🪷North India - Raj & Taj - Art & Culture 🪷 + the Holi Festival

23rd Feb to 7th March 2025 - 13 Days

Join Adelaide artist Dana Kinter and local experts 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, participants will visit iconic landmarks, the Old Market of Delhi, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and City Palaces of Japiur and Udaipur, while also engaging in hands-on experiences like a Woodblock printing workshop a Pichwai painting masterclass and join in with a local family Cooking class. This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow travellers who share a passion for cultural immersion and meaningful experiences in North India, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bijaipur, and Udaipur.

💓'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 - North India tour March 2025

some highlights and the magical things I think you'll love

North India
Our itinerary includes a walking tour of Old Delhi, marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, look to the sun and stars at Jantar Mantar, admire the grandeur of city palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, wandering through colorful bazaars, experiencing the energy of navigating the roads in a tuk-tuk, enjoying chai from terracotta cups at a street vendor, cooling down with kulfi, and immersing ourselves in the local food and culture. Spending two nights in Castle as a guest of the King of Bijaipur. We will lose ourselves in museums and marvel at the architecture and magnitude of the forts while slowing down to touch our souls in temples and mosques. Magically we will find ourselves in Udaipur either for Diwali (October tour) the Hindi festival celebrating light or Holi (February tour) the festival of colour. Ending our tour bathed in the glow of sunset in an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Natural Dye and Block Printing
Come join us in the small block printing village of Bagru, just an hour out of Jaipur where you can dive into the world of natural dyeing and hand-carved block printing In our hands-on workshop, talented studio artisans will guide you every step of the way as you create your very own masterpiece.

Traditional Textiles
We visit an inspiring non-profit organisation dedicated to craft, design, sustainability, and empowering the community at Nila House Studios where we are lucky to participate in a textile workshop conducted by local craftswomen.

Pichwai Masterclass
In Udaipur we attend a Pichwai masterclass in the family/home/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 Accomodation
Explore North India's breathtaking scenery! Savor your 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. All food requirements/allergies are well catered for along our journey. There is a huge choice of restaurants and street stalls serving traditional and local Indian food. Usually a choice of Indian, Western and Chinese style food - Vegetarian and Vegan. Our local tour leader will be able to guide us to restaurants that have appropriate hygiene standards and suit your dietary requirements

As we end in Udaipur, you'll find yourself fully immersed in the rhythm of India, heading out for chai and exploring the vibrant local markets, all while soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of this remarkable place.

🪷FEBRUARY 2026 TOUR 🪷 click to book

North India + Holi the festival of colour
23rd FEBRUARY TO 7th MARCH 2026
13 days/12 nights

$6700 AUD per person shared room
Additional single/solo room supplement + $1000

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bijaipur - Udaipur

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable 13-day art and cultural adventure through North India! Hosted by Adelaide artist Dana Kinter alongside our knowledgeable local host from Travel Brew.

A curated tour that's bound to capture your heart and imagination. Handcrafted based on the places I fell in love with during my travels. What makes this trip extra special is the opportunity to participate in unique hands-on workshops.

This time we have landed on Holi the festival of colour, love and spring. People gather to play with vibrant colours, water balloons and celebrating with joy. Music, dance, and festivities fill the air.

Our itinerary includes a walking tour of Old Delhi, marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, look to the sun and stars at Jantar Mantar, admire the grandeur of city palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, wandering through colorful bazaars, experiencing the energy of navigating the roads in a tuk-tuk, enjoying chai from terracotta cups at a street vendor, cooling down with kulfi, and immersing ourselves in the local food and culture.

12 nights accommodation from 4-5 star hotels, heritage havelis and we’ll spend two nights in a 16th-century castle, now a heritage hotel. Classic Moghul architecture of domes and various intriguing nooks and crannies. We will lose ourselves in museums and marvel at the architecture and magnitude of the forts while slowing down to touch our souls in temples and mosques. Ending our tour bathed in the glow of sunset in an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola of Udaipur.

workshops/masterclasses We embark on an exciting journey into the realm of woodblock printing, where we will gain practical experience in a charming family-run studio located just an hour from Jaipur in the renowned woodblock village of Bagru. Experience the art of natural dyeing with indigo at Nila House, a non-profit organization where you will engage with local craftswomen. We uncover treasured family recipes while learning to prepare a classic Indian meal and the opportunity to wander and explore the alleyways workshops of local crafts.
We will be expertly guided and visit all the must-see tourist sites at each destination and even enjoy some free time to unwind or explore.

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.

our tours we have on offer

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day by day 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 international 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 : 5 star hotel
    Meals included : Dinner


    Optional activity : If you arrive early a Delhi day tour is available 10am-3pm. Includes Humayan Tomb, Lodhi garden, Lodhi street art, Agersen Ki Baoli, drive through India Gate and Khan market for lunch and a bit of shopping. ($90AUD)


  • ~ 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 at a chai stand to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy some tasty local street food for lunch. 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.

    Accommodation : 5 star hotel
    Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
    Sightseeing : Old Delhi tour, Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara

  • ~ 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 favorite travel experiences with breakfast on the train. 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 : 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, you have the option to dine at our hotel’s garden restaurant or join the group for a meal at one of Jaipur’s scenic rooftop eateries.

    Accommodation : Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Walking Pink City tour

  • ~ day five ~

    SUN AND MOON AND QUILTING WORKSHOP
    Jaipur (2) Friday 27th February
    Today is going to be full! Full of fun :) the morning is planned for a sightseeing must, the 18th-century astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar, home to 19 fascinating astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 and embroidery workshop led by local craftswomen. The theme for our workshop will be confirmed closer to date, our last experience focused on Kalbelia Gudri Quilting. To wrap up the day, we’ll stop by for some local shopping.

    Accommodation : Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
    Workshop/art : Embroidery/textile workshop

    Optional activity : Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over mountains of Jaipur ($280 USD)

  • ~ day six ~

    WOODBLOCK AND THE AMBER PALACE
    Jaipur (3) Saturday 28th February
    This morning, we’re heading to Bagru, a village famous for its hand woodblock printing. We’ll begin with some chai and a guided tour through the alleyways and studios to learn about the various printing processes. With the help of the skilled Bagru artists, you’ll get to use traditional techniques and print your own tote bag or scarf using blocks of your choice. Afterward, the family will treat us to a family Indian lunch. Then we’ll make our way to the Amber Palace, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, the top spot to visit in Jaipur!

    Accommodation : Heritage haveli
    Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
    Sightseeing : Amber Palace
    Workshop/art : Hand woodblock printing

  • ~ 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. Classic Moghul architecture of domes and various intriguing nooks and crannies. We’ll have the chance to relax after some busy days, 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 : Heritage property
    Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner

    Optional activity : Ayurvedic massage (price to be confirmed)

  • ~ 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 : Heritage property
    Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner

    Optional activity : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc)

  • ~ 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 : Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : HOLI

    Optional activities : Palm reading (1500 inr)

  • ~ 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 : Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast, Dinner
    Workshop/art : Local cooking class

  • ~ 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 : Heritage hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast
    Sightseeing : Pichwai Masterclass, Boat ride on Lake Pichola

    Optional activities : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc)

  • ~ 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 : 3 star hotel
    Included meals : Breakfast

  • ~ 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 travelers, 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.
1 5

💓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