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 Discover India and the Colors of the Holi Festival! Experience Timeless Beauty and Mesmerizing Cultures. Colorful, outrageous, romantic, and wild, India is a beautiful enigma, delivering spectacular natural beauty in every shape and form. Its vibrancy will astound you, the five-star luxury and unparalleled service will impress, and nothing compares to the warmth of its people. On this journey, you’ll experience the India of your imagination and far beyond, and the magic of India’s colorful Holi Festival.
Begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. After touring the colorful bazaars and ancient UNESCO sights of Old Delhi, continue to Agra for sunset and sunrise visits of the timeless Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Best of all, you’ll be staying at the lavish Oberoi Amarvilas, with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from your room.
This journey through Rajasthan is teaming with historical splendor and jewel-like palace. In the pink sandstone City of Jaipur, India gets even more colorful with it’s best known and most popular festival, Holi, marking the end of winter and welcoming in the New Year. This vibrant, joyous occasion is famously marked with the throwing of brilliant colors and is held on the last full moon of winter.
Explore the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas as well as it’s an architectural masterpiece, the Palace of the Winds. There are hill forts, palaces, gardens & temples. Visit medieval backstreets and browse bazaars with textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery.
Udaipur is one of India’s most picturesque and romantic cities. You’ll cruise on tranquil Lake Pichola while marveling at the white palaces dotting the shore and rising in the water.
Following our trip to India, we’re offering an extension to Bhutan from March 19-25, 2025
Throughout this private escorted journey of India, Source Journeys private guides and drivers will bring India’s ancient civilization and its many layers to life. You’ll be staying in some of India’s finest luxury hotels, including Oberoi, Taj, and Leela Palace.
Day 1 - Saturday, March 08, 2025
Welcome to India! VIP Meet & Assist upon arrival and transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel. Our representative will facilitate and assist you in clearing immigration, collecting baggage from the baggage belt, and then guiding you through the Green Channel gate of Indian Customs. At the hotel, our concierge will assist you with the necessary check-in formalities. For the rest of the day, relax and enjoy this five-star hotel’s world-class spa, restaurants, and amenities.
Hotel: The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi
Day 2 - Sunday, March 09, 2025
This morning we explore the walled city of Old Delhi, where traditional life has changed little. See the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Drive past the Red Fort, also built by Shah Jahan, and finally, visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. We then hop on rickshaws (pedi-cabs) to ride around the old Chawri Bazaar and savor the ambiance of an Oriental and Indian marketplace.
Post lunch proceeds for a visit of New Delhi covering Humayun’s Tomb the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal & the Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Explore the government buildings, the President’s house, the India Gate. From here you visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the followers of the Sikh religion. Get a chance to volunteer at Gurudwara’s free kitchen and to be part of “Vand Chakko” the Sikh uplifting concept that translates to ‘share and consume together.’
Dinner will be at the stunning Haveli Dharampura, including a live private Kathak performance.
Hotel: The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi
Day 3 - Monday, March 10, 2025
Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and is considered one of the highlights of any trip to India. You will be enveloped by its uniquely spiritual atmosphere and understand why it is considered one of the holiest places in India.
We will enjoy lunch at Chowk Restaurant and then take an exclusive boat ride on the River Ganges. Instantly, you will feel the spiritual life emanating from every corner of this incredible city, ending the cruise with a ‘Diya Daan’ at sunset – to pay homage to your ancestors by immersing oil lamps into the Ganges.
We will witness a mass of worshippers as they pray near the water by the light of open flames, with the scent of incense filling the air. An aarti is a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by chanting or songs in praise of Mother Ganga.
Dinner will be at the Terrace at BrijRama Palace Hotel.
Hotel: Taj Ganges Hotel , Varanasi
Day 4 - Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Our second day in Varanasi begins with an exclusive pre-dawn boat ride on the River Ganges. This is our unique opportunity to experience the blue light of dawn, travel through Varanasi’s misty, winding streets, and watch as the banks teem with morning worshipers. See people lost in prayer, washing themselves, doing laundry. The cycle of life is laid bare in Varanasi, and this is particularly evident on the cremation ghats.
After breakfast back at the hotel, other highlights of the day will include the Bharat Mata Temple and the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. We will also see Emperor Aurangzeb’s Mosque, the Well of Knowledge, and Vishwanath Temple, known as the “Golden Temple.”
We indulge in a “Benarasi Thali” lunch at Shree Shivaay restaurant followed by a visit to the holy Buddhist city of Sarnath. Lord Buddha gave his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The huge Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where Buddha first preached. The Sarnath Museum has a small but extremely impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Hotel: Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi
Day 5 - Wednesday, March 12, 2025
A five-star view of the Taj Mahal.
A travel day takes us by plane and road through the spectacular north of India as we make our way to Agra, home of the truly awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a teardrop on the face of eternity.’
Our evening invites us to relax and enjoy the facilities at our five-star hotel, which boasts a world-famous, exclusive view of the Taj Mahal.
Hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, Agra
Day 6 - Thursday, March 13, 2025
Visit Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Our early morning departure will reward us with access to one of the greatest wonders of the world: the Taj Mahal. Our private tour will allow us time to luxuriate in the morning mist and the soft red glow of the sun hitting the dazzling pearl walls of this monument to love.
After breakfast, we explore the massive and majestic Agra Fort, perhaps the best-preserved red-sandstone fort in India. The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a remarkable amalgamation of Indian and Central Asian architectural styles, embodying the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and its significance in India’s history through its roles as a residence, military base, and symbol of power.
The rest of our travel day will conclude at our astonishing Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, where every guest is treated like the royalty that once inhabited its sumptuous rooms and grounds.
Hotel: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel , Jaipur
Day 7 - Friday, March 14, 2025
“The Pink City” boasts of many remarkable sites, both ancient and modern. This day is filled with a full immersion into all of the extraordinary sites and shopping it has to offer. We begin at the Amber Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century, it houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, and gardens.
You don’t have to be a passionate shopper to appreciate the Anokhi Museum – Anokhi is a highly successful textile company which, from its beginnings almost 40 years ago, helped resurrect the languishing Rajasthani block printing textile industry.
Other sites today include the mesmerizing eight stories of the Panna Meena Step Well, a private tour of the center of Jaipur, where its nickname as ‘The Pink City’ will become apparent with every photo op, The City Palace, Mubarak Mahal, the astonishing Jantar Mantar Observatory, The Central Museum, and finally, the ultimate experience of Jaipur, shopping!
As our journey is intended to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Holi Festival, our evening will take us to a local home to participate in Holika Dahan celebrations. Holika Dahan or the lighting of a bonfire takes place on the eve of Holi and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.
Hotel: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Day 8 - Saturday, March 15, 2025
Transfer to Narain Niwas Palace to participate in a private Holi Celebration with live music followed by lunch.
Holi is the most colorful and joyous festival of the Hindu calendar, celebrated at the end of the winter season to welcome spring. At this festival, distinctions of caste, class, age, and gender are forgotten as people have fun throwing paint and colored water at each other. As many of the colors derive from natural plants, and the festival takes place during a seasonal change, it was believed that the plants and their colors had medicinal significance. The festival is due to a legend of King Hiranyakashipu, who wanted to be worshiped as a god; most of his people did, but not his son Prahlad, whose devotion was to Lord Vishnu.
Hotel: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Day 9 - Sunday, March 16, 2025
The City of Lakes
Considered by most Indians as the ultimate vacation destination, no visit to Udaipur is complete without first visiting the ancient Nagda (16th Century AD) and Eklingji (734 AD) temples. After lunch at the impressively modern Raas Devigarh Fort Palace Hotel, we arrive at Bagore Ki Haveli to witness a cultural dance performance.
This Haveli is built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The palace has over a hundred rooms and an impressive display of costumes and modern art. It is the perfect setting for the evening’s entertainment of Rajasthani traditional dance and music while enjoying the view of Lake Pichola.
Hotel: The Leela Palace Udaipur Hotel, Udaipur
Day 10 - Monday, March 17, 2025
Today, we will tour The City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola and houses an impressive museum that includes an outstanding collection of miniature paintings. Housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace is the Crystal Gallery, the largest private collection of crystal in the world. Many of the items were custom-made for the royal House of Mewar. Stroll through the renowned Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, famous for its lush green lawns, marble art, and fountains.
After lunch at the Royal Repast Restaurant, we will visit the Mewar School of Art and meet with the master artist and take a painting class. We will also see a rare skill – Jal Sanjhi, or the “art of drawing on water.”
Next, we depart on an exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola. From the boat, you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
We conclude our day with our Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: The Leela Palace Udaipur Hotel, Udaipur
Day 11 - Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Morning at leisure. Today, we will fly from Udaipur back to Delhi. We will arrive at The Oberoi Hotel, Gurgaon, located on the outskirts of Delhi. Spend the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.
Hotel: The Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel, Gurgaon
Day 12 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Finally, as we say goodbye, all our Source Journeys travelers will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to ensure an easy departure to your home or next destination. If you would like assistance with your airfare to and from Delhi, we are happy to assist.
Remember, this itinerary follows an optional 7-day extension to Bhutan.
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• Take a Rickshaw Ride in Ancient Delhi
• Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars
• Colorful Holi Celebration at a Palace in Jaipur
• Experience the magical allure of the Taj Mahal
• Marvel at the White Palaces from Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Take in the Beauty of the City of Lakes from the Leela Palace
• Witness an Ancient Ritual in Varanasi, India’s Spiritual Capital.
• Hand Selected Luxury 5-Star Accommodations
• Exclusive LGBTQ+ Luxury Tour Limited to 18 guests
• Extension to Bhutan
• VIP Meet & Greet upon arrival at Delhi Airport
• All Deluxe Accommodation throughout
• Daily Breakfasts
• Welcome Dinner in Delhi
• 7 Lunches & 3 Dinners throughout
• Farewell Dinner
• Holi Celebration followed by Lunch in Jaipur
• Private English-speaking guide
• Transfers and excursions by a private modern air-conditioned bus
• All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary (One Time only)
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Exclusive Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Portages at Airport and Hotels
• Still Camera fees to the places of visit
• Source Tour Escort
• International Airfares
• Domestic Airfares – $589
• India Visa Fees
• Gratuities – Estimated $300 per person
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
• All items of Personal Nature
• Airport taxes (if any)
• Covid-19 Test (if applicable)
The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi
Overlooking Delhi's Golf Club and situated in Central Delhi, newly renovated The Oberoi New Delhi is 16 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The property features a heated indoor and outdoor pool and spa & wellness centre. The hotel is also equipped with a state of the art clean air technology which promises air quality on par with global standards.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and offer views of the Delhi Golf course on one side and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Humayun's Tomb on the other side.
Restaurants at The Oberoi, New Delhi include the completely redesigned main restaurant threesixty°, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Omya is the authentic specialty Indian restaurant, Baoshuan is the rooftop Chinese restaurant. There is also a new open-air rooftop bar, Cirrus9. Enoteca, the temperature controlled wine cellar at the lobby level offers a specially curated selection of fine wines and champagnes. The Club Bar serves a wide range of premium international alcoholic beverages and a new Cigar Lounge offers the finest selection of cigars.
Guests can exercise in the 24-hour fitness centre. The Oberoi Spa has five private treatment rooms and a couple's spa suite. Each has a private relaxation area and an en suite aromatic steam shower. Complimentary yoga classes are available in the morning.
Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi
Spread over 40 acres of tropical gardens, Taj Ganges, Varanasi is a peaceful getaway in the ancient temple city of Varanasi. Offering an outdoor pool and a spa, it also has 24-hour room service.
The modern air-conditioned rooms are all equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. All enjoy views of the garden, pool or city. Bathrooms come with shower facilities.
Guests can exercise at the fitness centre, relax with a massage or buy souvenirs at the shopping arcade. There is a doctor on-call and a business centre.
Both buffet and à la carte dishes are available at Chowk coffee shop, which serves Indian, Pan-Asian and international delights. Varuna offers authentic Indian fine dining, while wines and cocktails can be enjoyed at Prinsep Bar.
The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, Agra
Just 600 m from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra boasts luxurious 5-star accommodation with a flat-screen TV. This property houses 4 dining options and provides free parking. Free WiFi is available in the rooms of the property.
Beautiful rooms come with stylish modern interiors and large windows. All the well-appointed units are equipped with a sofa, personal safe and private bathroom.
Guests can visit the Oberoi Spa for a body massage, swim, or exercise at the gym. Car rental and ticketing services are available at the tour desk.
Bellevue restaurant serves international dishes and local favourites, while Esphahan offers traditional Indian specialities. Overlooking the Taj Mahal, the bar offers fine wines and cigars.
Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Presenting manicured gardens and beautiful Indian architecture, the luxurious Rambagh Palace was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Now a luxurious hotel, it features an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as full spa services.
Spacious air-conditioned rooms are decorated with rich textures, elegant carpets and hand-painted wall motifs. A flat-screen TV, personal safe and minibar are included in all rooms. Modern bathrooms have a walk-in shower and separate bathtub.
Relaxing massage can be enjoyed at Jiva Grande Spa. Guests can also practise yoga with experienced gurus or exercise at the gym. The palace butlers can help guests arrange vintage horse-drawn carriage rides every evening. Free on-site parking is provided.
Breakfast and light meals are served at The Rajput Room while Verandah features traditional afternoon tea, champagne and pre-dinner cocktails. Other dining options include Indian cuisine at Suvarna Mahal, outdoor casual dining at Steam and drinks at Polo Bar.
The Leela Palace Udaipur Hotel, Udaipur
Luxury awaits at The Leela Palace Udaipur with rooms that feature stunning views of the City Palace or Lake Pichola, situated within landscaped grounds. It has an exclusive spa and outdoor pool.
Decorated with warm shades of golds and reds, rooms feature local artwork and fine Indian carpets. They come with a flat-screen TV and iPod dock. Marble bathrooms have a bathtub and premium toiletries.
Surrounded by loungers, the large outdoor pool has an attached hot tub. Alternatively, enjoy quiet moments at the peaceful Library Bar or take a day trip organised by the tour desk.
Soft breezes and views of a starlit sky accompany fine Indian specialities at the Sheesh Mahal. For an international dining experience, guests can head to the Dining Room at The Leela Palace.
The Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel, Gurgaon
The Oberoi Gurgaon is located 9.5 Km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Spread over nine acres, The Oberoi, Gurgaon features an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour spa. Free WiFi is available in the rooms of the property.
All rooms and suites are equipped with an iPod docking station with FM receiver, flat-screen televisions in the living spaces, and a television in the bathrooms as well.
The Oberoi Gurgaon offers 24-hour butler service, complimentary high-speed WiFi for up to four devices, soundproof windows and cutting-edge technology throughout. Yoga sessions are offered twice a day.
Guests looking for a luxury dining experience can choose between a multi-cuisine restaurant: threesixtyone°, contemporary Indian fine dining space: Amaranta, Oberoi Patisserie, and Delicatessen, or relax and unwind with a nightcap in the Piano Bar and Cigar Lounge.
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