Mackenzie (girlgoingtravel) - Diwali Trip to India

Right at the heart of India with gorgeous historical monuments in every corner of the city, Delhi boasts the eclectic vibe of India’s rich heritage and culture. A metropolitan that highlights all the different features that the nation is known for. What makes India’s capital city a popular destination amongst tourists, despite the chaos, it’s ideal blend of modernization, combined with it’s old city charm.

Delhi is a microcosm of India. Local markets or historic monuments, you can never run out of things to do here.

Day 1- As you arrive you can Start your Trip by settling in at the Hotel and head over to the Hauz Khas village, a stunning alleyway reminiscent of Japan, We will start the trip strong with an Evening Food Tour to explore Delhi’s Heart and fill up your Heart and your stomach with all the scrumptious delicacies of Delhi.

Day 2 – We will have breakfast and head out for a full day of guided sightseeing in Delhi and cover all the famous sites in Delhi along with an expert English speaking local guide who’ll give us in depth history about everything we see and as well as local insider scoops on myths and legends that come with it!

Jaisalmer is also called the ‘Golden City’, it’s been given this name due to the use of sandstone in many of its constructions. The biggest attraction is the Jaisalmer Fort, locally known as Sonar Kila (Golden Fort).

Day 3 – We will eat Breakfast at our accommodation in Delhi and head for our flight to Jaisalmer. Once we settle in at the Hotel we can relax for a little and head out for sightseeing and to catch a stunning sunset.

Day 4 – We’ll be checking out after breakfast and head to the Desert Campsite for our overnight Sleeping Under the Stars Safari Experience where we’ll have traditional Rajasthani meals, watch cultural performances, do a sunset Camel ride and Sleep Under the Stars.*

*Sleeping Under the Stars camping where each person will be provided with their personal Cot with Bedding and linens.

Labelled the ‘Blue City’ from it’s blue-painted houses, Jodhpur is a major tourist attraction. The Mehrangarh fort is arguably the best place to visit in Jodhpur, alongside other monuments like the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghanta Garh and the Jaswant Thada. We will go to the older parts of the city to see rows of blue houses, painted such to mirror the sky.

Day 5 – After a mesmerizing night under the stars we’ll have breakfast and start our drive to Jodhpur. After the journey we’ll relax and a little at the Hotel before heading out for Sightseeing in the city. In the evening we’ll see the whole city light up for Diwali and prep for the festivals.

Day 6 – On Diwali, we’ll start with sightseeing around the city. We’ll be going Ziplining for Sunset. And at night we’ll be joining Diwali festivities.

Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ tourist circuit of India. It’s Rajput era forts and palaces are a huge part of Rajasthani heritage. The Jaipur City Palace complex, the Nahargarh Fort and the Birla Mandir are all worth a visit, but the Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort, the two most illustrious monuments, are a must-see.

Day 7 – We have an early start today as we take a train from Jodhpur – Jaipur. Once we reach we’ll settle in and rest at the hotel. Later we’ll head out to explore the city which will be lit up for the Hindu New Year.

Day 8 – After breakfast we’ll head out for a full-day of sightseeing along with an English speaking local guide.

Day 9 – We’ll start this day at leisure, you can choose to stay in or go out to shop. After Lunch we’ll be heading for a Block Printing Workshop where we’ll learn the art of Block Printing and make our own small scarf which we take home as a souvenir!

The city of Agra is best defined by its historical treasures; it carries within itself not only a comprehensive history, but the entire culture of the Mughal dynasty in India. Other tourist spots like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikhri do hold their own place in history and culture, but the crown jewel of Agra is the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Day 10 – After am early breakfast we’ll start our drive to Agra visiting a few sites like Fatehpur Sikhri on the way. Once we reach Agra we’ll head to Agra Fort/Mehran Bagh for a Sunset view.

Day 11 – We’ll have an early morning visit to Taj Mahal along with an English speaking local guide and understand the rich beautiful history behind one of the wonders of the world.

Rishikesh is the perfect blend of holy temples brimming with culture, and adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. Practice yoga in its many ashrams, river-raft down the Ganga, bungee jump at Mohan Chatti, or simply unwind by the banks of the river; from backpackers to luxury travellers, Rishikesh has something for everyone.

Day 11 – After visiting Taj Mahal we’ll directly head out and catch a day train from Agra – Haridwar. Once we arrive in Haridwar we have an hour’s drive to Rishikesh and then we will spend the rest of the day relaxing after a long travel day.

Day 12 – We’ll start the day early and go on a Half day Hike from Rishikesh with a Waterfall where we can jump in and swim. Later at sunset we’ll do a Yoga Session overlooking the Ganges.

Day 13 – On this day we’ll go White Water River Rafting in the Ganges which will be 16kms long and cover up to Grade IV rapids. The afternoon will be at leisure where we can visit a few Temples and we’ll have another Sunset Yoga session.

Day 14 – Today we’ll have a Sunrise Yoga session and the rest of the day will be at leisure and you’ll be free to roam around. You can visit the Beatles Ashram, or just chill at on of the cafes overlooking the Ganges and unwind.

Day 15 – We’ll take a morning Train from Haridwar and arrive back to Delhi by Afternoon and transfer to the Airport

You can plan take a flight out on 10th November evening/night.

If you’re planning to stay back in India then we can also help you plan your onward trip based on your preferences.