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. 

Accommodation: The Surya 

Meals: N/A 

• Embark on a private tour of Delhi, starting with Humayun’s Tomb, a one-of-a-kind monument commissioned by an Indian woman.  

• Next 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. 

• Participate in a traditional arts and food workshop. 

• End the day with a visit to Gurudwara, a Sikh place of worship. 

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. 

Accommodation: The Surya 

Meals: Breakfast 

• Embark on a four-hour morning drive through the scenic countryside to Agra. 

• Enjoy a privately guided tour to Agra Fort, a sprawling complex of exquisite palaces and courtyards.   

• Head on foot to explore the grounds of Agra at large. 

Accommodation: Grand Mercure 

Meals: Breakfast 

• Begin your day at the break of dawn, watching the sunrise over the beautiful Taj Mahal. 

• Return to the hotel for breakfast, before embarking on a six hour drive to Jaipur. 

• Enjoy lunch at a heritage hotel enroute. 

Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli   

Meals: Breakfast, lunch 

• Embark on a privately guided tour of the Ambert Fort, a magnificent fortress palace. 

• Continue to Hawa Mahal & learn about the “Purdah system.” 

• Learn from the City Palace Museum, an exciting complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards.  

• In the evening, visit a local host to participate in the pre-holi festivity, “Holika Dahan.” 

Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli   

Meals: Breakfast 

• 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. 

• Rest in the afternoon at your leisure. 

Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch 

• Spend the morning at leisure. 

• Head on a drive back to Delhi, checking in at an airport hotel to freshen up before your international flight.  

Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

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 

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). 

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

Evening, 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. 

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson

Meals: Breakfast 

• Take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges river, gaining an understanding of Hindu reverence for the river.
• Continue to the iconic Vishwanath Temple.
• Embark on a walk through the alleys of the old city bazaars.
• Join a guided exploration of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
• Continue to Varanasi's famed weavers' district.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: TBD

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Enjoy a morning at leisure.
• Check out from your hotel and transfer to Varanasi airport.
• Arrive in Delhi & board a connecting flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

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. 

TBD

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.  

Grand Mercure Agra is a 5-star hotel inspired by the city's rich history. Overlooking the Taj Mahal, wake up to a spectacular view from your room. At the poolside rooftop restaurant, soak in the city’s ambiance. The hotel is also conveniently located next to the metro station. Indulge in all your 5 senses as we capture the city's essence in its architecture, flavours, and experiences. 

Alsisar Haveli is a heritage hotel where guests can treat themselves to exquisitely indulgent moments and regal charm. More than five centuries ago, the grandson of Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer, the great warrior Maharao Shekhaji, founded a sub-clan popularly known as “Shekhawat”. The Alsisar Hotels is owned by this branch of the “Kachawa” clan of Rajputs. The descendants of the family have since restructured and refurbished many of the old family mansions and palaces to manage a portfolio of some of the best heritage and luxury hotels. 

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.