7N/8D Jaipur Elephant Festival Tour from Delhi

Embark on a vibrant and captivating journey through the heart of India on this 8-day tour.

Tour Overview

Begin your adventure in Delhi, where the dynamic energy of the city welcomes you. Explore the contrasting charms of Old and New Delhi, from historic monuments like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid to the modern marvels of the city’s bustling streets. In Jaipur, the Pink City, immerse yourself in the regal splendor of the City Palace and witness the ingenious astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar.

As the festivities unfold, experience the Elephant Festival of Jaipur, a magnificent spectacle where adorned elephants, vibrant folk dancers, and spirited musicians come together in a captivating parade. Continue your journey to Bharatpur, where the vibrant celebration of Holi fills the air with colors and joy. Marvel at the Taj Mahal’s timeless beauty in Agra, a testament to eternal love, and explore the historic Agra Fort. Conclude your adventure in Delhi, with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

This tour promises a kaleidoscope of experiences, from historic landmarks to joyful festivals, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of India.

Destinations Covered

Delhi: Begin your journey in the bustling capital city of India, where the past and present seamlessly coexist. Explore the impressive Red Fort and the iconic Jama Masjid, India’s oldest mosque. Immerse yourself in the solemnity of Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of New Delhi’s modern streets.

Jaipur: Known as the Pink City, Jaipur invites you to experience the grandeur of its historic architecture. Discover the opulent City Palace, a splendid blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, and marvel at the ingenuity of Jantar Mantar’s astronomical instruments. Embrace the magical Elephant Festival, where decorated elephants, traditional performances, and spirited games create an enchanting spectacle.

Bharatpur: Witness the exuberant celebration of Holi in Bharatpur, where colorful powders fill the air and joy abounds. Explore a meticulously restored haveli and observe the festivities from a serene vantage point. Later, venture into Keoladeo Ghana National Park for a bicycle rickshaw ride, immersing yourself in the beauty of its diverse birdlife.

Agra: Agra unveils the epitome of eternal love, the iconic Taj Mahal. Admire this architectural masterpiece’s exquisite beauty and hear the story behind its creation. Explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into the history of the Mughal empire.

This carefully crafted tour offers a harmonious blend of historical wonders, cultural celebrations, and architectural marvels, providing you with an immersive and unforgettable exploration of India’s diverse landscapes and traditions.

Detailed Tour Plan

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Delhi, included transfer to hotel. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight – Delhi

Day 2: Old & New Delhi

This morning, our welcome meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi.

Tonight, we enjoy a Dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight – Delhi

Day 3: Jaipur

Delhi – Jaipur. Today, we drive to Jaipur. Affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan.

We enjoy a tour of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar – an old yet cleverly designed space observatory. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 4: The Elephant Festival of Jaipur

Early today, we travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort – a sprawling Rajput concoction which hugs the hill on which it was built and overlooks the hot plains below.

We enjoy a stately elephant ride (Subject to Government regulations & availability) to the fort proper and tour the fort’s well-preserved interior and grounds.

This afternoon its festival time for the elephants of Jaipur and we will not be missing the parade! As we arrive to the showground at approx 4pm we’ll see camels and horses and lively folk dancers and musicians lead the carnival into Jaipur’s open air Rambagh Polo Ground. Groomed to perfection, glittering in gold, laden with silk tassels and intricately decorated with brightly coloured motifs, row upon row of elephants parade past the crowds.

Hoping to be ringside, we’ll witness the colorful celebrations which include the crowning of the Best Decorated Elephant, a regal match of polo played from elephant back and the comical bout of man verses elephant in a game of tug of war.  The days activities come to a close at approx 7pm. Overnight – Jaipur (B)

Day 5: India celebrates Holi

Jaipur – Bharatpur via Peharsar. It’s an early start today as the Holi festivities bring thousands of devotees out onto the streets in dazzling colour and good cheer.

Celebrated all over India since ancient times, Holi is an annual festival which takes place on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. Originally Holi was an agricultural festival celebrating the arrival of spring. In keeping with this tradition people now choose to celebrate the occasion by throwing brightly coloured spices or herbal powders into the air, symbolically they are ridding the gloom of winter and rejoicing in the colors and liveliness of spring.

Today the central ritual of Holi incorporates the applying and throwing of coloured water and powders on friends and family which gives the holiday its modern name ‘the Festival of Colour’.

Arriving at the small rural village of Perharsar, we tour a charming, rustic haveli (mansion house) with small courtyard and lawned gardens which has been carefully restored to its former glory. From here its a short drive to our hotel in Bharatpur.

After hotel check and time for lunch, you can pull up a chair and watch the Holi celebrations taking place out on the lawn. Later we will go to Keoladeo Ghana National Park for a late afternoon bicycle rickshaw ride and birdwatching. Overnight – Bharatpur

Day 6: The Taj Mahal – built for love

Bharatpur – Agra. En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water.

In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols.

Overnight – Agra

Day 7: Onward to Delhi

Agra – Delhi. After breakfast we return to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight – Delhi

Day 8: Delhi

Our tour concludes after breakfast. Goodbye India! We transfer you to the airport for your onward international flight.

End of Tour

FAQs about the Tour

Q: How long is the tour and which destinations does it cover?
A: The tour spans 8 days and covers Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra.

Q: What is the significance of the Elephant Festival in Jaipur?
A: The Elephant Festival is a vibrant cultural event in Jaipur where beautifully adorned elephants participate in a parade, games, and performances, showcasing Rajasthan’s rich traditions.

Q: What is the highlight of Holi celebrations in Bharatpur?
A: Bharatpur offers a unique experience of the Holi festival, where you can witness colorful celebrations and participate in the throwing of colored powders and water.

Q: How does the tour explore Agra’s historical sites?
A: The tour includes visits to Agra Fort, a UNESCO site, and the world-renowned Taj Mahal, offering insights into the grandeur of the Mughal era.

Q: Can you provide more details about the guided sightseeing in Delhi?
A: In Delhi, you’ll explore historic landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, and modern sites in New Delhi, offering a comprehensive overview of the city’s rich heritage.

Q: What is the significance of Fatehpur Sikri in the itinerary?
A: Fatehpur Sikri is a historical site near Agra, once an imperial capital and now a deserted city showcasing Mughal architecture and history.

Q: What unique experiences does Bharatpur offer during the Holi festival?
A: In Bharatpur, you’ll witness the joyous and colorful Holi celebrations from a restored haveli, providing an authentic and memorable cultural experience.

Q: How is transportation handled during the tour?
A: The tour includes comfortable transportation between cities, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without worries.

Q: Are accommodations included, and what type of hotels can I expect?
A: Accommodations are provided throughout the tour in well-appointed hotels, offering comfort and a chance to unwind after exploring each destination.

Q: How does the tour conclude in Delhi?
A: The tour concludes in Delhi after breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for your onward international flight, marking the end of your enriching Indian journey.