India - Hidden Gems & Holi
March 13-March 24, 2027
Udaipur, Jodhpur & Jaipur + Holi Festival!
Come explore Holi with us for the first time or again - plus experience some of the hidden gems India has to offer!
This is a special, curated adventure that takes you to explore some of Rajasthan’s most beloved cities: the White City, Udaipur, the Blue City, Jodhpur, and the Pink City, Jaipur. We’ll spend our days exploring centuries old palaces, admiring stunning temples and wandering magnificent forts. We’ll also learn to cook with a local, enjoy sunsets and rooftop restaurants, spot leopards in the wilderness and the BEST part - we get to celebrate Holi!
Holi is the festival of colors and our favorite festival to celebrate! The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, love and welcomes the spring season. It is one of India’s biggest and most celebrated holidays of the entire year and we can’t wait to share it with you!
India has its own special vibe and we can’t wait to show you why we have fallen in love with it!
ITINERARY
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Your trip begins with your arrival at the Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur, India. You will be greeted by your driver who will be waiting for you and your fellow travelers with a Women Who Explore sign.
Once you arrive at the hotel, enjoy time to get settled and rest. No activities are planned today so you can relax, enjoy dinner and rest up before our incredible adventure begins.
For anyone arriving a day early, our local team is happy to help with any travel arrangements. Early airport transfers, an additional night(s) at the hotel and extra activities can be arranged.
For those who arrive before 5 pm, enjoy dinner on a local rooftop followed by a local cultural dance and music performance at Bagore Ki Haveli from 7-8 pm.
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Namaste! Start your day with a fresh cup of chai tea and a delicious breakfast at the hotel before we head out to explore Udaipur, also referred to as the “Venice of the East.”
Our local tour guide will take us to iconic sites with stops at the 460 year old City Palace and Jagdish Temple. We’ll explore the old city on a walking tour where we can have authentic street chai and enjoy some local snacks along the way.
We’ll take time to stop for lunch to enjoy your favorite local dish.
The afternoon allows for some free time to relax at the hotel, enjoy a massage or you can participate in a traditional miniature painting workshop.
The workshop is a hands-on experience where you will learn about this the techniques and materials used in this traditional art.
Tonight we will meet for an evening’s boat ride on the stunning Lake Pichola.
After a lovely boat ride, enjoy dinner at your leisure before making your way back to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide to explore more of the stunning white city.
Today we begin our tour at the Saheliyon-ki-Bari also know as the Princess Courtyard or Garden of the Maidens. We’ll explore the stunning gardens at our own pace.
We will enjoy lunch and then some free time to relax.
Next we will head to a cooking class where we will learn how to prepare local dishes. Together we will enjoy our creations.
In the afternoon, we will have a little free time before making our way to the Monsoon Palace overlooking Udaipur.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
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After breakfast it is time to pack up and check out. Today’s journey takes us to Jawai - a hidden gem where spirituality, nature, and serenity come together. The driver takes around 3.5-4 hours.
On the way, we’ll make a short detour to visit the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, the second longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
We have one more stop before lunch. We will make a visit to experience the Ranakpur Jain Temple, an architectural marvel.
Next it will be time to check in, enjoy lunch and relax as we enjoy our beautiful hotel for the evening.
Dinner tonight is at the resort tonight at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Wake up before the sun and enjoy tea and cookies before you head out on your first safari.
Today you will enjoy two separate safari drives through the Aravalli hills in search of the elusive leopard. The times proposed for safari are meant to give you the best opportunity of seeing wildlife. Tentatively the drives will take place from 6am-10am and 2:30pm-6:30pm. Times fluctuate based on the season.
Between safaris, the time is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel’s pool and spa services.
During the drive, wildlife we hope to encounter includes: leopard, striped hyena, sloth bears, Indian foxes, crocodiles, nilgai (blue bulls) and chinkaras. The area is also rich in birdlife with over 100 migratory species. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Our drivers do their best to track animals within our designated zones, but these are wild animals and they’re not always cooperative with our timelines.
Between safari drives, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch, relax by the pool, get a massage or take a nap.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Wake up and enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Our journey today brings us towards Jodhpur, the blue city of India.
The drive today is approximately 3.5 - 4 hours. On the way we will stop at the Bishnoi Village, a community known for their deep respect for nature, wildlife and sustainable living.
When we arrive in Jodhpur, we will check into our hotel and enjoy some time to settle in, have lunch and freshen up.
Later in the afternoon, we will head out to get acquainted with the city on a walking tour through the blue city.
We will enjoy dinner together in the city before heading back to our hotel for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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After breakfast we will meet our guide for a tour of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. The tour also includes a visit to Jaswant Thada.
We’ll enjoy lunch in the city before spending time exploring the shops. Jodhpur is known for exquisite handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and antique shops. For those who prefer more down time, you can relax at the hotel or enjoy a spa service.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling adventure on a 300 m long zip line over the city’s lake with beautiful views of the fort and Blue City. (Optional add-on activity).
Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast
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After breakfast at our hotel, it’s time to pack up as we make our way to Jaipur. The drive today is around 5.5 - 6.5 hours but we’ll enjoy a wonderful stop along the way to explore Pushkar.
Pushkar is a holy city known for its ancient temples, vibrant traditions and unique cultural encounters. During our visit, we’ll get to explore the areas around Pushkar Lake, a sacred place visited by many today as it is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself.
Here we will enjoy lunch before visiting the Brahma Temple. Take part in an optional puja ceremony and enjoy some free time to explore temples nearby.
In the later afternoon, we’ll begin making our way to Jaipur. There will be an option to make your way via a traditional India passenger train (2 hours express train) or you can go direct by private car.
Arrive in Jaipur, check in and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
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After a full day of travel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Today’s adventure begins with a visit to the flower market followed by a visit to a nearby Hindu temple where you’ll experience and learn about daily worship.
Next up we will visit the impressive Royal Gaitor before stopping for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the local bazaar and visit a textile shop where you can create and customize create your own clothing. It’s one of our favorite things to do when we visit Jaipur!
After we will make our way to the Monkey Temple where we will explore this unique temple and enjoy sunset before making our way to the hotel.
Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
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Today is celebration day! We’ll enjoy breakfast at our hotel before making our way to the local Holi Festival. Here we’ll dive into a world of colors and dance with locals and travelers alike.
Lunch will be enjoyed together after the local celebration concludes.
After an amazing day, you’ll be tired and ready for a shower. Your driver will take you back to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the evening to enjoy at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
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Today begins with another chance to view the elusive leopard in the wild. We’ll enjoy a sunrise drive at the Jhlana Leopard Reserve home to 30+ leopards. The drive takes around 3-4 hours and we will return to the hotel after for breakfast.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and slow morning. Around mid-day there will be an opportunity to head out to explore a local bazaar, visit tailor or jewelry shops, indulge in a massage or sign up for an optional hand block print workshop or jewelry workshop.
Later in the afternoon, we will head to Naghagarh Fort for a stunning view overlooking Jaipur city where we will enjoy a sunset dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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Today is our final day and sadly, time to say goodbye! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
If you are up for one last adventure today, sign up for an optional hot air balloon ride that will take you soaring high above the Aravalli mountains in the countryside outside of Jaipur.
Depending on your flight home (and number of bags to check) we suggest a direct flight from Jaipur (JAI). You can also fly back to Udaipur (UDR), New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and many other cities in India from Jaipur. Transfers to the Jaipur airport will be provided today on an as needed basis.
Alternatively, a private transfer to New Delhi (DEL) can be arranged. The drive takes 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
Meals included: Breakfast
TOUR EXTENSIONS
March 24th - March 26th, 2026
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The adventure begins as you will leave the bustling Pink City on March 24th and head towards Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. The drive is approximately 5 hours depending on traffic - gotta watch out for cows!
Once we arrive in Agra, check into the hotel and settle in. You’lll have the option to visit Methab Garden for sunset and a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.
After you’ll make a stop to meet the local artisans whose skills and craftsmanship have been passed down through generations dating back to the time of the Mughal empire in the 1500s. After the demonstration, we will head back to the hotel where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure.
The next morning is an early rise as you get up before the sun for a visit the Taj Mahal. You’ll enjoy a sunrise tour of this magnificent monument. After your tour (and all the photos), you’ll head back to your hotel to enjoy breakfast.
Enjoy the rest of your morning to take a nap, relax at the pool, or enjoy a massage. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn more about the history and story of Agra. Enjoy dinner before returning to the hotel.
On your final morning, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing up and checking out. Your driver will take you to New Delhi airport for you to catch a later afternoon or evening flight. Alternatively, you can be dropped at a hotel nearby the airport as well. We recommend booking a room at the Holiday Inn at Terminal 3 if you are looking for nearby accommodations.
INCLUDED:
3 days / 2 nights in a 4 star hotel in a double occupancy room. Single upgrade available.
Guided tour of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and Red Fort of Agra
Entrance to Methab Garden
Private transportation from Jaipur to Agra to New Delhi airport or nearby hotel
Meals: 3 breakfasts and 1 dinner
COST:
Double occupancy - $675
Single occupancy - $875
If you are traveling solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, a single room upgrade charge may apply. A minimum of 2 guests are required to offer this tour. Regular Terms of Service apply.
This tour extension is offered from March 24th - March 26th.
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On your last day, you’ll wake up and enjoy breakfast, check out and make the drive to Ranthambhore National Park. The drive from Jaipur is approximately 3 hours.
Once you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy lunch and time to relax pool side. Dinner is included at the property and can be enjoyed at your leisure. Drinks are not included and are an additional charge.
The next morning you’ll wake up before the sunrise for an incredible adventure in search of the Bengal tiger! We will be up before sunrise so we can begin our safari drive through Ranthambore National Park, a sanctuary famous for its wildlife. Said to have one of India’s friendliest tigers, it is also considered to be the best place in the world to photograph Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. While our goal is to find a tiger, two, or three, other animals that call this beautiful space home include the leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear and striped hyena to name a few. This sanctuary is also home to one of the largest banyan trees in all of India. We think this place is pretty incredible and it will give you some serious Jungle Book vibes!
After a morning safari, we will head back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast and the rest of the day is yours to rest until our next safari. In the late afternoon, we head out again for a second safari in hopes of spotting a majestic tiger at sunset.
We will return to the property after where you are able to enjoy dinner at your leisure, relax and catch up on some sleep.
The next morning, wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After checking out your driver will make the way to New Delhi Airport (DEL) or a nearby hotel to drop you off to catch your flight home.
INCLUDED:
2 nights in 4 star resort in a double occupancy room. Single upgrade available.
One AM and one PM Bengal Tiger safari drives (shared drives, not private).
Private transportation from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park and return to New Delhi Airport (DEL) or nearby airport hotel.
Meals: 3 Breakfast, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners at resort. Drinks are not included.
COST:
Double occupancy - $925
Single occupancy - $1,195
Prices are based on double occupancy and a minimum of 2 persons to book. If you are traveling solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, a single room upgrade charge may apply. Regular Terms of Service apply.
This tour extension is offered from March 24th - March 26th.
Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com
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$4,795 double occupancy.
$5,695 single occupancy.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request or you can request a single supplement upgrade (limited availabilty).
A deposit is due at booking to secure your spot and a payment plan is offered. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment dates.
Please note that once the trip is confirmed, the deposit is non-refundable for this trip as it is used to secure safari permits. The hot air balloon experience is also non-refundable.
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• 12 days / 11 nights accommodations in 4 star and 5 star hotels, havelis, and boutique homestays
• Private airport transfers from Udaipur airport (UDR) and to Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
• A local English speaking guide for tours in Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur
• Jawai National Park guided morning and afternoon leopard safari
• Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Ranakpur Jain Temple
• Guided tour of Udaipur City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Princess Courtyard
• Guided walking tour of old city Udaipur with time to explore shops
• Guided tour of Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and local markets with time to shop
• Guided walking tour of Jodhpur’s blue city and time to take photos
• Experience Jodhpur’s zip line
• Experience Holi festival and celebrate with locals, color and t-shirt provided
• 3 hour hands-on cooking class in Udaipur
• Visit Royal Gaitor, Monkey Temple, flower market and Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur
• Henna tattoo by local artist
• Time to visit local and shop at local bazaars and textile, pottery, and jewelry shops in Jaipur
• Tour escort and driver in private transportation in an A/C car between domestic destinations, to tours, etc.
• Water, refreshments, and snacks provided when transportation is in use
• Meals - 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• All monument entrance fees and national park fees (Royal Grandeur fee not included)
• All government taxes, tolls, parking fees and interstate taxes
• Women Who Explore trip leader with you and available for support 24/7
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list and pre-travel support provided in a private WhatsApp group
• WWE Swag to take home with you
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• Hot Air Balloon Ride - $360
• Hand-Block Print Class - $45
• Taj Mahal Trip Extension - $TBD
• Ranthambhrome Trip Extension - $TBD
All the activities are available to add-on at the time of booking. Each activity includes transportation to/from the activity and an English-speaking guide.
For anyone arriving early or staying longer to explore India, customized trip packages are available through our local provider. Please inquire.
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• International flights to/from New Delhi International Airport (DEL)
• Domestic transfer (flight, or private driver) from Jaipur to Delhi.
• Airport transfers if arriving outside of designated arrival and departure dates and locations as noted. This can be arranged at an additional cost through our local service provide
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above
• Tips and gratuity for local guides, tour escort and driver (at the discretion of the guest)
• Any additional excursions or optional activities not included in the above
• Visa if applicable U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens are required to apply for an E-Visa ahead of time. Cost varies depending on length of visa requested. E-visa is ~$30 USD. Learn more here.
• Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations, or required Covid-19 testing (not required for India as of 2/2023)
• Travel insurance (required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please share any food allergies/sensitivities at the time of booking or reach out to share with the trip host. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private WhatsApp group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support.
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Please see our Terms of Service.
All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.
Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.
For India once the trip is confirmed, the leopard safari permit and the hot air balloon are both non refundable and non transferable activities.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
If you purchase a Travel Select plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit made (and insure your full trip cost), you would have two added eligible benefits for no additional premium: financial default and the pre-existing conditions waiver.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
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Please note that at the time this trip is confirmed, the trip deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable to another trip as it is used to secure safari permits from the government of India.
Permits are assigned at the time of purchase. Permits will be acquired on a first come basis as specific zones are assigned at the time of purchase. Guests will be on safari with 2-6+ other guests in a shared open air vehicle.
Please note that while we strive to provide an incredible wildlife experience, sightings of tigers, leopards, or any specific animal are not guaranteed. Wildlife is unpredictable, and animals may not be visible during your safari due to their natural behavior and habitat. The success of sightings depends on a variety of factors, including weather, time of day, and animal movements. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of nature, the variety of wildlife, and the adventure of the journey, regardless of specific animal sightings.