Yoga Tour with Holi Festival in India

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Location: DELHI, RISHIKESH, MATHURA, JAIPUR, AGRA

Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrival in New Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is the capital of India and the third largest city in the country. It offers visitors a rich image of culture, architecture, and great human diversity. Its history, monuments, museums, art galleries, gardens, and exotic performances make Delhi a privileged destination.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi will take you to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Pass by the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue for Mughal royalty and now the busiest shopping area in the city. Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars of Chandani Chowk. Also visit Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial).
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi, including a visit to the 12th-century Qutub Minar. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) Pass by India Gate (a war memorial dedicated to the lives of Indian soldiers), the President’s Residence, formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House, and the Secretariat Buildings, an interesting combination of Victorian and 20th-century architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – DELHI – RISHIKESH BY SURFACE 240 KM/05 HS.
After breakfast, depart for Haridwar. The city of Haridwar, located at the foot of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Holy Ganges reaches the plains. Upon arrival, visit the Mansa Devi Temple via the Rope Way. In the afternoon, visit Har-Ki-Pauri to see the famous Ganga Arti and the floating of diyas on the Ganges. Then travel to Rishikesh. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 – RISHIKESH {INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL @ PARMARTH NIKETAN ASHRAM}
{https://internationalyogafestival.org/}
Come home to Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga and the yoga capital of the world, home to ancient yogis, sages, and seers. Every year, the International Yoga Festival grows and expands, embracing more and more people from more and more countries around the world. In 2019, we had over 2,000 participants from over 80 countries.
Connect with like-minded, conscious yogis and paradigm shifters from all over the world. Whether you are already undergoing a personal transformation or are seeking one, whether you are already an active co-creator of your own divine life or would like to become one, the Festival is for everyone! Make friends with a community that will be a family for life.
At the International Yoga Festival, you have the opportunity to embrace all major styles of yoga and learn from enlightened spiritual leaders, yoga masters, evolutionary thought leaders, and wellness specialists from around the world. Awaken to the best version of yourself and ignite your inner light through this unmissable event at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest interfaith yoga institutions in India.
The program offers an extensive schedule of possibilities, beginning with Kundalini sadhana at 4 a.m. for the most committed and ending at 9:30 p.m. with traditional cultural songs and dances, kirtan, and illustrated entertainment on the banks of the Ganges. You can customize each day to your personal needs. We also have a Sacred Sound Stage for you to come, relax, and awaken through the power of sound. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 – RISHIKESH
Full-day activities at the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 – RISHIKESH – AGRA BY SURFACE 430 KM/07 HRS
After breakfast, we will drive to Agra. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 – AGRA HOLI CELEBRATION
After breakfast, experience the festival of colors, Holi, arguably one of India’s most popular festivals. Spring is synonymous with celebration, and the best reflection of this is the Holi festival. Resplendent with vibrant energy, Holi is not just a splash of colors but a wealth of experiences.
India’s most vivid and joyful festival, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the time to play with colors. It is an occasion that brings unadulterated joy and gaiety, fun and games, music and dancing, and, of course, lots of bright colors. For many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and mend broken relationships.

People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colors, also known as ‘Gulal.’ They sprinkle people with colored powder while dancing and singing. Wearing white for Holi has become something of an unwritten rule; people often wear white for Holi just so the different shades of Holi colors stand out in their clothing. As you enjoy the festivities, you’re sure to hear people say Holi hai (It’s Holi)!
There are always a few things to keep in mind when celebrating the festival:
Make sure your face is well-creamed/oiled before and after the performance.
Apply a thick coat of nail polish to your nails so they stay protected and don’t get colored!
Oil your hair well so the color doesn’t stick to your hair and can be easily washed out later.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the Holi spirit.

The following elements are included in the Holy Celebration:

A pair of kurta-pyjamas
Playing with herbal colors and pichkaris (water gun)
Cultural event
Lunch
Bottle of beer
Later, visit Agra Fort, which is truly a city within a city, encompassing the Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-am (the public courtroom), Diwan-I-Khas (the private courtroom), the Octagonal Tower, and many more monuments. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 – AGRA/FATEHPUR SIKRI/JAIPUR (Distance 250 km/5 hrs).
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the Taj Mahal, undoubtedly one of the most romantic buildings in the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it is among the creations of which man takes pride when commemorating his love (Closed on Fridays). Also visit Agra Fort. The fort is truly a city within a city, encompassing the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audiences), the Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), the Octagonal Tower, Jahangir Palace, and many more monuments.

Later, depart for Jaipur en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Known as the city of ghosts, it was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory in southern India.
Arrive in Jaipur and check-in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 – JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning: Visit Amber Fort on elephant back. Amber is a classic and romantic Rajasthani fortified palace. Inside the fort, visit the Jag Mandir, or Victory Hall. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room with all four walls and ceiling completely inlaid with glittering mirrors, specially imported from Belgium during that period. On the way to Amber Fort, you will make a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds. Later: – Jaipur city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former royal residence, part of which has been converted into a museum. The Jaipur royal family still uses a small portion. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone and marble observatory. Located near the City Palace gate, the observatory houses 17 large instruments, many of which are still in working condition.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – JAIPUR – DELHI (200 km / 4 hours) LEAVE DELHI
In the morning, depart for Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the international airport to board your flight to Spain.

********************************End of tour************************************