Magical Rajasthan with HOLI Festival

  ***** A Journey is not about the places you visit, but the stories you bring home to share **** 

  

Our tours will take you on adventures that are guaranteed to exceed your expectations and to guide you through the cacophony of amazing cultures, sights, sounds, colours, tastes and smells that is India.  You will experience the best that the country has to offer, visit incredible locations and at the best time of day and night! 

 

Rajasthan, literally translated, means “land of great Rajput kings".  Rich in history, steeped in tradition, and hauntingly beautiful.  Rajasthan is truly the jewel in the crown of this fascinating sub-continent.  Our tour begins and ends in Delhi and runs anticlockwise through some of the most charming, vibrant and “photo friendly” places one could ever wish for.

Tour Start: -  March 05 to 17  2025 

Tour Cost: -  AU$ 8672  single      AU$ 8172 Twin Share pp    

          

 Singapore Airlines flight from Perth will arrive at 6am and in good time for the start of the tour.  Should you wish to arrive a day earlier to relax, as Susan will be doing, please contact us, for Atik to arrange a night’s accommodation at the hotel approx AU$180 at your cost. 

    

           

      

 

 

 

March 05 - Delhi to Agra.                                                                                                (B L D) Accommodation - Hotel Grand Mercure or similar   1 night

Arrive at Delhi. Meet & greet by Atik at the airport. Today we will drive to Agra which will take 4 hours. On the way we will stop for breakfast.  Once we reach Agra we will go directly to our hotel. In the late afternoon we will go to see the Taj Mahal from the other side of Yamuna River.  In the evening we will have dinner together and talk about the tour.  

 

 

      

 

      

 

   

March 06 - Agra to Udaipur via New Delhi                                                                                      (B L D) Accommodation - Hotel Lake Pichola or Amet Haveli        2 nights  

Agra is a historical city in the state of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.  The city boasts several historical monuments including the Taj Mahal (the epitome of love), Agra Fort. 

In the early morning we will go to visit the TAJ MAHAL.  We will try to get in first to avoid the other travelers for beautiful photos.  After visiting the Taj Mahal we will come back to our hotel for breakfast. 

Following breakfast we will leave for 4 hours drive to New Delhi to catch flight to Udaipur (1.5 hours).  Once we arrive in Udaipur we will go to our hotel. You are free to explore around our beautiful hotel. Evening we will go for a street walk.  Today we will have dinner at rooftop restaurant in our hotel.  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

                                                                                                                                         

March 07 - Udaipur.                                                                                                            (B L D)                  Early in the morning we will go to see the wholesale vegetable market where you will find lots of opportunities for photography.  After visiting the market, we will come back for breakfast to our hotel.  Then you will have free time to take some rest. 

This afternoon we will go to visit City Palace. Udaipur was founded in 1553, by Maharana Udai Singh II in the fertile circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River.  The city was established as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom.  Udaipur is known by many names, including “the City of Lakes''. 

Undoubtedly one of India's most romantic cities, it nestles between the glassy waters of its famous lakes and the ancient Aravalli Hills. 

This evening we will go The main attraction of Bagore ki Haveli is the Dharohar Dance Show ( Rajasthani Cultural Show ) that is conducted in the evenings starting around 7 pm. Tonight we will go to a beautiful restaurant for dinner 

 

 

   

 

    

 

    

 March 08  – Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh                                                                                            (B L D)  

Accommodation - Hotel The Aodhi or Fateh Safari Resort. 

After breakfast we will drive to Kumbhalgarh which is a 2 hour drive. On the way to Kumbhalgarh we will see lots of beautiful village life and water wheels    ( Parsian water wheels supply ). Once we arrive at the hotel we will have lunch.  

Rana Kumbha constructed the Kumbhalgarh Fort in 1458AD. It took around fifteen years to complete the construction. The fort was built on the ruins of Jain king Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka. The construction of the fort separated Mewar from Marwar. 

With the second-longest wall in the world, about 38 km long, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the Mewar Fortress, it was the birthplace of the great Rajput king, Maharana Pratap. 

The Fascinating Story of Kumbhalgarh, the Second Longest Wall in the World. Home to the longest wall in India, the beautiful Kumbhalgarh fort was built by Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar. In the evening we will go for a village tour.  

 

       

 

       

 

        

 

March 09 - Kumbhalgarh to Ranakpur.                                                                                              (B L D) 

Accommodation - Hotel Ranakpur Safari Resort or Fatehbagh.   2 nights 

After breakfast we will drive to Ranakpur which is a 1 hour drive. On the way to Ranakpur we will see lots of beautiful village life.  Once we arrive at the hotel we will have lunch.  This afternoon we will go to visit a beautiful Jain Temple. Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surroundings are quiet and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculptures.  There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar.  The magic of light & shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions. Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha.  

Later in the evening we will go to the local market where you will see lots of people wearing red turban.  This market is a beautiful place for photography.  

            

 

       

 

       

 

 

March 10 – Ranakpur                                                                                                  (B L D)

After breakfast we will go to a Rebari Village Family. Today we will see how they are living. We will also go to visit a small village. After visiting family we will drive to a local market where lots of people from different villages come for shopping. It will be interesting to see those people in the market.  Afternoon is free for swim or to take some rest. 

This evening we are going for Leopard Safari. We hope we will see leopards and some birds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodation -  Hotel Ajit Bhawan or Pal Haveli                                           

     (B L D)                 

After breakfast we will drive 4 hours to Jodhpur. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in at the hotel. Afternoon enjoy the beautiful hotel. This evening we will go local market and Blue city for street photography. Dinner at rooftop restaurant.  

 

     

 

     

 

 

 

March 12   - Jodhpur to Pushkar                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Accommodation -    Hotel Brahma Horizone or Pushkar Lake        1 night                                     (B L D)       

After breakfast we will go to the city for a sightseeing tour. Jodhpur, stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan, was founded in 1459 by Prince Jodha. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. Within the fort, visit Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.                                            

Today we travel 3.30 Hours to Pushkar. A busy town on the edge of the Thar desert and a centre for camel trading.                                                                              

Early in the evening we take our bus into town. The centre of town is home to a highly regarded Brahmin temple and a large lake which is surrounded by ghats where the faithful bathe in the holy waters. 

Unfortunately, you cannot take photos of the bathers, however we are friends with holy men who will bless us and musicians who will play for us on the water's edge giving plenty of opportunities for photography.  

         

 

 

  

 

 

    

March 13  - Pushkar to Pachewar       1 night                                                                                     (B L D)                                                                                                                                                                    Accommodation - Hotel Pachewar Garh Fort                                                                                       

It doesn't take long to drive out of the Pushkar to start experiencing the rural life of Rajasthan. It only takes 2 hours to drive to our destination but we will almost certainly find it hard not to stop for intriguing roadside villages with bright sarees, women driving large water buffalo down narrow lanes. On arrival in Pachewar it's obvious the star of the show here is the old fort,  which is a heritage hotel and we stay with the Royal Family of Pachewar Garh.  

A late afternoon visit to the village provides us the opportunities to see ancient temples, Royal Cenotaphs situated on the banks of the lake and different artisans at work like blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, and the extraction of oil from seeds by traditional methods with the help of an ox. 

              

  

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March 14 - Pachewar to Jaipur                                                                                                          (B L D)  Accommodation - Hotel Shahpura House or Hotel Trident.      2 nights 

After breakfast we will leave for Jaipur which is a drive of 2 hours.  This is the capital city of Rajasthan and also called the Pink City.   After check in to our hotel we will leave for Amer Fort, a grand hill fort that was built by Raja Man Singh in 1592.  Enjoying an elephant ride is an option to reach the entrance of the Amer Fort, situated atop of a hill in the outskirts of the city.  You will be thrilled to see the amazing beauty of the fort complex.  It is a pristine example of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and is made from sandstone and marble.  The fort overlooks the entire Pink City and is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

After visiting Amber Fort we will go to visit the city Palace  

The City Palace Complex is located in the heart of the city.  The palace complex includes several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The famous Govind Dev Ji Temple is located within the palace complex.  The City Palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. 

The Hawa Mahal is one of the main attractions of Jaipur city tour.  Built from red and pink sandstone, the palace sits at the edge of the City Palace.  The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city of Jaipur.  This 5-storeyed-structure contains 953 small Windows known as Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. 

Later in Evening witness the Holi-ka Dahan ceremony to celebrate the victory of good over evil.  Among the residents, the day is also popularly known as Chhoti Holi since the bigger event of playing around with the colours takes place on the next day.  

                            

        

 

       

 

 

March 15 - Jaipur  HOLI FESTIVAL                                                                             (B L D)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

We go for early morning street photography and then to see the sunrise at Jal Mahal.  The Holi Festival takes place in the morning, so get ready by oiling your skin and hair, wearing old clothes, and taking nothing with you apart from your camera and a water bottle, Kleenex, and some hand sanitizer.  

We will join a private event to play Holi in safety in Jaipur. Afterwards, those who are more adventurous can give the raucous public event a try. In the evening we are going to visit the GaltaJi temple where we will see many monkeys.  Later we will go to a restaurant where we will see some cultural Dance and Music. 

 

       

 

      

 

 

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March 16  - Jaipur to New Delhi                                                                                                         (B L D) Accommodation - Hotel Roseate House or Hotel Pride Plaza. 

After breakfast we will leave for New Delhi which is approx. 4 hours drive.  In the evening we will go for a street walk in old Delhi.  Should you wish to stay an extra night or more, Atik can book a room for you AU$ 130 approx per night at your cost. 

 

       

 

      

 

 

March 17th  – New Delhi                                                                                                               (B L)                                                                                                                                                                                   After breakfast we will go to Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Lodhi Garden, India Gate, Parliament House, Bangla Saheb Sikh Temple and later in the evening drive to the airport to catch your flight home with sweet memories……. 

  

Holi Festival  

One of the most popular and biggest festivals of India is Holi. It is a 2-day long festival, the first day is called ‘Choti Holi’ and the second day is ‘Rangwali Holi’.   On the first day, Holika bonfire is arranged in the evening where people pray to God to cleanse their internal evil. On the second day, starting from the morning, people start playing Holi with herbal colours and water. The scene of chasing one another to throw Holi colours or coloured water is common on the day of Holi in India. 

Jaipur is probably among the best places to celebrate Holi in India. It’s not just the enthusiasm of the people of Jaipur that makes it a fun city to celebrate Holi. This event features Rajasthani folk dance, song performances. 

Tour Includes :- 12 nights in the hotels - Forts, Palaces, Haveli’s and luxury tents with breakfast, lunch, dinner, Delhi to Udaipur flight, luxury bus with driver, English speaking guide, entrance to monuments, models at some places, water, soft drinks, juice on bus, parking, tolls and taxes. 

 

  

Highlights of the Tour........... 

  

< >Experience the heritage sites and culture of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Jodhpur, Pushkar,    Pachewar,Jaipur and Agra.  The famous Palaces, forts, temples and village tours of Rajasthan.  The Lake city of Udaipur.  Visiting Jain Temple at Ranakpur and beautiful villages.  Folk dances and musical Performances.  Sightseeing in Jodhpur ( The Blue City ) covering Mehrangarh Fort, Mandore Garden and Clock Tower.  Explore Kumbhalgarh Fort in Kumbhalgarh. The wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China.  Ranakpur Jain Temple, village safari, local market, Rebari Family Visit, Leopard Safari.   Beautiful Pushkar with only BRAHMA temple and holy lake.  Beautiful village life and stay with ROYAL FAMILY OF PACHEWAR IN PACHEWAR FORT.  Jaipur ( Pink City ) sightseeing covering City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and visits of the     Amer Fort.  The beauty of INDIA....TAJ MAHAL ( SYMBOL OF LOVE ).    

  

If there is any cancellation before 30 days of commencement of the tour, we charge 15% of the amount of the tour.  If cancelled 15 days before commencement of the tour,  it will be a 50% charge,  If  cancelled between the 15th and the start of  the tour, there is no refund.    

INCLUSIONS

Services, accommodation and meals as described in itinerary above • Gratuities

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED < >International flights Meals where not stated Alcoholic beverages, laundry or personal items Indian visa Comprehensive travel insurance / trip cancellation insurance (required), please let us know if we can offer you a competitive quote. Please note that circumstances could mean the itinerary may change slightly, but every day will be full, enriching and rewarding.

 

PRICING

 

Option 1 – Single

AUD 8,672 per person 

 

Deposit required to secure place: AUD 1,900 per person

 

Option 2 – Twin Share

AUD 8,172 per person

 

Deposit required to secure place: AUD 1,900 per person

 

Final Balance

 

Final balance due: Friday, 3 January 2025

 

HOW TO BOOK 

 

If you would like to join this wonderful photo tour with Susan Moss, the mechanics of booking your trip are made easy. Please email reservations@mcnallytravel.com for next steps to reserve your place on

Magical Rajasthan Tour with Holi Festival.