alluringindia

Holi is one of the most popular festivals of India and what better way to experience this colorful nation than to visit during the month of festival of colors. Holi is popularly known as the Indian ‘festivity of spring’, the ‘festivity of colors, or the ‘festivity of love’. The celebration implies the beginning of spring, the dispersal of winter and for some, a festive day to meet others, play and snicker, forgive and forget and fix broken relations. The celebration marks the start of a decent spring harvest season. Holi festivities start on the prior night of Holi with a Holika Dahan where people assemble, perform religious customs before the campfire and ask that their inward devil be demolished the way Holika, the sister of the evil spirit lord Hiranyakashipu, was destroyed in the flame. The following morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi – a free-for-all celebration of colors, where individuals play with colors and enjoy music and dance. Everyone visits their family and friends to toss colored powders on each other, share Holi delicacies, food, and beverages.

A visit to India can be combined with such a festival. Many tour operators offer such festive tours to India. Such a festive tour gives a good experience of exploring the beauty and culture of India. Such tour generally covers the Golden Triangle of India. One can explore the Golden Triangle along with other important cities of Rajasthan, visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world and staying at a 17th Century real heritage palace. You will be served with Indian homemade delicacies that are prepared during the festival of Holi only. Witness beautiful palaces decorated exclusively for this festival. Enjoy colors, observe rituals & Holi celebration. Savor an authentic festive meal and delicacies made on this particular occasion. To know the exact dates for participating in this festival and to have a safe and joyful experience, one must choose a reliable tour company to travel with.

For a well-utilized visit to India and to celebrate Holi too, the following tour program can be considered:

1. New Delhi (2 Days) – Delhi is divided into two completely different worlds: New Delhi & Old Delhi. New Delhi is spacious as it was planned. Britisher made New Delhi the imperial capital of India whereas, loud & congested Old Delhi served as the capital of Islamic India. Enjoy the rickshaw ride through the narrowest lanes of Old Delhi. A drive through Parliament, India Gate and medieval-flavored bazaars of Delhi is a must. Apart from that, don't forget to visit Red Fort, Indira Gandhi Memorial, Qutub Minar & Humayun’s Tomb.

2. Udaipur (2 Days) – Flight time from Delhi to Udaipur is 1 hour 20 minutes. "Udaipur is the gem of Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years." Udaipur, also known as the city of Lakes has the largest number of lakes and beautiful hotels by the lakeside. Taj Lake Palace, City Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, The Oberoi Uday Villas and Shiv Niwas Palace Island, Bagore ki Haweli and Lake Pichola hotel are some of the grand palaces on and around Lake Pichola. Bagore ki Haweli hosts cultural dance performances in the evening known as 'Dharohar Dance Show'. It is a Rajasthani Folk dance program showcasing some of the major traditional dance forms of the state of Rajasthan on a single platform.

3. Deogarh (2 Days for celebrating the Festival of Colors) – Deogarh is 2 hours 30 minutes drive away from Udaipur. Deogarh is a small city in the state of Rajasthan. This city relish in pleasure, luxurious royal hotel overseen by the past royal family of the Deogarh thikana. Members of the royal family still stay in a part of the palace. Apart from the palace, one can also explore the nearby village to observe the rural lifestyle. Holi is celebrated with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm throughout the country whereas; this city celebrates Holi in its royal style. One can witness various traditional rituals performed on this day. On the eve of Holi, large bonfires are lit to mark the occasion and to burn evil spirits. People prepare a mock pyre and worship it for good luck and offer traditional delicacies to each other.

4. Jaipur (2 Days) – After commencing a drive of 5-6 hours you will reach Jaipur. Jaipur, The Pink city of India has stunning hilltops & glorious palaces that fit like footprints from a rich royal past. Candy floss bright turbans blaze a trail through brilliant bazaars and fluttering saris catch the eye like butterflies. Don't forget to visit Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Birla Mandir, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar and Amer fort. One can get an opportunity to know about the ancient system of measuring time, season, month and year when we didn’t have calendars.

5. Agra (2 Days) – Further it’s again a 5-6 hours drive from Jaipur to Agra. The magical temptation of ‘The Taj Mahal’ makes Agra as one of the favorite destinations amongst visitors to India. The legacy of the Mughal Empire has left a magnificent fort & a liberal sprinkling of tombs & mausoleums and not to forget the fun to be had at the colorful market place housing some impressive craftsmen.

This tour can be further extended with the addition of Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the oldest living civilizations on earth, believed to be more than 5000 yrs. old. It is also known as the spiritual capital and learning centre of India. It is believed that this city is the center for attaining “moksha” or salvation. As per sayings, by taking a dip in the holy river of Ganga one can attain purification of body and soul.

Depending on the duration these tours can be further customized. It is best to plan your visit through an expert to ensure that you can enjoy this festival on the right dates and destinations.