India Colours Festival 2027

Today marks the beginning of your journey to the land of colours.

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a tour representative and escorted via chauffeur-driven transport to your hotel. While your check-in is seamlessly organised, your representative will provide you with a Welcome Folder containing all your essential documents, and he will conduct a full briefing on the incredible tour ahead.

As the capital of India and its major gateway, Delhi is a city of immense power and history. Spanning 3,000 years of existence and the rise of seven ancient cities, it offers a masterful combination of modern metropole and ancient culture. From its strategic seat as the headquarters of Indian politics, home to the Prime Minister and President, to its vibrant medieval markets, Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Delhi

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Old and New Delhi, a journey through the "City of Seven Empires." Begin at Raj Ghat, the serene memorial marking the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Your exploration continues with a drive past the imposing Red Fort, the sandstone masterpiece of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and Jama Masjid. As one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid features three grand gateways and two soaring minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Experience the vibrant energy of Old Delhi with a visit to Chandni Chowk, the historic main street known for its colourful shopping bazaars, and stop at the sacred Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. You will also visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, an ornate structure dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune.

In New Delhi, stand before the 42-metre-high India Gate. This 'Stone of Triumph' serves as a national war memorial, honouring the 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives during the campaigns of World War I. Your tour concludes with a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the palatial official residence of the President of India, renowned for its unique architectural blend of Mughal and Western styles. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, or you may choose to participate in one of the available optional activities.

Optional Activity: Delhi's Lodhi Art District & Gardens Walking Tour
Lodhi Art District was created by renowned artists from across the globe. Colourful murals were painted across the walls of one of the last housing estates built by the British, and the funky art shares an important message on issues such as climate and marginalised communities. Continue on foot to the India Habitat Centre and admire its unique architecture, with its covered walkways and changing exhibits. Stroll a little further to Lodhi Gardens, one of the city's green spaces, filled with 15th-century monuments and tombs from the Lodhi Dynasty and a favourite place for politicians and Delhiites to come and relax or exercise. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Delhi Temples by Metro Train
Join your guide as you dive into the energy of modern Delhi by travelling like a local on the efficient Delhi Metro system. This is a fantastic way to witness the rhythm of daily life in India's capital. Your journey will take you to two profoundly spiritual and architecturally stunning sites.
• The Lotus Temple (Baha'i House of Worship): Marvel at the sublime architecture of this iconic structure, famous for its immaculate white marble design resembling a half-open lotus flower. This modern marvel is a symbol of the unity of all faiths, offering a serene and profoundly peaceful atmosphere for prayer and meditation for people of all religions.
• Kalkaji Mandir: Contrast the modern tranquillity of the Lotus Temple with the ancient, bustling energy of the Kalkaji Mandir, a revered Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Experience the vibrant colours, sights and sounds of one of Delhi's most significant and lively devotional centres. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Delhi and travel by coach to Mandawa, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a hosted lunch.

Known as India’s "open-air art gallery," Mandawa is world-renowned for its heritage havelis, intricate frescoes, and its grand Fort Palace. The architecture of the town serves as a stunning reminder of the region’s historical, cultural, and social significance during the era of the Silk Road traders.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Mandawa to discover its most celebrated havelis, including the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. These merchant mansions are famous for their vibrant wall paintings; look out for the curious and whimsical illustrations at Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, as well as the bold, traditional imagery of the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli.

The evening offers a delightful cultural immersion at the hotel. Ladies can experience the ancient art of Heena (henna), while gentlemen are invited to participate in a traditional turban-tying demonstration, a quintessential Rajasthani experience.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Mandawa

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a morning walk through the historic streets of Mandawa, with the option to experience the town’s charm via a traditional camel cart ride (paid on tour).

In the afternoon, depart for Jaipur, the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. Known globally as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is colour-washed in the hue traditionally associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Along with Agra and Delhi, this beautiful city forms the final point of India’s famed Golden Triangle.

Jaipur is a destination where royalty still resides in grand palaces and where the ancient tradition of treating guests as gods remains a way of life. The city offers a timeless appeal, from its sprawling, beautifully laid-out gardens and parks to its marvellous heritage hotels that once served as the private residences of Maharajas. Spend time admiring the attractive monuments and the vibrant atmosphere created by ambling camels and locals dressed in multi-hued costumes.

In the evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling market streets of Jaipur, where the colourful bazaars offer a treasure trove of Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. You will also be treated to a traditional sari and Indian costume demonstration, showcasing the intricate styles of the region.

Upon returning to the hotel, witness the sacred Holika Dahan Puja ceremony, the traditional "Holi Eve" bonfire that symbolises the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of the festival celebrations.

Tonight includes a traditional dinner.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi, the ancient 'Festival of Colours'. One of the most iconic and beloved celebrations in India, Holi was originally known as 'Holika' and finds its roots in early religious texts such as the Purvamimamsa-Sutras. This legendary festival predates the common era by several centuries, with historians noting its early popularity among the Aryan people, particularly across Eastern India.

While its meaning has evolved over the millennia, Holi remains a profound celebration of renewal and joy. In ancient times, it was observed as a sacred rite performed by married women to ensure the happiness and well-being of their families, centred around the worship of the full moon. Today, the festival transforms the streets of Jaipur into a kaleidoscopic masterpiece. Join the celebrations as the air fills with coloured powders and the spirit of togetherness, marking a truly once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion in the heart of the Pink City.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for a morning excursion to the majestic Amber Fort (known locally as Amer Fort), located approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre. Once the stronghold of the Kachhwaha clan, this historic capital is a masterpiece of white marble and red sandstone. Set against the shimmering Maota Lake, the fort’s reflection creates a dreamlike illusion that has captivated travellers for centuries. Explore its opulent courtyards and intricate carvings before visiting the Anokhi Museum, dedicated to the traditional Rajasthani art of hand-block printing.

Your exploration of the Pink City continues with a visit to the iconic Hawa Mahal, or the 'Palace of Winds'. This extraordinary five-story facade, featuring 953 small windows (jharokhas), was originally constructed to allow royal ladies to observe the vibrant street processions below while remaining unseen. The afternoon is yours to enjoy this heritage city at leisure, providing the perfect opportunity to further explore the local bazaars or relax in the regal surroundings of your hotel. Alternatively, choose from any of the optional tours on offer today. All can be taken.

Tonight, enjoy dinner as part of your package.

Optional Activity: Jaipur's Culinary Delight Tour
Learn the secrets of Indian cuisine and try your hand at cooking local dishes, with lunch included. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Jaipur - City Palace & Jantar Mantar
Take part in an afternoon tour visiting Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh, and visit the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Jaipur Heritage Walk
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Jaipur with a guided Heritage Walk. Wander through the hidden paths and bustling streets of the Pink City, discovering its timeless beauty, vibrant culture, and captivating architecture. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, depart Jaipur and travel to Agra. En route, stop to marvel at the Chand Baori Step Well, one of the largest and deepest of its kind in India. Located directly opposite the ancient Harshat Mata Temple, this architectural marvel is believed to have a deep religious connection, serving as a site for ritual ablutions before entering the temple.

Continue your journey with a stop for lunch at a local specialty restaurant in Bharatpur, enjoying the authentic flavours of the region before arriving in the quintessential Mughal city of Agra. As the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, Agra is immortalised as the 'City of the Taj', the ultimate epitome of love, beauty, and sacrifice. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and soak in the atmosphere of a city where history feels alive in every bustling street and narrow alleyway, evoking the grandeur of the bygone Mughal era.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal with two flexible morning options: an early sunrise visit at approximately 06:00 to witness the soft morning light hit the marble, or a post-breakfast visit at 09:00. This world-renowned monument is a pinnacle of Mughal architecture, expanding on Persian design traditions with its signature white marble inlaid with delicate semi-precious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643, with the surrounding lush gardens and auxiliary buildings finished shortly thereafter. Your tour includes entry to the breathtaking central mausoleum.

Later, explore the formidable Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating complex that showcases a high level of ornamentation and a unique "Shahjahani" style, a masterful blend of Persian, European, and Indian artistic influences. Rich in form, expression, and colour, the fort's innovative architecture and garden designs significantly influenced later structures in Delhi. Interestingly, history suggests the legendary Kohinoor diamond was once part of the fort's opulent furnishings.

Spend the afternoon at leisure in this world-famous city, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's sights or take the optional activities for the day.

Optional Activity: Agra Food Trail Tour
Embark on a heritage walk through hidden lanes and bustling markets to visit local eateries. Meet the people behind some of the city’s most famous snacks, sample traditional foods such as paratha and savour chai served in a traditional clay cup. You'll also have the chance to taste Agra’s famous sweet petha. Initially prepared more than 350 years ago in the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan, this sugary white pumpkin sweet comes in a variety of flavours, having adapted to consumers' changing tastes. This optional tour includes transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide and a selection of snacks and chai. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Agra - Visit Baby Taj & Mehtab Bagh
Head to the landmark mausoleum of Itmad Ud Daulah, known as the 'Baby Taj'. Marvel at the intricately carved marble monument conceived before the Taj Mahal and considered the blueprint for its design. You'll then continue to Mehtab Bagh, Moonlight Garden and admire the Taj Mahal from the beautiful gardens. This optional tour includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide and fees. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to Agra as you return to Delhi. Upon arrival in the capital, check into your hotel and take the afternoon to enjoy this historic heritage city at your own pace.

Whether you wish to revisit a favourite local bazaar for some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the comfort of your hotel, or join the optional activity, the afternoon is yours to soak up the final vibrant moments of your Indian adventure.

Optional Activity: Delhi: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour
India has an astounding 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the largest concentrations in the world. On this tour, you'll discover two of Delhi’s UNESCO-listed sites, starting at Humayun’s Tomb. This is a notable example of Mughal architecture in India and was built to house the Emperor’s body. You'll then stop off at the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter victory tower with five distinct storeys. Built by Qutb ud-din Aibak in 1193, it is the world’s tallest brick minaret. The red sandstone structure has words from the Quran intricately engraved into it. This optional tour includes transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide and entrance fees. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in the heart of the capital. In accordance with your flight schedule, you will be provided with a seamless private transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport to board your flight home.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome home!

Meals included: None