The Significance & Meaning of Diwali
The Diwali festival in India has a deep significance since ancient times. According to the Vedic culture, the message of Diwali is to eradicate the world from darkness and lead it towards the self-illuminated light within. Here, each individual is likened to a brightly lit clay lamp. The message is to collectively participate in the Endeavour, as it is not just the effort of one individual. The differences between the high and low are forgotten, as the aim is to usher in equanimity and equality in society.

Traditionally, the celebration of the Diwali festival in India is associated with a number of mythological events. In Northern India, Diwali is celebrated to rejoice the return of King Rama to his Kingdom Ayodhaya after a 14 year exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhaya light an array of clay lamps to celebrate his return.

In Southern India, another legend describes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. In western India, it is celebrated in the honour of the King Bali who went to rule the nether world by the order of Lord Vishnu.
 

Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous “Humayun Tomb” which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
 

Day 03. Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km / 5-6 Hours)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
 

Day 4. Jaipur
November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returend to this kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps ) to celebrate his return. To date, on Diwali day, houses all over India glow with the twinkle of innumerable divas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic design against the black canvas of the sky. During the Diwali celebration decoration and lighting is done throughout the walled Pink City, with every market competing with the others to pick-up the best decorated market award. There are special prizes for the best decorated individual buildings as well. Most people prefer walking through the street to enjoy this dazzling extravanganza.
 

Day 05. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit “Laxmi Narayan Mandir”, a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
 

Day 06. Jaipur - Pachewar (about 105 kms / 2 Hours)
Today we leave Jaipur drive to Pachewar. Pachewar is a mute yet vibrant village situated 90 kms. away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. The 300 years old picturesque fort of Pachewar has now been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel with all modern amenities, where one can witness great traditions of royal hospitality. It is located at a distance of 105 kms. from Jaipur Airport and 90 kms. from Railway Station. Built in Indo-European style, Hotel Pachewar Garh is undoubtedly one of the most popular Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan. The fort houses intricate balconies and spacious apartments adorned with elegant antique frescoes.
 

Day 07. Pachewar - Ranthambore (about 190 kms / 4 Hours)
Today after the breakfast we leave for Ranthambore. Ranthambore is known for the world famous Ranthambore National park. After a break and refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the Ranthambore National park on a Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park.
 

Day 08. Ranthambore
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. If we are lucky enough we might have an audience with the tiger which are numerous in the park.
 

Day 09. Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 250 km / 6-7 Hours)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors.

The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.

Day 11. Agra - Delhi (about 200 km / 4 Hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)

Day 12. Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
 

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.
 

About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

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