Full Moon at the Taj Mahal & Holi journey boasts some of the most captivating monuments, accompanied by a culture that, despite its 5000-year history, remains intriguing to this day. What makes it even more special is the timing of this journey making it possible for you to witness unique events that can only be encountered in this part of the world.
We will the chance to behold the monument of love, Taj Mahal under the enchanting glow of the full moon. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of the Holi festival in Jaipur, an experience unlike any other. Venture to Varanasi, the oldest and holiest city in India, where pilgrims gather on the banks of the Ganges River every day at both sunrise and sunset. More wonders in the 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites we visit in this tour.
Tour size limited to just 18 participants, this journey promises an intimate exploration of India's cultural wonders. A rare opportunity to delve into the heart of India's heritage and witness rare and unforgettable moments.
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Humayun’s Tomb | 2. | Fatehpur Sikri |
| 3. | Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi | 4. | Taj Mahal, Agra |
| 5. | Red Fort Complex, Delhi | 6. | Agra Fort |
| 7. | Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | 8. | Hill Forts of Rajasthan |
| 9. | The walled city of Jaipur, Rajasthan | ||
| Tour Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | : | 13 days |
| Minimum | : | 02 persons |
| Maximum | : | 18 persons |
| Price (From) | : | US$ 2995 |
| International air not included | ||
Day 01: March 07, 2025: Arrive Delhi (Flight) (INDIA)
Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival, we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.
Overnight: Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka, Delhi (2 nights)
Day 02: March 08, 2025: Delhi
The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with an exploration of New Delhi and a visit to Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, take in the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun’s Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb in India. Humayan’s Tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. Experience the stunning ancient minaret of Qutb Minar* before venturing into Old Delhi where we visit the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were Palace Forts as they were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a walking tour through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant. (B, D)
Day 03: March 09, 2025: Delhi/Varanasi (Train 06:00-14:00)
Early morning, we are transferred to railway station board our express train to Varanasi, the oldest living city in India. Varanasi was earlier called Banaras. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we experience a joyful rickshaw ride (India’s famous 3-wheeler vehicle) to the banks of the River Ganges – the holy river for the Hindus. Here we witness the colourful Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship. Aarti is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in god's divine form. This is usually done at sunset. You may sit and watch and even participate with the devotees. We have a 2-night stay in Varanasi.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Varanasi (2 nights) (Breakfast on board train, D)
Day 04: March 10, 2025: Varanasi
Early morning, after morning tea/coffee at the hotel lobby, we take a serene sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, soaking in the unique scenes along the river bank. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. From our boat we will see scores of pilgrims and priests bathe in the river’s holy waters and performing various other rituals. This unique experience will make us feel as if we’re looking through a window to another world. After our boat ride, we explore old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a huge marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir besides the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. After breakfast at our hotel we visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Formerly known as Isipatana, it is here where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma in his first sermon and It is also here that the original Sangha (Buddhist monastic order) was formed. We will see silk weaving before returning to our hotel. Balance of the day is free. (B, D)
Day 05: March 11, 2025: Varanasi/Delhi (Flight) & Delhi/Agra (Drive)
As we get closer to Agra, our eagerness to see this monument of love will start growing at an unprecedented speed. Evening, we enjoy free time and take a walk with our guide to see the Taj glittering - a treat on full moon nights, as today. We have a 2-night stay in Agra.
Overnight: Grand Mercure, Agra (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 06: March 12, 2025: Agra (FULL MOON SPECTACLE)
We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648. Built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques. (B, D)
In the evening we witness Taj Mahal under full moon light. On nights with a Full Moon the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Its stunning architectural beauty words cannot describe. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon and it shines like a pearl making the visitor stand agape at the spectacle. The romanticism and sheer majesty of the structure is unbelievably true!
Taj Mahal is monument of Love and to see it under the Full moon is a special treat.
Night view is allowed between 20:30 to 00:30 hours only for five nights in a month including the Full Moon night and two days before and two days after except Fridays and month of Ramzan.
Day 07: March 13, 2025: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur (Drive 245 Kms)
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water. Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. From here we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. To do justice, we have a 3 night’s stay at Jaipur. We have a 3-night stay in Jaipur.
Overnight: Hilton Jaipur, Jaipur (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 08: March 14, 2025: Jaipur (HOLI FESTIVAL)
HOLI is one of the major HOLY day for Hindus. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil, but above all it is the festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. To commemorate that, herbal Gulal powders in various colours (most popular being red and yellow) are put on friends, families and an opportunity to meet the eye of human love. Timing is from 10:30 Am To 2 PM.
The local dress is Kurta Pajamas usually in white colour and for this occasion we want to be part in spirit and in action. Bestway will provide you complimentary, a set (just let us know your size). The festival has DJ Music with traditional Holi songs followed by a Rajasthani lunch. Afternoon, you are free to either rest or walk around this Pink City. Late evening, we have dinner at our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 09: March 15, 2025: Jaipur
This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a ride to the Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century was never attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. At Jaipur we visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art. No visit to Jaipur is complete without visiting the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade. At the UNESCO site, Jantar Mantar*, we see a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. Evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Balance of the day is free. (B, D)
Day 10: March 16, 2025: Jaipur/Pushkar (Drive 140 Kms)
A leisurely drive to Pushkar the bewitching little town on the edge of the desert. Pushkar is famous for its temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk-coloured buildings clustering around its holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, (Hindu holy men). We visit the famous Lord Brahma Temple one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Evening, we walk through the town and a good opportunity of meeting local folks.
Overnight: Hotel Pushkar Palace, Pushkar (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: March 17, 2025: Pushkar/Udaipur (Drive 280 Kms)
Enjoy superb countryside views as we journey through Rajasthan to the city of lakes, Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and the region’s royal heritage is still readily apparent. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Centred around the shimmering Lake Pichhola, Udaipur offers beautifully intricate buildings set amid misty, rolling hills. It is also famous for the Lake Palace Hotel built as a palace on the lake and later turned into a deluxe hotel. On arrival, we check into our heritage hotel, Fateh Niwas. Evening free to enjoy a walk and have a feel the city. We have a 2-night stay at Udaipur.
Overnight: Fateh Niwas, Udaipur (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: March 18, 2025: Udaipur
Our exploration of Udaipur starts with a visit to this enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. At the Jagdish Temple we view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. Our tour of the romantic city of Udaipur ends with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces visiting Jag Mandir, a 17thCentury palace built on an island in the middle of the glistening lake. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer resort. (B, D)
Day 13: March 19, 2025: Udaipur/Depart Delhi (Flight)
After an incredible tour of India, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi where we check in at Holiday Inn Express Transit hotel for day room until 8:00 PM. After dinner, we board our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. We have the option to extend our stay and going west to Amritsar and visiting the Golden Temple and seeing the border flag lowering ceremony of India & Pakistan or going south to Kerala – God’s own country! (B, D)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Departure Dates & Prices
We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here
| 2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departure(s) | East Coast | West Coast | ||
| March 07, 2025 - ONE DATE ONLY | US$ 2995 | US$ 895 | - | - |
| 2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departure(s) | East Coast | West Coast | ||
| March 07, 2025 - ONE DATE ONLY | CA$ 4134 | CA$ 1236 | - | - |
Notes
Inclusions
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 18 participants
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.
Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378.
Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.
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