Festival Tours

A country of many climates, many languages and many beliefs, Indians are constantly celebrating a festival or a fair. Some mark the passing of the six seasons and each one is ushered with festivities in different ways in the many parts of India. Fairs are the focal point of social, economic activities and attract people from far and near - a camel to be sold – like the Pushkar camel cattle fair, a land deal to be negotiated, a marriage to be fixed- a meeting place is necessary and fairs are ideal! 

The Fairs and Festivals in India celebrated round the year showcase the resplendence of its arts and crafts tradition.Two cycles of the moon per month, 365 days in a year - there is a fair, a festival in some isolated corner, perhaps unnoticed elsewhere - all the same a celebration! Some of these functions make a pleasant interlude for visitors who chance upon them, while others are worth the effort of a special trip! 

The Indian calendar is a long procession of festivals in India; if you can find yourself in the right place at the right time; it is possible to go through your visit with a festival each day! Pongal, the harvest festivals of the South India the immersion of Ganesh in Mumbai, Ratha Yatra, the car festival of Puri, snake-boat races in Kerala, Republic Day celebrations in Delhi….. Every region, every faith has something to celebrate. 

(Oct) - Jodhpur RIFF Festival

DELHI (1) - JODHPUR (5) - UDAIPUR (3) - MUMBAI (0) = 9 nights

Jodhpur RIFF festival; an inspiring spectacle of Rajasthani folk music and dance, this festival recalls the historic origins of the sentiments and character of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is the ideal venue for observing the festivities with the imposing Meherangarh Fort representing the ingenuity, might and valour of the Rajputs.

(May) - Elephant Festival Kerala

MUMBAI (1) - COCHIN (2) - TRICHUR/BACKWATERS (1) - MARARI BEACH (3) - MUMBAI (0) = 7 nights

Thrissur, in India's most south-westerly state of Kerala north of Cochin is the venue for the Elephant Festival where over 100 highly decorated elephants participate.

(Oct) - Dussehra Festival Mysore

BANGALORE (1) - MYSORE (3) - BANGALORE (0) = 4 nights

The Dussehra festival held in the city of Mysore, a seat of cultural heritage, has won acclaim all over the world, and attracts a large number of visitors, both Indian and foreign.

Varanasi Ganges Festival - Special Group Tour from Heathrow

LHR - DELHI (1) - VARANASI (4) - DELHI (1) - LHR = 6 nights

Special Group Tour - 24th November 2012 - see our Special Offer tab. Inclusive of International flights from Heathrow to Delhi and flights from Delhi to Varanasi return. Full Board in Varanasi. from £1,777.00 per person based on twin/double share.

Varanasi has such a rich and cultural heritage and rewards its visitors will a glittering array of festivals, with plenty of things to do. One of the biggest of all the annual events staged in Varanasi is the popular Ganga Festival (Ganga Mahotsav), which takes place over a period of five days each November.

(Oct) - Laxmi or Kali Puja Festivals Kolkata

KOLKATA (3) - GLENBURN TEA ESTATE (3) - KOLKATA (1) = 7 nights

India is always ready with surprises and also with something very substantial for a discerning traveller. Take for instance the culture and the heritage, out which festivals and celebrations are begotten from time to time.

(Nov) - Pushkar Camel Fair

DELHI (1) - JAIPUR (3) - PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR (2) - JODHPUR (2) - DELHI (1) = 9 nights

This is perhaps, to westerners, one of India's most famous fairs, held every year in the month of November. Pushkar fair is the ideal occasion to witness the charisma of Rajasthan in full bloom.

(Nov) - Diwali Celebrations Udaipur

DELHI (1) - UDAIPUR DIWALI CELEBRATIONS (3) - MUMBAI (0) = 4 nights

Diwali which is also known as Deepavali means ‘rows of lights’ is one of the most important festivals of India. Visiting this place at this time of the year would bring you closer to the spirit of diversity of this country.

(Dec/Jan) - Darjeeling Carnival

KOLKATA (1) - DARJEELING (3) - KOLKATA (1) = 5 nights

Darjeeling Carnival is a ten-day carnival arranged in the town of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. The carnival celebrated around the end of December to begining of January consists of several functions like poetry-reading sessions, painting and photo exhibitions, tea-drinking ceremonies, a Land Rover rally, music concerts and ethnic food festivals.

(Jan) - Hampi Festival

MUMBAI (1) - HAMPI (4) - MUMBAI (1) = 6 nights

Every year the ruined city of Hampi plays host to a festival of dance and music, known as the Hampi Festival or Vijaya Utsav of Karnataka.

(Jan) - Tamil Nadu Pongal Festival

CHENNAI (1) - MADURAI PONGAL FESTIVAL (3) - COVELONG BEACH (3) - CHENNAI (0)) = 7 nights

Pongal is yet another ancient festival dating back to the Sangam Age that is somewhere between 200B.C to 300A.D.It was the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and corresponds with the end of the harvest season.