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Colours of India: Holi Celebrations, Taj Mahal & Shimla Scenic Rail

From $6,999pp
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Holiday Overview

  • Duration 16 NIGHTS
  • Departure 08 March 2025
  • Holiday type Rail Journeys
  • Holiday code TRA2264

Join the Holi Festival of colour Celebrations

INCLUDES fully escorted golden triangle tour

Experience India’s most captivating destinations in a journey that weaves through time, tradition and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Your journey begins in the heart of Delhi, where the contrasts of old and new unfold through historic landmarks, lively markets, and bustling streets. From there, venture to Ranthambore National Park for exhilarating safaris, as you search for tigers and other wildlife*.

The celebrations of Holi then await in Jaipur, where the city pulses with vibrant colours and festivities. Explore the stunning Amber Fort and regal City Palace before heading to Agra for two nights, marvelling at the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. The Himalayan Queen toy train then carries you to Shimla, where leisurely moments and a scenic trail walk conclude your unforgettable Indian adventure paired with a final one-night stay in Delhi.

Your Imagine Holiday Includes

Rail Journey

Scenic rail journey from Kalka to Shimla on board the Himalayan Queen

Fully Escorted Tours

Tour of Jama Masjid Mosque, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and more

Game drives through Ranthambore National Park*

Holi Festival of Colours

Tour of Amber Fort by Jeep, Hawa Mahal and the City Palace

Tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Trail walk through the Himalayas

Shimla sightseeing city tour

Hotel Stays

3 nights five-star stay in Delhi at the Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka with breakfast

1 night five-star stay in Delhi at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences with breakfast

2 night four-star hotel stay in Ranthambore at the Aangan Resort with breakfast, lunch and dinner

3 night four-star hotel stay in Jaipur at the InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, an IHG Hotel with breakfast

2 night five-star hotel stay in Agra at the Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre with breakfast

3 night five-star hotel stay in Shimla at the Taj Theog Resort & Spa with breakfast

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Auckland departure – regional flights available

Overnight flights

Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change.
Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.
Main image is for illustrative purposes only.
*Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Your Tour

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Overnight to Delhi

Your holiday begins as you fly from New Zealand to your destination.

Day 2
Delhi: Hotel Stay

Your adventure begins in Delhi with a two-night hotel stay. Immerse yourself in the colourful chaos of the streets and sample Mughlai cuisine, from Chaat to Butter Chicken which is so delicious it’s exported around the world.

Overnight: Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

Day 3
Delhi: Hotel Stay & Tour

Experience the captivating allure of Old and New Delhi during a sightseeing tour. Explore narrow lanes where ancient Mughal architecture and bustling markets, then witness the grandeur of New Delhi, adorned with colonial-era landmarks.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

Day 4
Ranthambore: Hotel Stay

You’ll arrive at Ranthambore by evening and check into your hotel. Nestling at the foot of the Aravalli Hills, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of the implementation of Project Tiger.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Aangan Resort

Day 5
Ranthambore: Hotel Stay & Tour

Embark on an exciting and unforgettable game drive in a shared canter. Journey through the captivating landscape filled with glassy lakes, dense trees and ruins of ancient monuments as you look out for the jungle’s majestic inhabitants.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Aangan Resort

Day 6
Jaipur: Hotel Stay & Tour

Today, you’ll be driven to Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City”, where you’ll relish a two-night hotel stay. En route, you’ll stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a fascinating UNESCO-listed town with dazzling red sandstone palaces and fortresses.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, an IHG Hotel

Day 7
Jaipur: Hotel Stay & Holi Celebrations

Today you’ll join in with India’s famous Holi Colour Festival celebrations. Watch in awe as the streets are filled with kaleidoscopic colours marking the arrival of spring as locals throw powdered dye with abandon and spray water.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, an IHG Hotel

Day 8
Jaipur: Hotel Stay & Tour

The mountain-top Amber Fort is one of the architectural gems of Jaipur. Rajasthan’s mountain-fringed capital is also home to the Hawa Mahal, a building festooned with latticed balconies from which royal ladies could view the street below.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, an IHG Hotel

Day 9
Agra: Hotel Stay

Transfer to Agra for a two-night hotel stay. Agra is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the bustling markets and indulge in delicious Mughlai cuisine while immersing yourself in the vibrant city’s atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra

Day 10
Agra: Hotel Stay & Tour

Today, you’ll encounter the magnificent Taj Mahal. Considered the jewel of Muslim art, the Taj Mahal is composed of ivory-white marble, its tall minaret towers look as though they almost pierce the sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra

Day 11
Delhi: Hotel Stay

Returning to Delhi, you’ll delight in an overnight hotel stay. From ancient tales to modern aspirations, Delhi encapsulates India’s dynamic spirit and offers a captivating journey through time.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences

Day 12
Kalka: Board the Himalayan Queen & Shimla Hotel Stay

Board the Himalayan Queen for a scenic journey along a UNESCO World Heritage site railway track. Upon arriving in Shimla, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your three-night escape.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Taj Theog Resort & Spa

Day 13
Shimla: Hotel Stay & Tour

In Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful hill state in northern India framed by the western Himalayas, you’ll venture out on your incredible walking trail, pausing at picturesque hill stations for a rest and to admire the compelling views.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Taj Theog Resort & Spa

Day 14
Shimla: Hotel Stay & Tour

Today you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shimla, exploring highlights including the Shimla State Museum, Vice Regal Lodge, the Mock Tudor Library and Mall Road, the main street in Shimla.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Taj Theog Resort & Spa

Day 15
Delhi: Hotel Stay

Your holiday concludes with a final overnight hotel stay in Delhi.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

Days 16 - 17
Delhi: Fly Home

Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Tour Highlights

Holi Festival of Colours
Attending the Holi Festival of Colours is a truly mesmerising experience. As spring blossoms, the streets come alive in a whirlwind of vibrant colour, with people joyfully throwing powdered hues into the air. Traditional sweets and festive drinks add to the electric atmosphere teeming with joy and carefree revelry, it’s a feast for the senses.
The Himalayas
Walking in the Himalayas is one of life’s great experiences. No mountains can match their beauty and majesty. In Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful hill state in northern India framed by the western Himalayas, you’ll venture out on your incredible walking trail, pausing at picturesque hill stations for a rest and to admire the compelling views.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, centered around the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, features ancient mosques, temples, and diverse flora and fauna. Its dry forests make it one of India's top national parks. Enjoy a two-night stay for thrilling jungle safaris, spotting leopards, boars, hyenas, sloth bears, macaques, and Bengal tigers*.
Taj Mahal
Experience eternal love at the Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel symbolising romance. Explore its intricate details, rich history, and UNESCO status. Watch the stunning sunrise and embark on a captivating journey through time at this iconic site.
Himalayan Queen
Prepare for one of the most beautiful rail journeys on earth on board the famous Himalayan Queen. Settle in as this compact train, traverses through 102 tunnels, over 800 Gothic bridges on this epic UNESCO-listed track. As the Shimla Express winds its way upwards, you’ll delight in breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan landscape.
Hawa Mahal
Discover the exquisite beauty of Hawa Mahal, an architectural gem in the heart of Jaipur, India. With its intricate honeycomb facade and rich history, it's a must-see for anyone seeking a glimpse into India's royal past. Don't miss this captivating marvel.

Prices

Twin Share Prices from $6,999pp

Solo Passenger Prices from $8,999pp

Your Hotel Stays

Delhi

Included Hotel

Vivanta Dwarka New Delhi (Or Similar)

You’ll find the delightful Vivanta by Dwarka an elegant and spacious hotel within the heart of Delhi. This five-star hotel will envelope you in luxury the minute you step in; bold in design, with tall ceilings, airy corridors and magnificent colour contrasts it is undoubtedly a unique contemporary resort. After a busy day sightseeing, relax in your stylish and well-appointed room with chic furnishings and avant-garde windows offering views of the city. The two distinct restaurants entice guests with exotic menus and innovative cuisine from around the world, while the contemporary style bar serves exotic cocktails and premium spirits.

Delhi

Included Hotel

Leela Ambience Convention Hotel

Sleek, spacious rooms offer contemporary comforts and elegant decor, ensuring a restful stay. Savour a choice of international and Indian delicacies at the hotel’s diverse restaurants. Unwind at the serene outdoor pool or pamper yourself with rejuvenating treatments at the spa. With its impeccable service and convenient location, the hotel provides a perfect retreat.

Ranthambore

Included Hotel

Aangan Resort, Ranthambore (Or Similar)

Savour a tranquil escape amidst nature, blending luxury with the wild charm of the jungle at Aangan Resort. Nestled near Ranthambore National Park, this boutique resort provides the perfect base for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore the famous tiger reserve. The resort features spacious, elegantly designed rooms and cottages, offering modern comforts with a rustic touch. Enjoy delectable cuisine, relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment.

Jaipur

Included Hotel

InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, an IHG Hotel (Or Similar)

The InterContinental Jaipur is a luxurious haven set against the stunning backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. Located in the heart of the “Pink City”, this upscale hotel provides easy access to Jaipur’s iconic attractions, including the Amber Fort and City Palace. The hotel boasts spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring opulent decor inspired by Rajasthan’s regal history. With impeccable service and world-class amenities, InterContinental Jaipur offers a truly memorable stay.

Agra

Included Hotel

Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra (Or Similar)

The Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra is a luxurious five-star hotel that seamlessly blends Mughal architecture with modern elegance. Located just minutes from the iconic Taj Mahal, here you’ll find spacious rooms, lush gardens, and a variety of dining options, from traditional Indian cuisine to international fare. Its world-class facilities include a swimming pool, pampering spa, and fitness centre, ensuring a relaxing stay, while its opulent ambiance provides a serene escape.

Shimla

Included Hotel

Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla (Or Similar)

Located under the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the luxurious Taj Theog is nestled within a five-acre verdant cedar forest. Make yourself at home in the elegant and cosy guestrooms, each with a private balcony or patio affording spellbinding views of the forest and the snow-capped Himalayas beyond. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, make a splash in the indoor swimming pool or make use of the 24-hour fitness centre. Savour authentic Indian cuisine at Tragopan, one the hotel’s tow restaurants and quench your thirst at the Theog Junction, a gastro pub offering a range of cocktails and light bites.

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