Holi is the festival of colors celebrated on full moon day of spring season Holi is celebrated throughout the India. But differences mark the way it's celebrated in Barsana. Barsana, the birth place of Radha, Lord Krishna's beloved attracts a large number of visitors from around the world to celebrate Holi. It's said in India that in your life if you not have seen the holi celebration in Barsana, you have not experienced the real Holi.
Holi is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Holi is considered as second biggest festival on the Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi is also known as festival of Colors. Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each others' faces and cheer up saying, "Bura na maano Holi hai" (Don't get offended, it's Holi!). Holi also gives a wonderful chance to send blessings and love to dear ones wrapped in special Holi gifts. Our 12 days tour of Festival Holi with Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan mixes the best of Holi celebrations with the iconic beauty of Taj Mahal and royalty of Rajasthan. A tour not to be missed.
The colorful festival tour starts with your visit to the heart of India, Delhi (the capital of India), a cosmopolitan region, which has a multi-cultural history and an urban presence, followed by your visit to the royal city of Rajasthan. Its exotic, rich, colorful, royal and proud culture cities Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jodhpur and Jaipur still holds its charm of strict devotion to the tradition and its palaces, forts, monuments and handicrafts. Our next stop is at Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal's unrivaled beauty explains why it's regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A visit to India wouldn't be complete without it.
Holi, also called the festival of colors, is one of the most popular festivals in India which has a story behind and a particular way of celebrating it. In West Bengal of India, it is known as Dolyatra (Doul Jatra) or Basanta-Utsab (spring festival). It also marks the beginning of spring season in India.
Holi is being celebrated in Indian since time immemorial but the popularity of Holi celebrations seems to be rising with every passing year and so is the level of hoo-ha. As no other festival gives so much liberty to the people to let their hair loose and enjoy their hidden crazy self.
In the midst of these coloring games are savored the mouthwatering Holi specialties like Gujiya, Malpuas, Mathri, Puran Poli, Dahi Badas etc. and downed with glasses full of Thandai. Enjoy your colorful tour in India.
When you turn out yourself at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, a representative from Travel Astu will receive you. You will be transferred to a hotel to stretch your legs for some time.
Delhi, the capital city of magical subcontinent is located in the heart of the country and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city has played a major role in formation of pages of history books. It is a city which has a perfect mixture of both past and present. Opulent and significance, the city is one of the irrefutable cities of the country. Basically, this city is the first port of call for those who are visiting India for the first time.
After lunch a visit to Akshardham temple.
We will do Saree class and heena tattoo with an Indian girl.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
After breakfast at the hotel start a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the "father of the nation".
One of the most important buildings of Old Delhi is the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stonewall, with bastions, gates and wickets at intervals. Of its fourteen gates, the important ones are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi gates, some of which have already been demolished. His famous citadel, the Lal-Qila, or the Red Fort, lying at the town's northern end on the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salimgarh, was begun in 1639 and completed after nine years. The Red Fort is different from the Agra fort and is better planned, because at its back lies the experience gained by Shahjahan at Agra, and because it was the work of one hand. It is an irregular octagon, with two long sides on the east and west, and with two main gates, one on the west and the other on the south, called Lahori and Delhi gates respectively. While the walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone, marble has been largely used in the palaces.
Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk.
After lunch proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy of the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colors and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
After breakfast, proceed drive to Mathura. "Mathura the birth place of Lord Krishna". Reach and check into the hotel.
After wash up and changes later visit Iskcon Temple.
In evening enjoy the holika dahan with local family.
Overnight will be at Mathura.
After breakfast, a celebration of holi tour.
Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated in spring season in India with a great deal of fervor and enthusiasm throughout the India. But differences mark the way it's celebrated in Barsana. The small town of Barsana located at a distance of about 90 km from Agra. Barsana, the birth place of Radha, Lord Krishna's beloved attracts a large number of visitors from around the world to celebrate Holi. Full day Holi celebrations in Barsaana.
Overnight will be at Mathura.
After breakfast, proceed for Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
In evening visit to The Mehtab Bagh in Agra is laid out in just right symmetry and alignment with the Taj Mahal and it was intentionally built as an integral part of the original design of the Taj Mahal during the period from 1631 to 1635 A.D. It has been named as the 'Mehtab Bagh'.
Later, enjoy the Expression of Love at Kalakriti presents 'Mohabbat-the-Taj' live show - a series of play depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal - his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Wake up early and proceed for the sunrise view of the Taj Mahal.
TAJ MAHAL - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later a guided tour of Agra.
AGRA FORT - The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ or the ITMAD-UD-ULLAH - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. One of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb was built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jahangir for her father in 1628. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
Overnight will be at Agra.
After breakfast proceed for Jaipur, en route visiting Abhaneri Village.
Continue the journey to Jaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Afternoon will be free for you to visit the local markets.
In the evening, proceed to enjoy the local Rajasthani dinner with cultural show. Enjoy the experience.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
After breakfast, proceed by expressway to Delhi:
Last minute shopping in Delhi before transferring to the airport. Take the flight home with sweet memories of colorful Holi festival India.
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