Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Old Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
883/DIWA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16 + if accompanied by an adult.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the vibrant Festival of Light, Diwali. Celebrate the victory of light over darkness as India illuminates with colourful lights, lanterns and liveliness aplenty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi
Saturday 26th October 2024. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2: Old Delhi
Location: Old Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a group Namaste dinner for departures in 2024. Please note there is no dinner included for departures in 2025.
Day 3: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Agra. Today we will tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India’s most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos!
We will also visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.
Day 4: Karauli
Location: Karauli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning, we drive to either Karauli or Dholpur. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please note: Lunch will be included in 2024. Please note there is no lunch included for departures in 2025, instead you will have time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Udai Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Seven Hills Tower, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur. What better way to kick off the day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the bustling city of Jaipur?
Afterwards, enjoy a breezy jeep ride to Amber Fort, a 16th century fortress laid out over four levels, and overlooking the glistening Maota Lake. Known for its artistic architecture, the palace is built with pearly-white marble, and pale yellow and pink sandstone. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur - Delhi. Today we drive back to Delhi. This is what you've been waiting for - the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, so you can be sure to see every market and building adorned with colourful lights and lanterns. There's plenty to do - from perusing the markets, to visiting the nearby temple, where locals will be offering prayers to their deities.
After visiting a local temple, we enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel and soak up the Diwali experience.
Day 8: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday 2nd November 2024. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels -
7 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
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Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
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Diwali - Visit to local markets and temple, fireworks and a traditional dinner
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Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
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Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur
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Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (For departures in 2024 a departure airport transfer is provided on day 8)
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Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
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Entrance Fees: USD$70-80pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
15 + if accompanied by an adult.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Thursday - Thursday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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