Diwali Special
Northern India Tour 2024

Day 1

​

We'll meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel to relax for a while. In the afternoon, we'll meet for a welcome lunch and then we’ll head out to do some sightseeing. Our Delhi activities will depend on thr group's arrival times but we may we do a cycle rickshaw or walking tour around Old Delhi. The evening is free and there is a pub just around the corner!

​

Hotel: Florence Inn

​

Day 2

​

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road to drive to Agra, the abode of the Taj Mahal. After some time to relax at the hotel, we’ll set out for our first viewing of the Taj. Crossing the Yamuna River, we’ll enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal. After, we’ll cross back over the river and head to a rooftop cafe for dinner where we’ll have a view of the Taj Mahal.

​

Hotel: Hotel Amar

​

Day 3

​

It’ll be a really early start today, for good reason! We want to get to the Taj Mahal before the crowds and enjoy the picturesque sunrise. After spending a few hours in awe at the masterpiece, we’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast. Later in the day, we’ll go sightseeing to see the Agra Fort and the Itmad-ud-Daula (also known as the Baby Taj).

​

Hotel: Hotel Amar

​

Day 4

​

Today takes us on  our first Indian railway adventure! We’re boarding a train to Haridwar, from where we have an hours drive to get us to our next destination: Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga. After our arrival in the evening, dinner by the Ganges will be the perfect way to unwind.

​

Hotel: Hotel Ishan

​

Day 5

​

Another early morning, but as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm! This morning, we’ll drive about an hour away from Rishikesh, up into the mountains to watch the sunrise at a Temple. The view of the sun rising over the mountains with a hot cup of tea in your hand is an incredible experience and a moment to treasure. After sunrise, we’ll go for breakfast and then head to the Beatles Ashram where the Beatles stayed in the 70s. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore. 

​

Hotel: Hotel Ishan

​

​Day 6

​

Before breakfast, there is the option to do a yoga class near to the hotel. After breakfast, we’ll drive 25km out of Rishikesh to a campsite where we’ll spend the next 24 hours relaxing in nature and enjoying the mountain and river views. Our campsite is accessible by a private bridge and we will be right next to the River Ganges. There is a small beach where you can relax and enjoy some downtime by the Holy River.

 

Hotel: VNA Riverside Resort

​

Day 7

​

We will have breakfast at the campsite and then depart back to Rishikesh. You can either return to Rishikesh by bus, or by raft! Rafting along the river Ganges is an optional but recommended activity! Today is a free day where you have plenty of activities to choose from – shopping, massages, doing a cooking class, or relaxing in a coffee shop by the river.

​

Hotel: Hotel Ishan

​

Day 8

​

We have some free time in the morning before we set off on our next Indian railway adventure, perhaps time to try a yoga class if you haven't already. Our train is from around 3 - 10 pm, so once we reach the Holy City of Amritsar, it'll most likely be bedtime

​

​

Hotel: Homestay

​

Day 9

​

After breakfast, we'll set off to discover the famous sights in Amritsar. For our exploration of the city, we’ll see the Golden Temple, Jalianawala Bagh and the Partition Museum. 

​

Hotel: Homestay

​

Day 10

​

After breakfast, we will visit a small Punjabi village where we will experience the true essence of Punjabi culture. We’ll assist with their daily chores such as milking cows, riding a tractor and cooking on a traditional open fire. We will try on Turbans and have a go at Bhangra dancing. In the evening we will go to the Wagah Border closing ceremony.

​

Day 11

​

​

Today is Diwali! Festivities usually happen in the afternoon and evening, so most of the day you are free to relax at the homestay or go off in a tuk-tuk to explore on your own. We'll participate in a Laxmi puja in the afternoon with a Pandit (priest). This is the traditional celebration of Diwali. After our puja, we’ll go back to the Golden Temple to enjoy the festivities. 

​

​Hotel: Homestay

​

Day 12

​

It’s time for our final Indian railway adventure and our journey back to Delhi. Again, the journey will take most of the day and we’ll be back in the capital by early evening. It’s our final night, so we’ll have a farewell dinner close to our hotel and raise a glass to the end of our epic adventure.

​

​Hotel: Florence Inn

​

Day 13

​

Sadly, the end of our tour has come and it is departure day. You will be dropped off at the airport for your flight home.

​

Included:

​

Airport pick up and drop off

Accommodation in 3* hotels

One night camping in a tent with a real bed, air cooler, and en suite bathroom

Three train tickets

Transportation in all destinations

Entrance fees

Diwali celebrations

Tour guides

Breakfast everyday

Most lunches and some dinners

​

Not included:

 

Flights

Visas

Travel Insurance

Optional activities such as hiking and rafting in Rishikesh

Drinks

Some lunches and dinners

Tips

Any Covid incurred expenses

​

A non-refundable deposit is required to book a place on the tour and the final balance is due 2 months before the tour starts.