Diwali: Festival
of Lights
Designed For
Spiritual, Cultural, Artistic & Gastronomic Interests
Corporate Travel
Friends & Family Travel
Solo Travel
Diwali – A Festival of Light & New Beginnings
There’s something about Diwali that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just the lamps or fireworks — it’s the feeling. A kind of warmth that fills homes, streets, and hearts.
At its core, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile — a story where light finally wins. Families clean their homes, light candles, and welcome Goddess Lakshmi, hoping for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.
It’s a five-day celebration. Each day has its own flavour:
- Day 1: Dhanteras – Start fresh. People buy something new.
- Day 2: Choti Diwali – The warm-up before the big day.
- Day 3: Main Diwali – Lights, prayers, sweets, and family time.
- Day 4: Govardhan Puja – Gratitude for nature.
- Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebration of sibling bonds.
You’ll see it all — glowing homes, sparkling lights, buzzing markets. And the food? You won’t go hungry.
Join us on this unforgettable journey and take home memories that last a lifetime.
Inclusions
15 nights, chosen hotels
Local driver, guide
Daily breakfast
All costs covered
In Car Wi-fi
Cooking classes, dinner
Airport transfer
Delhi rickshaw
Excluded Services in this Journey
▼Flights: International or Domestic
Drinks: Unless specified.
Visa: Obtain your Indian visa independently.
Meals: Not specified.
Tips: Housekeeping, bellboys, at your discretion.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance required.
Expenses: Laundry, telephone bills
Entrance: Monument fees.
Camera: Video camera fees.
Health: Medical, baggage insurance.
Taxes: Airport departure taxes.
Others: Unspecified services.
Safaris: Game safaris not included, unless specified.
What makes this trip Special?
Celebrate Diwali
Light diyas, join home rituals, and experience the warmth of India’s biggest festival from the inside.
Taste the Flavours of Diwali
Celebrate with handmade sweets like gujiya and laddoo, and festive snacks straight from local kitchens.
Diwali Traditions Up Close
Join in as families light diyas, decorate with rangoli, and offer prayers for new beginnings.
Experience Delhi’s Rich Heritage
Visit iconic sites like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, and explore the soul of Old Delhi.
Camel Rides & Desert Nights in Jaisalmer
Ride through the dunes at sunset and end the day with a bonfire, folk music, and dinner under the stars.
Experience Spiritual Varanasi
Take a boat ride at sunrise, walk the ghats, and see daily rituals unfold along the Ganges.
Witness the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
Experience the magic of Varanasi at dusk, as bells ring and flames rise in devotion by the sacred river.
Timeless Beauty of the Taj
Visit the Taj Mahal — a white marble wonder and symbol of eternal love, glowing at sunrise.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-3: Delhi
- We'll meet you at the airport, help you settle in, and if you're up for it, show you a bit of the city.
- New Delhi's got the big landmarks — India Gate, the President's house, and wide leafy roads. Gandhi Smriti is worth a visit, too — it's quiet, moving.
- Then there's Old Delhi. It's chaotic, loud, a little overwhelming… but unforgettable. Hop on a rickshaw, ride through Chandni Chowk, and try something sweet from a street vendor. You'll remember it.
- If temples interest you, we'll take you to Lotus Temple, Akshardham, and Humayun's Tomb — all stunning, all different.
- We'll move at your pace. No rush.
- Next stop: Mandawa — a five and a half hour drive with plenty to see along the way.
Day 3-5: Mandawa
- Mandawa's one of those places that feels like it's been left untouched in the best way. Small town, quiet vibe, but every wall tells a story — literally.
- The old havelis here are covered in murals… some faded, some still bright, all of them full of character. You'll walk around and feel like you've stepped into an open-air art gallery.
- We'll take you on a heritage walk — not the kind that drags on, but one where you'll actually notice things… like a chipped fresco or a doorframe that's been standing longer than most countries have existed. It's not touristy. It's real.
- There's not much to rush in Mandawa. It's more about taking it slow, soaking it in, and maybe chatting with a local or two who'll definitely have stories if you're willing to listen.
- Next stop: Bikaner — around 3.5 hours' drive from here (about 200 km).
Day 5-6: Bikaner
- The ride from Mandawa to Bikaner takes you through a drier, dustier stretch of Rajasthan — but the colours start showing up again as you roll into the city.
- Bikaner has this unpolished charm. Less crowded, less touristy, but full of surprises. You'll visit Junagarh Fort — unlike most forts in Rajasthan, this one wasn't built on a hill, but it's just as grand. Its walls hold centuries of stories.
- If you're curious (and a little brave), there's the Karni Mata Temple just outside town — yes, the one where rats run freely. Locals believe they're sacred. It's definitely a "you have to see it to believe it" kind of place.
- Before leaving, wander through Kote Gate Market — all old stone buildings, loud vendors, and the smell of fried snacks and spices hanging in the air.
- Next stop: Jaisalmer — about 5 hours away.
Day 6-8: Jaisalmer
- Rolling into Jaisalmer feels like arriving on the edge of a golden dream. Everything here glows — the buildings, the sand, even the light feels warmer.
- The old Jaisalmer Fort rises straight out of the desert and the fantastic part? People still live inside it. Shops, homes, temples — all tucked into its winding paths.
- We'll take you through Patwa Haveli and Salim Singh Haveli — each one a maze of tiny balconies, latticework windows, and stories etched into stone.
- Gadisar Lake is peaceful in a way only desert lakes can be. You might just want to sit by the edge for a bit and do nothing. And when the sun starts dipping low, it's camel time.
- You'll head out into the dunes for a desert sunset that turns everything gold and orange. At night, you'll be under a sky full of stars, with folk music, dance, and maybe a bonfire dinner to wrap it all up. It's not just sightseeing here — it's something you'll feel.
- Next stop: Jodhpur — around 4.5 hours from here (roughly 285 km).
Day 8-9: Jodhpur
- You'll notice the blue first. Everywhere — the homes, the walls, even the air feels a little cooler.
- We'll take you up to Mehrangarh Fort. It's massive. From the top, the whole city stretches out like a sea of rooftops. Inside, there's history, silence, and those kinds of views that make you pause.
- Down below, you can poke around the Clock Tower market. It's noisy, colourful, and smells like spices. If you want something quieter, we can swing by Mandore Garden or even Umaid Bhawan—it's part-palace, part-museum, part-hotel.
- Next stop: Udaipur — about 5 hours away.
Day 9-11: Udaipur
- It's all water and hills and white buildings here. Very different pace. Very still.
- We'll start at City Palace—because you can't not. Then just take it easy. Walk a bit, stop for chai, see Jagdish Temple or Princess Garden if you feel like it.
- The boat ride on Lake Pichola? That's the moment. When the sun drops, the lake turns gold and the palaces glow. Feels unreal.
- In the evening, grab dinner on a rooftop somewhere. There are plenty. Some with music, some without. We'll help you find your mood.
- Next stop: Bundi — around 4 hours away.
Day 11-12: Bundi
- Small town. Blue houses. Fewer people. It's got that lived-in, real kind of feel. The palace here—Bundi Palace—is a bit wild. Not overly restored, which is kind of the charm. You'll find old murals, empty rooms, monkeys. The views are good too.
- There's a stepwell—Rani Ji ki Baori. Deep, symmetrical, almost hypnotic. You can walk around the lake in the evening as locals do. The light's soft, the mood's calm. Maybe visit Sukh Mahal, if it's open.
- The market here feels personal. Fewer crowds, but full of handcrafted things — from patchwork textiles to scented oils. Even if you're not looking to buy, it's fun to wander and watch.
- Next stop: Jaipur — about 3.5 hours.
Day 12-14: Jaipur
- You'll feel the buzz as soon as you enter. It's loud, busy, full of colour—and around Diwali, everything's lit up. Literally.
- We'll start at Amer Fort. Big, bold, and sitting high on the hill. Inside, the mirrors and courtyards are something else. Then it's into the city—City Palace, Hawa Mahal. You've probably seen pictures, but they're better in real life.
- Evenings here? That's when Jaipur shines. Markets glow with lights and people, sweets, clothes, and fireworks. If you want a quiet moment, we'll take you to Nahargarh Fort for the view.
- The next morning, you can join in some Diwali rituals if you're up for it. Light a lamp. Eat too much. Just soak it all in.
- Next stop: Agra — around 4.5 hours.
Day 14-15: Agra
- You know why we're here. The Taj.
- We'll get you there early—sunrise or sunset, your call. It's quieter then. Feels softer. Even if you've seen it in pictures all your life, seeing it in person… hits different. Please note that numerous attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, remain closed on Fridays.
- There's more to Agra, though. Agra Fort is solid and red and full of stories. And if there's time, we can show you Mehtab Bagh for another view of the Taj—this one across the river, no crowds.
- Next stop: Orchha — about 5 hours. Not touristy. That's the best part.
Day 15-16: Orchha
- Orchha is still. Like it's been left alone on purpose. The fort complex is huge but not crowded.
- You can wander without bumping into groups or signs telling you where to go. Chaturbhuj Temple's got a strange energy—peaceful but big.
- Next stop: Khajuraho — about 4.5 hours.
Day 16–17: Khajuraho
- Yes, these are the Kama Sutra temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But they're more than the carvings everyone talks about.
- The craftsmanship is wild—every detail perfect, every figure alive. We'll visit the main groups—Western, Eastern, Southern—each with their own vibe. Not rushed.
- In the evening, you can catch a classical dance performance or the light and sound show. Or just walk around the temple complex as the sun drops—your call.
- Next stop: Varanasi — short flight. Different world.
Day 17–19: Varanasi
- We'll start early. Boat ride on the Ganges before the city wakes up. The light's gold, the ghats are quiet, and the chants echo. It's something.
- During the day, there's Bharat Mata Temple, Sarnath ruins, and the massive Banaras Hindu University. There's a lot to see, but we won't overload it.
- Evening Aarti on the ghats is a must. Bells, lamps, chanting—it's beautiful, intense, maybe even overwhelming. But unforgettable.
- Next stop: Back to Delhi — train or flight, whatever works best.
Day 19: Delhi
- One last day. Do nothing or do everything—it's yours.
- You could revisit Old Delhi, walk through spice lanes, and grab a final bite. Or just relax at the hotel, go for a massage, maybe buy that one thing you said you wouldn't.
- Wrap it how you want.
Day 20: Departure
- Time to say goodbye. Your driver will be there on time, make sure you're comfortable, and get you to the airport without any stress.
- We hope you leave with a heart full of stories, and maybe some colour still lingering in your hair from Holi.
- See you next time.
Plan Freely with All-Inclusive Pricing
Affordable
$1821
per person3 Star Hotels
Heritage Properties
24/7 Support
Semi Luxury
$2480
per person4 Star Hotels
Heritage Properties
24/7 Support
Luxury
$4279
per person5 Star Hotels
Heritage Properties
24/7 Support
Keep Exploring
Go Beyond Diwali With More Cultural And Offbeat Tours.
Holi Festival Tour
Days : 16
Celebrate Holi with locals through colours, music, and tradition.
Explore Now
Sacred Path: Kumbh Mela
Days : 11
Take part in Kumbh Mela’s sacred rituals, holy dips, and ancient traditions.
Explore Now
Pushkar Camel Carnival
Days : 16
Experience India’s most vibrant desert fair – with camels, color, and culture.
Explore NowFrequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQ'S
India offers a diverse range of unique activities, experiences, and attractions, making it an ideal destination for family travel. The country's warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions create an enriching environment for young travelers, and children are warmly welcomed everywhere they go. Whether you're seeking natural beauty, historical sites, bustling cities, or vibrant festivals like Holi or the Pushkar Fair, India has it all. Sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming to protect everyone's long-term health.
When it comes to personal safety and the well-being of your travel group, India is generally considered a safe destination. English is widely spoken and easily accessible, making navigation straightforward. However, it's advisable to take common-sense safety precautions, as you would when traveling anywhere in the world. Having a local tour guide can be invaluable for identifying safe areas to explore and recommending hygienic dining options. It's essential for international tourists to avoid drinking tap water and opt for bottled water during their stay.
India offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. From opulent palace hotels to Western-style chain hotels and budget-friendly hostels, you'll find numerous options. Note that overnight stays are typically not permitted in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, but you can easily find private accommodations on the outskirts of these areas. Hotel rates vary depending on the season and location. At IHT, we select accommodations that are not only comfortable but also maintain high hygiene standards. We provide boutique experiences for international guests and luxury hotels to ensure your stay is memorable.
To confirm a booking with us, we require an advance payment, typically a percentage of the total cost, to secure your reservation. The remaining balance can be paid according to the agreed-upon payment plan for your journey. In some cases, such as during peak or holiday seasons, full payment may be required to confirm your reservation. We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, with a small bank processing fee for credit card payments. Alternatively, you can make a direct payment through a wire transfer to our bank account, with no additional fees. We will provide you with our billing and bank details at the time of invoicing, which you will receive after confirming your bookings.
Most international travelers need to obtain a visa before visiting India. It's essential to contact your local Indian embassy for guidance on the visa application process. Tourist visas are typically valid for six months, and it's necessary to have at least two blank pages in your passport when applying. India also offers e-visa options for convenience.
Before traveling to India, ensure your travel insurance covers loss of personal items, personal accidents, medical emergencies, emergency travel expenses, and trip cancellation. We require all guests traveling with Incredible Real India to have travel insurance.
We recommend discussing vaccination requirements with your healthcare provider, as we cannot provide medical advice.
In the event of a medical emergency or any unfavorable incident, our team is readily available to assist you. Your safety is our top priority, and we maintain constant communication with our vehicles on the road. Additionally, we provide contact information for private doctors and medical facilities in your journey documents, and most hotels partner with doctors for 24-hour on-call services.
Our restaurant and hotel selections can cater to specific dietary requirements.
Tipping practices vary by location. On some journeys, certain gratuities are included. Typically, it's customary to tip the car or bus driver, driver's assistant (if applicable), local tour guide, as well as waitstaff, hotel housekeeping, and hotel porters.
India's climate varies from region to region. Winters are generally cool and fresh from November to March, while hot and dry temperatures, along with dust storms and coastal humidity, prevail from April to June. The best time to visit the Himalayas is during the monsoon season when the rest of the country experiences heavy rainfall.
Major international airports in India have currency exchange counters. Most hotels can also assist with currency exchange. It's a good practice to carry sufficient local currency for basic expenses, as some wildlife resorts may not offer currency exchange facilities. There are no specific restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or traveler's checks you can bring into India, but you'll need to fill out a declaration form upon arrival.
While major cities accept MasterCard and Visa, Diner's Club and American Express cards may not be as widely accepted. ATMs are readily available in major cities, but carrying some Indian currency is advisable for smaller locations and for tipping.
India has extensive telecom coverage, with mobile phones working in most areas. However, not all mobile operators have the same coverage quality. Some remote areas, such as national parks and mountainous regions, may have limited network access. Most hotels offer internet facilities, and you can find internet cafes in cities. Acquiring a local prepaid mobile number can be cost- effective, and our cars and buses provide free Wi-Fi access for your convenience.
