4N/5D Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival Tour

Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival

Discover the vibrant tapestry of India on this enriching journey.

Tour Overview

Begin your adventure in Delhi, immersing yourself in the capital’s cultural treasures. Next, experience the exhilarating Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib, where you’ll witness awe-inspiring mock martial arts battles, archery displays, and captivating festivities. Retreat to the tranquil Kikar Lodge at Kangar Village, your base to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Marvel at sculptures crafted from urban waste at Chandigarh’s Rock Garden and soak in the serenity of Sukhna Lake.

For those seeking an extended exploration, consider the Golden Triangle Tour, a captivating odyssey through Delhi’s historic marvels, the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, and the regal elegance of Jaipur. Traverse through the storied Amber Fort and visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Journey to the semi-desert Shekhawati region, where painted havelis chronicle the legacy of prosperous merchants. Whether you choose the extended Golden Triangle tour or the core itinerary, this expedition offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from cultural festivals to historical marvels, leaving you with cherished memories of India’s diverse wonders.

Destinations Covered

Delhi: India’s vibrant capital, Delhi, welcomes you with a fusion of history and modernity. Explore its iconic landmarks, from the impressive Red Fort to the serene Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Wander through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, immerse yourself in the cultural diversity, and savor the flavors of classic Indian cuisine.

Anandpur Sahib: Experience the exhilarating Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib, a holy city of great significance for the Sikh community. Witness the captivating Gatka mock martial arts battles, archery displays, and other colorful festivities that celebrate Sikh traditions and culture.

Kangar Village: Find tranquility at the Kikar Lodge in Kangar Village, your base to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Immerse yourself in the surrounding natural trails, engage in sports like volleyball and badminton, and enjoy leisurely buffalo cart or tractor rides.

Chandigarh: Explore the unique Rock Garden, where industrial and urban waste is transformed into captivating sculptures. Discover the picturesque Sukhna Lake, a popular spot for water sports and relaxation, offering a serene escape in the midst of the city.

Agra: Be awestruck by the majestic Taj Mahal, a timeless testament to love and architectural brilliance. Explore the historic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Mughal grandeur and craftsmanship.

Jaipur: Experience the royal heritage of the Pink City, Jaipur, as you explore the 16th-century Amber Fort, perched atop a hill and accessible by an exotic elephant ride. Discover the regal City Palace and the ancient Jantar Mantar observatory, a testament to India’s rich astronomical history.

Shekhawati Region: Immerse yourself in the semi-desert Shekhawati region, where exquisite painted havelis bear witness to the opulent legacy of wealthy merchants. Embark on a village walk and soak in the rustic charm of rural India.

Each destination on this tour offers a unique perspective, from cultural celebrations and historical marvels to tranquil retreats and interactions with local communities. It’s a journey that spans the diverse tapestry of India, leaving you with a profound appreciation for its rich heritage and dynamic landscapes.

Detailed Tour Plan

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive into New Delhi and be transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure exploring India’s capital. Overnight – Delhi

Days 2 – 3: Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib

Delhi – Kangar Village. After breakfast on day 2 we climb aboard the Shatabdi Express train north to Chandigarh, passing through the picturesque state of Haryana which is blessed with lush green scenery and beautiful lakes and rivers. Upon arrival in Chandigarh we are driven to the tranquil Kikar Lodge in Kangar Village.

Kikar Lodge

This is our base for the next 3 nights, while we attend the prestigious Hola Mohalla festival in the nearby holy city of Anandpur Sahib. Hola Mohalla is an annual 3 day festival which occurs during the first lunar month of Chet.

Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival

We spend the remains of day 2 and day 3 at the Holla Mohalla Festival, where we’ll witness all the colorful festivities which include dramatic mock martial arts battles (known as Gatka), impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling.

Hola Mohalla Sikh FestivalThere’s also music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting, while food is served to pilgrims from all castes and creeds by women from the neighboring villages, who set up langars (community kitchens). This is impressive and humbling to watch as regardless of caste, all Sikh’s sit together.

Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival

There are also exciting horse riding displays from the Nahib Sikh Army where the riders gallop bareback, performing tricks like riding astride two horses. One of the main attractions at the festival are the Nehangs – a prestigious armed Sikh order who wear a striking blend of blue and orange, with twisted moustaches and staggeringly giant embellished turbans. Any keen photographers will have a whale of a time here with all the amazing sights and vibrant colors on show. Overnight – Kangar Village

Day 4: Kikar

Today is yours to spend at leisure. Anyone who wants to return to the Hola Mohalla Festival can do so, or there are plenty of other forms of entertainment. The lodge is surrounded by nature trails for any keen walkers and wildlife is here in abundance. Sporting activities include volleyball and badminton and there’s the opportunity to take a leisurely buffalo cart or tractor ride. Overnight – Kangar Village

Day 5: Delhi

Kangar – Chandigarh – Delhi. Today we travel back to Chandigarh and explore its wonderful Rock Garden. This unique attraction displays numerous sculptures made entirely from industrial and urban waste.

rock-garden-chandigarhLook out for sculptures made out of mudguards and marbles, broken bangles and brake pads or even handle bars and hubcaps! Next we head over to Sukhna Lake. This picturesque manmade lake is 3 km in length and is very popular with water sports fans and is a great place to relax and unwind. Early this evening we travel by train back down to Delhi.

Once back in Delhi we are transferred back to the airport for onward journeys. Tour end.

OPTION – Add on 6 days Golden Triangle tour of Delhi Agra Jaipur!

If you are coming to India for the first time, have a few more days available then you may consider adding a Golden Triangle Tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to the above tour plan for a rich experience. This is the best option because the 3 cities have unique past, forts, palaces and museums which offer a unique insight into the past.

Day 6: Old Delhi

This morning We’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more.

Red FortJama Masjid DelhiMahatma Gandhi's Memorial DelhiTonight, we enjoy Dinner at a restaurant specializing in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight – Delhi

Day 7: Taj Mahal

Delhi – Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here, we will visit the legendary Taj Mahal.

Taj-Mahal

Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Continuing, we visit Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind it’s fortified walls. Overnight – Agra

Day 8: Agra

Agra – Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water.

fatehpur sikri

We enjoy lunch at Udai Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before taking a walk through the nearby rural village Peharsar. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 9: Jaipur

amber fort jaipurAfter breakfast we travel to the 16th century Amber Fort.

Elephant ride to the fort

An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza.

City Palace jaipur Jantar Mantar jaipurLater in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 10: Village life, rural India

Jaipur – Surajgarh/ Shekhawati region. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region.

beautiful-Havelis-of-the-Shekhawati-region

The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Afternoon village walk and time to relax. Overnight – Surajgarh

Day 11: Surajgarh to Delhi

Shekhawati region – Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight – Delhi

Day 12: Delhi

Saturday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.

End of Tour

FAQs about the Tour

Q: How do I reach Delhi, the starting point of the tour?
A: You can reach Delhi by air, as it’s a major international and domestic gateway. The tour typically begins with your arrival at New Delhi airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to the hotel.

Q: What is the Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib?
A: Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival celebrated with vibrant mock martial arts battles, archery displays, music, prayers, and communal dining. It offers a unique insight into Sikh traditions and culture.

Q: Can I attend the Hola Mohalla festival if I join the extended Golden Triangle tour?
A: The Hola Mohalla festival is part of the core tour plan and is not included in the extended Golden Triangle tour. However, you can customize your itinerary to include the festival if desired.

Q: What activities are available at Kikar Lodge in Kangar Village?
A: Kikar Lodge offers a variety of activities, including nature trails, wildlife spotting, volleyball, badminton, and even leisurely buffalo cart or tractor rides for a touch of rural charm.

Q: What is the significance of the Rock Garden in Chandigarh?
A: The Rock Garden is a unique attraction where sculptures are created from industrial and urban waste. It showcases creativity, recycling, and artistic expression in an eco-friendly manner.

Q: What is the best time to witness the Taj Mahal in Agra?
A: The Taj Mahal is especially breathtaking during sunrise or sunset when the play of light accentuates its beauty. Early mornings are often less crowded and offer a serene ambiance.

Q: Can I extend the tour with the Golden Triangle option?
A: Yes, you can choose to extend the tour with the 6-day Golden Triangle option, which covers Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. It’s a great opportunity to explore additional historical and cultural gems.

Q: What is the Amber Fort in Jaipur?
A: The Amber Fort is a majestic hilltop fortress with a rich history. You can reach the fort through an exotic elephant ride and explore its intricate architecture, courtyards, and palaces.

Q: How do I experience village life in the Shekhawati region?
A: The tour provides an opportunity to walk through rural villages and engage with local communities. This gives you an authentic glimpse into village life and traditions.

Q: How do I return to Delhi at the end of the tour?
A: The tour concludes with your return to Delhi by train. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your enriching exploration of India.

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