Incredible India & Holi Festival
March 14-March 24, 2027

Taj Mahal, Tigers & Holi Festival!

Come with us on an adventure to INCREDIBLE India! 

On this 10 day adventure, you’ll explore the three cities known as the Golden Circle; New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This area is known for featuring some of the country’s most spectacular sites. We will be visiting forts, palaces, temples and of course, the Taj Mahal. We will also make a stop to visit one of Northern India’s treasures, Ranthambore National Park, where we will have the opportunity to see the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.

Visit Taj Mahal for sunrise, explore Asia’s largest spice market, wander through centuries old palaces, forts and temples, learn to cook local dishes, spot tigers and leopards in the wild, and more. To top it off, we will finish our trip celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, celebrating love, new life and the victory of good over evil as spring season is welcomed. This 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 is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and we can’t wait to share this amazing country with you!

Group of women dressed in colorful traditional Indian sarees and salwar kameez, posing in front of the Taj Mahal.
Seven women, some wearing pink aprons, pottery, and kitchen utensils, pose together in a yellow-walled kitchen with decorated umbrellas ceiling decor.
Three women covered in colorful powder at a color festival, smiling and enjoying the event with a crowd and tents in the background.
A group of people on two green off-road vehicles on a dirt road near a river with mountains in the background.
Group of women standing arm in arm and facing the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum in India, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Group of women celebrating during a colorful festival, holding a banner that reads 'Women Who Explore', with vibrant colored powder splashed around them and a mural background depicting women celebrating.
People walking along a bustling street in India, with shops on the left and decorative planters on the right, a rickshaw carrying two passengers in the center, and trees with autumn foliage in the background.
A tiger walking through dry grassland with trees in the background.
Group of people in traditional attire standing in front of the Taj Mahal, a large white marble mausoleum with domes and minarets, in Agra, India.

ITINERARY

    • Your trip begins with your arrival at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL).

    • You will be greeted by our driver who will be waiting for you and your fellow travelers with a Women Who Explore sign.

    • Once you arrive at the hotel, check in and get settled. Since most flights arrive late in the evening, no activities are planned today. The rest of the day/night is yours to relax, enjoy dinner and rest up before our incredible adventure begins.

      • For anyone arriving a day early, an optional tour to explore some other sites around Delhi will be offered. Early airport transfers and an additional night(s) at the hotel can be arranged.

    • Namaste! Start your day with a fresh cup of chai tea and a delicious breakfast at the hotel before we head out to explore India’s bustling capital, Delhi.

    • Today begins in Old Delhi by hopping in a rickshaw and meandering through the streets as we make our way to Asia’s largest spice market dating back to the 17th century.

    • Next our rickshaw driver will take us to visit Jama Masjid before we make a stop for lunch. 

    • In the afternoon, we will visit a few historical monuments including Humayun’s Tomb, Ghandi Smitri, and if time permits, Delhi’s oldest stepwell.  

    • After our tour, we will make our way back to the hotel for a relaxing evening and restful night’s sleep.

    • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • After breakfast, we check out and meet our driver for the journey to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

    • The drive is approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic.

    • We will enjoy lunch once we arrive in Agra. Then we will take some time to settle in to the hotel and freshen up.

    • This afternoon a local guide will meet us for a tour of the Red Fort a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we are off to Methab Gardens, the perfect place to watch the sunset with views of the Taj Mahal. 

    • For our final stop of the day, we will meet local marble artisans whose demonstration will give you a better appreciate. of the skill and craftsmanship that made the Taj Mahal.

    • After the demonstration, we will head back to the hotel where you are free to relax and enjoy dinner.

    • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • Our driver and guide will pick us up at in the early am so we’re at the Taj Mahal ready to experience sunrise.

    • During the tour, our guide will share stories of the Taj Mahal, what it represents, and how it was created. There will be take plenty of photos.

    • After the tour, we will make our way back to the hotel to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

    • The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you’d like. Relax by the pool, take a nap, enjoy a massage or join us for some additional exploration.

    • In the afternoon you’ll have the option to visit Sheroes Hangout Café, a cafe run by women who are survivors of acid attacks. It is an initiative to give survivors a place to find acceptance, community, confidence and a means of income. Here you can enjoy lunch or a chai tea, get henna, or shop their small artisan market.

    • Dinner tonight is at your leisure. An offsite group reservation will be made for those who’d like to join.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

    • Enjoy a later start and a leisurely breakfast.

    • Today we pack our bags and make our way to Ranthambore National Park. The drive is approximately 5-6 hours.

    • We will stop for a tea break and to stretch legs along the way.

    • Once we check-in to our hotel, we’ll enjoy lunch together.

    • The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool and explore the property. There are spa services you can utilize on the property. Inquire when you check-in.

    • Dinner is at your leisure.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    • 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. 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 services.

    • During the drive, wildlife we hope to encounter includes: bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, caracal, Indian jackal, sambar deer. 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

    • This is a leisurely morning to start! After breakfast, we start our final drive of the trip to Jaipur. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours.

    • Once we arrive at our hotel, we will freshen up and enjoy lunch.

    • You’ll want to save room for our cooking class this evening! We will visit a local market to collect ingredients to cook with.

    • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

    • After breakfast we will meet our tour guide for a full day of exploring Jaipur.

    • Today we start with a visit to Amber Fort learning about it’s history and the Mughals the called this place home. Along the way we will stop to visit some of Jaipur’s other hidden gems.

    • After a fun morning, we will enjoy a local lunch at a place that will make us feel like royalty.

    • Jaipur is a city known for its textiles, jewels, pottery and shopping in general. We’ll enjoy a few stops to learn about textiles, hand-blocking and weaving. There will also be time to shop so you can take home some of Rajasthan’s traditional arts.

    • Tonight is a choose your own adventure! If you are a foodie, bring your appetite and sign up for a guided street food tour where you will have the opportunity to taste up to 10 different local favorite dishes - or - you have the option to enjoy dinner at a place of your choice.

    • Meals included: Breakfast an lunch (dinner included in optional tour)

    • Today is celebration day and it begins with a choose your own adventure. Wake up early for an optional leopard safari drive or you can choose to sleep in.

      • For those who opt for the adventure, it is an early morning start with a 5:30 am pick up time to make it out before the sun rises. The drive takes around 3-4 hours and you will return to the hotel after for breakfast.

    • 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

    • Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel this morning at your leisure.

    • Today our guide meets us again as we head out to explore the Pink City with visits to the local flower market, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.

    • Our tour ends with an optional stop at the Tattoo Cafe with time to enjoy lunch and great photo ops of Hawa Mahal. You’ll also have time to shop at the bazaar stalls in the area for souvenirs and trinkets.

    • The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city however you would like - shop till you drop, relax at the spa, or get creative!

      • Sign up for our optional hand-block print workshop where you will learn how textiles are created and have the opportunity for hands-on experience to create your own print block fabric to take home with you.

    • A group dinner reservation will be arranged this evening for those who would like to join or you can choose to enjoy dinner at your own pace.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

    • 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) to New Delhi (DEL), which takes about an hour. Transfers to the Jaipur airport will be provided today on an as needed basis.

      • Alternatively, a private or shared group transfer either back to New Delhi (DEL) or anywhere else in India can be arranged with our local guide. The drive to DEL takes 4-5 hours depending on traffic.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

Group of women posing under ornate archway, holding colorful umbrellas at a historic monument.
The Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum in India, with visitors walking around its gardens and pathways.
Four women covered in colorful powder, wearing pink shirts and vibrant head wraps, celebrating together outdoors during a festival or Holi event.
Group of women outdoors in a wooded area, holding a banner that reads 'Women Who Explore'.
A tiger resting on rocky ground underneath tree branches with green and yellow leaves.
A woman in a turquoise dress standing in front of the Taj Mahal in India, with palm trees around and a clear blue sky.
Two women sitting close together on a stone wall, embracing, overlooking a rectangular pool of water surrounded by stone and white carved architecture.
Street scene in an urban area with people walking, shops on either side, and orange flags hanging overhead on wires.
A group of people in a hot air balloon basket preparing for takeoff at sunset, with a flame heating the balloon's interior.
Smiling woman in a green and red floral dress holding a packet of snacks, standing in a busy street with other people in traditional clothing.
Four women covered in vibrant-colored powder at a color run event outdoors under a clear blue sky, with colorful streamers overhead.
A woman in traditional Indian clothing walking toward the Taj Mahal through an ornate archway, with the monument visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Group of women celebrating at a color run event, covered in pink, purple, and yellow powders, holding a blue banner that says "Women Who Explore," with colorful tents in the background.
Four women standing arm in arm in front of the Taj Mahal at sunset, smiling, with green lawn and pathways in the foreground.
A monkey sitting on top of a green auto rickshaw in front of a historic red sandstone gateway in Jaipur, India, during sunset.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

  • $4,895 double occupancy.

    $5,795 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.

  • • 11 days / 10 nights accommodations in 4 star and 5 star hotels, havelis, and boutique homestays

    • Private airport transfers from New Delhi International Airport (DEL) and to Jaipur International Airport (JAI)

    • A local English speaking guide for tours in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

    • Ranthambore National Park guided morning and afternoon Bengal tiger safaris

    • Rickshaw ride (tuk tuk) and guided tour of Old Delhi monuments

    • Guided tour of Taj Mahal at sunrise

    • Guided tour of Agra’s Methab Gardens at sunset and Agra’s Red Fort

    • Guided visits to see Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and other hidden gems in Jaipur

    • Experience Holi festival and celebrate with locals, color and t-shirt provided

    • 3 hour hands-on cooking class including a visit to a local vegetable and spice market

    • Henna tattoo by local artist

    • Time to shop at local bazaars and visit shops specializing in textiles, carpets, jewelry and more in Jaipur

    • Tour escort and driver in private transportation in an A/C van between domestic destinations, to tours, etc.

    • Water, refreshments, and snacks provided when transportation is in use

    • Meals - 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners

    • All monument entrance fees and national park fees (Chhavi Niwa 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

  • • Hot Air Balloon Ride - $360

    • Hand-Block Print Class - $45

    • Street Food Tour - $30

    • Sunrise Safari drive Jhlana Leopard Preserve - $60

    • Elephant Village Visit - $70

    • Delhi Early Arrival Day Tour - $75

    All the excursions are available to add-on at the time of booking. Each option 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.

  • • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.