Day 01:
DELHI – ARRIVAL – 18 MARCH 2024
Upon your arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel by RANG TRAVELS – representative.
After checking in and freshening up, you can start your exploration of Old Delhi.
Old Delhi is a historical and vibrant part of the city, known for its narrow streets, bustling markets, and ancient monuments. Here are some of the must-visit places in Old Delhi:
Red Fort (LalQila): A UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of India’s history, the Red Fort is a massive red sandstone fortress built by Emperor Shah Jahan. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
Jama Masjid: Located near the Red Fort, Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in India. It was also built by Emperor Shah Jahan and can accommodate thousands of worshippers at a time.
ChandniChowk: This bustling market street is one of the oldest and busiest in Delhi. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for traditional Indian goods, spices, textiles, jewelry, and street food.
Raj Ghat: This simple yet significant memorial is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It marks the spot where he was cremated after his assassination in 1948.
Remember to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places. Also, be prepared for the bustling crowds and chaotic traffic in Old Delhi.
Enjoy your time exploring Old Delhi and experiencing the rich cultural heritage.
Back to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 02:
DELHI – VRINDAVAN HOLI CELEBRATION AT BARSANA BY SURFACE (190 KM/4 HOURS APPROX) 19 MARCH 2024
Morning: You start your day with a drive to Vrindavan and check in at your hotel. Make sure to settle in and freshen up for the day ahead.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, you’ll head to Barsana, a small village near Mathura, to witness the vibrant festival of Holi. This festival is famous for its unique tradition called Lathmar Holi. Thousands of people from all over India gather in Mathura and Vrindavan during this time.
Lathmar Holi: Lathmar Holi is a prelude to the main Holi celebration and typically starts about a week before the main holiday. During this event, women from Barsana gather with wooden sticks (lathis) in their hands to welcome men from Nandgaon. This tradition is rooted in Hindu mythology, as it is said that Lord Krishna, along with his friends, visited Barsana (Radha’s village) to playfully tease Radha and other Gopis by throwing colored water on them. In response, Radha and the Gopis chased Krishna and his friends with sticks to playfully beat them.
Festive Ritual: Men from Nandgaon, soaked in colored water, arrive in Barsana and engage in a playful exchange with the women. Men sing provocative songs to tease the women, and the women respond by playfully beating them with lathis (wooden sticks). The men use shields to protect themselves from the playful blows.
Evening: After enjoying the festivities in Barsana, you will return to your hotel in Vrindavan for an overnight stay.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions and joyous celebrations of Holi in the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Enjoy the colorful and spirited atmosphere, and make lasting memories of this vibrant festival.
Day 03:
VRINDAVAN: HOLI CELEBRATION AT NANDGAON – 20 MARCH 2024
Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Vrindavan to fuel up for the day’s festivities.
Depart for Nandgaon: After breakfast, you will leave for Nandgaon, which is Krishna’s village. This is where Krishna spent his childhood, and the Holi celebrations in Nandgaon follow the ones in Barsana.
Unique Tradition: In Nandgaon, the legend goes that Radha and her friends, known as Gopis, would visit Nandgaon on this day to take revenge on Krishna and his friends by splashing colors on them. Since women traditionally do not go to Nandgaon, men and transgender individuals dressed as women from Barsana represent them and visit Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with the men there.
Colorful Welcome: When the group from Barsana arrives in Nandgaon, they are welcomed with water and colorful powders. This unique tradition involves men playing Holi with women in a playful and non-sexual manner, marked by elements of wooing and teasing.
Temple Celebrations: The main celebrations take place in the courtyard of the temple at Nandgaon. This courtyard transforms into a visual spectacle with a burst of vibrant colors. People from both Nandgaon and Barsana sit across from each other, singing, dancing, and engaging in the joyful festivities.
Evening: After a day filled with colorful celebrations, you will return to your hotel for another overnight stay in Vrindavan.
This day offers you the opportunity to witness a unique and culturally significant aspect of Holi, where men and transgender individuals participate in playful celebrations that pay homage to the playful interactions between Lord Krishna and Radha and the Gopis. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the incredible display of colors in the temple courtyard of Nandgaon.
Day 04:
VRINDAVAN: HOLI CELEBRATION AT BANKE BIHARI TEMPLE – 21 MARCH 2024
The continuation of your Holi celebration itinerary in Vrindavan sounds wonderful, with a focus on the BankeBihari Temple and unique flower-based Holi celebrations.
BankeBihari Temple: The BankeBihari Temple in Vrindavan is a significant place of worship, especially during Holi. The temple hosts week-long celebrations during this festive period.
Krishna’s Appearance: Bihariji, another name for Lord Krishna in the Braj area, is dressed in white clothes during these celebrations. This attire adds to the purity and spirituality of the occasion.
Colorful Atmosphere: The temple priests, known as Goswamis, play a special role during these celebrations. They sprinkle colors on everyone present, creating a colorful and joyous atmosphere.
Phoolonwaliholi: On the day of Ekadashi before Holi, which falls on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight, there are special celebrations at the BankeBihari Temple. These celebrations are held in the afternoon, and the temple gates open at about 4 pm. This unique Holi celebration is known as “Phoolonwaliholi,” which translates to “Holi with flowers.”
Holi with Flowers: Unlike the traditional use of colored powders, this celebration involves the use of flowers. People play Holi by showering each other with fragrant and colorful flower petals. It’s a beautiful and fragrant way to celebrate the festival.
Evening: After a day filled with these unique and spiritually uplifting celebrations, you will return to your hotel in Vrindavan for another overnight stay.
This day at the BankeBihari Temple offers a different perspective on Holi, focusing on spiritual devotion and the use of flowers instead of traditional colored powders. It’s a serene and joyful way to experience the festival in the heart of Vrindavan. Enjoy the devotional songs, the colorful atmosphere, and the beautiful floral celebrations.
Day 05:
VRINDAVAN – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA BY SURFACE (110 KM / 3 HOURS APPROX) 22 MARCH 2024
Morning Departure: After your overnight stay in Vrindavan, you will set out in the morning for Agra, which is famous for the iconic TajMahal.
Halt at Fatehpur Sikri: En route to Agra, you will make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. This is a well-known historical site of significant architectural importance. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The city was built in honor of Sheikh SalimChishti, a Sufi saint who had prophesied the birth of Akbar’s son, Jehangir. Fatehpur Sikri is renowned for its stunning architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to Agra: After exploring Fatehpur Sikri, you will continue your journey to Agra, which is famous for its Mughal-era monuments and rich history.
Hotel Check-In: Upon arrival in Agra, you will check in at your hotel and have some time to relax and freshen up.
Afternoon Sightseeing:
Agra Fort: In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical fort is known for its impressive architecture and rich history. It offers stunning views of the TajMahal from certain vantage points within the complex.
Sikandara: Following your visit to the Agra Fort, you’ll proceed to Sikandara. Here, you will find the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The tomb is an architectural marvel and is known for its grandeur and beauty.
Evening: After a day of exploring these historical and architectural wonders, you will return to your hotel in Agra for an overnight stay.
This day offers you the opportunity to delve into the Mughal history and appreciate the architectural brilliance of Fatehpur Sikri, the Agra Fort, and the Tomb of Emperor Akbar. It’s a day filled with cultural enrichment and historical insights as you journey through these magnificent sites.
Day 06:
AGRA – VRINDAVAN BY SURFACE (65 KM / 2 HOURS APPROX) 23 MARCH 2024
Sunrise Visit to TajMahal: In the early morning, you will visit the world-famous TajMahal during sunrise. This iconic monument of love, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaj, is a breathtaking sight when bathed in the soft, early morning light. The TajMahal’s pristine white marble and intricate architecture make it an awe-inspiring and romantic symbol.
Back to Hotel for Breakfast: After your visit to the TajMahal, you will return to your hotel in Agra for a hearty breakfast.
Depart for Vrindavan: Following breakfast, you will leave for Vrindavan, a sacred town known for its association with Lord Krishna.
Special Holi Celebration with Widows: Today’s highlight is a unique and emotional celebration of Holi with poor widows in Vrindavan. In India, widows have often faced challenging lives and societal restrictions. They were traditionally prohibited from using colors or participating in Holi festivities. However, in recent years, the widows of Pagal Baba Widow Ashram in Vrindavan decided to break this tradition and embrace the joy of playing Holi with colors.
Support a Noble Cause: By participating in this special Holi celebration with the widows, you will be supporting a noble cause and bringing some cheer and color to their lives. Your participation will contribute to breaking social barriers and empowering these women.
Hotel Check-In: After the emotionally enriching Holi celebration, you will check in at your hotel in Vrindavan for an overnight stay.
This day offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical significance, and social responsibility. From the awe-inspiring beauty of the TajMahal to the heartwarming Holi celebration with widows, it promises to be a memorable and meaningful experience. Enjoy the festivities, and know that your participation is making a positive impact on the lives of these brave women.
Day 07:
VRINDAVAN (MATHURA): 24 MARCH 2024
Your day in Vrindavan and Mathura seems like a joyous and colorful continuation of the Holi celebrations. Here’s your itinerary for the day:
Morning Visit to BankeBihari Temple: In the morning, the focus returns to the BankeBihari Temple in Vrindavan. The temple opens its doors to all visitors, allowing them to come and play Holi with Lord Krishna himself. This is a unique and spiritually enriching experience. The priests throw colors and holy water, and the crowd chants enthusiastically in unison. Being a part of this event until the temple doors close at lunchtime is an unforgettable and divine experience.
Afternoon Holi Procession in Mathura: After enjoying the morning festivities at the BankeBihari Temple, you will leave for Mathura in the afternoon. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is known for its vibrant Holi celebrations.
Colorful Holi Procession: In Mathura, you will have the opportunity to participate in the colorful Holi procession, which begins at Vishram Ghat. This procession is a lively and exuberant event, with vehicles adorned with flowers and children dressed up as Radha and Krishna, adding to the festive atmosphere. The procession is a sight to behold as it winds its way through the streets of Mathura.
HolikaDahan: In the evening, it will be time for HolikaDahan, which involves the burning of an effigy of Holika, the demoness. This ritual symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of the main Holi festivities.
Evening: After enjoying the festivities you will return to your hotel in Vrindavan for an overnight stay.
This day allows you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Holi in the very heartland of Lord Krishna’s birthplace. You will experience the divine connection with Lord Krishna at BankeBihari Temple and witness the colorful and energetic Holi procession in Mathura. The burning of the Holika effigy adds a symbolic and spiritual touch to the festivities. Enjoy every moment of this vibrant and culturally significant day.
Day 08:
VRINDAVAN 25 MARCH 2024
Your Holi celebrations in Mathura continue with the grandest event of the season at Dwarkadheesh Temple, which includes the tradition of making and consuming bhang (cannabis preparation).
Dwarkadheesh Temple Holi Celebration: Today is the big Holi day, and the main event takes place at the historical Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura. This temple is at the heart of the Holi festivities in the city.
Bhang-Making Tradition: You’ll start your day by visiting Vishramghat, where you can witness the fascinating process of making bhang by the temple priests. Bhang is an edible preparation of cannabis and is traditionally consumed on Holi. You’ll have the opportunity to try a glass of bhang yourself, if you wish.
Temple Opening and Holi Celebration: The Dwarkadheesh Temple opens its doors at 10 o’clock in the morning, and by then, a large crowd gathers outside the gates, playing Holi and showering colors on anyone who arrives. The atmosphere inside the temple is electric, with priests playing Dhols (drums), and everyone present singing and dancing in joy.
Join the Celebration: You are welcome to join in the celebration, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and be a part of the joyful singing and dancing that characterizes this Holi celebration.
Return to Hotel: After a day filled with fun and festivities, you will return to your hotel in Mathura.
Relaxation: It’s time to relax and unwind after the energetic and colorful celebrations. You can enjoy a peaceful evening and reflect on the memorable experiences of the day.
Evening: After enjoying the festivities you will return to your hotel in Vrindavan for an overnight stay.
This day offers a unique opportunity to be part of the grand Holi celebration at Dwarkadheesh Temple, where the traditions and joy of the festival come alive in a vibrant and spirited manner. You can also experience the cultural significance of bhang and witness its preparation. Enjoy every moment of this lively and colorful day.
Day 09:
VRINDAVAN – DELHI BY SURFACE (190 KM/4 HOURS APPROX) 26 MARCH 2024
After a series of vibrant and memorable Holi celebrations in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Agra, your Holi festival tour package comes to an end.
Morning Departure: After having breakfast at your hotel in Mathura, you will depart for Delhi, which marks the end of your Holi festival tour.
Conclusion: As you make your way back to Delhi, you can reflect on the incredible experiences, cultural immersion, and joyous festivities that you’ve been a part of during this Holi tour.
Tour Conclusion: Upon reaching Delhi, your Holi festival tour package officially concludes.
This tour has taken you through a journey of colors, traditions, and cultural experiences, allowing you to witness and participate in the vibrant and meaningful celebrations of Holi in the heartland of Lord Krishna’s birthplace. We hope you’ve had an enriching and enjoyable time during this tour, and you take home cherished memories of this unique and festive adventure. Safe travels!
