North India + Art + Culture | Diwali the Festival of Light
12th - 24th October 2025
'I can’t recommend this tour enough. Dana was an incredibly generous host, sharing her love and passion for India, and providing space and support for developing a cohesive and inclusive group of travellers. Her effervescent sense of joy and fun was infectious. All activities were well researched and provided a diverse range of experiences for all participants. Our tour leader shared his deep knowledge and insight into his culture as well as sensitively ensuring our safety needs. A once in a lifetime experience. My heart is full! 💓 - review - Angela March 2025'
We have just landed back from the very first 'sold out' India tour and it was more than I could ever imagined! Travelling with a group of like minded people was just the cherry on the top to this amazing country. We had the best time and the itinerary after so much planning was perfect we wont change a thing we're going to do it again. This time we add to our experience the celebrations of Diwali (Hindu Festival of Light) in Udaipur
Diwali - As night falls on Diwali in Udaipur, the city transforms into a stunning spectacle of lights, with lamps, fairy lights, and fireworks illuminating the sky. Iconic sites like The City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the shimmering lakes are aglow, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The reflections of these vibrant structures on Lake Pichola offer a mesmerizing sight that captivates all who visit. Locals adorn their homes with rangolis, oil lamps, and twinkling lights to honor goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The streets come alive with people in colorful traditional outfits, as they flock to temples, share sweets, and celebrate joyfully with loved ones.
*All the following photos are have been taken on my previous visits x I hope you enjoy them x
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Tour cost $6700 AUD per person shared room
additional single/solo room supplement + $1000 AUD
A deposit of $2000 will be required to book your place
with full amount required 8 weeks before departure
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Small group 8-12 people.
'Dana's tour of India was so wonderful. We saw so many extraordinary things and were able to participate in creative workshops that were culturally immersive and inspiring. I would go again in a flash! - the perfect mix - review - Sheree March 25'
If you would like to see more images from our tour please head to my instagram page @danakinter and check out my highlights in my profile page. I have made a separate highlight for each place we visited :) enjoy
'Absolutely loved it. I have done many tours world wide, and this has been one of my favourites. Big call because they have all been great. Loved the mix of traditional tourist sites ie. palaces, Taj Mahal etc. and the immersive experiences ie art workshops and Holi celebrations. I think the mix between the two was just right. If I had to name my favourite parts, seeing the majestic Taj Mahal and my interaction with local people were key for me (Holi festival and local farm visit in Udaipur).
Dana is a gem. Her serene and positive demeanour combined with ability to get things on track when necessary were exemplary. She set a beautiful tone for positive group cohesion. Her genuine caring nature and attention to detail for everyone’s individual needs made me feel warm and happy throughout the tour. The art sessions organised by Dana were fun, educational and informative, giving me a deeper understanding of the Indian culture. I loved the interaction with local women through these workshops. Dana’s choice of historical lodgings to stay in were exquisite. She certainly understood her audience. The quirks were what made them special and memorable (eg. difficult door locks at Bijaipur and Udaipur!) - review Mel March 25'
North India + Diwali the Festival of Light
12th to 24th OCTOBER 2025
13 days, 12 nights
🪷Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Dehli🪷
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 with 15 years of experience in the tourism industry.
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 and this time we have landed on Diwali.x
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. 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
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. Delve into the intricate art of kantha hand stitching and quilting at Nila House, a non-profit organization that offers a full day of engagement with local craftswomen, where we are graciously welcomed to sit down and enjoy a traditional Indian lunch. 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.
WHATS INCLUDED
🪷 Sightseeing - Delhi - Old Delhi walking and rickshaw tour, Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara
🪷 Sightseeing - Agra - Red Fort and Taj Mahal
🪷 Sightseeing - Jaipur - Stepwell, guided walking tour Pink City, artisans laneways of Jaipur guided tour, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Amber Palace
🪷 Sightseeing - Bijaipur - guided walking tour of village and jeep safari of villiage
🪷 Sightseeing - Udaipur - walking tour of Old City and City Palace
🪷 Art/Workshops - Kalbelia Gudri quilting (or similar) workshop Nila House
🪷 Art/Workshop - Studio Bagru hand-carved woodblock printing day workshop and walking tour, including traditional India lunch
🪷 Art/Workshop - Pichwai Masterclass with Raj Ram Sharma in his family studio
🪷 Art/Workshop - Mehndi group hand decoration
🪷 Cooking class - Traditional family cooking class with shared meal to finish
🪷 Transport - Transport during all activities, airport arrival transfer, rickshaw, train from Delhi to Agra, private air conditioned bus, tuk tuk, boat ride Lake Pichola and internal flight Udaipur to Delhi
🪷 Accommodation - Two nights at 5 star hotel Delhi, one night 5 star hotel Agra, three nights heritage haveli Jaipur, two nights heritage castle Bijaipur, three nights heritage haveli Udaipur and one night 3 star hotel Delhi.
🪷 Meals - Twelve breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners
🪷 Travel host Dana Kinter accompanying tour 24/7
🪷 A knowledgeable local host with experience in the tourism industry accompanying tour 24/7
traveller reviews 💕🪷 from our North India + Holi tour
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Mel - March 25
Dana is a gem. Her serene and positive demeanour combined with ability to get things on track when necessary were exemplary. She set a beautiful tone for positive group cohesion. Her genuine caring nature and attention to detail for everyone’s individual needs made me feel warm and happy throughout the tour. The art sessions organised by Dana were fun, educational and informative, giving me a deeper understanding of the Indian culture. I loved the interaction with local women through these workshops. Dana’s choice of historical lodgings to stay in were exquisite. She certainly understood her audience. The quirks were what made them special and memorable (eg. difficult door locks at Bijaipur and Udaipur!)
Our very professional guide, organised, efficient, networked and knowledgeable. He made me feel safe, secure and well looked after at all times. I was fortunate to interact with him a fair bit, and enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of the Indian culture through his personal accounts. He always took time to help me with individual needs that relied on local knowledge and translation. I appreciated his bespoke local knowledge, ie taking us to the local farming village to see the opium poppies, and attention to detail eg cups of chai and biccies along the village wall at sunset. His time focus and ability to keep us on track was key to fitting so much in the program, and no one dared to be late the entire tour which was appreciated as that has been lacking in some of my other tours. Things can fall apart quickly on tours without strict guidelines.
I had to be careful about expressing any little need, desire or thought out loud, because like a genie, my wish became a command and it was done! I felt like a Queen the entire trip -
Angela - March 25
Dana’s exuberance and deep love for India transferred to the group. Her curation of the creative workshops and all other activities transferred me to my happy place.
Our guide was such an asset, his local knowledge and sensitivity to individual needs and safety was second to none. certainly gave me an insight to Indian culture.
I can’t recommend this tour enough. Dana was an incredibly generous host, sharing her love and passion for India, and providing space and support for developing a cohesive and inclusive group of travellers. Her effervescent sense of joy and fun was infectious. All activities were well researched and provided a diverse range of experiences for all participants. Our tour leader shared his deep knowledge and insight into his culture as well as sensitively ensuring our safety needs. A once in a lifetime experience. My heart is full -
Kim - March 25
I was so drawn to the idea of going to India through an Arts lens and knew that your impeccable ability to organise and galvanise would make it an enriching experience. Well the experience exceeded all my expectations. The diversity of experiences kept me excitedly engaged and inspired and the professionalism in keeping us all safe and on time was next level.
Loved the way you were able to manage challenges with so much charm and grace that we didn’t even realise that you were frequently negotiating for the best possible outcomes for us all. Also the range of workshop experiences was so rich in connection with local community, development of techniques and knowledge and jaw dropping in aesthetic.
Our guide was incredibly organised and great at keeping us all on track. His local knowledge and understanding of culture brought us closer to connecting with the diversity of this culture than we ever would have on our own. He tuned in to all our needs and came to the rescue a few times, so it was great to feel completely held, yet meeting the edge of creative culture and adventure.
Can highly recommend going on a DanaKinter Art tour. It was culturally diverse and an aesthetic kaleidoscope that was immensely inspiring. The combination of seeing the big historic places and immersing in communities to have hands on workshops shared with a fantastic group of women was a life changing experience. I’ll cherish it forever and ever. -
Sheree - March 25
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
Dana was perfect in her approach, looking after us and giving us space when needed. Our guide really cared for the group as well as being very knowledgeable and humorous -
Alison - March 25'
Dana carefully curated a wonderful tour that incorporated all of the main attractions in addition to several really special artistic and cultural activities. I loved it and this is definitely the best organised tour I have ever been on.
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Anna - March 25'
Exceeded expectations. Dana was obviously passionate about sharing the amazing places she had discovered in India. Her positive, friendly and thoughtful manner made the journey one of delight and fun. Dana has a flair for seeing the beauty in everything and caring for those around her. At the same time so well organised, knowledgable and practical.
Our guides knowledge and skills in navigating us on a safe and insightful journey were exceptional. It was obvious that they worked tirelessly together throughout the trip to ensure we were provided the best possible experience at every step.
I especially enjoyed the various heritage properties we stayed in, Arya Niwas, Castle Bijaipur and Karohi Haveli. Instead of bog-standard hotel rooms the accomodation offered a delightful sense of history and culture, giving an overall cool vibe to the trip. A delightful and lovingly curated, art and culture focussed tour of Rajasthan. Perfectly pitched to be diverse and exciting, whilst maintaining a relaxed, cool vibe with friendly, personal care all the way.
day by day itinerary
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~ day one ~
NAMASTE WELCOME TO INDIA
Delhi (1)
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. We will send you information closer to your departure with airport transfers included in tour. Please plan to arrive in Delhi no later than 2pm.
Accommodation : 5 star hotel Eros Hotel New Delhi or similar
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)
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 Eros Hotel New Delhi or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing : Old Delhi tour, Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara -
~ day three ~
THE TAJ MAHAL
Agra (1)
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 Mercure Grand Hotel Agra or similar
Meals included : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Red Fort and Taj Mahal -
~ day four ~
THE PINK CITY
Jaipur (1)
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, Arya Niwas or similar
Meals included : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Walking Pink City tour -
~ day five ~
SUN AND MOON AND QUILTING WORKSHOP
Jaipur (2)
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, Arya Niwas or similar
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)
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, Arya Niwas or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing : Amber Palace
Workshop/art : Hand woodblock printing -
~ day seven ~
RELAX IN A SMALL RURAL VILLAGE
Bijaipur (1)
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)
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, Castle Bijaipur or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner
Optional activity : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc) -
~ day nine ~
UDAIPUR, THE CITY OF LAKES
Udaipur (1)
A 3 hour journey to stunning udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ framed by tranquil waters and hills. We’ll arrive just in time for lunch, check into our heritage hotel, and then off on a guided walking tour of the Old City. Intricate carved stone houses, ghats, and old temples lining the banks of Lake Pichola and as we meander through the narrow, twisting streets, it will feel like walking through an art gallery, setting the mood for a tour of a local art school. Now that we’re into the groove of India the rest of the day is yours to explore, enjoy shops, and have dinner. We may choose to dine as a group or our tour guide can provide suggestions for some of our favorite spots
Accommodation : Heritage hotel, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Guided walking tour of Old City
Optional activities : Palm reading (1500 inr) -
~ day ten ~
CITY PALACE
Udaipur (2) DIWALI
Today we celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. Taking place over 5 days it is met with great enthusiasm and joy as it symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Today is day 3, the main day of Diwali celebrated by lighting diyas and candles, bursting firecrackers, sharing sweets and gifts with family and friends, and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Spend the last part of the day learning some secrets of Indian cuisine with a local cooking class shared for dinner.
Accommodation : Heritage hotel, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Workshop/art : Local cooking class -
~ day eleven ~
BOAT RIDE LAKE PICHOLA
Udaipur (3)
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. Our guide can suggest many favorite places. 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, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast
Sightseeing : City Palace, Boat ride on Lake Pichola
Optional activities : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc) -
~ day twelve ~
EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL
Delhi (1)
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 and we have a group henna planned in the garden then we’ll grab an afternoon flight back to Delhi.
Accommodation : 3 star hotel Ibis Hotel Aerocity or similar
Included meals : Breakfasts
Workshop/art : Henna -
~ day thirteen ~
TIL NEXT TIME FRIENDS
Departure day
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.
North India + Diwali + Art + Culture | 12th -24th October 2025 🖨️
day by day itinerary
terms and conditions
tour info and faq
past and up coming tours
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North India + Diwali + Art + Culture | 12th - 24th October 2025
🪷book your spot now, click here🪷🪷 -
North India + Holi + Art + Culture | 4th - 16th March 2025
sold out 🪷
