Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Explore northern India during this incredible event, taking place on Wednesday 7 November 2018, when candles and lanterns light the region’s natural and cultural beauty by night.
Starting in Delhi, guests can visit the Gandhi Smriti museum, where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last days of his life. An afternoon rickshaw tour of the food markets allows visitors to indulge in some of the region’s famous street food. Journey to Agra by train and visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Agra Fort, before waking early the next day to watch the rose and bronze tints of an Indian sunrise reflected from the dome of the Taj Mahal. Following this, Diwali celebrations reach a climax with guests donning traditional kurta pyjamas before traditional gift-giving and a celebratory dinner finishing with night lamps. After the traditional festivities, the tour continues the immersion in Indian culture with visits to charming artisanal jewellery and pottery shops as well as the decadent grandeur of Udaipur’s palaces.
For more insight about Diwali, visit our guide to Diwali festival of light.
A seven-night Diwali Festival of Light in Jaipur tour, starting 4 November 2018, costs from £2,039 pp (two sharing). Price includes six breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner, private English-speaking guide, private transfers and train tickets, Diwali celebrations with a local family and a culinary street-food tour by rickshaw in Delhi. Diwali is an annual celebration and Awesome Experiences will be hosting a similar tour for next year’s festival.
For further information, visit: Awesome Experiences (0208 432 0885, www.awesomeexperiences.com)
