Discover Colorful India during the Diwali Festival
Diwali is one of the most significant and beautiful festivals in India, which is celebrated in autumn. No matter how many stories or legends there are about it, it is always a festival about victory, harvest, happiness, and reunion. This 8-day tour of India's Golden Triangle includes all the must-see attractions and an exclusive Diwali festival experience. It is a great choice for you to experience the local lifestyle and the colorful Indian culture.
Journey Route
Highlights
- Discover Old Delhi in Chandni Chowk with a rickshaw ride.
- Visit the Taj Mahal, the world-famous mausoleum that was built with perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship.
- Take a tuk tuk to Diwali Market to experience the happy atmosphere when preparing for the Diwali celebrations.
- Learn to make some traditional food for the festival in a local person's home.
- Celebrate the Diwali festival with a noble family in their heritage property.
Itinerary in Detail
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. Your guide and driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel. After you check in, you will enjoy the rest of the day at your hotel, relaxing and decompressing after your long flight.
Day 2 One-Day Delhi Tour
Starting with Old Delhi, you will drive past Red Fort. The national flag flying above the Mughal sandstone fort will make you say to yourself “Yes! I am in India”. Next, you will visit the sacred Jama Masjid, which is the biggest mosque in India. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk market, which is a great way to discover the local people's lifestyle in Old Delhi.
In the afternoon, visit Qutub Minar, where Qutbuddin Aibak announced the advent of the Muslim sultans. Then visit Humayun's tomb, the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb. Listen to stories about the splendid dynasties that were created by Indian Muslims.
Day 3Delhi to Agra (4 to 5 Hours) and Mehtab Bagh
breakfast and lunch
You will be driven from Delhi to Agra in the morning. Have a short rest after checking in to your hotel and then visit Mehtab Bagh in the late afternoon for a classic view of the Taj Mahal. It is a beautifully landscaped garden built alongside the Yamuna River. The garden is located behind the Taj Mahal and is purposely shaped to offer great views of this world wonder. Watch the Taj Mahal as the sun sets and imagine that its hostess is as beautiful as the sunset glow.
Day 4 The Taj Mahal, the Itmad-ud-Daula, and Agra Fort
In the early morning, you will visit the world's most elegant and extraordinary mausoleum complex, the Taj Mahal. This beautifully constructed garden mausoleum is a masterpiece that was created by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to show his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The closer you walk toward it, the more moved you will be by the spectacular ivory-white marble building and the emotion that sparked its creation.
Your next stop will be Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, which is a small yet elegant garden tomb that is often called the ‘Baby Taj'. This 17th-century Mughal building was constructed with white marble and decorated with colorful mosaics and stone inlays.
Then you will visit Agra Fort, which is an imposing red sandstone rampart that contains an enormous complex of courtly buildings. The tall sandstone walls, the elaborate stone carvings, the elegant courtyards, and the beautiful gardens present the glory of the great empire. The emperor Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life there in an octagonal tower with clear views of the Taj Mahal. It makes his love story both sad and beautiful.
Day 5 Drive to Jaipur (5 Hours), Fatehpur Sikri, and the Chand Baori
breakfast and lunch
You will be transferred to Jaipur by car. On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Find the trails of the great empire, Mughal, in this ancient town, which used to be the capital of Mughal. Listen to the story about finding the successor for the empire. Then stop at a village near Jaipur to find the most magnificent stepwell, the Chand Baori.
Day 6 Amber Fort, Diwali Market, and a Cooking Class
Start your day with the glorious Amber Fort. The corridor with elegant pillars, the lovely colors of the patterns on the walls, the shining mirrors in Sheesh Mahal — any of them can make you feel as though you have gone back in time to the great dynasty.
In the afternoon, you will take a tuk tuk ride to Diwali Market to feel the festival atmosphere. The main street in the ‘Pink City' and the market are well-decorated. People will be busy buying gold, silver, saris, kitchenware, traditional food, and other auspicious items.
Afterward, go to a local's home where you will learn about basic Indian ingredients and spices. Following the host's instructions, you will prepare a meal of authentic local dishes and some traditional dishes for the Diwali festival. Then enjoy dinner there.
Day 7Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, the Jantar Mantar, and Diwali Celebrations
Visit the less touristy Nahargarh Fort in the morning for a great view of Jaipur. This fort was originally built to enhance the city defenses and eventually became a summer house for the royal family. You can walk into the living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and cloakrooms of the maharajas and their wives. The beautiful colors on the walls of each room will impress you because of the natural resources they came from. The technique used to make these long-lasting colors is still a mystery.
In the afternoon, continue your trip to Jaipur's City Palace. The abundant exhibits highlight what life was like for the maharajas of Jaipur. Afterward, visit the Jantar Mantar. Be impressed by the wisdom of the ancient Indians.
In the evening, celebrate the Diwali festival in The Diggi Palace, which is a splendid heritage property belonging to the Diggi family (their ancestor was a land-owning nobleman). You will be welcomed in a traditional way. Then go to Durbar Mahal to celebrate Lakshmi Puja with the Diggi family. You can participate in some of the rituals. Join in with the festivities in the courtyard, such as dancing and burning sparklers. Enjoy the fireworks and live music when having a candlelit dinner. Enjoy a splendid evening filled with Indian traditions and light, happiness, and love.
Day 8 Drive Back to Delhi for Your Departure
You will be driven back to Delhi for your flight back home.
Asia Highlights Handpicked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
We recommend experiencing palace hotels, heritage hotels, or nice resorts in order to get the high-quality service and to your experience.
- Good location in the city center.
- A nice garden view and a very warm service.
- Great architecture combining Indian and Islamic styles.
Journey Information
- About the Date of the Diwali Festival in 2020
The date of the Diwali Festival in 2020 will be 14th Nov. And normally Diwali takes place over a period of 5 days. Booking your hotel will be very tight for the dates of the festival. An early booking will be appreciated so that we can hold the recommended hotel for you. - About the Car Transfers Between Cities
We will arrange private car transfers from Delhi to Agra and from Agra to Jaipur. Your guide will not be with you during the transfers. You will have different guides in different cities. Your driver will be able to speak basic English so there will be no problems with basic conversation during the transfers. - About the Meals
Many hotels offer buffets with a variety of cuisines from Indian to Italian and Asian. People who are looking to taste authentic local cuisine can try the restaurants specializing in barbecued tandoori kebabs and Indian naan bread. We also recommend trying out one of the many great restaurants that serve modern Indian fusion food. Let us know your food preferences and we'll take care of the rest. Make sure to inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements in advance.