Holi India 2026
Our 2026 journey commences in Delhi on 27 February delving into both the Old and New Delhi before making our way to Agra. In the pink city of Jaipur we will celebrate the Holi colour festival before travelling to Pushkar, Jodhpur and the quaint village of Narlai before arriving in our final destination of Udaipur. We will ride tuk-tuks like locals, visit ancient forts and palaces, take serene boat rides on holy lakes and rise at dawn to the sound of the muezzin’s call to experience ‘real’ India as the cities wake. And we will, of course, visit the greatest monument to love – the Taj Mahal!
The peak of our journey will be the Hindu Spring Festival of Holi, which we will celebrate in Jaipur. Across India, the streets will explode with colour in a dazzling celebration of life, love and joy. We will be swept up in the mesmerising displays of dance and music on this hugely significant, joyous and unmissable day!
Throughout the itinerary we will stay in a collection of exquisite hotels ranging from royal hunting lodges to beautifully styled historic havelis and the dining experience will be sublime – expect ancient family recipes, modern fine dining and breathtaking settings.
There will be plenty of opportunity for retail therapy (the shopping here is off the charts!) and of course, you will enjoy the companionship of a small group of like-minded female travellers.
Join us on this magical journey through all the captivating contradictions, curiosity and colour of India….and if time permits there is an option to travel to the sacred city of Varanasi to witness ancient rituals on the banks of the mighty Ganges River – adding a spectacular final four days to your Indian immersion!
You will love
- Holi Celebration in Jaipur
- Spectacular forts & monuments
- Taj Mahal – the greatest monument to love
- Pushkar & the Thar Desert
- Leopard safari in the Aravalli hills
- Cruise on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola
- Rural Rajasthan tranquility
- Retail therapy at its finest
- Fabulous accommodation
- Optional add on to the holiest city of Varanasi
- All in the company of a small group of fabulous women!
Celebrating the colours of India!
DAY 1 | FRI 27 FEBRUARY | DELHI | 2 NIGHTS
Welcome to India! On arrival in Delhi you will be met at the airport and transferred to this evening’s accommodation, with time to join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink before retiring for the night & a good nights sleep in preparation for the fortnight ahead.
Accommodation: Golden Haveli Dharampura, Delhi – 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 2 | SAT 28 FEBRUARY | DELHI
Navigate the fascinating lanes of Old Delhi, soaking in the rich heritage of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw this morning. Later enjoy a walking tour of the spice market, silver jewellers and wedding outfitters along with a visit to Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India.
DAY 3 | SUN 01 MARCH | AGRA | 1 NIGHT
Depart by road for Agra and on arrival tour Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar. After checking in we’ll enjoy sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (the Moonlit Garden).
Accommodation: Tajview – IHCL SeleQtions, Agra – 1 night including breakfast
DAY 4 | MON 02 MARCH | JAIPUR | 3 NIGHTS
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and marvel at the changing colours as you explore the surrounding gardens and enter the mausoleum itself. After breakfast we visit a marble inlay workshop and stop at Sheroes Café before travelling by road to Jaipur, arriving in time for sundowners.
Accommodation: Padmaa Haveli, Jaipur – 3 nights including breakfast
DAY 5 | TUE 03 MARCH | JAIPUR
Set off early for a gentle walk through the quiet backstreets as Jaipur awakes. Wander the colourful flower and vegetable market before visiting the Hawa Mahal, Gem Emporium and stunning boutique hotel enclave.
This afternoon you can shop, relax or take an optional visit to Amber Fort.
DAY 6 | WED 04 MARCH | JAIPUR - Happy Holi!
Don your white kurtas and enjoy breakfast before walking to the nearby temple for a morning of colours and dancing.
Continue the celebration at a Holi party for as long as you wish – a day filled with joy and fun.
DAY 7 | THU 05 MARCH | PUSHKAR | 2 NIGHTS
Join a hands-on block printing class this morning where you’ll create your own keepsake, then drive to Pushkar for check-in and sundowners.
Accommodation: Pushkar Palace – 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 8 | FRI 06 MARCH | PUSHKAR
Enjoy a walking tour of the temples and markets surrounding the sacred lake.
This afternoon is at leisure for shopping or a massage before departing on a camel safari through the Thar Desert at sunset.
DAY 9 | SAT 07 MARCH | JODHPUR | 2 NIGHTS
We travel through the Aravalli Hills stopping enroute to visit a textile emporium and snack on samosas before arriving in the Blue City of Jodhpur.
Accommodation: The Stepwell Hotel, Jodhpur – 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 10 | SUN 08 MARCH | JODHPUR
Enjoy sightseeing in Jodhpur with a guided visit to the Meherangarh Fort and cenotaphs, followed by a walk through the blue lanes of the old city.
This afternoon visit a restored stepwell and Jodhpur’s leading boutique stores. Includes dinner.
DAY 11 | MON 09 MARCH | NARLAI | 2 NIGHTS
Travel to the village of Narlai, settle in with lunch in the gardens and enjoy time to relax before heading out on an afternoon leopard safari.
Accommodation: Rawla Narlai – 2 nights including breakfast & one stepwell dinner
DAY 12 | TUES 10 MARCH | NARLAI
Join an optional dawn hike for panoramic views before returning for breakfast. Later take a walking tour through the village or relax poolside, before enjoying a spectacular hosted stepwell dinner this evening.
DAY 13 | WED 11 MARCH | UDAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS
Depart for Udaipur, stopping enroute to visit the Botanical Gardens before checking in. Later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola as the sun sets behind the City Palace.
Accommodation: Fateh Garh Palace Hotel – 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 14 | THU 12 MARCH | UDAIPUR
Visit the City Palace on a walking tour before time for last-minute shopping or a visit to the local artisans.
This evening we gather for a special farewell dinner overlooking the lake. Includes dinner.
DAY 15 | FRI 13 MARCH | DELHI | DEPARTURE....or extend to VARANASI
If you are departing India today you will fly from Udaipur to Bangalore or Delhi and connect through to your international flight home. Inflight overnight.
If you can spend more time away you may wish to join our extension to Varanasi.
FRI 13 MAR: Fly to Varanasi, via Delhi, this afternoon. On arrival we will settle in to our Haveli with views over the mighty Ganges River.
Accommodation: Amritara Suryauday Haveli, Varanasi – 2 nights including breakfast
SAT 14 MAR: At dawn the city and the river are coming alive and a boat ride on the Ganges is an incredible way to start the day as multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to their gods.
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through the old town, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Early evening we will take a walk along the ghats, passing saffron-robed sadhus offering blessings, and watching life on the Ganges unfold. As twilight descends our walk culminates in witnessing the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony – a timeless ritual of fire, prayer and devotion.
SUN 15 MAR: This morning early risers can travel just beyond the city to Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, before transferring to the airport for our return flight to Delhi or direct flight to Bangalore – pending onward connections home. Inflight overnight.
Namaste and safe travels!
FOR A FULL COLOUR, DETAILED ITINERARY GET IN TOUCH
To request the whole adventure brought to life in a vibrant, full-colour itinerary please click here
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of stylish accommodation
Golden Haveli Dharampura – Old Delhi
Located in the historic heart of Old Delhi, nestled among the narrow alleyways of Chandani Chowk, one of the oldest bazaars in the city and just a stone's throw away from some of Delhi's best-loved attractions, you will find Golden Haveli Dharampura. Steeped in history, Golden Haveli Dharampura joins its ‘big sister’ Haveli Dharampura, in preserving India's important historical buildings.Read More
Tajview Hotel – Agra, Northern India
Set amidst six acres of landscaped gardens, the Tajview Hotel in Agra offers superior rooms designed with a mix of contemporary and Mughal design, all with magnificent views of the Taj Mahal. Tajview - a fantastic setting in between exploring all of Agra's treasures right on the doorstep. Read More
Padmaa Haveli – Jaipur
Padmaa Haveli blends artisanal elegance with mindful hospitality in one of India’s most enchanting cities. Set within a restored heritage building, this intimate property offers thoughtfully designed suites, locally sourced cuisine, and spaces that invite both reflection and community. Guests can enjoy luxury, comfort and solitude just moments from Jaipur’s cultural landmarks. Read More
Pushkar Palace Hotel
Dramatically perched over the shimmering Pushkar Lake, Hotel Pushkar Palace is a unique heritage retreat. There is no better place to sit and enjoy breathtaking views than on the terrace here, listening to the bells and chants of the nearby temples and ghats carried gently on the breeze.Read More
The Stepwell Hotel – Jodhpur
The Stepwell House offers an exquisite stay within Jodhpur’s historic quarter, adjacent to the city’s famed Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell. With its seven thoughtfully designed suites, the hotel blends contemporary luxury with centuries-old Marwari heritage. Guests can savour traditional Rajasthani cuisine, unwind on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Blue City, and experience Jodhpur’s vibrant culture just steps from their door. Read More
Rawla Narlai – Narlai Village, Rajasthan
Located between Udaipur and Jodhpur in the heart of the Aravalli Hills of rural Rajasthan, Narlai is the ideal spot to break your journey and take a breath within the busy itineraries of our luxury India tours. This 17th century property was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur royal family. Today, a real highlight at Rawla Narlai is the ‘Stepwell Dinner’, dining by candlelight Read More
Fateh Garh Palace Hotel – Udaipur
Fateh Garh Palace Hotel is a Heritage Renaissance Resort where luxury living and environmental friendliness go hand-in-hand. The property incorporates local stone and antique architectural elements and is home to two fabulous infinity pools, an indulgent spa and an impressive collection of vintage cars! Read More
Amritara Suryauday Haveli – Varanasi
Amritara Suryauday Haveli offers an elegant riverside retreat along the banks of the Ganges, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Originally built as a nobleman’s residence in the early 20th century, this boutique haveli features refined interiors, traditional architecture, and sweeping river views. The serene setting is perfect for immersing yourself in Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere while enjoying warm hospitality and personalised service.Read More
NEED TO KNOW
14 days - plus optional 3-day Varanasi extension
Rajasthan itinerary: 27 Feb-13 Mar 2026
Varanasi extension: 13-15 Mar 2026
14 days - plus optional 3-day Varanasi extension
Rajasthan itinerary: 27 Feb-13 Mar 2026
Varanasi extension: 13-15 Mar 2026
From AUD 8,890 pp twin share | Varanasi Add On from AUD 1,850 pp twin share
From AUD 8,890 pp twin share
Varanasi Add On from AUD 1,850 pp twin share
START: Delhi | Finish: Udaipur or Varanasi
HOSTED BY ‘JOURNEYS FOR WOMEN’ FOUNDER, SARAH HOYLAND
Highlights of your journey:
Discover the famed cities & hidden corners of Rajasthan
Explore Old Delhi’s bustling markets, mosques & alleyways
Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s vibrant chaos
Visit Jama Masjid — India’s largest mosque
Experience sunrise and sunset views of the iconic Taj Mahal
Admire Agra Fort’s beautiful Mughal architecture
Discover Jaipur’s majestic Amber Fort and glittering City Palace
View the ornate Hawa Mahal — the Palace of Winds
Celebrate the Holi Colour Festival in Jaipur
Ride a camel in Pushkar at sunset
Wander through its sacred lakeside ghats and colourful bazaars
Visit the dramatic Mehrangarh Fort towering above Jodhpur
Stroll through the vivid blue lanes of Jodhpur’s old city
Savour an optional opium tasting with the Bishnoi community
Dine under the stars beside an ancient stepwell
Track leopards in the surrounding Aravalli hills
Cruise at sunset on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola
Visit the exquisite Jagdish Temple and Udaipur’s City Palace
Explore artisan workshops & miniature painting studios
Dine on delicious regional cuisine
Stay in boutique hotels & heritage properties
Travel with a small group of like-minded people
Hosted by Sarah Hoyland
Create a lifetime of memories on this extraordinary journey!
Highlights of Varanasi
Included on the optional tour extension :
Witness sunrise on the Ganges by boat
Explore the atmospheric ghats along the river
Experience the mesmerising evening Ganga Aarti ceremony
Stroll through the maze of ancient alleyways
Discover the vibrant flower & spice markets
Inclusions
- Hosted ex Delhi by Sarah Hoyland
- 14 nights in boutique havelis, palaces & hotels
- Breakfast daily + Welcome & Farewell Dinners
- Stepwell Dinner in Narlai
- Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
- Traditional cooking class in Udaipur
- Block prinng master class in Jaipur
- Sunset camel ride in Pushkar
- Holi colour festival celebrations in Jaipur
- Leopard safari in Narlai
- Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola
- Walking tours in Old Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Narlai
- Bottled water on our touring vehicle
- All arrival and departure transfers on dates specified
- Land transportation in air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- All touring hosted by a qualified, English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees to monuments detailed
- Exceptional retail therapy opportunities
- All gratuities for porters, local guides & group restaurant meals whilst on tour
- Once in a lifetime, experiences throughout the journey
- Small group of like-minded ladies
VARANASI add on also includes
- Dawn boat cruise on the Holy Ganges River
- Walking tour of the Old City
- Evening boat cruise & Aarti Ceremony
- Visit to Sarnath
^meals in India are often a grand affair so three meals per day is often unnecessary. Where lunch is included, dinner may not, but there will be plenty of snacks available.
Exclusions
- All flight arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel Insurance and individual health requirements
- Additional meals & snacks + all drinks
- Room or flight upgrades
- Transfers to any flight other than specified airports in the itinerary
- Laundry, camera fees (minimal) and personal purchases
- India Tourist Visa
- Discretionary tip for Indian Guide (budget $250)
- Items of a personal nature & any item not specified
Minimum – 8 travellers
Maximum – 16 (plus host)
Your choice of commencement date may dictate the best possible airline. Please call to discuss your individual flight requirements.
Recommended Routings to Delhi : Singapore Airlines via Singapore | Qantas via Melbourne & Bangalore | Air India DIRECT to Delhi [Domestic add on flights available]
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 17 people (plus host).
A single-room supplement of AUD 2,200 applies if you are travelling solo and wish to secure your own room on the main tour, and an additional AUD 890 applies for a single room in Varanasi.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders require a visa for India for a stay of up to 30 days. A visa must be obtained online prior to arrival. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please be sure to let us know.
Hosted by...
Sarah Hoyland
Sarah is the Founder of our Journeys for Women collection and co-Director of The Classic Safari Company. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 63 countries, forged global lifelong friendships and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through the eyes of the ladies I host on our women-only soirees!'.
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