|
|
 Our annual India Holi Festival gay tour is a royal journey through Rajasthan. India—and especially the province of Rajasthan—is chaotic and colourful. While the country is laden with lavishness, it can also exasperate and confound the unprepared traveller. This all-gay tour of India fills a decadent 12 days with a 7th Wonder of the World, the Pink City of Jaipur and huge clouds of colour that define the world-famous Holi Festival. Please stand by for fiery feasts, local accommodations and a truly unique culture.
• Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colour!
• Witness the lighting of the Holika (huge bonfire) on the eve of Holi at Udaipur’s City Palace
• Marvel at (and photograph) the Taj Mahal twice: in the afternoon and again at sunrise
• Appreciate India’s glorious architecture including India Gate, Agra Fort, Chand Baori and Mehrangarh Fort
• Discover the madness of India’s famous bazaars
• Learn about Rajasthan’s sweeping history during walking tours of Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur
• Enjoy a slew of Indian and Rajasthani dinners
• Learn about, and visit with, the region’s nomadic Bishnoi tribes
Day 1
Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi. Rebuilt seven times over the centuries, today Delhi marries modern hustle with historic highlights. After clearing customs and immigration at DEL Airport, an Out Adventures rep will transport you to our hotel, where a traditional Indian welcome awaits. We’ll have a kickoff meeting this evening, followed by a decadent Welcome Dinner.
Hotel: The Imperial New Delhi Hotel , Delhi
Day 2
For the first full day of our tour we’ll begin in Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Mosque. One of the world’s most beautiful Muslim temples, it was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. We’ll enjoy a walking tour as well as briefly drive past Red Fort. With our appetites revved up, a traditional Kashmiri lunch awaits, then we’ll hit up Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi before enjoying another walking tour. We’ll be sure to swing by Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhawan) and India Gate (this war memorial honours 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in WWI). This evening we meet with a prominent journalist and LGBT activist at the hotel, then he joins us for an optional dinner.
Hotel: The Imperial New Delhi Hotel, Delhi
Day 3
The day kicks off with a 4.5-hour drive to Agra, the second capital of the Mughal Empire. After checking-in and grabbing a bite, we’re off to Agra Fort, an imposing structure nearly two miles long. Featuring palaces, audience halls and mosques within, it flaunts both Islamic and Hindu architecture. Today’s final stop is the world’s ultimate tribute to love. Lacy white and mesmerizing, the Taj Mahal was built by the Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his favourite wife. Tonight we head out for an included Indian dinner!
Hotel: ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
Day 4
So magical is the Taj Mahal we’ll return to view it this morning as the sun rises. After breakfast and checking out, we’ll drive to Jaipur stopping along the way for lunch and an incredible photo opportunity at Chand Baori, the largest stepwell in the world. It was originally built in honour of the Goddess of Joy and Happiness. This evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel followed by free time to explore.
Hotel: Samode Haveli Hotel, Jaipur
Day 5
Enjoy a full day in the Pink City of Jaipur (the rosy glow arose thanks to a visit from King Edward VII in 1876 – almost all of the city was freshened up with a coat of paint). We’ll take a guided tour this morning, visiting City Palace where we’ll even get to enter the royal family’s private chambers. Other stops can include the city’s Observatory as well as Hawa Maha. In the afternoon we’ll visit the market in the old city including Johari Bazar together before some free time. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Hotel: Samode Haveli Hotel, Jaipur
Day 6
Another day in Jaipur, beginning with breakfast at the hotel before taking the morning to explore both Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort together. Afterwards you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own before an early dinner. This evening we discover the city’s main attraction: Amer Fort. Overlooking Maoto Lake, the fort is famed for its decorative Hindu style and immaculate landscaping. We’ll arrive after sunset to ensure epic photos of the structure lit up. After we’ve explored the landmark, it’s back to our hotel to relax.
Hotel: Samode Haveli Hotel, Jaipur
Day 7
Today we journey to Jodhpur, about an 8-hour drive away. After checking in to our 5-star hotel, you’ll have some time to relax before dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Taj Hari Mahal Hotel , Jodhpur
Day 8
A full day of sightseeing awaits, beginning with a visit to the royal cenotaphs (tombs) and Jaswant Thada, a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, on the banks of a nearby lake. To wrap up the morning we visit the majestic Mehrangarh fort, where we’ll enjoy an optional lunch after the tour. We’ll have a bit of free time at the hotel before driving approximately one hour to Rohet where we’ll learn more about the Bishnoi tribes on a village safari, even visiting their homes and partaking in their customs. Dubbed the ‘Premier ecologists of the world’, the Bishnoi have protected nature for more than 500 years, and have ensured the survival of species like the Black Buck antelope. We’ll enjoy an exclusive and private dinner tonight in the dunes, with local folklore to accompany the night’s sky.
Hotel: Taj Hari Mahal Hotel, Jodhpur
Day 9
Today we journey to Narlai, just 3 hours away. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this tranquil village. Tonight we are treated like royalty as we visit an ancient stepwell and feast on a lavish dinner, surrounded by the twinkling lights of lamps and the stars above us.
Hotel: Rawla Narlai Luxury Heritage Hotel, Narlai
Day 10
We’re off to Udaipur, with a visit to Ranakpur Jain Temple en route. This massive monument on the Magai River was built between the late-14th and mid-15th century AD. It has over 1444 marble pillars—carved in exquisite detail—with no two pillars the same. We’ll have an included lunch, then continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Udaipur (a former palace) where we’ll check in and get ready for tonight when we’ll bear witness to the Holika Dahan, a bonfire ceremony that represents the triumph of good over evil. Dinner will follow tonight—at the palace, no less.
Hotel: Fateh Garh Udaipur, A Heritage Renaissance Resort, Udaipur
Day 11
Today is the highlight of our holiday: Holi, the festival of colour! We celebrate the festival at a local Indian family’s private home. Lunch will be served before we let loose—Holi is a free-for-all where participants run around and shower each other with coloured powders and water. After this unicorn of a battle is over, we’ll unwind poolside at the hotel before enjoying an incredible Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Fateh Garh Udaipur, A Heritage Renaissance Resort, Udaipur
Day 12
Today is our final day and we wish everyone safe travels home. From the whole Out Adventures team, we’d like to extend a royal thank you for joining us in India. Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport. Safe journey!
|
|
• Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel
• 4-Star Hotels (4 nights), 5-Star Hotels (6 nights)
• Breakfast daily, 4 Lunches and 10 Dinners
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Gratuities for tour leaders, drivers, hotel staff and included meals
• Village safari by jeep in Rohetgarh
• Entrance fees to monuments mentioned
• Holi Festival celebrations in Udaipur
• Bottled water, soft drinks and wet wipes on bus
• Basic porterage at hotels & airports
• International Airfare
• Meals & Activities not mentioned
• Gratuities for Group Leader (Recommended: USD $5-$7 per person/per day)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
• Alcoholic beverages during meals
• Camera/Video Fees at the monuments
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Visa fees
India Visa
A visa is required for most nationalities, and can be obtained online. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Culture Shock
India is unlike any country we know (and we know many). The poverty and pollution can be overwhelming, but so can the beauty and opulence. You can count on friendly locals, but we ask that you in turn respect local customs when visiting sacred sites (we’ll prime you in advance). Since most meals will be at hotels and tourist-style restaurants, please rest assured proper hygiene will be practiced.
Local LGBT Scene
India generally condemns homosexuality. For this reason, it’s wise to avoid public displays of affection, for the safety of yourself and fellow travellers.
Weather
During February/March the days are normally warm to hot and the nights are often mild. Daytime temperatures can be expected to be around 27C/80F, with evening lows around 16C/61F. Humidity is usually low and little or no rain can be expected.
Required Vaccinations
Based on entry requirements, no vaccinations are needed for entry unless your home country, or a country you are travelling to before or after this tour, has restrictions in place. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type D/G sockets.
Connectivity
All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post, and generally be the envy of your friends and family back home.
Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.
Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. While we typically dine together so everybody can taste everything, feel free to explore restaurants on your own…your guide will always have solid recommendations.
Money
Local currency is the Indian Rupee, with USD widely accepted. While credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels, we recommend carrying local currency for little purchases. We also recommend carrying about $400 USD, only to be used in an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.
Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Details will be provided in your final trip documentation, though we recommend budgeting about $150 USD.
What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.
How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!
Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
Important Note On Markets
Indian markets and bazaars are a whirlwind adventure in themselves.
Please note, shop owners use high-pressure sales tactics and the unprepared traveller can often feel overwhelmed. If you choose to visit a market, it’s best to put your ‘Go with the Flow’ pants on and have fun with it.
Important Note On Accommodations
Like the country itself, Indian hotels and accommodations vary from absolute opulence and lavishness to cozy and historical. This Out Adventure uses a range of hotels that reflect this variance. In Delhi for example, we stay at one of the country’s finest hotels we’re aware of. Meanwhile the bulk of the tour features 4-Star Hotels (which may feel more like an American 3-Star) as well as Local Accommodations (Unique residential buildings that have been converted into hotels and B&Bs).
Please Note: Local Accommodations offer an unsterilized, authentic look into the India. Travellers should expect properties that seem stuck in time, but offer plenty of charm and character.
Starting Point Hotel
The Imperial New Delhi Hotel, Delhi
Located 1 km from New Delhi's City Centre and Business District, Hotel Imperial offers an outdoor pool and health club. Guests can enjoy spa services and 7 dining options.
Hotel Imperial is a 10-minute drive from New Delhi Railway Station. Nizamuddin Railway Station is 8 km away. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. The historic Chandni Chowk is a 10-minute drive away as well. India Gate, Presidential Palace, Jantar Mantar are a few of the sight seeing options which are less than 8 km from the hotel.
Modern and spacious, rooms are fitted with high ceilings, a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities. Bathrobes, toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.
English afternoon tea is offered at The Atrium while Italian specialities can be enjoyed at San Gimignano. Daniell’s Tavern and 1911 Restaurant and Bar are available for live entertainment and drinks.
Finishing Point Hotel
Fateh Garh Udaipur, A Heritage Renaissance Resort, Udaipur
Boasting beautiful 360-degree views of the Aravalli Mountain Range, Fateh Garh is perched on the edge of Udaipur City. This heritage hotel features an outdoor pool and a luxury spa.
Fateh Garh is 7 km away from Udaipur’s city centre. It is 30 km away from Maharana Pratap Airport.
Guests can take a guided tour of rural Udaipur by jeep, by horseback or on foot. Moksha Spa features massage rooms that offer views of the City of Lakes. It also includes a steam bath and a fitness centre.
Spacious rooms at Fateh Garh have large windows providing scenic views and plenty of natural light. Amenities include cable TV, a safety deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities. The bathroom features a bathtub with shower.
Open for lunch and dinner, the Baradari restaurant serves local and Indian specialities. Amritam bar offers a selection of cocktails and international wines. Guests can have high tea at the Janana courtyard while enjoying stunning sunset views.
|
|
