19-Day North India & Holi Festival
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$1,878 AUD
Private Supplement: +$763
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Details
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 6 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Have a group? Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Trip length
19 days, 18 nights
Meeting point
The Grand Hotel, New Delhi
Ending point
The Grand Hotel, New Delhi
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section to see the participation requirements.
Included
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Transport: air-conditioned small bus, 2 x internal flights, 1 x train
- Meals: 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 high tea, 10 dinners
- 18 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa Fees
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Our accommodation
India is a once in a lifetime experience, and we’re going for accommodation with comfort and character. A mix of 3-4 star hotels, with some highlights along the way.
Click the tabs to find out more
What our Patchies say
DAY 1: NEW 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.
There’s a lot to take in on this trip, so we’ll start things off with a relaxed dinner—just a chance to ease into the adventure and get to know each other over some good food.
Accommodation: The Grand (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Dinner
DAY 2: NEW DELHI
We’ll get right into it today, out and about enjoying a local breakfast. Visit one of New Delhi’s most famous sights: the Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque, which stands across the road.
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 (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast and High tea
Day 3: AGRA
The adventure leaves Delhi today as we head towards Agra, home of the famous Taj Mahal. It is a 4-hour drive from Delhi in our air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, take the chance to visit Agra Fort and explore before we reunite for a dinner at local restaurant.
We’ll retire to bed early today in preparation for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra (or similar), Agra
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: TAJ MAHAL
You might have heard that the Taj Mahal can be overwhelmed with guests, which is why we’re going to do things differently in order to get 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 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 Ranthambore: 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 today as you wake up in the heart of the Ranthambore National Park.
Ranthambore is famous for its wildlife and you’ll spend both the morning and afternoon in open-air safari drives. Tigers are the main drawcard here.
Seeing a Tiger is likely, but not guaranteed, so let’s cross our fingers and pray to the gods!
A magical dining experience awaits you back at our lodging. Step back to the days of the Maharajahs for an open-air garden feast under the open sky. Eat in ambience befitting royalty.
Accommodation: Ranthambore Heritage Haveli (or similar), Ranthambore
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & 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.
This evening, immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture with an interactive cooking class.
Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: JAIPUR
The Pink City Rickshaw Company is an initiative to open opportunities to 200 women from low-income households around Jaipur. This allows women to earn income as rickshaw drivers, something they were prevented from doing until only recently.
A group of Pink City Rickshaws piloted by smiling guides will be waiting for you at your hotel’s doorstep at lunchtime, but not before a morning visit to the City Palace. You’ll see Jaipur through their eyes and enjoy 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: Alsisar Haveli (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: JAIPUR
Just outside Jaipur lies a small village where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local Rajasthani women who are 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 weaving yourself.
You can also buy a rug to take home to treasure this memory (recommended to bring $50-$150 AUD).
Tonight you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and getting some serious Rajasthani cooking done, before dining with your teacher-hosts in their tranquil yard.
Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 9: JAIPUR – HOLI FESTIVAL
You’ll begin the Holi celebrations with a visit to a public celebration area, where you’ll experience the festival alongside local people and fellow travellers. This will be a short and lively event, lasting around two hours, offering a joyful introduction to the spirit of Holi. You’ll enjoy the cheerful energy of the crowd, play with dry colours, and see firsthand how this vibrant festival is celebrated across India.
After this lively start, we’ll continue to a private celebration that’s more festive and immersive. Here, you can enjoy water colours, a wider selection of food and drinks, and take part in the fun as you dance to the music, interact with your hosts, and enjoy the celebration.
Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10: 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.
Your next stop is Jodhpur – a 5-hour drive away.
Upon arrival, you’ll have dinner together in a well-regarded local restaurant.
Accommodation: Ranbanka Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 11: JODHPUR
Mehrangarh Fort is monumental in both size and impression. Perched on a hill with 36-metre-high walls, in the mid-15th century, this fort was the protection of the City of Jodhpur. Explore the series of palaces and ornamental courtyards on the inside.
In the afternoon, visit a local farm on the outskirts and learn to prepare a local meal. Yummy!!
Accommodation: Ranbanka Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 12: 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”. We’ll enjoy a slow walk of the town in the afternoon and imbibe the local life.
Tonight is a bit of relaxed fun: dress up in saris – girls will be girls! We will watch a traditional local Tera Taal dance and eat a variety of delicious food. It’s a little bit touristy, but who cares?! It’s day 12 of our adventure – time to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves.
Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal (or similar), Deogarh
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 13: DEOGARH TO UDAIPUR
India is famous for its trains, and this morning we’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 as a daily commuter by local villagers.
This is a noisy but real train experience as you mingle amongst the hustle and bustle.
From there, we’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’. We 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 14: UDAIPUR
Udaipur is a city worth seeing, so you’ll kick the morning off with a visit to the Regal 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 world famous 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?
Let’s eat together and get an early night: tomorrow has a lot in store.
Accommodation: The Clarks (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast
DAY 16: VARANASI
After breakfast, we head to Sarnath — just a short 30-minute drive from Varanasi. This peaceful spot is 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: The Clarks (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 17: VARANASI
Start your day with the soul-stirring Subah-e-Benaras prayer at Assi Ghat, followed by a peaceful sunrise boat ride along the Ganges. As the city slowly awakens, enjoy a quiet stroll by the river or sip chai at a local stall.
After breakfast and some downtime, join your leader for an orientation walk through Varanasi’s colorful markets—perfect for discovering Benarasi silk and local treasures.
In the afternoon, dive deeper into the old city. Wander its narrow lanes, meet dhobi wallahs, witness sacred rituals at the burning ghats, and feel the spiritual heartbeat of this ancient place.
As the sun sets, gather at the ghats for the magical Ganga Aarti. Floating lamps, ringing bells, and soulful chants fill the air—a breathtaking tribute to the sacred river.
The rest of the evening is yours to soak it all in at your own pace.
Accommodation: The Clarks (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 last gifts or mementoes in Connaught Place. Your guide will be with you to point out the best places. A final dinner awaits for you all to reminisce together.
Accommodation: The Grand (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast and 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 adventure!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is 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: 54.45 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 120 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.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
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.
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. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Indian adventure, we ask your contribution be:
- 4,500 Indian Rupee (Approx. $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 (approx. $135 – $155 AUD)
There are several airline company that offer direct flights to Delhi from major Australian cities.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable.
Whenever we can, we’ve chosen charming boutique stays that capture the spirit of the region – mostly around 3-star comfort, and occasionally we’ve snuck in some 4-star touches. Sometimes it’s the shared patio views or unique location that make a hotel stand out. Other times it’s the local character that makes the stay special, and in some spots, rooms might differ in size and style.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
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.
