Sensation of Indian Festivals

Hornbill Festival Nagaland Tour
Hornbill is the most glamorous cultural festival celebrated in one of the most remote part of the world. The festival is named to signify the Nagas’ devotion to the hornbill bird, which has historically been a part of their folklore. The festival provides a glimpse into the kaleidoscopic cultures and ethnicities of Nagaland and other states of North East India. All the tribes gather at the foothills of Mount Japfü, at the venue of the festival- Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, which is at a short distance from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. There are a host of activities that take place such as cultural performances, indigenous games, craft bazaar, music events, fashion events, cycling competition, motor sporting competition, kids’ carnival, floral galleria, food courts, and film festival to leave visitor spellbound.

THE DESTINATION
Discover Rajasthan, this iconic state of India whose name means in Rajasthani “Country Kings ” ; it is perhaps the most romantic and colorful region of India. Ancestral land Maharajas and merchants, it has preserved traditions that express themselves in all their excess. A small incursion into the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh will amaze you in front of the dazzling Taj Mahal. You will pursue by the great Indian and Hindu sites Khajuraho and its set of temples very beautiful, then Varanasi, the city of the Ganges par excellence. and its unique craft markets.

Day 1 Namaste Delhi!
Meet at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy this first free day to rest from your trip or make your first not in the city.

Day 2 Delhi – Jaipur
After breakfast, the morning is spent visiting the old town. You start with Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the country before diving into the hectic lanes of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk market. You will walk in this way rickshaw, a paradise for shopping: electronics, saris, Indian jewelry, crystal, spices, memories, you will find everything! You then take the opportunity to mark the stop in front of the Raj Ghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon, you join the “pink city” Jaipur by road. Originally, the city was not the uniform pink that we know today but a wide palette. In anticipation of the visit of Prince Albert in 1853, it was painted in its entirety, the pink being a traditional welcome color. She has kept this aspect ever since.

Day 3 Jaipur
This morning departure for the visit of Amber Fort, located 11 kilometers north of Jaipur, sumptuous fortified hideout of the Rajput Maharaja dynasty. Ascent in 4×4 until top of the ramparts, visit palaces, patios and gardens . Returning to Jaipur in the afternoon, you visit the City Palace, former royal palace converted into part in a museum, but still houses the private apartments of the maharaja. It is notably famous for the superb facade of the Palace of the Winds. Continuation to Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory composed of colossal instruments which draw strange geometric shapes that one would believe the work of contemporary sculptors. At the end of the day, enjoy an evening under the theme of tradition, the program, cooking demonstration and henna!

Day 4 High day in color
Celebration of the Celebration of Colors: HOLI! Although this Hindu festival is more or less celebrated on the whole territory, it is at Rajasthan it deploys all its exuberance. It marks the coming of spring and the
triumph of good over evil. No visit is planned this day because the majority of the monuments are closed. You will enjoy
so your hotel, the surroundings and the atmosphere of the day with your guide. You will be able enjoy the Holi in the grounds of your hotel. We will offer you white outfits this day.

Day 5 Jaipur – Agra
After breakfast you leave the pink city towards the iconic Agra.
On the way, you take the opportunity to mark the stop at the incredible imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri
whose palaces, pavilions or mosques are in a perfect state of preservation. Installation at the hotel at the end of the day and free time for rest.

Day 6 Agra, legendary!
Wake up at dawn to visit the 7th wonder of the world: the Taj Maha l which, by its architectural perfection, captivates all who contemplate it. Back to the hotel for breakfast and free time. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Red Fort.
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the heart of the city, it reflects Indian architecture in three Mongol emperors: Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. At the end of the day you discover the tomb Itimad-ud-daula also nicknamed “Baby Taj” before to join the garden of Mehtab Bagh to admire the sunset on the white marble of Taj Mahal from the other side of the Yamuna River.

Day 7 Agra – Jhansi – Orccha – Khajuraho
Morning departure train to Jhansi then road to Orchha. Orchha literally means “hidden place” and stays true to its name! Orchha is a peaceful place to the shelter of urban tumult. The visit of this ancient capital of Bundelkhand, with its palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th centuries located on the banks of the Betwa River, will give you a glimpse
of a bygone era, India of the Maharajas. In the afternoon you take the road to Khajuraho.

Day 8: Khajuraho
The day is dedicated to the visit of the city of Khajuraho, declared world heritage of Unesco. Former religious capital during the Chandela era, it was abandoned and abandoned by the surrounding jungle. It still houses 22 temples built according to the 4 cardinal points. Also discover the temples of love and erotic sculptures spread throughout the city. At the end of the day, you attend a sound & light show near the temples, the opportunity to learn more about the history and myths surrounding the site!

Day 9 Khajuraho – Varanasi
Free morning at the hotel dedicated to relaxation. Then it will be time to take your flight direction of Varanasi.
At the end of the afternoon you will have a ride in the city to the banks of the Ganges to attend the ceremony aarti, in tribute to the goddess Ganga. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 10 Varanasi
At dawn you enjoy a boat trip on the river, where you can contemplate the faithful come to purify themselves, and see the cremations. Then you will walk through the alleys of the city that are starting to come alive. Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon we go to Sarnath, sacred village where Buddha made his first sermon. You visit the museum, the temple, the stupas and the gardens. Then you end the day with a visit to a silk factory.

Day 11 Varanasi – Delhi
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. You then enjoy the rest of the day to discover the capital. You visit the tomb Humayun and its Persian style gardens. Continuation to Qutub’s red tower Minar south of the city.
Flight time: 1h40

Day 12 Bye bye India!
Transfer to Delhi Airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that rooms are to be vacated at noon. Luggage.