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Travel with Dana is the experience of a lifetime. I had two wonderful weeks of laughs, learning and creativity. This trip brought me new cultural and artistic experiences and a welcome break from my busy schedule. Thank you Dana, I never would have had this opportunity without you. My heart is full! Bec - North India Oct 25'

North India Raj & Taj Art/Culture + HOLI

23rd FEBRUARY TO 7th MARCH 2026 - 13 days/12 nights
$6700 aud per person shared room
with a $1000 aud solo supplement


Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bijaipur - Udaipur
Join Adelaide artist Dana Kinter and local expert from Travel Brew Tours for an exploration of North India's vibrant art and culture. This immersive journey highlights the region's rich traditions, historical sites, and exquisite craftsmanship. Over the course of 13 days, some of the iconic landmarks we visit - Old Market of Delhi, Jama Masjid, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace Udaipur. This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow travellers who share a passion for cultural immersion and meaningful experiences. This time we have landed on Holi the festival of colour, love, spring and the triumph of good over evil.

🪷 click to YES please book me now!

HOLI
Holi is vibrant Hindu festival of colors, love, and spring, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of new life, marked by people throwing coloured powders and water, bonfires, dancing, and feasting. It signifies new beginnings, forgiveness, and the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

The eve before we will walk through the Old Town of Udaipur and watch as large bonfires are lit symbolising the burning of evil Holika Dahan. The next morning is Rangwali Holi, people gather the alleyways to play with coloured powders and water, singing, dancing, and sharing sweets. Holi is a time to forgive old debts, mend broken relationships, and start fresh.

Workshops/Masterclasses
Come join us in the small block printing village of Bagru, where you can dive into the world of natural dyeing and hand-carved block printing, studio artist will guide you as you create your very own masterpiece. We spend he morning on a guide walk through printing studios, walk through the field of colour and watch life as it passes by. At Nila House, a non-profit organisation we will learn direct from local craftswomen, each time we visit we are presented with a new experience this time we learn Applique. In Udaipur we attend a Pichwai masterclass of Rajaram Sharma in the family studio, an incredible experience that explores the spiritual essence of this unique art form. Pichwai paintings are known for their impressive size and exquisite brushwork, which together create a captivating visual narrative.

Fabulous Landscapes and Unique Accommodation
Explore North India's breathtaking scenery! The fast paced cities full of sounds, people, cars, lights that will energise we savour our time in serene rural palaces, beautiful havelis, and delightful heritage hotels. Our accommodation includes a 16th-century castle, where we have two glorious days to relax, sit by the pool or wander the village as well as five-star hotels to step back from the hustle and bustle of busy life and charming heritage havelis lavishly painted frescos/murals depicting daily life, folk mythology or simple sprigs of nature.

Food Food Food. Discover the amazing cuisine of North India, renowned for its distinctive flavors and culinary tradition. We learn how to prepare a traditional Indian lunch with Deepika and discover treasured family recipes. Indulge in local cuisine and culture, enjoying kulfi, and sipping chai from street vendors.

Our journey starts with the hustle and bustle of Delhi (2 nights), followed by a train ride to Agra (1 night), and then a private air-conditioned vehicle will take us to The Pink City of Jaipur (3 nights). Next, we head by private bus to experience the luxury of rural Rajasthan during a heritage stay in a castle Bijaipur (2 nights). Finally, we will make our way to Udaipur (3 nights), The City of Lakes, to experience the festival Holi before flying back to Delhi (1 night). After 13 days (12 nights) filled with delight, awe and I am already looking forward to making new life long travel friends.

'This was our first experience of traveling on a tour and I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to find another tour that lives up to this. From the itinerary including all the workshops, castles, palaces, restaurants and fabulous accommodation, to the relaxed and happy vibes. We loved not having to think about a thing and Dana and Javed being one step ahead always knowing what we wanted or needed before we knew ourselves! My daughter and I dreamed of visiting India together when she finished school,  this was the ultimate adventure and we can’t thank Dana and Javed enough for bringing this dream to life and making it better than we ever dared to dream. Kristy and Ellie (qld) Mar25'

included
🪷 Meals - 12 breakfasts, 5 dinners
welcome dinner day one, both dinners at Bijaipur Castle, cooking class dinner and farewell dinner
🪷 Sightseeing - Delhi
Jama Masjid the oldest Mosque in Dehli
Sheeshganj Gurudwara Sikh Temple
Old Dehli Market leader lead walking tour
🪷 Sightseeing - Agra
Red Fort 16th Century UNESCO World Heritage fort
The Taj Mahal UNESCO World Heritage site
🪷 Sightseeing - Jaipur
Pink City leader lead walking tour
Amber Palace a UNESCO World Heritage site including the famous Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
Jantar Mantar 18th Century astronomical observatory UNESCO World Heritage site
Hawa Mahal Palace of the Winds
🪷 Sightseeing - Bijaipur
Village Jeep Safari
🪷 Sightseeing - Udaipur
Old City Udaipur leader lead walking tour
City Palace Udaipur
Holi Festival
*Including all entrance fees and Local Guides accordingly
🪷 Art/workshops - Delhi
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy premier Indian cultural institution
🪷 Art/workshops - Agra
Hand Knotted Carpet workshop visit with demonstration
🪷 Art/workshops - Jaipur
leader lead walk through the Marble/Stone Artisans laneways
Nila House Studio Textile Workshop local artisan women taught
visit to Annoki textile
Hand Woodblock Printing Dabu and Indigo Workshop with village walk through Bagru
Henna by local artist
🪷 Art/workshops - Udaipur
Local Cooking Class
Pichwai Painting Masterclass
🪷 Transport - Airport arrival transfer, rickshaw, train from Delhi to Agra, private air conditioned bus, tuk tuk, sunset boat ride Lake Pichola, domestic flight Udaipur to Delhi
🪷 Accommodation - 4-5 star Hotels, Heritage Haveli, Heritage Castle
🪷 Local English speaking tour guide accompanying tour 24/7

not included
🪷 I
nternational and Domestic airfares, other than group flight on day 12
🪷 Travel Insurance (compulsory, must be provided before arrival in India)
🪷 Any passports and visas required
🪷 Early check in or late checkout at hotels
🪷 Pre/post tour accommodation and sightseeing
🪷 Departure transfers
🪷 Meals and drinks not mentioned in itinerary
🪷 Drinks with included dinner
🪷Tip kitty - Local guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in India. ($140 aud total trip)
🪷Tip for our Travel Brew Guide (suggested $12 aud per day)
🪷 Personal expenditure
🪷 Activities marked as optional in the itinerary

  • ~ day one ~

    NAMASTE WELCOME TO INDIA
    Delhi (1)
Monday 23rd February
    Namaste and welcome to INDIA!

    Our tour begins this evening at 6pm. We will meet at our hotel allowing you to enjoy a chai, shake off any jet lag and relax while we wait for all our friends to arrive. In the evening, we’ll come together for a welcome meeting and casual dinner to get to know each other before our magical adventure begins.
    


    Accommodation : Eros New Delhi 5 star hotel
    Meals included : Dinner

    Optional activity : If you arrive early a Delhi day tour is available 10am-3pm. Humayan Tomb, Lodhi garden, Lodhi street art, Agersen Ki Baoli, drive through India Gate.

  • ~ day two ~

    HUSTLE BUSTLE OF OLD/NEW DELHI
    Delhi (2) Tuesday 24th February
    Today we will do all things Delhi! Lets start with a BANG! Our guide will lead us through the sights and sounds of this ancient city on a rickshaw and walking tour, guided through the lively sights and sounds of this historic city. Our adventure begins at the bustling Old Delhi market, where we’ll navigate the intricate alleys, stopping to soak in the atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, the oldest mosque in Delhi, followed by a trip to the Sheeshganj Gurudwara to enrich our understanding of the Sikh faith following National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

    Accommodation : Eros New Delhi 5 star hotel
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Old Delhi tour, Jama Masjid, Sheeshganj Gurudwara and National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

  • ~ day three ~

    THE TAJ MAHAL
    Agra (1) Wednesday 25th February
    We’re starting off the day bright and early, catching the morning train to Agra, which is one of my favourite travel experiences. Today, we’ll dive into our tourist adventures by visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites. First up is the magnificent Red Fort, a 16th-century Mughal fortress made of sandstone. In the noon, we’ll marvel at the breathtaking Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic monument and a timeless symbol of love. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned this masterpiece, famously remarked that it made “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.”

    Accommodation : The Grand Mercure Agra 5 star hotel
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Red Fort and Taj Mahal

  • ~ day four ~

    THE PINK CITY
    Jaipur (1) Thursday 26th February
    Hopping on our private air-conditioned bus we’re heading to the stunning Pink City of Jaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our charming heritage haveli, giving you some time to unwind before we explore the vibrant streets filled with marble and stone artisans, metal craftsmen, and the bustling spice market on a guided walking tour. For dinner, join the group for a meal at one of Jaipur’s scenic rooftop eateries.

    Accommodation : Arya Niwas Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Walking Pink City tour
    Optional Activities - Ayurvedic massage and Sunrise yoga

  • ~ day five ~

    AMBER PALACE AND NILA HOUSE WORKSHOP
    Jaipur (2) Friday 27th February
    Today is going to be full! Full of fun :) the morning is planned for a sightseeing must, the Amber Palace, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, the top spot to visit in Jaipur! Then we’ll head to Nila House, a wonderful non-profit initiative dedicated to craft, design, sustainability, and community empowerment. There, we’ll join a textile/embroidery workshop led by local craftswomen. The theme for our workshop will be Applique, practiced across communities in Madurai, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bhuj. In this workshop, learn the craft straight from the craftsperson themselves and create your very own appliqued artworks. To wrap up the day, we’ll stop for some local shopping.

    Accommodation : Arya Niwas Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Amber Palace
    Workshop/art : Nila House Studio
    Optional Activities - Ayurvedic massage and Sunrise yoga, Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over mountains of Jaipur ($280 USD)

  • ~ day six ~

    WOODBLOCK, DABU PRINTING & INDIGO AND THE SUN AND MOON AND STARS
    Jaipur (3) Saturday 28th February
    This morning, we’re heading to Bagru, a village famous for its hand woodblock printing. We’ll begin with A guided tour through the alleyways and studios to learn traditional techniques of block printing and natural dyes. With the help of the skilled Bagru artists, print a masterpiece using blocks of your choice. The afternoon we will look to the sun and stars at my favourite Jantar Mantar the worlds largest stone Sundial.

    Accommodation : Arya Niwas Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Jantar Mantar
    Workshop/art : Bagru, Dabu and Indigo Hand woodblock printing
    Optional Activities - Ayurvedic massage and Sunrise yoga

  • ~ day seven ~

    RELAX IN A SMALL RURAL VILLAGE
    Bijaipur (1) Sunday 1st March
    After a jam packed few days we will welcome a comfy private air-conditioned bus ride to our next destination of Bijaipur in the Vindhyanchal hills where we’ll spend two nights in a 16th-century castle, now a heritage hotel. We’ll have the chance to relax after some busy days, morning yoga on the rooftop instructed by the King :) soak in the enchanting atmosphere, beautiful gardens, surrounded by the fortress walls and maybe even take a dip in the castle’s pool before dinner. Yep, you heard that right—it’s a castle!

    Accommodation : Bijaipur Castle Heritage property
    Meals included : Breakfast and Dinner
    Optional Activities - Massage and Sunrise yoga

  • ~ day eight ~

    JEEP SAFARI VILLAGE TOUR
    Bijaipur (2) Monday 2nd March
    This morning is all about recharging and enjoying some free time. You might like to book yourself an Ayurvedic massage, float around in the pool or just wander the local village just outside our doorstep. In the afternoon, we have a sunset jeep safari lined up, where we'll drive through the landscape, visit surrounding farms see what produce is grown. Get some cheeky smiles from the kids who will undoubtedly join us on our adventure running up the road. Watch the sun go down and to top it off, we'll have dinner by the pool, featuring delicious local dishes and freshly made naan from an outdoor tandoor oven.

    Accommodation : Bijaipur Castle Heritage property
    Meals included : Breakfast and Dinner
    Optional Activities - Massage and Sunrise yoga

  • ~ day nine ~

    UDAIPUR, THE CITY OF LAKES
    Udaipur (1) HOLI Tuesday 3rd March
    An early morning journey to stunning Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ framed by tranquil waters and hills.
    Today is the day that India celebrates the Holi. this ancient Hindu festival originated as a celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring in honour of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Vishnu when he was tricked into near death by his father, King Hiranyakashipu. Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil. family and friends gather to throw coloured powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water. we will celebrate with locals. prepare to be coloured.

    Accommodation : Karoli Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : HOLI
    Optional Activities - Massage, Palm reading

  • ~ day ten ~

    CITY PALACE
    Udaipur (2) Wednesday 4th March
    We begin our day with a guided tour through the jewel in Udaipur, The City Palace, for me this palace is the one! Full of mirror work and ceramic tiles its a wow around every corner, you can easily loose a whole day here, the afternoon is free to wander at leisure maybe a local market stroll or sit in one of the many cafes and watch life go by. Spend the last part of the day learning some secrets of Indian cuisine with a local cooking class shared for dinner.

    Accommodation : Karoli Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast and Dinner
    Workshop/art : Local cooking class
    Optional Activities - Massage, Palm reading

  • ~ day eleven ~

    BOAT RIDE LAKE PICHOLA
    Udaipur (3) Thursday 5th March
    One of the highlights of my last trip was taking part in a Pichwai. Today, we are fortunate to join a group masterclass focused on the art of devotion through Pichwai painting. I thought Pichwal was miniature sized paintings, but it turns out these are actually large pieces created with incredibly fine brushstrokes. We have a breathtaking evening planned with a boat ride on Lake Pichola followed by a rooftop dinner to celebrate our time together in India.

    Accommodation : Karoli Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Pichwai Masterclass, Boat ride on Lake Pichola
    Optional Activities - Massage, Palm reading

  • ~ day twelve~

    EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL
    Delhi (1) Friday 6th March
    Today we will have the morning free to explore all the things you loved about Udaipur like a local, squeeze in some last minute shopping then we’ll grab an afternoon flight back to Delhi.

    Accommodation : Ibis Aerocity New Delhi 4 star hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast and Dinner

  • ~ day thirteen ~

    TIL NEXT TIME FRIENDS
    Departure day Saturday 7th March
    Our final morning together and our India adventure comes to an end. We will share our breakfast, say goodbyes, and help you on your way. Make sure you swap contact info with all our travellers, an experience like this will no doubt bond you for life. Until next time. Namaste

    Included meals : Breakfast

    This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group. All Hotels listed are our choices but subject to availability, *or similar

'Dana's tour of India was so wonderful. We saw so many extraordinarty things and were able to participate in creative workshops that were culturally immersive ansd inspiring. I would go again in a flash! Dana looked after us and also gave us opportunitues to venture out unguided - the perfect mix. Sheree - North India tour March 2025'

'If you would like to enrich your life and create memories to last a lifetime, go to India with Dana.You will stay in exquisite exotic hotels and castles visit palaces made for love and dreams. Go to local villages to experience workshops delivered by Artisans with generations of experience. Learn about local history, cultural festivals and be guided through numerus religions temples. Let yourself be swept away by the colours, the cuisine, and the incredible energy of this melting pot of humanity. Mellie - North India tour October 2025'