The Golden Triangle & Diwali Festival
Dates: 6 – 17 November 2023
Country: India
Cost: €1900
Availability: Spots available
Janet’s Journeys is once again taking you to a place full of diversity, vibrance, chaos and beauty. We are launching another trip to the colourful and wonderful country of INDIA!
Buckle up for a trip of a lifetime! India is not for the faint-hearted.. the busy and bustling cities are stimulating, and will activate all your senses but are rich in culture, entertainment, and beautiful architecture. There is nowhere like it!
This trip will be happening at the same time as India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year, Diwali – The Festival of Lights.
Diwali is a 5-day festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome. We will have the luxury of witnessing vibrant ceremonial traditions, houses and streets lit up with sparkling lights, crackers and fireworks.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience that is not to be missed! These 12 days will be jam-packed with adventure and new experiences.
NOTE: This trip will not be lead by Janet but by a Janets Journeys leader – this is someone who has been on 4+ Janets Journeys tours and knows exactly how to make a group trip unforgettable.
What’s Included
- Tour guide
- Entry tickets
- All domestic transportation
- All accommodation
- 10 breakfast, 5 dinners
- All domestic flights
Excludes:
● Additional snacks and any extra activities
● International Flights
● Travel insurance
● Tips for guides etc
- Alcohol
Accommodation
Throughout our stay in India, we will stay in a mixture of 3* and 4* hotels and guesthouses.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin sharing, private rooms.
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - New Delhi
Welcome to the busy and bustling city of DELHI!
You will fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport, where your transfer will be waiting for you. Delhi is a place you won’t soon forget, boasting the eclectic vibe of India’s rich heritage and culture. Despite the chaos, it is an ideal blend of modernisation, combined with an old city charm.
We will start the day on a half-day sightseeing tour, at the Hauz Kauz village, a stunning alleyway reminiscent of Japan, and visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun. Finishing the day with a delicious meal.
Day 2 consists of further exploring what Delhi has to offer, along with going on an Old Delhi food tour! Where we will try many different Indian dishes from places across the city. YUM!
Day 3 - Agra
Today we will journey to Agra, a historic city that’s home to the famous Taj Mahal!
Today we wake up and head to the famous landmark at the break of dawn to witness it at sunrise, an amazing experience!
We get to see the captivating beauty of the Taj Mahal, stroll around the grounds and learn about its fascinating history.
We will also visit other historic and beautiful sites like Mehtab Bagh, the Red Fort, the bustling Sardar Bazaar, and Baby Taj. We will grab a bite at Sheroes cafe, a social enterprise run by acid attack victims.
We will end your evening at a rooftop cafe with a stunning view of the Taj.
Day 4-6 - Jaipur
Today we head to Jaipur, “The Red City”!
Jaipur is a major city with so much history, national landmarks, royal palaces and something to see at every corner! Jaipur is BUSY, even driving around in a tuk-tuk is a unique experience!
We will indulge in some traditional Jaipur shopping at Johri Bazaar known for its excellent jewelry, and the MI Road Bazaar known for Rajasthani clothing and wooden handicrafts.
We will explore the old city, and visit the gorgeous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), the Jantar Mantar, and the Jaipur City Palace, all must-see spots.
After indulging in a good North Indian meal, we will make stops at these gorgeous very ‘instagrammable’ locations – Panna Meena Ka Kund (stepwell), Patrika Gate, Gatore ki Chhatriyan (the royal crematorium) and Visit Amer Fort.
We also have a Block Printing Workshop planned which includes making your own small stole!
Day 7-9 - Udaipur
Now, it’s time to get the train to the beautiful Udaipur, the “City of Lakes” where we will be celebrating Diwali festival!
We will visit The City Palace, the Badi Mahal and Amar Vilas during our time in Udaipur.
Udaipur is one of India’s most desirable wedding locations because of its stunning scenery. Even just strolling the streets, walking by the lakes, strolling the markets and taking in the architecture is a real treat! It’s also a place where we can enjoy rooftop dinners and drinks!
Udaipur is where celebrate Diwali festival! Diwali is India’s most important festival of the year—a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Celebrations include amazing food, fireworks, coloured sand, and special candles and lights. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 10 - 11 - Mumbai
Brimming with things to do, Mumbai is a city that pulsates with life, offering a blend of tradition and modernity. The city is renowned for its vibrant energy, diverse culture, and chaotic nature!
We start our morning having breakfast at an Irani café, followed by some sightseeing.
We will start the day visiting the Gateway of India, an iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea, which stands as a symbol of the city. Followed by the Taj Mahal Hotel, Manibhavan, the Ban Ganga temples and the Mount Mary Church.
We will take a stroll to the Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade along the coastline, offers stunning views of the sea and is a popular spot for locals and tourists and then head off to explore the famous Crawford Market.
We can spend the evening having a drink and a dance at one of Mumbai’s many bars, and trying delicious street food!
Day 12 - Home time
We finish our incredible trip and head to the airport to take our international flight home!
Want to join?
Click here to send an email to janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com letting me know briefly WHY you want to come, and then I’ll let you know if a spot is yours or not. Once I email you back and confirm, you can pay the deposit to secure your spot.
**ONLY 11 SPOTS AVAILABLE**
Terms and Conditions
Your deposit is non refundable.
For the balance of your payment, I can refund you the full amount (minus your deposit) up to 8 weeks before the trip begins should you have an emergency / illness / need to cancel.
Anything closer than 8 weeks, I cannot refund you. I suggest you take out travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, that way should something happen like you get Covid, you will get a full payout from your insurance company.
Feel free to email me should you have any questions about payment methods, payments schedule etc.
Please not this itinerary is subject to small changes due to un forseen circumstances that may arise.
