Highlights
Highlights
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
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.
explore
Explore Amritsar, Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the magical Golden Temple, one of India’s most serene and humbling sights.
Photograph the colorful and amazing festival of Holla Mohalla.
discover
Photograph Holi celebrations to take some stunning colorful images.
Witness the “Change of Guard” ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by border security forces. A site you cannot afford to miss.
learn
Learn how to photograph Holi and color in motion.
Explore the landscapes and temples for dramatic photographs.
Itinerary
Itinerary
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
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.
Lodging
Lodging
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
Quest Leaders
Quest Leaders
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
MIRJAM EVERS
Mirjam is a New York City based travel photographer specializing in international environmental portraiture, landscape photography and adventure images. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she has photographed in more than 75 countries, including many of the most exotic places in the world. Mirjam's photographs are indicative of her unique capacity to personally connect with diverse cultures and communities. Her eye for location lighting is highly stylized and works to illustrate and heighten the unique characteristics of each international locale. She is able to transcend cultural and language barriers with an intangible spirit that is conveyed in every image. Her work has appeared in AFAR, The New York Times, AARP, Outdoor Photographer, PDN, American Photo, Popular Photography, Digital Photo, Departures, MSN Travel.
Facts
Facts
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
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
Quest Gear
Quest Gear
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
Recommended gear
Computer / Digital Accessories
Laptop with charger and Photoshop and Lightroom (not mandatory)
Portable hard drives
Card reader
All cables for drives, computer, card readers, storage devices, etc.
Power converters/adapters for all international quests
Other
Cover or large zip-lock bag for camera for shooting in Holi
Sturdy tripod (carbon fiber)
Cable release (for night shots)
Small headlamp and flashlight
Your camera’s manual
Camera Gear
Camera and extra body
Battery charger & extra batteries
Memory cards (bring plenty!!!)
Sensor cleaning supplies
Flash with plenty of batteries
Wireless transmitter for Flash
Lenses
24-70mm for portraits or similar
70-200mm lens or similar
For night photography: fast/wide lenses like 14mm 2.8, 20mm 1.8 or 16-35 and 24-70 2.8
Polarizing filter(s)
Lens hoods for all lenses
Lint-free cloth to clean lenses and blower ball for dust
Pricing
Pricing
INDIA: HOLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 22, 2025
Cost per person
$6400 based on double occupancy. $1650 per person for a single room.
Limited to 6 participants.
Not included
Visa charges, airport taxes, table drinks, telephone calls, tips to driver/guide/naturalist, laundry etc or any other items of personal nature.
International Airfare
Included
Accommodation based on twin sharing rooms as per the itinerary for 8 nights.
Domestic Airfare
Breakfast in Delhi and all meals in Mathura.
Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing’s, excursion’s and transfers using an air-conditioned Mini Coach irrespective of the size of the group.
Entrance fees are included in the above cost as per the itinerary.
Services of English speaking local guide during all the city tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
PhotoQuest Adventures has partnered with Exito Travel to offer our clients comprehensive air services. No more hassle of booking your own flights—use our form to connect with a personal agent and secure the best rates. Once a request has been submitted, Exito will send detailed flight options to you.
Travel Insurance:
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Photo Quest Adventures. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Medical Evacuation Insurance (required). Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).