Northern India & the Holi Festival
19 Days of Culture, Heritage & Sacred India
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
It’s not about the tourist traps for you. Or the big group experiences. You crave the places less travelled with offbeat local allure and aren’t afraid to experience it solo.
Lace up those shoes for a walking exploration of divine illumination. You’ll be treading the same ground that Buddha once delivered his very first sermon more than 2,500 years ago.
That hands-on cooking class where you learned the secrets behind making authentic, plant-based Rajasthani cuisine will stay with you long after your return home, and so will the family you cooked with.
You’ve always dreamed of visiting major landmarks like the Taj Mahal. Now is the time to check that milestone off your list and then some!
Hop on a 1930s British-era meter gauge train for a ride back in time. Chug along just like a local through the Aravali Hills as you move from Deogarh to Udaipur.
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
[india-holi-dates]
Length
19 days, 18 nights
Details
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private Room for every guest every night.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Meeting Point
The Grand Hotel, New Delhi, India
Ending Point
The Grand Hotel, New Delhi, India
Group Size
Maximum 12
Included
- Meals: 18 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners, 01 High Tea (Day 2)
- Boutique accommodation
- Leader/guides: 1 top-rated English-speaking tour leader throughout, plus local tour guides where appropriate
- Transport: air-conditioned small bus, 1 x train (Deogarh – Meter Gauge Train Experience), 2x internal flights
- Udaipur – Varanasi (1 Stop)
- Varanasi – Delhi
- Entrance/admission: fees, where applicable with included activities
- Arrival and departure transfers
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa (at your own expense). We’ll assist you with the visa application process prior to departure.
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information).
Accommodation Preview
Shahpura House, Jaipur
Deogarh Mahal, Deogarh
Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur
DAY 1: DELHI
Welcome to India! After receiving a warm welcome at the airport, you’ll gather in the evening and start our adventure straight away with a welcome dinner at one of our favourites.
We’ve got a fun mix of solo travellers on this trip, eager to start exploring. Let’s start off strong with a welcome dinner to get to know each other over some good food.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel, Vasant Kunj (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Dinner
DAY 2: DELHI
We’ll get right into it today, out and about enjoying a local breakfast. Visit one of Delhi’s most famous sights: Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark surrounded by some of the most pristine gardens.
Then the fun truly begins with a rickshaw ride to one of the oldest markets: Chandni Chowk. Chaotic & and authentic, the narrow lanes have kept the traditional workmanship alive, which makes Delhi famous.
Later visit Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. It’s full of interesting smells and people.
You’ll finish the day with an Indian high tea.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel, Vasant Kunj (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast, High Tea
DAY 3: AGRA
The adventure leaves Delhi today as we head towards Agra, home of the iconic Agra Fort. It is a 4-hour drive from Delhi in our air-conditioned vehicle.
After checking into your hotel, you’ll venture to the Agra Fort, built of majestic sandstone, to explore its unique crescent shape and the imperial city enclosed within its 2.5-kilometre-long walls.
We’ll then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra (or similar), Agra
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: TAJ MAHAL
You might have heard that the Taj Mahal can be overwhelmed by guests, which is why we’re going to do things differently to give you the best possible experience.
The absolute best time to see this magnificent building is sunrise. Even the night owls won’t regret getting up a bit earlier than normal to witness the white marble of the Taj Mahal slowly reveal itself into the glimmering daylight.
This gives you the opportunity to breathe, enjoy yourself and take it all in. We say goodbye to Agra, but the adventure is just getting started as you spend the full afternoon driving to the Tigress Resort: can you guess what’s coming next?
Accommodation: Ranthambore Heritage Haveli (or similar), Ranthambore
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 5: RANTHAMBORE TIGER SAFARI
Enjoy a total change of pace as you wake up in the heart of the Ranthambore National Park for an adrenaline-packed day in the wild.
Ranthambore is famous for its wildlife and you’ll spend both the morning and afternoon in open-air jeeps on safari drives.
Tigers are the main drawcard here, but also keep your eyes peeled for leopards and sloth bears – even perhaps a striped hyena or jackal. crocodiles.
Accommodation: Ranthambore Heritage Haveli (or similar), Ranthambore
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 6: RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR
Take the morning at your leisure and enjoy the surroundings. Ranthambore National Park offers more than just tigers!
Get ready to dive right into the heart of Rajasthani culture over the coming days.
One of Rajasthan’s most treasured cities is the next on your route. It will take around 4 hours to drive to Jaipur, home of the famous Amber Fort.
Arrive in a realm of regal legacy, where imperial palaces and lively bazaars create a majestic atmosphere unlike any other.
Accommodation: Shahpura House (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: JAIPUR
Kick off the morning by touring the opulent City Palace, which fuses both Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and still houses royalty today.
Let’s hope you worked up an appetite for a fun culinary adventure riding an eco-friendly rickshaw through the streets of Jaipur.
The Pink City Rickshaw Company, an initiative creating opportunities for 200 women from low-income households, will greet you at your hotel’s doorstep at lunchtime and be your guide for a food-tasting tour that is as unique as it gets.
Walk off those extra lunchtime kilos when you explore the Amber Fort this afternoon.
Accommodation: Shahpura House (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast
DAY 8: JAIPUR
Break away from the city’s bustle and into the quieter rural landscape of a small village just outside Jaipur, where you’ll meet local women dedicated to keeping traditional weaving techniques alive.
The setting is humble and welcoming – those looking for tourist traps won’t find one here! You’ll have ample time to meet the villagers and can have a go at knot-tying and rug weaving yourself.
Tonight you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and getting some serious Rajasthani cooking done, before dining with your teacher-hosts in their tranquil garden.
Accommodation: Shahpura House (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: JAIPUR TO JODHPUR
Optional: Float above the scenery in a hot air balloon experience like no other – $280 USD. You’ll spot villages, palaces and hidden forts hidden throughout the Aravalli ranges. Let us know in advance if you are interested. Otherwise, you can relax for a moment and take it slowly this morning.
Our next stop is Jodhpur, also known as the “Blue City” – a 6-hour drive away.
Upon arrival, watch as the sun sets, draping shade over the city as you settle into dinner with your fellow travellers at a handpicked local restaurant.
Accommodation: Ranbanka Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: JODHPUR
Mehrangarh Fort is monumental in both size and impression, making it the perfect place to begin our day. Perched on a steep hill with 36-metre-high walls, in the mid-15th century, this fort was the protection of the City of Jodhpur. Roam through its ornate sandstone courtyards and preserved palaces found on the inside.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Mharo Khet for a special farm-to-table dinner—seven beautiful, plant-forward courses made with fresh, homegrown ingredients. It’s a true taste of nature, and one that should be indulged under the open sky.
Accommodation: Ranbanka Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: JODHPUR TO DEOGARH
India may be famous for huge cities, but the original beating heart of this country will always be its villages.
This is why we’re going to drive 3 hours to Deogarh village – with a population of 50,000, this is very much the Indian definition of a “village”. You’ll enjoy a slow walk through the town in the afternoon and imbibe the local life.
Tonight is a bit of relaxed fun. We will dress in traditional Indian Sari while watching a local Tera Taal dance and eating a variety of delicious food. It’s a little bit touristy, but who cares?! It’s day 11 of our adventure – time to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves.
Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal (or similar), Deogarh
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: DEOGARH TO UDAIPUR
India is famous for its trains, and this morning you’ll enjoy a 2-hour historical scenic train journey through the Aravali Hills. Built by the British during the days of the Raj, this train is still used daily by local villagers.
This is a noisy but real train experience as you mingle amongst the bustle, winding through U-shaped bridges and mountain tunnels.
From there, you’ll hop into a vehicle and head up to Udaipur, the perfect way to spend our last 3 nights in Rajasthan.
Udaipur is known as the ‘City of Lakes’. You’ll love the change of pace, and you’ll enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere.
Dine at a local rooftop restaurant – nearly all of them have an incredible view of the lake and City Palace
Accommodation: Aranya Vilas (or similar), Udaipur
Included: Breakfast
DAY 13: UDAIPUR – HOLI FESTIVAL
Don your white Holi clothes and embrace the Holi Festival like the locals. This celebration of joy and love begins with placing colours around the cheeks of the family members, relatives and giving sweets to each other before it transforms into a spirited, high-energy battle of camaraderie with water guns and organic powders of all shades, covering you in colours and festival spirit.
Once you clean up, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by your host, sit with the family and enjoy conversation.
Accommodation: Aranya Vilas, (or similar), Udaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14: UDAIPUR
Celebrated as the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur is a city worth seeing for its romance and architecture. You’ll kick the morning off with a visit to the City Palace. Towering over the lake, it’s a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Just nearby is the Jagdish Temple – in the main shrine stands a figurine of the four-armed Lord Vishnu carved out of a single block of black stone.
You’ll enjoy an evening boat ride on the lake and take in the views as the sun’s golden hues are replaced by an electric evening glow – lighting the lakeside promenade and the regal buildings behind.
Accommodation: Aranya Vilas (or similar), Udaipur
Included: Breakfast
DAY 15: UDAIPUR TO VARANASI
It’s our last morning in Rajasthan. Take the opportunity for a final stroll through the streets of Udaipur or relax.
In the afternoon, we fly to India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, described by Lonely Planet as ‘the India of your imagination’. Pilgrims come here to wash away their sins and to farewell their dead. It’s confronting, hectic, noisy, colourful and intense, and our home for the last 2 nights of this trip. What better way to farewell India?
Rest up in your hotel in the evening, as a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits on the banks of the sacred River Ganges in the morning.
Accommodation: Clarks Varanasi (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast
DAY 16: VARANASI
After breakfast, we head to Sarnath — just a short 30-minute drive from Varanasi. Walk through the tranquil deer park where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Walk through the quiet ruins of Ashoka’s Stupa, visit the Buddha temple, and soak in the deep spiritual energy that still lingers here.
In the afternoon, you may choose to explore Banaras Hindu University — one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the world. Stroll through its leafy campus, admire its striking architecture, and feel the calm that fills the air. (Closed on Sundays.)
To end the day in style, we dine like royalty at Brijrama Palace. Enjoy a Maharaja-style dinner in one of Varanasi’s most enchanting heritage settings — a perfect finale to a soulful day.
Accommodation: Clarks Varanasi (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 17: VARANASI
Embrace the more spiritual side of India. Wake before dawn to witness the magic of Varanasi come alive with sacred chants, then embark on a sunrise cruise as the city’s ancient steps (ghats) are brightened by the warm morning light.
Spend your afternoon exploring the Old City on foot, before returning to the water come evening for the Ganga Aarti ritual with fire, music, and lamps floating on the river to symbolise gratitude.
Accommodation: Clarks Varanasi (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast
DAY 18: BACK TO DELHI
This morning, the group will fly back to Delhi. Your trip is winding up, so we’ve arranged a bit of final shopping time to enable you to buy the last gifts or mementoes in Connaught Place. Your guide will be with you to point out the best places. A final dinner awaits you all to reminisce together.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel, Vasant Kunj (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 19: FAREWELLS
And that’s it: the end of your unforgettable journey. Saying goodbye is the hardest part. Exchange emails and phone numbers, and get ready for the next solo or small-group adventure!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:INR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:68.098 INR.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders can apply for an E-Tourist Visa. If you are staying in India longer than 30 days you will need to apply for a 1 year Visa. The Visa fee is around $40AUD for 30 days and $65AUD for 1 year.
Level 2 | Moderate
A moderate level of fitness is required, particularly for the primate trekking experiences.
- You need to be comfortable with:
- Walking 3 to 4+ hours at a time
- Hiking on hilly, uneven, muddy forest trails
- Managing humid conditions
- Spending extended time on your feet
- Getting in and out of vehicles and boats
Please note that this trip includes a lot of stairs. You’ll encounter long staircases at several sites, and they can be physically demanding, especially in hot and humid weather. We strongly recommend preparing for the trip by incorporating regular walks, hill training, and stair climbing into your fitness routine before departure.
All hotel rooms have Western-style toilets. While travelling between locations or during treks, basic or squat-style toilets may be unavoidable.
If you’re comfortable walking regularly at home and can manage hills and uneven ground without difficulty, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.
Most of our trips have a Tip Kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands.
For your Indian adventure, we ask your contribution be: 4,500 Indian Rupee (equivalent to $77 AUD), which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- $8,000 to 9,000 per person (equivalent to $135 – $155).
Standard weight: 20 kg, hand-carry bag 5kg
MARCH
March brings the onset of spring to Central and North India, including New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Varanasi. With daytime temperatures around 28°C in cities like New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, the weather is mild and perfect for exploration. Evenings cool down to approximately 15°C, providing a comfortable atmosphere.
Varanasi experiences a similar transition with an average maximum daytime temperature of around 32°C and pleasant nights at 18°C. While March is generally dry, occasional rain showers may occur in Varanasi, adding a refreshing touch to the overall enjoyable weather.
Your accommodation will be private; in other words, no room-sharing with anyone, throughout the entire trip.
Most Fencox travellers tend to be in their mid-50s to mid-70s.
Generally, we have no upper age limit for our trips. But, it’s important for you to know that our trips can be physically demanding and we will chat to you about your suitability. We’ll provide you with details of the health and fitness must-haves for our trips; however, we clearly are not medical experts. We will need you to obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months before you travel for the latest health requirements, vaccination advice and recommendations for your destination.
Age 75+
Guests over 75 years old at the time of travel, or those with pre-existing health conditions may need to have medical clearance to ensure safe travel, and must have a doctor complete a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel’ within 30 days of booking confirmation.
Minimum age
While it doesn’t happen often, we do get younger guests joining our trips! As a general rule, the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 appointed by their legal guardian.
International airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are several airlines that offer direct and one-stop flights to Delhi from major Australian cities and New Zealand.
Yes! A friendly Fencox representative will meet you upon arrival and take you to either the Start Hotel (for Pre-Trip or Day 1 check-in), or to another hotel within a reasonable distance that you’ve independently booked as Alternative Pre-Trip Accommodation. At the end of your trip, we’ll see you off with a departure transfer from the Trip-End Hotel.
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Its symbol is ₹. There is no need to exchange AUD for INR before you leave Australia.
“Delhi Belly” is a common term for an upset stomach that some travellers experience in India. It’s usually caused by unfamiliar bacteria, changes in diet, or differences in food handling and water. Some travellers choose to take probiotics before and during their trip, but this is a personal choice. If you’re considering it, we recommend speaking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Food is a huge part of travelling in India. From street snacks to local restaurants – and North India is especially great for vegetarian and vegan options. Most meals are included on this trip, and when they’re not, your Guide will steer you towards places with good hygiene standards.
That said, mild stomach upsets can happen, even when you’re careful. Our best advice? Stick to local food, follow your Guide’s recommendations, and be a little cautious with Western-style dishes unless your Guide gives the green light.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
