Diwali Festival of Light | India
FROM: USD $1,275 pp

Every year in November, firecrackers announce the celebration of India’s favourite festival. Homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared and thousands of lamps are lit. Join us this year for Diwali – the Festival of Light on a tour of India’s famed Golden Triangle.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE
Reviews

Trip Highlights

The Taj Mahal – Explore India’s most famous site with a guided tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, an enduring symbol of love
Delhi – Ride on a rickshaw around the Chandni Chowk Bazaar and tour highlights of the city including Jama Masjid and the Rajpath
Amber Fort – Enjoy a visit to this impressive 16th century fortress and explore each of its four levels
Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Spot rare bird species in this wetland reserve as we enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride in the park
Diwali – Celebrate the colourful Festival of Lights with the locals as we visit Birla Temple and enjoy a delicious Indian dinner
Jaipur – Visit the beautiful City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory as we tour the Pink City
Abhaneri – Admire the impressive Chand Baori step well, where 3,500 steps climb down to the waters edge
Agra – Discover striking Agra Fort and explore behind its fortified sandstone walls

Included

7 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Diwali - Visit to City Palace and Ancient Astronomy Observatory Jaipur, Birla Temple, fireworks and a gala dinner
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Rickshaw ride through Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur
Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 6 or more)
Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: USD$70-80pp, paid in local currency
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$20-30pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India for the festival of Diwali! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel where the rest of the day is free to explore or relax at the hotel before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
Overnight: Delhi

Day 2

Delhi sightseeing

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in India’s capital city. In Old Delhi we enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk bazaar and visit the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb. We also explore the giant Jama Masjid mosque and Raj Ghat, the site of Gandhi’s cremation. An eternal flame now burns at the memorial in his honour. In New Delhi we stroll down the ceremonial Rajpath and see the India Gate monument, a memorial to those Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. This evening we enjoy a Namaste dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Diwali, the Festival of Light!

Delhi - Jaipur. Today we celebrate Diwali! Leave Delhi this morning as we drive to the UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur for an afternoon at leisure. This evening we visit the famous Birla Temple, located at the foot of the Moti Doongri fortress. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi but also houses many smaller shrines to Hindu gods and goddesses. During the Diwali celebrations the gardens surrounding the temple are beautifully lit up and decorated with garlands of flowers. The temple also gets very busy as locals come to give their offerings to the deities. This is all part of the Diwali experience and you should soak it up and celebrate with the locals.

After our visit we enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant and watch as firecrackers light up the darkening sky. Spend the evening celebrating this wonderful Festival of Light with the locals.
Overnight: Jaipur  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Jaipur sightseeing

Enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride this morning with our Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Sail with the wind over hill-top forts, temples and palaces before we return to land and enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort. This impressive 16th century fortress is laid out over four levels and sits beside the glistening Maota Lake. We return to Jaipur, stopping en route at a local cotton weaving house. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, which is home to 19 separate astrological instruments.
Overnight: Jaipur

Day 5

Chand Baori & Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur. Say goodbye to the Pink City this morning as we travel to Abhaneri, home to the famous Chand Baori step well. This incredible well is 13 stories deep and features 3,500 steps, which climb down to the waters edge. It also starred in the famous film ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Rises’.

After our visit we continue to a local school (if open) to meet the teachers and pupils. The school is part of our Change for Children programme and you may like to bring some educational items on your tour to donate to the school (see trip notes). These will be greatly appreciated. We continue to our hotel in Bharatpur and then visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride around this important wetland reserve, home to numerous bird species.
Overnight: Bharatpur  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

The Taj Mahal

Bharatpur - Agra. Today we travel to Agra, stopping en route at the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was abandoned more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water but remains very well preserved. Visit the impressive Agra Fort and enjoy a guided tour of India’s most famous site - the legendary Taj Mahal. This iconic white mausoleum was built in the 17th century by 20,000 workers under the instruction of Emperor Shah Jahan. It stands as a loving memorial to his wife, who tragically died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most extravagant monument to love ever built.
Overnight: Agra  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Return to Delhi

Agra - Delhi. This morning we return to Delhi for a day at leisure. Perhaps visit striking Red Fort or browse the local bazaars for souvenirs.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Delhi

Tuesday 09 November 2021. Our tour comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport
Breakfast

Discover Amritsar & the Golden Temple

Discover beautiful Amritsar, home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion, on our 3 day/2 night Golden Amritsar bolt-on. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, we witness the sunset spectacle at Wagah Border - the only road crossing between India and Pakistan where the fascinating changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags take place with great pomp to a cheering crowd of thousands.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Please note this tour departs on a Saturday.
Saturday Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
22 Oct - 29 Oct Please note this tour departs on a Saturday.
Please note this tour departs on a Saturday.
USD $1,275
USD $1,885

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Delhi
USD $65
USD $135
Post-Tour Accommodation - Delhi
USD $65
USD $135

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The luxurious Jaypee Siddharth is a stunning property located just five kilometres from the New Delhi Railway Station. Guestrooms are exquisitely decorated with a blend of cream and brown tones and benefit from air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. If you have free time, guests can indulge in one of the rejuvenating treatments available at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or work up an appetite in the gym. A range of cuisines are served in the various restaurants found within the hotel complex.

Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking hotel has a unique angular design and offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi-cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar for a delicious array of heady cocktails or relax by the poolside with a refreshing smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides direct access to the heart of the city and after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and massage parlour.

Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The Jivitesh Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Karol Bagh, a popular neighbourhood of Delhi renowned for its excellent shops and vibrant street markets. The Jivitesh offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms, with modern amenities such as free WiFi, and you can be assured of a warm welcome and excellent customer service from the hotel staff. Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool after a day of sightseeing in the capital. Please note: The swimming pool at the Jivitesh hotel is currently under renovation and is expected to be finished by September 2020.

Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Heritage

Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.

Udai Vilas Palace, Bharatpur

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Set amongst 2 acres of landscaped gardens, the Udai Vilas Palace is a traditional hotel located right in the heart of Bharatpur city. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped with comfortable beds and large windows. The hotel is famous for its barbecue nights and Rajasthani folklore evenings, where you will be enthralled by traditional music and dance performances. Keoladeo National Park, one of the most well-known bird sanctuaries in India, is also just a five-minute drive away.

Seven Hills Tower, Agra

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The modern and stylish Seven Hills Tower hotel boasts a range of facilities and services designed to ensure the quality of each traveller's stay. The spacious guestrooms are elegantly decorated with neutral colours and fabrics covered with traditional patterns and all have excellent ensuite facilities. Guests can enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool or laze on the sun loungers before heading to the equally lofty restaurant for some mouth-watering Mughlai cuisine. The al fresco dining area offers beautiul views of the Taj Mahal, perfect for enjoying a sunset drink.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.6 out of 5 based on 10 recent reviews

1  |  2

The holiday was amazing, from beginning to the end. Yusof was so knowledgeable about the history and present time India. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was still answering questions 10 o clock at night. He made the Diwali festival so enjoyable, he took us to a restaurant with entertainment, with dancers and fireworks. Yusof was brilliant.

• Submitted 25 Oct 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Yusuf was one of the best part of the whole trip. He was knowledgable, professional and nothing was ever too much trouble.

• Submitted 07 Nov 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

Dear Charlie,

I would like to say that I had a wonderful time in India with on the Go Tours and that Sammi was an excellent tour guide, he gave us lots of useful advice, an insight into Indian life and customs, and furthermore he also went out of his way to accommodate some people's needs. In addition, the people I shared the tour with were truly lovely.

It was my first tour ever and I was truly happy with my choice, I will definitely recommend your company and Sammi.

Maria E. • Submitted 09 Dec 2015

Sammi was the perfect tour guide. I found his attentiveness very comforting and his knowledge of India really heightened my overall experience.

He was always there to answer questions anyone had, and he was always very accommodating to the whole group. There were a few things that didn't go to plan but he always came up with alternatives that accommodated the group very well. He was very charming, polite and I enjoyed the stories he had to tell. I had a situation where my phone was lost on the last leg of the trip, and when the phone was found he arranged to have it delivered back to me. I was astonished by his efficiency and hospitality in this instance.

On free time he was able to arrange any extra things we wanted to do and was happy to give any advice he thought we may have needed. I always felt safe and well looked after. Overall if I was to have Sammi as a guide again I would not be disappointed. If I was to choose to tour India again I would happily request Sammi as my guide.

The tour itself was good for the amount of days we were on. The hotels were all of a good standard and I was happy of the amount I was able to see in such a short amount of time.

All tour guides had a good knowledge of what was on the agenda and transport to and from locations was good. I would recommend this trip to others who wanted to see India on a budget and a short time frame.

• Submitted 18 Nov 2015
Tour
Guide
Country

Our guide, Yusef, was terrific. He was extremely knowledgeable, gracious, and helpful. He was well organized and the arrangements were excellent. Similarly, the driver, Mr Singh was excellent. The bus should have curtains to provide shade from the sun. I would have liked less time in Delhi and more in Jaipur. The hotels improved during the tour, I believe a higher class Delhi hotel for an increase in cost would be well received by future guests, we thought the Delhi hotel acceptable, but could have been improved.

• Submitted 16 Nov 2015
Tour
Guide
Country

Incredible tour. We really enjoyed it and will defiantly use On the Go again. Yusuf, our tour guide, was amazing and really helped to make it such an enjoyable week. We learnt and saw so much, will recommend to family and friends.

• Submitted 05 Nov 2014
Tour
Guide
Country

I thought the tour was absolutely fantastic - a perfect balance between activites and chill out time and the number of sights and experiences that we had was phenomenal. I was especially impressed with Yusuf, he was a fantastic tour leader, very knowledgable and approachable with a good sense of humour. He really went the extra mile to ensure that we had a fantastic Diwali experience. I cannot praise him highly enough.

• Submitted 05 Nov 2014
Tour
Guide
Country

The tour was great! It was exactly what I had expected in terms of accomodation, transportation, and itinerary. We did so much in 8 days, but never felt rushed and had enough free time to explore on our own.

Our tour guide, Yusef, went above and beyond expecations. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as a guide. He helped create a wonderful experience for all of us, especially for our first time in India.

• Submitted 03 Nov 2014
Tour
Guide
Country

The tour was great! It was exactly what I had expected in terms of accomodation, transportation, and itinerary. We did so much in 8 days, but never felt rushed and had enough free time to explore on our own.

Our tour guide, Yusef, went above and beyond expecations. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as a guide. He helped create a wonderful experience for all of us, especially for our first time in India.

• Submitted 03 Nov 2014
Tour
Guide
Country

Yusuf was very knowledgable on the areas we visited, he was also very good with assisting us with what to expect before we stepped off the bus and very good at assisting wtih purchases from local sellers and where to buy food for lunch etc.

The only negative feedback: one night we did a tour of a local area not usually visited by tourists. We were a large group with lots of staff helpers and a guy with a video and a very bright light on the vid camera. It felt kinda like going to visit a zoo as we were escorted around enmasse, no opportunities to purchase or to interact wtih the locals. Not a comfortable feeling. Also, photos and video taken on this part of the tour, what were they to be used for? It would have been nice to have been asked/had this explained to us before a camera with a very bright light was put in my face several times, hence why I covered my face with my hand so I didnt show in any video footage.

I booked an additional activity on the first night of Bollywood Dancing, video and photos were taken on this night be neither myself nor Holly have received these. I have emailed the dancing academy directly but have not had a response.

• Submitted 03 Nov 2014
Tour
Guide
Country
1  |  2

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Delhi
Ends
Delhi
Departs
Sat 22 Oct 2022
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 6, Dinner: 3
Visiting
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Bharatpur, Karauli, Old Delhi
Countries
Jama Masjid
The Taj Mahal reflected in the water in Agra
The majestic City Palace in the heart of Karauli
Monkey walking through Bharatpur
Humayun's tomb glowing in the waning sunlight in Delhi
Humayun's tomb glowing in the waning sunlight in Delhi

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Bollywood dance class | India
USD $ 165
Golden Temple | Amritsar | India
USD $ 540 / 3 days
The Ganga River | Rishikesh | India
USD $ 690 / 4 days
Gateway of India | Mumbai | India
USD $ 760 / 4 days

The holiday was amazing, from beginning to the end. Yusof was so knowledgeable about the history and present time India. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was still answering questions 10 o clock at night. He made the Diwali festival so enjoyable, he took us to a restaurant with entertainment, with dancers and fireworks. Yusof was brilliant.

Linda Hallows
OTG000883Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 daysIndian SubcontinentSignatureIndian Subcontinentfalse0Indiahttps://www.onthegotours.com/India/Diwali--Festival-of-Lights-8-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Diwali-India-141331306250015_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgFestival_Tours