Incredible India & Holi Festival February 25-March 6, 2026

On this 10 day adventure, you’ll explore the three cities known as the Golden Circle; New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This area is known for featuring some of the country’s most spectacular sites. We will be visiting forts, palaces, temples and of course, the Taj Mahal. We will also make a stop to visit one of Northern India’s treasures, Ranthambore National Park, where we will have the opportunity to see the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. 

We will visit Taj Mahal for sunrise, explore Asia’s largest spice market, wander through centuries old palaces, forts and temples, learn to cook local dishes, head out on a safari to spot tigers and leopards and more. To top it off, we will finish our trip celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, celebrating love, new life and the victory of good over evil as spring season is welcomed. This is one of India’s biggest and most celebrated holidays of the entire year and we can’t wait to share it with you!

India is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and we can’t wait to share this amazing country with you!

 

Day 1:

Welcome to INDIA!


 

Your trip begins with your arrival at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Most flights arrive after midnight, in the early morning hours.

You will be greeted by our driver who will be waiting for you and your fellow travelers with a Women Who Explore sign. You will be taken to your hotel for the evening to settle in and rest up before our incredible adventure begins!

 

Day 2:

New Delhi - markets & Monuments

two women in rickshaw in india
 

Namaste or Good Morning!! Start your day with a fresh cup of chai tea and a delicious breakfast with the before we head out to explore India’s capital, Delhi. With a history that goes back centuries, and as the second most populous city in the world, there is so much to discover here. 

In the morning, we will be picked up by our driver as we make our way to Old Delhi. Here we will enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through the city as we explore this old city’s labyrinth of narrow lanes, traditional Havelis, and colorful bazaars. We begin the day with a stop at Asia’s largest spice market dating back to the 17th century where our senses will be dazzled with delicious fragrances. Next our rickshaw driver will take us to visit Jama Masjid before we make a stop for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we will visit a few historical monuments including Humayun’s Tomb, Ghandi Smitri, and Delhi’s oldest stepwell.    

Tonight we will enjoy a dinner where we will be delighted with fresh, traditional and flavorful Indian dishes. After dinner we will make our way back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 
 
 
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Day 3:

Agra - Red Fort & Methab Garden 

two women in front of taj mahal in india
 

Rise and shine - it’s chai time. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will hop in the car with our personal driver as we make our way to Agra, home to one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World.

As our journey begins, you will leave the bustling city and head into the countryside where you will get to experience a completely different side of this fascinating country. We will stop to enjoy lunch along the way. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic - gotta watch out for cows!

Once we arrive in Agra, we will head to the hotel to check in, unwind and freshen up. This afternoon we will be meeting up with a local guide to visit the Red Fort and Methab Gardens. The Red Fort of Agra served as both a military base and royal residence to the Mughal empire during their reign. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. After hearing the stories of this interesting place, we will stop at Methab Gardens for a stroll and to watch the sunset with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. 

At our final stop of the day, we will meet local artisans whose skills and craftsmanship have been passed down through generations dating back to the time of the Mughal empire in the 1500s. After a hands-on demonstration, we will enjoy a dinner out before heading back to our hotel and snuggling into bed. We will get some rest tonight because tomorrow’s adventure is an early one!

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Day 4:

Taj Mahal-wonder of the modern world

woman in sari twirling in front of taj mahal
 

Today is a HUGE BUCKET LIST DAY!!! Our driver and guide will pick us up in the wee hours of the morning and we will meet our guide who will delight us with stories of the Taj Mahal, what it represents, and how it was created. After hearing this magical story and taking all the photos, we will make our way back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before checking out.

Today we leave Agra and drive to our next destination. Before we leave town, we will make a stop at Sheroes Hangout Cafe for snacks and drinks for the journey. This cafe is run by women who are survivors of acid attacks and started to give survivors a place to find acceptance, community, confidence and a means of income.

Tonight dinner is at your leisure and the rest of the evening you are free to relax and enjoy the property.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Day 5:

Ranthamborhe National Park 

group of women sitting in safari jeep
 

Wake up sunshine - it’s tiger time!! Today we have another incredible adventure for you!! Today we are heading out in search of the Bengal tiger!

We will be up before sunrise so we can begin our safari drive through Ranthambore National Park, a sanctuary famous for its wildlife. Said to have one of India’s friendliest tigers, it is also considered to be the best place in the world to photograph Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. While our goal is to find a tiger, two, or three, other animals that call this beautiful space home include the leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear and striped hyena to name a few. This sanctuary is also home to one of the largest banyan trees in all of India. We think this place is pretty incredible and it will give you some serious Jungle Book vibes!

After a morning safari, we will head back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast and the rest of the day is yours to rest until our next safari. In the late afternoon, we head out again for a second safari in hopes of spotting a majestic tiger at sunset.

We will return to the property after where you are able to enjoy dinner at your leisure, relax and catch up on some sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 
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Day 6:

Jaipur - Rajasthan’s Capital + Cooking Class

Today we will pack our bags after breakfast for our final drive of the trip. After a short 3 hours, we will arrive in Jaipur which is also known as the Pink City.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is a vibrant blend of both old and new as it has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries. This city has a lot to offer such as dazzling forts and palaces, art and textiles, colorful festivals and vibrant bazaars and so much more. Here there are endless places to explore!

Once we arrive, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy a light lunch. Around 4 pm. we will meet back at our hotel for a hands-on cooking class. Our local chef will pick us up and take us to a local vegetable, spice and grains market to show us how and where locals shop. Once we pick up our ingredients, we will head back to the kitchen to learn about the spices and how they are used in local cuisine. We will use the ingredients we purchase at the market to make several delicious dishes that we will enjoy for dinner.

Tonight we have a special treat for you, grab your favorite snack because it’s movie night! For those interested in continuing your adventure today, there will be an option to head to Raj Mandir, one of the most famous cinemas in all of India, to catch their latest Bollywood screening. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Day 7:

The Pink City + Choose Your Own Adventure Day

woman in sari posing in front of a palance in india
 

Today is your morning to choose your own adventure!! Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel, relax and sleep in, or choose to make it another BUCKET LIST day with an optional leopard safari. The Jhalana Leopard Safari Park is home to 30-35 leopards, and of that 6-7 leopards have their territory in the tourism area of the park. This park is becoming a favorite destination to spot leopards in the wild. Sightings are frequent but can not be guaranteed. If you choose to take the safari, you will leave before sunrise and you will be back at the hotel to enjoy a late breakfast.

We will meet our guide in the morning for a tour of the Pink City. First will take us to visit stunning architectural sites of Jantar Mantar and City Palace where we will learn about the history and stories that make these places so special. On our final stop will be the iconic Hawa Mahal, a photo must if you are in Jaipur. We will take a short break at the Tattoo Cafe for a drink, light lunch and of course, photos!

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city however you would like. Sign up for our optional hand-block print workshop where you will learn how textiles are created and have the opportunity for hands-on experience to create your own print block fabric to take home with you. Jaipur is known for its textiles and designers from around the world come here to hand pick or even create their own fabrics so this is sure to be a fun and unique experience. If you prefer to relax, you can sign up for an Ayurvedic massage or wander the bazaars and explore some of the local artisan shops.

Tonight is another choose your own adventure! If you are a foodie, bring your appetite and sign up for a guided street food tour where you will have the opportunity to taste 10 different local favorite dishes - or - you have the option to enjoy dinner at a place of your choice. Jaipur is full of exquisite restaurants with beautiful patios and stunning decor. The food tour begins at 6:00 p.m. is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours in length including transportation.

Meals: Breakfast (and Dinner optional food tour)


 
 

Day 8:

Holi - The Festival of Colors

women covered in bright color dye from holi festival
 

Today is another BUCKET LIST day and one you will always remember - it’s Holi festival!

Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant and exuberant celebration that takes place every year in India. This joyous festival usually falls in the spring, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of a new season. During Holi, people gather with family and friends, smearing each other with brightly colored powders and drenching one another with water balloons and water guns. The streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of hues, as laughter and music fill the air. Traditional sweets and delicacies are shared, and communities unite to dance to traditional folk songs. The festival transcends social barriers, as people of all ages and backgrounds participate in the revelry. Holi is not only a time of merriment but also a reminder of the importance of unity and the fleeting nature of life, as participants let go of grudges and embrace the spirit of togetherness.

We will spend the day celebrating Holi at a local festival where you will be able smear color, enjoy local entertainment, tasty treats and dance as you share this experience with locals and other travelers from around the world. We will enjoy lunch together before we return back to the hotel to shower and enjoy a relaxing evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

women covered in bright color dye from holi festival
 
 
 
 
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Day 9:

Amer City & Fort Tour + Time to Explore

group in front of palace photo in india
 

 

Today enjoy a delicious breakfast before our adventure starts. Our first stop is the most famous Lassi shop in Jaipur for a tasty treat to fuel us for the rest of the day.

Around 8:00 a.m. we will meet up for another full day of exploring the magnificent pink city. With our guide we will visit Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and a few other hidden gems as time permits. After hearing the fascinating stories of Jaipur’s royal families both past and present, we will take a break to enjoy a late lunch the Curry Spoon, a local restaurant that will make you feel like your dining with royals.

The rest to the afternoon is yours, you will have free time to relax, head out to shop at the bazaar or Jaipur’s souvenir shop, or relax with a massage. This is your time to spend however you want! 

Tonight we will enjoy our final dinner together at a beautiful restaurant. Together we will celebrate all the memorable experiences made on this incredible adventure through India with our new friends!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 10:

Namaste India, Until We Meet Again!

group posing with flag with palace and palm trees in background
 

It’s our final morning in Jaipur. We will enjoy breakfast together before packing our bags, checking out and saying our goodbyes. 

If you are flying out later in the day and want to squeeze in one last adventure, choose from an optional activity such as a hot air balloon ride, massage, artisan class, or a some last minute shopping.

For those who need a transfer back to New Delhi, we suggest booking a direct one hour flight from Jaipur International Airport (JAI) and arriving at New Delhi International Airport at least 4 hours before your departure flight. As an alternative, a private car can be arranged if preferred, the drive is approximately a 4-5 hour from Jaipur to Delhi (DEL) airport depending on traffic.

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