1

Morning after breakfast transfer to Vrindavan, on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon leave for Barsana to witness the most vibrant festival of Color. Thousands of people from all corners of India visit Mathura and Vrindavan especially on this occasion. The festivities begin with Lathmar Holi played in Barsana, a small village in Mathura.

The Lathmar Holi usually begins around a week before the main Holi day. During the celebrations, women from Barsana village gather with wooden sticks in their hands to welcome men from Nandgaon. This is part of the tradition as Hindu Mythology says that Lord Krishna along with his friends visited Barsana, Radha’s village (Radha was Lord Krishna’s spiritual girlfriend), to tease her and other Gopis (girls) by throwing colored water on them. In retaliation, Radha and Gopis chased Krishna and his friends to beat them up with sticks. Even today, people from Nandgoan and Barsana follow the ritual. Men soaked in colored water arrive in Barsana and tease women by singing provocative songs. The women then beat them with sticks (Lathis) and men use shields to protect themselves. Later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

2

Morning breakfast at the hotel and then leave for Nandgaon as celebrations in Barsana is followed by similar celebrations in Nandgaon (Krishna’s village) on the very next day. It was at Nandgaon that Krishna spent his childhood. As the legend goes, Radha with her friends called Gopis would come to Nandgaon on this day to take revenge on Krishna and his friends by splashing color on them. Since the women do not go, men and trans-genders dressed as women from Barsana go to Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with the men there. They are welcomed with water and colour in the village. This is very unique as the menfolk play Holi with women in a way which is not sexual in its approach but it has the rustic element of wooing and teasing.

The main celebrations are held in the courtyard of the temple at Nandgaon and soon the courtyard transforms itself into a visual delight of beautiful colour-explosion. People from both the villages sit across each other singing and dancing here. Overnight stay.

3

The Banke-Bihari Temple hosts a week long celebrations during Holi here. During the festivities, Bihariji (Krishna’s popular name in Braj area) is dressed up in white clothes. Go-Swamis (priests in the temple) sprinkle colours on everyone. The whole atmosphere is made even livelier with music (Bhajans) in the background and people dancing to the tunes. On this day of Ekadashi before Holi, there are special celebrations at famous Banke Bihari Temple at Vrindavan in the afternoon after the Temple gate opens at about 4 pm and Holi is not celebrated with colour, but with flowers. That is why it is called Phoolonwali Holi.

Later leave for Agra and upon arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay.

4

Early morning visit world famous “Taj Mahal” during sunrise, the monument of love immortalized in marble. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Queen Mumtaj. Everyone has most likely seen a picture of Taj, but nothing really comes close to the real thing – the Taj Mahal looks a lot better in reality than in a picture.

Continue your tour to visit Then we shall move to Agra Fort, an imperialist fort situated on the banks of river Yamuna and served as the center of operation for the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fortified walls of the fort encompass several palaces and complexes like Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas etc. The fort is the finest architectural monument built in red sandstone.

Later we shall set out for Sikandra, the tomb of Akbar. Located on the outskirt of the city, the ruler started building his tomb during his lifespan, but the contruction was finally completed by his son , Jahangir. The white marble memorial has manicured lawns with exceptionally engraved gateways. It is a symbol of Din-E-Ilahi, a new religion founded by Akbar which incorporates the best elements of Hindu, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism.

Later leave for Delhi. On arrival check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

5

Early morning transfer to New Delhi Station to catch train for Amritsar. On arrival at Amritsar station, transfer to hotel. Later this afternoon we will visit Wagah Border, located on the India/Pakistan border, 28 km from Amritsar. A good number of visitors come to this place to witness the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries, a sight you cannot afford to miss. Overnight stay at hotel.

6

 Early morning we go to Golden Temple for procession known as PrabhatPheri. There is a continuous singing of GurbaniKirtan, hymns from the opening of its portals (doors) to their closing. After the departure of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying the sacred book – Sri Guru Granth Sahib to The Akal Takhat Sahib temple, the devotees, accompanied by the Gurdwara’s temple staff, clean the Sri Harimandir Sahib for one hour.

At the completion of the Ardas (Sikh Prayer), Karah Prasad (holy offering) is distributed among the devotees. We will spend most of our morning at the Golden Temple, which offers great Photo opportunities. The Golden Temple is located in the heart of the city and characterized by its four entrance doors (called Deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning Sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful. Afternoon drive to Anandpur Sahib and check in at camp. Overnight stay.

7

 The HolaMohalla is an impressive traditional display of bravery and valor that is a must see. The ultimate display of machismo-HolaMohalla, an annual Sikh festival held a day after Holi, has the drama, the sweat and the incredible colour that Indian festivals are known for. With impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling, there’s also music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting. An important part of the festival is the Langar (community food) that is served to pilgrims irrespective of their religion or caste.

One of the main attractions at the festival are the Nihangs — a prestigious armed sect of the Sikh who wear a striking blend of blue and orange, with thick twisted moustaches and overwhelmingly large and embellished turbans. They also demonstrate thrilling horse riding shows where the riders gallop bareback, performing tricks like riding astride two horses. It is estimated that over 100,000 Sikh devotees attend the festival. This is an amazing festival with great photo opportunities. Overnight stay at camp.

8

 We will start early in the morning to witness and capture the various activities. Later drive to Chandigarh and upon arrival check in at hotel. If time permits, we shall go for tour of Chandigarh city which is known as Le Corbusier’s Indian masterpiece. Overnight stay.

9

Morning drive to Delhi airport to catch flight for onwards destination. Depending on the departure flight time, you can spend some time for visiting more attractions of Delhi city before going to airport.