Nora the Explorahh

  • $1849 Per person + domestic flight supplement ($90)
  • 14 days (Delhi - Dharamshala - Amritsar - Rishikesh - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi)

Nora the Explorahh - Holi Trip to India (13-27th March 2024)

My name is Nora and I am a 27-year-old Full-time Solo Traveler. I love exploring new cultures, cuisines and natural landscapes especially in less-travelled places. Connecting with people is my favorite part of travelling and I hope you’ll join me on this journey!

I have collaborated with India Someday, a boutique travel company that specializes in curating custom trips to India and South East Asia. Their mission is to craft travel experiences that are as unique and diverse as the travelers themselves and that set right with the kind of trip I wanted to curate for us.

Together we have curated a Holi Trip to India with a perfect blend of Adventure and Culture and we hope to see you and make this journey memorable.

Day 1 - 2: Delhi

Hotel Name: Prakash Kutir B&B (OR similar)

Transport: Tempo Traveler for local sightseeing in Delhi

Activity: Guided tour in Delhi. Morning Cycling Tour. Old Delhi Food Tour.

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, is it’a 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 obviously always make sure to end your day with a good meal in Delhi.

Day 2 – We have included a Morning Cycling Tour and visit the 17th century Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and later the 16th century Tomb of Humayun. Evening Food Tour to explore Delhi’s Heart and fill up your Heart and your stomach with all the scrumptious delicacies of Delhi.

Day 3-5: Dharamshala

Hotel Name: Chonor House (OR similar)

Transport: NA

Activity: One Overnight Trek to Triund.

A backpacker’s paradise, Dharamshala came into prominence in 1959 when the Dalai Lama left Tibet and sought homage in this small town. With a thriving Tibetan community, one can enjoy their traditional food that includes momos and thukpa along with observing the scenic beauty that the place has to offer.

Day 3: Once we settle at the Hotel after our flight we Start with Lunch at a café. From there, trek all the way to the Bhagsu waterfalls. This traveller’s delight is one that you surely do not want to miss! You can then relax at the Norbulinga Institute or at another of the city’s cafes with a book or all by yourself.

Day 4: You can go to the Galu Devi Temple which is the highest point in McLeod Ganj. Later we will head to Dharamkot where we will start the trek to Triund. We’ll set up our tents, relax and soak up the Himalayas. We’ll have Dinner under the stars which is the perfect way to end the day.

Day 5: We will eat Breakfast at our Campsite and head back to the Dharamshala. You can end your stay in the city for something more calm and relaxing, visit any monastery or Stupa, The Dalai Lama’s Main Temple, Namgyal Monastery or just relax at a Café in McLeod Ganj.

Day 6-7: Amritsar

Hotel Name: Amritara Sadka (OR similar)

Transport: Tempo Traveler for Dharamshala - Amritsar and for local sightseeing in Amritsar.

Activity: Visit to Wagah Border. Early Morning Guided Tour for Golden Temple.

The world-famous Golden Temple is located in the city of Amritsar. Gleaming both in day and night, it gets its name from the Golden Canopy that adorns the top of the Gurdwara. Also visit the Wagah Border at the city outskirts, dividing India and Pakistan. Be sure to try the lip-smacking Aloo Parathas, Butter Chicken and the authentic Punjabi Lassi.

Day 6 – We Drive from Dharamshala to Amritsar. Once we settle in the Hotel, we’ll head over to have the most heavenly Kulchas Amritsar has to offer for lunch. History, national borders, communal meals, Amritsar has all this and more. After lunch we’ll start our journey to Wagah Border and experience the Border closing ceremony at Sunset. After returning we’ll have dinner at another famous spot in Amritsar.

Day 7 – We will have an early morning guided tour to Golden Temple. Coming to Amritsar and not visiting the Golden Temple is nothing short of an abomination. We’ll make sure you have a meal here; the communal meal (langar) requires what is one of the largest kitchens in the world, and you can also volunteer as a server at these mass food
offerings. Another must-see is the Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the historic massacre. Two other sites you can visit, provided you have the time, are the Gobindgarh Fort, and Independence museum. Make sure you spend some time indulging in the food here; try the parathas, chole kulcha, and the lassi from Kanha Sweets.

Day 8-10: Rishikesh

Hotel Name: Seventh Heaven Inn (OR similar)

Transport: Train from Amritsar - Haridwar. Later local transport is accessible and easy to avail

Activity: Trek to Kunjapuri. Yoga sessions. River Rafting on the Ganges. Ganga Aarti

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 8- We arrive in the Afternoon and have lunch and settle in our accommodation. On this day we can explore the town. The Beatles made their way to India to learn transcendental meditation. Today, this Ashram is one of the coolest places to visit, with a rustic charm & great wall art. At sunset witness the Aarti by the river at Parmarth Niketan, a daily tradition with spiritual vibes that’ll leave you in awe!
We will Eat at the Chotiwala restaurant by the banks of the River Ganges or at one of the many cafes by the river, like the Little Buddha or the Purple Dhaba throughout our stay.

Day 9- To witness the splendid sunrise, we will head to the Kunjapuri waterfalls, a scenic trail bound to get that adrenaline pumping. We will relax here and head back to the town. In the evening we’ll have a Yoga session at Sunset.

Day 10- Yoga & meditation are the soul of Rishikesh. We will commence your day at one of the many Yoga and meditation centres in Rishikesh. We will later make our way to experience River rafting on the Ganges. Zip lining(optional) & bungee jumping(optional) are other exciting adventures you ought to experience.

Day 11: Agra

Hotel Name: Bansi Homestay (OR similar)

Transport: Train from Haridwar - Agra. Later Tempo Traveler for Agra Railway station pick-up and for local sightseeing in Agra

Activity: Guided tour in Agra and Early morning visit to Taj Mahal.

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 Sikri do hold their own place in history and culture, but the crown jewel of Agra is the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Day 11- After a morning train to Agra we will grab lunch and settle in our accommodation. Later we head out to visit Mehtab Bagh, the Red Fort, the bustling Sardar Bazaar, and Baby Taj. An interesting spot to grab a bite is Sheroes café, a social enterprise run by acid attack victims. We will end your evening at a rooftop café with the view of the Taj.

Day 12- We will start this day before the break of dawn to visit the Taj Mahal at the break of dawn. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Day 12-14: Jaipur

Hotel Name: Marigold Inn Homestay (OR similar)

Transport: Tempo Traveler for Drive to Jaipur and for local sightseeing in Jaipur

Activity: Visit to Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori. Holi Celebration.

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.

Day 12- After visiting Taj Mahal, we’ll freshen up and start our journey to Jaipur while visiting Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori- a gorgeous step well along the way. We’ll grab lunch and settle in at our accommodation. Later we will head out again and explore around the city and get dinner at a restaurant in Jaipur.

Day 13- We are going to start this day early by celebrating Holi in Jaipur.  After Holi we’ll head over to Nahargarh Fort for Sunset.

Day 14- We are going to start this day early with a Cycling Tour in Jaipur and experience the Old City charm which leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits Jaipur. Later we’ll be visiting all the must-see spots in Jaipur like the gorgeous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), the Jantar Mantar, and the Jaipur City Palace. Later would want to make quick stops at these gorgeous locations – Panna Meena Ka Kund (stepwell), Patrika Gate, Gatore ki Chhatriyan (the royal crematorium) and Amer Fort. Photography lovers should not miss these stops.