India Holi Festival

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India Holi Festival

March 17-27, 2024 or March 7-17, 2025

From $14,999

March 17-27, 2024 or March 7-17, 2025

Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Udaipur · Jodhpur

11 Days

India’s beauty and diversity will enrich you with her culture, stun you with her modernity, embrace you with her warmth, and overwhelm you with her hospitality…

Our Zoom Vacation combines the ultimate luxury with seamless exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating countries. You will stay in the absolute best hotels and palaces in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, including, among others the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, rated number 1 by TripAdvisor

Of course one of your highlights will be visiting the Taj Mahal. For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, color and song. Since the 17th century, travelers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love; few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty.

With optional add-on tours to NepalBhutan, and the Maldives.

  • • Accommodations at the finest 5 star hotels and palaces in India
  • • Services of a Zoom Concierge throughout your trip. This trip is being hosted by Zoom Vacations co-owner Joel Cabrera
  • • Services of an accompanying English speaking local Indian tour guide for the entire duration of the itinerary
  • • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Buffet breakfast daily and lunch almost daily in exclusive forts, palaces and country settings
  • Cocktail reception and welcome dinner
  • Sunset boat cruise at the placid water of Lake Pichola in Udaipur
  • Celebrate the festival of Holi at the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace with His Highness & Other members of the Royal family.
  • Discover how Delhi evolved seven times under different rulers
  • Rekindle your romance as you gaze at the monument of love – the Taj Mahal at Agra.
  • Professionally guided tour of the 11th Century Qutab Minar Tower in Delhi
  • Professionally guided tour of Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, and other sites of interest in Delhi, including entrance fees
  • Rickshaw ride through the streets and markets of Delhi
  • Professionally guided tour of the Mahatma Ghandi Memorial in Delhi
  • Professionally guided tour of the 16th Century abandoned city near Delhi, including entrance fees
  • Professionally guided tour of the magnificent Red Fort in Agra, including entrance fees
  • Professionally guided tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra, including entrance fees
  • Professionally guided tour of the Jodhpur including entrance fees to the incredible sites in the Blue City
  • Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls
  • Professionally guided tour of Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East
  • Private decorated boat cruise on Udaipur’s stunning Lake Pichola with views of old walled city, palaces and ancient temples
  • Professionally guided tour of the City Palace and a private viewing of its Crystal Gallery (the largest in the world) in Udaipur, including entrance fees
  • Professionally guided tour of the 11th Century ruins and the a 15th Century complex of 108 temples near Udaipur
  • Farewell cocktails and evening event in a regal setting (surprise location)
  • Professionally Guided shopping excursions. Find incredible rugs, beautiful textiles, hand-carved marble items, and more
  • Much, much more! Contact us for more information

Space is limited. Call us today to book this tour:  773.772.9666

The Oberoi – Delhi (2 nights)

The best hotel in Delhi; an incomparable venue for business or pleasure, The Oberoi, New Delhi, enjoys views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb on one side and a calming view of the forested golf course on the other. Our 5 star hotel is a storied landmark and a celebrated example of Oberoi’s reputation for taking care of its guests.

The contemporary interpretation of Sir Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi in the interiors combines with a state of the art clean air technology offering the healthiest air in the city. Thoughtfully detailed throughout its public spaces, with superlative rooms, restaurants and guest facilities, this is a city hotel perfectly conceived for work or play.

The Oberoi Amarvilas – Agra (1 night)

Located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love, it is easy to rekindle romance at The Oberoi Amarvilas. Inspired by Mughal palace designs; with fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers unrestricted views of Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites, complemented by our warm, personalized hospitality.

Tastefully appointed accommodation, exquisite restaurants serving authentic Mughal and international cuisines, private dining beside the silhouette of the Taj Mahal and couples spa treatments with Taj Mahal views. At The Oberoi Amarvilas, your experience of Agra will be unforgettable.

Taj Rambagh Palace – Jaipur (2 nights)

Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.

The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. Within this most glorious of palaces showcasing the best of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, you also experience the best fine-dining restaurants in Jaipur.

Enjoy a royal Indian feast at Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom built in the 18th-century French style with huge crystal chandeliers. For multi-cuisine options, head to Rajput Room, our all-day-dining restaurant, or Verandah Café. Find Mediterranean delights at the lounge bar, Steam, or unwind in the sophisticated charm of the Polo Bar, with the trophies and memorabilia of the Jaipur polo team on display.

Take your royal retreat a notch further by indulging in signature treatments at the Jiva Grande Spa, where we envelop you in ancient Indian wellness therapies. Harmonise your mind and body with yoga and meditation.

With the exquisite palace offering a scenic backdrop, our large selection of indoor and outdoor venues along with the Sawai Man Singh Function Centre are ideal for royal destination weddings and business events in Jaipur. Complemented by the craft of our master chefs and impeccable service, the luxury palace offers the perfect package for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

Over the years, it has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy. We invite you to experience, like they have, the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality.

The Oberoi Udaivilas – Udaipur (2 nights)

Falling in love with the charm of the “City of Lakes” is easy when you are staying at The Oberoi Udaivilas. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, our resort is spread over 30 acres of luxuriant gardens, with an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that reflect the layout of Udaipur itself; whose seven lakes are linked by canals.

Superior accommodations, fine restaurants serving signature cuisine and a quiet emphasis on your wellbeing with daily yoga and personally curated spa treatments. All brought alive by the sincere attention to your every need that is distinctively Oberoi.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur (3 nights)

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world, set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.

Overload your senses – feel your spirit – Restructure your basic assumptions. This tour will touch your soul. Our 14-day India adventure of discovery takes you on a journey of more than just a destination, but perhaps even of yourself. Long after you leave you will be gently haunted by memories of a place, a person, even a sound, or the smells of tea, jasmine blossoms, and incense. This is not your average tour of India: this is Zoom India!

Day One – Arrive in Delhi

Meet & greet at Delhi airport by Zoom Vacations representative who will escort you to your hotel – Taj Palace.

Hotel check-in time is 14:00 hours.  Rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind from your long flight.

Evening: Welcome Dinner and Cocktails at a surprise location

Accommodations: The Oberoi Hotel, Delhi Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Day Two – Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Tour of Old Delhi – Visit Jama Mosque, is one of the largest & most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Drive past Red fort, built in red sand stone in 1648. This magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. drive past India Gate, this 42m high stone arch of triumph bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I the North West frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.

Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.

Afternoon: Tour of New Delhi – Visit Qutub Minar, the tallest free-standing tower in the world which was built in several phases.   Conclude tour at Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

Accommodations: The Oberoi Hotel, Delhi Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

Day Three – Agra

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Drive to Agra – approximately 4 hours.  On arrival check-in at The Oberoi Amarvilas.

Afternoon: Visit Red Fort, one of the most important strongholds of the Mughals. Continue to Taj Mahal by sunset, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Accommodations: Oberoi Amarvilas Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

Day Four – Agra to Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, return to hotel for breakfast.

Post breakfast drive to Jaipur – the picturesque five hour drive in our luxurious transportation will take us through India’s picturesque countryside as we drive past local villages and admire the local way of life.  En route photo stop at the majestic Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwells in the world, and possibly one of the oldest… an architectural delight.

Lunch will be arranged en route. Post lunch continue to Jaipur.  On arrival check-in at hotel Taj Rambagh Palace.

Later return to your hotel.

Accommodations: The Taj Rambagh Palace Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day Five – Jaipur

Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.

Morning city tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace museum that has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armory of Mughal and Rajput weaponry. The museum also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works that were acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II in order to fulfill his passion for astronomy. Also visit Jantar Mantar Observatory built between 1728 and 1734 – it houses precise instruments for measuring “the harmony of heavens” each instrument serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading.

Photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved.

Lunch at a beautiful restaurant in Jaipur.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy our wonderful hotel amenities such as the pool and spa, or to enjoy local shopping at specialty shops.

Accommodations: The Taj Rambagh Palace Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

Day Six – Jaipur to Udaipur

Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.

After breakfast, this morning transfer to Jaipur airport in time for our flight to Udaipur.

Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water’s edge, rising marble palaces of pure white that glistens like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism.

Upon arrival a Zoom Vacations representative will meet you at Udaipur airport.

From airport drive to the fascinating Eklingji temple complex. Eklingji, the town has in all about 70 temples including the famous Eklingji Shiva temple. The original structure of the temple was built in 734 A.D. The temple has a beautiful rustic architecture with distinctly carved tower. The temple also has beautiful and heavy silver doors. On entering the main hall, you are greeted by a mesmerizing fragrance and a silver image of ‘Nandi’. There are two more Nandi’s in the temple; one made of black stone and the other of brass. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a four faced black marble image.

Lunch at one of our favorite places in India

Later transfer to the Oberoi Udaivilas.

Walk around old city of Udaipur followed by a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola.

Accommodations: The Oberoi Udaivilas Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch

Day Seven – Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning city tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathii Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved ‘chhatris’ and of course the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.

Continue to Crystal Gallery that houses a rare collection of Osler’s crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. Culminate the tour at the Maharana’s Vintage & Classic car collection. On display are the magnificent Rolls Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall among others.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy our wonderful hotel amenities such as the pool and spa, or to enjoy local shopping at specialty shops.

Accommodations: The Oberoi Udaivilas Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

Day Eight – Udaipur to Jodhpur

Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and en route visit Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Surrounded by the Aravalli hills and located on the banks of ‘Magai’ river this grand and gigantic four-facet structure was built between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. The present structure of the temple came into being after 50 years of hard work by various artisans and sculptors. The temple is dedicated to ‘Lord Adinath’. Light colour marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which rises majestically from the slope of a hill with its distinctive domes. The temple has over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail and no two pillars in the temple are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. So with countless pillars and each different from one another, you are bound to be baffled by the beauty of this unique temple.

Lunch has been arranged at the former country lodge of a member of the royal family of Jodhpur.

Continue your drive to Jodhpur.

Check in to the award-winning, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

Accommodations: The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day Nine – Jodhpur

Breakfast, included, served at the hotel

After breakfast visit one of the largest forts of the country, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The fort is famous for its expansive courtyards, intricate carvings and multi-storied palaces. Our next stop will be near the fort, on the banks of a lake, the Jaswant Thada. This is the memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Made of gleaming white marble on a platform of red sandstone this monument is worth a visit.

Afternoon: This afternoon there will be time for shopping and enjoy the palace: its pool, the spa, and stunning grounds.

Tonight, witness Holika Dahan ceremony at the Outer periphery of Umaid Bhawan Palace. The rituals are performed followed by the lighting of the Holika (huge bonfire), representing the triumph of good over evil, folk songs and dances bring alive the rich heritage of Rajasthan. In mythology fire is believed to purify good from bad.

Accommodations: The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day Ten – Jodhpur and the Holi festival

Breakfast, included, served at the hotel

Today we participate in Holi – the Festival of Colors – as personally invited guests of the Royal Family of Jodhpur. A special champagne brunch will be served at this special location worthy of a Maharajas fest.

Holi is a spring festival, a celebration of love, frolic, and colors. The celebration is a free-for-all carnival of colors, where participants play, chase and color each other with dry powder and colored water, with some carrying water guns and colored water-filled balloons for their water fight! People visit family, friends and foes to throw color on each other, laugh and chit-chat, then share Holi delicacies, food and drinks.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy our wonderful hotel amenities such as the pool and spa, or to enjoy local shopping at specialty shops.

Accommodations: The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day Eleven – Jodhpur

Optional – Yoga activity for the early risers / meet the master perfumer of the Royal house of the Marwar.

Breakfast, included, at leisure in hotel

Morning is at leisure.

By 12 noon transfer to Jodhpur airport in time for your flight to Delhi.

Accommodations: The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Meals Included: Breakfast

Join “The Festival of Colors”

Tour details