HIGHLIGHTS

Join Photo Quest Adventures to explore and photograph the craziest, most intense festival of colors in India! If you own a drone, this trip will be the perfect place to use it.

Holi is celebrated for more than two weeks in Vrindavan and Mathura, where lord Krishna was born and grew up. 

Thousands of people from across India came together in Mathura and near by villages where the festival of color is celebrated with great fervor. Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The festival begins with Lathmar Holi played in Barsana, a small village in Mathura. Lathmar Holi usually begins around a week before the main Holi day. During the Lathmar Holi celebrations, women from Barsana village wait with wooden sticks to beat the men who come from the adjacent village of Nandgoan, the hometown of Lord Krishna. 

March 14 – Depart the US for your flight to Delhi, India

March 15 – Arrival in Delhi, India

On your arrival in Delhi you will be met by our representative who will escort you to your hotel and assist in checking-in.  You will most likely arrive around midnight. Overnight Delhi.

March 16 – Delhi, India

After breakfast an optional tour of Old Delhi.

March 17 – Delhi – Mathura

This morning after breakfast, we will start our 3-½ hrs drive to Mathura, which will be our base for the next four days during Holi celebrations. This is a great event to take some stunning colorful images. 

On arrival you will be assisted with check-in at the hotel. After lunch get ready to click some of the most vibrant and striking images as we take you to Barsana to witness the festival of colors – Holi. 

Thousands of people from across India came together in Mathura and near by villages where the festival of color is celebrated with great fervor. Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The festival begins with Lathmar Holi played in Barsana, a small village in Mathura. Lathmar Holi usually begins around a week before the main Holi day. During the Lathmar Holi celebrations, women from Barsana village wait with wooden sticks to beat the men who come from the adjacent village of Nandgoan, the hometown of Lord Krishna.  Overnight Nidhivan Hotel.

March 18, 19, 20, 21  – Mathura-Holi Celebration

We will spend the days taking some amazing images of the Holi celebrations in nearby villages and temples. We will also attend a special widow holi set up for just our group. The daily itinerary will be discussed during the dinner of the previous day. 

Hindu Mythology says that Lord Krishna along with his friends visited Barsana, Radha's village (Radha was Lord Krishna’s girlfriend), to tease her and other gopis (girls) by throwing colored water on them. In retaliation, Radha and gopis chased him and his friends to beat them up with sticks. 

Even today, people from Nandgoan and Barsana follow the ritual. Men soaked in colored water arrive in Barsana and tease women by singing provocative songs. The women then beat them with sticks (lathis) and men use shields to protect themselves. Holi is celebrated for more than two weeks in Vrindavan and Mathura, where lord Krishna was born and grew up. Overnight Nidhivan Hotel.

March 22 – Mathura to Delhi-USA

After the morning shoot we will start our drive back to Delhi. The rest of the evening is free.  For people departing back to the USA, you will be transferred to the airport this evening for your return flight after midnight. Overnight Delhi.

If you are doing the extension to Maldives or Holla Festival you will spend the night in Delhi and transferred to the airport the next morning.

Two optional extensions: March 23 – March 27 Delhi – Amritsar for Holla Festival or March 23-26 for the Maldives. Email us for details and pricing.

New Delhi

Le Méridien New Delhi

Amritsar

Taj Swarna, Amritsar

Mathura

Nidhivan Sarovar Portico

Anandpur Sahib

Aagman Camps

New Delhi

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Holi

Holi is celebrated for more than two weeks in Vrindavan and Mathura, where lord Krishna was born and grew up. 

Thousands of people from across India came together in Mathura and near by villages where the festival of color is celebrated with great fervor. Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The festival begins with Lathmar Holi played in Barsana, a small village in Mathura. Lathmar Holi usually begins around a week before the main Holi day. During the Lathmar Holi celebrations, women from Barsana village wait with wooden sticks to beat the men who come from the adjacent village of Nandgoan, the hometown of Lord Krishna. 

Holla

The Holla Mohalla is an impressive traditional display of bravery and valor that is a must see.

The ultimate display of machismo - Holla Mohalla, an annual Sikh festival held a day after Holi, has the drama, the sweat and the incredible colours that Indian festivals are known for. 

Passport

Please note that the passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to apply for your India visa.

Visas

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter
India. Visas are valid from the date of issue. Visas must be obtained from the Indian
consular office in your country of residence.

eVisa

Please note that eVisa facilities have been extended to citizens of more than 100 countries and the information, eligibility, cost and time lines are given on the eVisa website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

Electricity

European plug with two circular metal pins South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin 230-240V 50Hz

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +5.5

Country Dialing Code

+91

Hygiene

DO NOT brush teeth with tap water! Most hotels offer a complimentary bottle of mineral water. Use this to brush your teeth.

Health and Medical

As India is a developing nation, visitors need to take special precautions against illnesses not normally encountered at home. A trip to a doctor or travel clinic is recommended well in advance of your departure date to ensure that you receive all the necessary immunizations and medications.

Clothing and Appropriate Dress

Lightweight clothing is suggested.  But light, wicking, high performance layers are always recommended in case it gets cool at night or if there is rainfall.  

India is a developing country with conservative dress standards. In smaller cities and villages, people still dress conservatively. The most important rule for both women and men is to keep the legs and shoulders covered. Wearing shorts and short skirts should be avoided