Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
883/DIWA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through India during the vibrant Diwali Festival of Lights. Begin your adventure in Delhi, where you'll explore the bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar and marvel at the architectural wonders of Jama Masjid and the Rajpath. In Agra, witness the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal and the historic Agra Fort. Experience the regal charm of Jaipur with visits to the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, and enjoy a thrilling jeep ride to the majestic Amber Fort. Spend a night in the opulent Maharaja’s Palace in either Karauli or Dholpur. Celebrate Diwali in Jaipur, immersing yourself in local traditions, vibrant markets, and a traditional Indian dinner. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and private transportation, this small group tour offers an enriching cultural experience in the heart of India.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi
Thursday 16th October 2025. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2: Old Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Agra. Today we will tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India’s most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos!
We will also visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.
Day 4: Karauli
Location: Karauli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning, we drive to either Karauli or Dholpur. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Udai Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Seven Hills Tower, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur. What better way to kick off the day with an optional hot air balloon ride? Booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information.
Afterwards, enjoy a breezy jeep ride to Amber Fort, a 16th century fortress laid out over four levels, and overlooking the glistening Maota Lake. Known for its artistic architecture, the palace is built with pearly-white marble, and pale yellow and pink sandstone. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur - Delhi. Today we drive back to Delhi. This is what you've been waiting for - the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, so you can be sure to see every market and building adorned with colourful lights and lanterns. There's plenty to do - from perusing the markets, to visiting the nearby temple, where locals will be offering prayers to their deities.
After visiting a local temple, we enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel and soak up the Diwali experience.
Day 8: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Thursday 23rd October 2025. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels -
7 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-4 star and heritage hotels is included.
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Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
Daily breakfast and 2 dinners are included in the tour.
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Diwali - Visit to local markets and temple, fireworks and a traditional dinner
Experience Diwali with visits to local markets and temples, enjoy fireworks, and have a traditional dinner.
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Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
Guided sightseeing tours in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra are included.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
All necessary transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.
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Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur
Travel by jeep to visit the beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur is included.
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Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 is included.
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Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. -
Departure Airport Transfer
Departure airport transfer is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees of USD$70-80 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.
Age Policy
15 + if accompanied by an adult.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles, including a jeep ride to Amber Fort and an airport arrival transfer on day 1.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 3-4 star and heritage hotels, including stays at the Maharaja's Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli or the Raj Niwas Palace in Dholpur, offering a blend of Oriental and Art Deco architecture.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the significance of the Diwali festival during the tour?
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness. During the tour, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere with markets and buildings adorned with colorful lights and lanterns. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local temple where prayers are offered, and enjoy a traditional Indian dinner to soak up the Diwali experience.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star and heritage hotels. You will stay in places like the Jaypee Siddharth Hotel in Delhi, Vivanta by Taj Dwarka in Delhi, Mandawa Haveli in Jaipur, and the Udai Vilas Palace in Bharatpur. In Karauli or Dholpur, you will stay at heritage-listed hotels such as the Palace Bhanwar Vilas or the Raj Niwas Palace.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
The tour includes guided sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, a rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, a jeep ride to Amber Fort, and participation in Diwali celebrations. You will also have the opportunity to explore local markets and temples.
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Is there an option for a hot air balloon ride during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional hot air balloon ride available in Jaipur. This activity can be booked and paid for locally, and further information is provided in the trip notes.
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Will there be a tour guide accompanying us throughout the trip?
Yes, for groups of 4 or more, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide. Additionally, there are services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 is included in the tour package. However, the departure airport transfer is not included and can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Thursday - Thursday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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