India Through Her Eyes, A Wanderful Adventure over Holi!

Welcome to India!  

“Charming, capricious, imperial” (as John Foster Fraser wrote), Delhi, India’s historic capital is one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities, a juxtaposition of old and new amidst a panorama of seven cities spanning over a millennia. From the crowded cauldron of Old Delhi’s bazaars set around the giant Jama Masjid mosque to the imperial grandeur of British Delhi radiating from its landmark buildings, the capital is a compelling medley of chaos and good order. 

Arrive in Delhi, where a representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel and check in. 

Logistical Info

Individual transfers to hotels;

AF-214 @ 0415 Hrs.: Arrival of Ms. Ariel Goldeberg and Ms. Charis Talcott (Arrival transfer to be arranged by Pride Plaza) 

TK-716 @ 0515 Hrs.: Ms. Abigail Kiesa (Arrival transfer to be arranged by Pride Plaza) 

Main transfer occurs as follows:

QR-570 @ 0825 Hrs.: Arrival of Ms. Brandy Unfred and Ms. Lori Brese (Arrival transfer pick up and transfer to Pride Plaza to pick-up rest of the group staying there, and combined transfer to The Suryaa by Mini Coach) 

1200 Hrs.: Start for a guided temple tour from The Suryaa. Participants are Lori Brese, Brandy Unfred, Abigail Kiesa, Deynira Rios and Pam Garcia. 

1600 Hrs.: Start for cooking demonstration followed by dinner. Participants are Ariel Goldberg, Charis Talcott, Deberae Culpepper and Deborah McCabe. 

Accommodation: The Surya 

Meals: Breakfast (Pride Plaza) 

0730 Hrs.: Breakfast at the hotel. 

0930 Hrs.: Meet your tour Manager & guide – Ms. Dilkiran at the hotel’s lobby. Proceed for the tour of Humayun’s tomb after a short briefing from your tour manager. 

1000 Hrs.: Arrive for private tour of Delhi, starting with Humayun’s Tomb, a one-of-a-kind monument commissioned by an Indian woman.  

1115 Hrs.: Depart from Humayun's Tomb and drive to Craft Workshop 

1130 Hrs.: Participate in a traditional arts and food workshop.

1215 Hrs.: – Depart from Workshop 

1220 Hrs.: Visit Nizamuddin Basti and hear from inspiring women who are creating a more inclusive Delhi. Explore the renowned Darhag Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a revered mausoleum.

1320 Hrs.: Finish the visit and drive to the hotel 

1415 Hrs.: Arrive back at the hotel to relax. 

1800 Hrs.: Drive to Lazeez Affaire Restaurant for a welcome dinner. 

2100 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel.

Accommodation: The Surya 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the vibrant streets of Old Delhi, beginning at the bustling Chandni Chowk market. 

Drive through Lutyens Delhi, stopping at the beautiful India Gate. 

Spend the afternoon exploring a local wedding market.  

End the day with a visit to Shahpur Jat, and participate in an Indian stitch workshop. 

• 0900 Hrs.: Depart from hotel and drive to Khari Baoli 
• 0950 Hrs.: Arrive at Khari Baoli 
• 1020 Hrs.: Reach Fatehpuri Masjid 
• 1040 Hrs.: Depart from Masjid & Rickshaw ride to Gurudwara Sheeshganj 
• 1100 Hrs.: Arrive for Snacking & Ittar Workshop (split into groups of 7) 
• 1130 Hrs.: Groups swap activities 
• 1230 -1250 Hrs.: Walk to Baptist church (near Dariba Kalan) 
• 1300 Hrs.: Arrive at Chawri Bazar 
• 1320 Hrs.: Depart from Chawri Bazar & Rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid 
• 1330 Hrs.: Arrive at Jama Masjid 
• 1410 Hrs.: Depart from Jama Masjid & Rickshaw ride to Red Fort Parking 
• 1 hour - Lunch Break at Connaught Place (Guests to handle payment directly) 
• 1600 Hrs.: Arrive at Shahpur Jat 
• 1610 Hrs.: Visit Embroidery Workshop 
• 1645 Hrs.: Depart from Workshop & explore Shahpur Jat Market (30-minute walk) 
• 1715 Hrs.: Finish your walk & drive to back to the hotel. 
• 1830 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel 

Accommodation: The Surya 

Meals: Breakfast 

• 0730 Hrs.: Breakfast at the hotel. 
• 0900 Hrs.: Check out at the hotel and embark on a four-hour morning drive through the scenic countryside to Agra. 
• 1400 Hrs.: Reach Agra and check in for your stay. 
• 1500 Hrs.: Enjoy a privately guided tour to Agra Fort, a sprawling complex of exquisite palaces and courtyards.  
• 1730 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel. 

Accommodation: Trident Agra

Meals: Breakfast 

05:15 Hrs.: Begin your day at the break of dawn, watching the sunrise over the beautiful Taj Mahal

08:30 Hrs.: Return to the hotel for breakfast, before leaving for Jaipur. 

11:00 Hrs.: Check-out and drive to Jaipur. (6 hour drive)

12:30 Hrs.: Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace, a heritage hotel in Bharatpur.

13:30Hrs.: Continue to Jaipur. 

17:30 Hrs.: Arrive in Jaipur and transfer directly to Dera Mandawa. Experience saree draping and a henna application. 

19:00 Hrs.: Participate in the pre-holi festivity, “Holika Dahan” and "Holi Puja,"  with our host family,   Thakur Durga Singh Ji & his family at Dera Mandawa,  followed by dinner and hotel check-in.  

Accommodation:  Intercontinental Hotel Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

0800 Hrs.: Breakfast at the hotel. 

0900 Hrs.: Spend this day participating in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the spring festival of Holi with a local family! Dress in traditional clothing and douse friends & family with colourful powders. All beverages like soft drinks, beer & alcoholic beverages (wine is not included) along with lunch are included. 

1500 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel to rest and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure

Accommodation:  Intercontinental Hotel Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, lunch 

• 0730 Hrs.: Breakfast at the hotel. 

• 0900 Hrs.: Drive to Amber Fort. Embark on a privately guided tour of the Ambert Fort, a magnificent fortress palace
• 1130 Hrs.: Continue to Hawa Mahal & learn about the “Purdah system.”
• 1300 Hrs.: Visit City Palace & Museum, an exciting complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards.
• 1500 Hrs.: Finish your visit & spend some time for shopping. 

Accommodation: InterContinental Jaipur   

Meals: Breakfast 

• 0500 Hrs.: Those who opted for Varanasi Extension, check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi. 
• 1000 Hrs.: The rest of the group will be checking out and drive to Delhi. 
• 1600 Hrs.: Arrive in Delhi and check-in at Pride Plaza to freshen up & change before your flight. 
• 1730 Hrs.: Transfer to the airport to board the homebound flight. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pride Plaza 

Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2,000 years. 

Evening Aarti Ceremony 

0500 Hrs.: Post breakfast and assisted transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Varanasi via Delhi (Change of planes; about 2 h15m layover in New Delhi). 

0745 Hrs.: Fly to Varanasi. 

1230 Hrs.: Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel.  

1530 Hrs.: Board the battery rickshaws to the ghats alongside the banks of River Ganges to watch the aarti ceremony. This blessing is an offering to the holy river in which Hindu holy men worship with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. During this unforgettable evening, you will see oil lamps called diyas floating on the river and hear the sounds of countless jingling bells and people chanting mantras. 

2000 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson

Meals: Breakfast 

• 0500 Hrs.: Transfer to the ghats and take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges river, gaining an understanding of Hindu reverence for the river.  
• 0830 Hrs.: Return to your hotel for breakfast.
• 1030 Hrs.: Join a guided exploration of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
• 1430 Hrs.: Return back to the hotel.
• 1830 Hrs.: A traditional Thali Dinner (vegetarian) will be arranged at Shree Shivay Restaurant. 

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• 0800 Hrs.: Breakfast at the hotel and morning free at leisure. 
• 1000 Hrs.: Check-out at the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. 
• 1300 Hrs.: Fly to Delhi (note,  Ms. Abigail Kiesa – Fly to Aurangabad at 1430 Hrs.)
• 1430 Hrs.: Arrive Delhi. Ms. Ariel Goldberg, Ms. Charis Talcott, Ms. Camille Fron, Ms. Lelani Fetrow and Ms. Deborah McCabe will make their own way to international terminal for departure flight. 
• Ms. Melissa Lambert & Ms. Reyna Walters-Morgan will share the room at Pride Plaza for wash & change with dinner. (Transfers to be arranged by Pride Plaza) 

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Pride Plaza (Wash & change) 

Wanderful is a global lifestyle brand and community that helps all women travel the world by connecting them to their biggest asset – each other. One way of achieving this is through private trips. We seek out experiences that enable our members to explore authentic local culture in a sustainable manner. We take pride in interacting with local women and listening to their stories during the trip, while also empowering and prioritizing women-owned businesses.  

• Why travel with Wanderful: Community-centered and woman-led: You’ll travel in a small group of 12-15 Wanderful women who will feel like besties by the time the trip is over. Plus, our trips will be focused on connecting with and hearing the stories of women and connecting with locals.  

• Special perks for Wanderful members: Get an exclusive sign-up period, a trip discount, and a new charm for your Wanderful bracelet, just for being a Wanderful member. Learn more about joining our community here. 

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On this journey, you will discover the rituals and traditions associated with the jubilant festivities of Holi, India's most vibrant and colorful festival!  Rooted in ancient Hindu legends, like the love story of Radha and Krishna, you will learn about the mythological origins of Holi.    

A joyous celebration, Holi transcends barriers of caste, creed, and age, bringing people together in a spirit of camaraderie and delight. From the lighting of bonfires on the eve of Holi to the playful revelry of Rangwali Holi, you will celebrate with the locals, and experience the sheer exuberance as people gather to smear each other with bright powders and water, marking the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.   

Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other fascinating examples of Islamic architecture commissioned by Emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. It is an old city, and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a "forest that finds mention" in the epic. 

The Agra Fort is found in the Old City of Agra, dates to the 11th century, and was captured by several rulers before it was rebuilt by the Great Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century. 

Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the building of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, at the Agra Fort in a room where he had a clear view of the building he had made in memory of his wife. Shah Jahan is said to have died in this room in the Agra Fort. 

Upon landing, you will discover the historical marvels of Delhi, from New to Old! : Explore the grandeur of New Delhi's historical landmarks, including the majestic Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand as architectural marvels, reflecting the city's rich Mughal heritage. You will also delve into the city's cultural kaleidoscope, with visits to bustling markets like Chandni Chowk, where centuries-old traditions meet modern commerce. And of course, you can experience spiritual serenity at the Lotus Temple and witness the convergence of art and history at the National Gallery of Modern Art. 

Lastly, you will indulge your palate with Delhi's diverse culinary offerings, from savory street food like chaat and kebabs to exquisite Mughlai cuisine.  

Experience a memorable stay at the finest luxury hotel in Delhi by Pride Group - Pride Plaza  Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi. Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, this 5-star hotel near Delhi Airport provides the finest accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities and serves as a delightful haven for business and leisure travellers. Pride Plaza offers its guests a host of opportunities to feel at home and relish the true Indian treat. 

The Trident Agra Hotel, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, and landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. The hotel is only 1.5 kilometers away from one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The hotel derives up to 25% of its electricity needs from solar energy. The hotel is also equipped with an in-house Water Bottling Plant and Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s) for your everyday needs.

Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, just minutes from the international airport, the InterContinental Hotel of Jaipur offers a luxurious 5-star retreat in Rajasthan’s iconic Pink City. Blending modern elegance with world-class amenities, the hotel is renowned for its luxury accommodations, with 218 spacious rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s luxurious spa invites guests to rejuvenate with indulgent treatments, while the infinity pool and stylish fitness center provide a perfect balance of relaxation and wellness.