{"product_id":"india-colours-festival-2027","title":"India Colours Festival 2027","description":"\u003cp\u003eStep into a world of vibrant colours, ancient traditions and architectural wonders as you experience India’s Holi Festival and its legendary Golden Triangle on this 11-day itinerary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the markets of Delhi to the palaces of Jaipur and the ethereal beauty of Agra’s Taj Mahal, this is the exotic escape you have been dreaming of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYour adventure begins in Delhi, a city where 3,000 years of history meet a thriving modern metropole. See the grand gateways of Jama Masjid and stand before the majestic India Gate before travelling to Mandawa. Known as an open-air art gallery, this hidden gem in the Shekhawati region will enchant you with its intricate frescoes and heritage havelis. Ladies can experience the ancient art of henna, while gentlemen can participate in a traditional turban-tying demonstration, a quintessential Rajasthani experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe magic truly steps up as you reach the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Witness the sacred Holika Dahan Puja ceremony before diving into the kaleidoscopic celebrations of Holi, the ancient Festival of Colours marking the end of winter and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Travel on to experience the symmetry of the Chand Baori step well and the formidable grandeur of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends Persian and Indian artistry. The ultimate highlight awaits, as you witness the soft morning light hitting the white marble of the Taj Mahal, the world’s most famous monument to love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis incredible cultural odyssey includes return international full-service flights, 9 nights of quality hotel accommodation, 14 meals including daily breakfast, English-speaking guides and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeal ID: 6265\u003cbr\u003e\nDuration: 11 Days\u003cbr\u003e\nAvailable dates: 18 Mar 2027\u003cbr\u003e\nDestinations: Agra, Delhi, Mandawa, Jaipur \u0026amp; more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eItinerary:\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 1: Australia (or New Zealand) - Delhi, India — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 2: Delhi — 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. **Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Delhi** **Meals included: Breakfast**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 3: Delhi - Mandawa — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 4: Mandawa - Jaipur — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 5: Holi in Jaipur — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 6: Jaipur - Amber Fort - Jaipur — 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. **Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Jaipur** **Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 7: Jaipur - Chand Baori - Agra — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 8: Agra — 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. **Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Agra** **Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 9: Agra - Delhi — 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. **Overnight: Standard or Premium Accommodation, Delhi** **Meals included: Breakfast**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 10: Delhi, India - Australia (or New Zealand) — 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**\u003cbr\u003e\nDay 11: Arrive in Australia (or New Zealand) — Welcome home! **Meals included: None**\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInclusions: Return international full-service flights, 9 nights of quality accommodation (standard or premium options), 14 meals, including daily breakfast, Transportation by air-conditioned private vehicles, English-speaking local guides, Sightseeing and monument entry fees, Holi Festival Celebration in Jaipur\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExclusions: Visa fees and requirements, Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer, Meals\/beverages not stated in the deal offer, Optional gratuities\/tipping, Optional activities\/tours, Personal expenses, Travel insurance, Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trendydeals.com.au","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44024079220824,"sku":null,"price":2399.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0715\/4892\/8088\/files\/6265_Indian_Colour_Festival_2027_WEB_HERO_1_Jaipur_Holi-Festival.jpg?v=1777002650","url":"https:\/\/trendydeals.com.au\/products\/india-colours-festival-2027","provider":"Trendydeals.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}