Madri Haveli CPAI (Or Similar)

After breakfast we’ll start our journey towards Jodhpur and visit the Temples of Ranakpur on the way. Labeled the 'Blue City' from its blue-painted houses, Jodhpur is a major tourist attraction. The Mehrangarh fort is arguably the best place to visit in Jodhpur, alongside other monuments like the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghanta Garh and the Jaswant Thada.

Upon arrival we’ll settle in and then head out to see the Mehrangarh Fort and catch the Sunset from there. In the evening you can choose to relax and/or experience luxury at the Umaid Bhavan Palace.

Accommodation: Devi Bhawan CPAI (Or Similar)

We’ll have breakfast at our accommodation and move out and go to the older parts of the city to see rows of blue houses, painted like this to mirror the sky. Next we'll head sightseeing to other attractions the city has to offer like the Ghanta Garh and the Jaswant Thada. In the evening, the group will drive out for ziplining to glide over two desert lakes, trek through the Rao Jodha eco-park and enjoy the best view of Mehrangarh and the Blue City!

Accommodation: Devi Bhawan CPAI (Or Similar)

After Breakfast we’ll head towards Jaisalmer and reach the Dunes and the desert for an overnight Sleeping under the Stars experience with all meals and Camel Ride along with Cultural experiences, dance, music as well as the ‘Holika Dahan’ which is ceremonial fire lit a night before the Holi festivities.

Accommodation: Trotters Overnight Safari (Sleeping Under the Stars) APAI

We’ll have an early breakfast and head to Jaisalmer city for Holi celebrations at the Fort in Jaisalmer. We’ll spend the morning playing with colors and experiencing the culture and the festival followed by a Traditional Holi Lunch at a local family’s home. After an eventful day we’ll check into the hotel and relax and clean up and explore around the city in the evening. At night we’ll head to the Train station and board an Overnight Train to Jaipur.

Accommodation: Hotel Fifu CPAI (Or Similar), Overnight Train to Jaisalmer (Sleeping Car with A/C)

Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ tourist circuit of India. Its Rajput era forts and palaces are a huge part of Rajasthani heritage. We’ll reach Jaipur in the afternoon and check in to our accommodation and get lunch. After resting a little we’ll leave and go to Amer Fort with a guide to learn the history and soak in the stunning sunset views from Nahargarh Fort and see Jal Mahal on the way.

Accommodation: Arya Niwas CPAI (Or Similar)

After breakfast on this day we’ll leave for a full day of sightseeing along with an English speaking local guide to all the remaining iconic spots in Jaipur – explore the old city, and visit the gorgeous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), the Jantar Mantar, and the Jaipur City Palace, all must-see spots. After indulging in a good North Indian meal, you would want to make quick stops at these gorgeous locations - Panna Meena Ka Kund (stepwell), Patrika Gate, Gatore ki Chhatriyan (the royal crematorium). Photography lovers should not miss these stops.

Accommodation: Arya Niwas CPAI (Or Similar)

In the morning we’ll visit the Galtaji Temple infamous for its Monkeys that cover the temples in the morning. Later return and rest at the Hotel. After Lunch we’ll go for a Block Printing workshop in which you will be able to make and take home your very own small stole - a perfect souvenir to memorialize our adventure thus far!

Accommodation: Arya Niwas CPAI (Or Similar)

After an early breakfast we’ll start our drive to Agra visiting a few sites like Fatehpur Sikhri on the way. The city of Agra is best defined by its historical treasures; it carries within itself not only a comprehensive history, but the entire culture of the Mughal dynasty in India. Other tourist spots like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri do hold their own place in history and culture, but the crown jewel of Agra is the magnificent Taj Mahal. Once we reach Agra we’ll head to Agra Fort/Mehran Bagh for a Sunset view of the Taj Mahal.

Accommodation: The Coral Court Homestay CPAI (Or Similar)

We’ll visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise along with an English speaking local guide and understand the rich beautiful history behind one of the wonders of the world. We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the various different small scale industries in Agra. Later we’ll head to the Train Station for our Overnight Train to Varanasi.

Accommodation: Overnight Train (Sleeping Car with A/C)

A city rich in Indian spirituality, Varanasi sees thousands of visitors who come to cleanse themselves of sins. Amongst the 2000 temples here, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most famous one.

We’ll arrive early in the morning and reach our accommodation. We’ll go and soak in the view of the Ganges and watch the harmonic bustle of the ghats visited by pilgrims, tourists and locals for who this is the norm. Later we’ll go on a guided Walking tour where we’ll explore the temples, the ghats, the history of the city and the bylanes of Textile markets with scrumptious delicacies at every corner! In the evening we’ll take a Boat ride and experience the Ganga Aarti from the boat which is truly a sight to behold. We can end the day by just relaxing on the Ghats and people watching and also spending time together as it’s the last night of our trip.

Accommodation: Kedareshwar (Or Similar)

We’ll start the day with an early morning Boat ride to see the Sunrise over the Ganges followed by Breakfast. After which we’ll head out for our flight to New Delhi (available as a trip supplement) from Varanasi, say our "see-you-later's" and continue on our onward journey.

Looking to extend your stay? Contact us for recommendations and assistance planning your trip!