Festivals of India Tour (Holi – Pushkar – Durga Puja) – 10 Days
India is a country where celebrations illuminate every corner, where traditions unite communities, and where vibrant festivals represent centuries of cultural heritage. The “Festivals of India Tour (Holi–Pushkar–Durga Puja) – 10 Days” itinerary is a deeply immersive experience crafted for travellers who wish to witness India’s most cherished celebrations in their most authentic forms. This tour embraces three distinct and iconic festivals—Holi in Mathura–Vrindavan, the Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan, and Durga Puja in Kolkata—offering a captivating journey across India’s heartlands.
Combining colours, rituals, folk traditions, and unmatched cultural richness, this curated travel experience allows visitors to feel India’s soul through its festivals. This blog provides a detailed itinerary, major travel distances, important points to see, staying options (without hotel contact numbers), how to reach each festival destination, and the best time to embark on this journey. It is crafted specially for WordPress travel websites, SEO-enhanced blogs, and premium travel brochures.
Overview of the Festivals of India Tour
This 10-day tour takes travellers through three of India’s grandest cultural celebrations:
- Holi in Mathura–Vrindavan – The Festival of Colours celebrated in the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
- Pushkar Fair – One of the world’s largest camel & cattle fairs, accompanied by folk traditions and sacred rituals.
- Durga Puja in Kolkata – A UNESCO-recognized cultural extravaganza showcasing art, devotion, craftsmanship, and dance.
Each festival is unique—Holi symbolizes joy and unity, Pushkar Fair represents heritage and tradition, while Durga Puja celebrates divine feminine power with spectacular artistry. This combined experience immerses travellers in India’s cultural pulse like never before.
10-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Gateway to India
Arrive in Delhi, the capital and cultural hub of India. Relax after your journey and spend the evening exploring the famous markets and historical boulevards. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi to Mathura – Celebration Begins
Travel to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where Holi celebrations take on their most sacred form.
Distance: 180 km
Travel Time: 3–4 hours by road
Walk through narrow lanes filled with colours, devotional songs, drums, and festive energy. Many temples perform special rituals during this period.
Day 3: Vrindavan Holi – Festival of Colours
Vrindavan hosts one of India’s most iconic Holi celebrations. Begin with temple visits:
- Banke Bihari Temple – Known for its vibrant phoolon-wali Holi (flower Holi).
- Prem Mandir – Beautifully illuminated during the festival.
- ISKCON Temple – Offers musical and cultural celebrations.
Experience the joy of colours, music, dance, and cultural activities throughout the day.
Day 4: Mathura to Pushkar – Rajasthan’s Sacred Desert Town
Travel from Mathura to Pushkar, a serene town situated beside a holy lake and famous for its grand annual fair.
Distance: 380 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hours by road
In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk near Pushkar Lake and visit the famous Brahma Temple.
Day 5: Pushkar Fair – A Cultural Extravaganza
Pushkar Fair is one of the most colourful cultural events in India. Witness traditional Rajasthani folk performances, camel parades, handicraft bazaars, and village competitions.
Key Highlights:
- Camel & Horse Fairground
- Folk Dance and Kalbelia Performances
- Traditional Rajasthani Bazaar
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional)
- Pushkar Lake Aarti
Evening leisure time for photography, rooftop dining, or desert strolls.
Day 6: Pushkar to Jaipur – Royal Connection
Travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Pink City known for its forts, palaces, and colourful culture.
Distance: 150 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
Visit the local bazaars or enjoy an evening cultural dinner. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 7: Jaipur to Kolkata – Gateway to Durga Puja
Fly to Kolkata, home of the grand Durga Puja festival.
Flight Duration: approx. 2 hours
Evening free for a walk along the Hooghly River, Prinsep Ghat, or Esplanade area.
Day 8: Kolkata Durga Puja – Art, Devotion & Culture
Durga Puja in Kolkata is a world-famous spectacle celebrated with unmatched grandeur and creativity. Explore:
- Kumartuli: The artisan village where idols are made.
- North Kolkata Pandals: Known for traditional décor.
- South Kolkata Pandals: Modern art themes & large-scale installations.
- Aarti performances & dhunuchi dance
Evening: Attend a cultural performance or a festive Bengali dinner.
Day 9: Durga Puja Immersion Day – Emotional & Cultural Finalé
This day focuses on:
- Sindoor Khela: Married women celebrating with sindoor.
- Immersion processions with traditional dhak drums.
- Street food exploration (Bengali sweets & festival delicacies).
A deeply emotional and spiritual experience marking the end of the Puja.
Day 10: Departure from Kolkata
Conclude your 10-day journey filled with colour, devotion, culture, and unforgettable festival moments. Transfer to Kolkata Airport or Railway Station for onward travel.
Important Points to See During the Festivals
For Holi (Mathura–Vrindavan)
- Banke Bihari Temple Celebrations
- Phoolon-wali Holi
- Ganga Ghat Rituals
- Evening Cultural Events
For Pushkar Fair
- Camel & Horse Parade
- Kalbelia Folk Dance
- Brahma Temple
- Pushkar Lake Ghat Ceremony
For Durga Puja (Kolkata)
- Kumartuli Artisan Workshops
- Theme Pandals
- Traditional Aarti
- Sindoor Khela
Major Distances Covered in the Tour
| Route | Distance | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Mathura | 180 km | 3–4 hours |
| Mathura → Pushkar | 380 km | 6–7 hours |
| Pushkar → Jaipur | 150 km | 3 hours |
| Jaipur → Kolkata (Flight) | 1300+ km (air route) | 2 hours |
How to Reach the Festival Circuit
Reaching Delhi
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport connects globally.
By Rail: New Delhi, Old Delhi & Nizamuddin stations.
By Road: Excellent connectivity from NCR & North India.
Reaching Mathura–Vrindavan
By Rail: Mathura Junction is a major station.
By Road: Smooth highways from Delhi.
Reaching Pushkar
Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer
Nearest Airport: Jaipur
Reaching Kolkata
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
By Rail: Howrah & Sealdah stations.
Staying Options (Properties)
Mathura–Vrindavan
Accommodation ranges from heritage stays, spiritual guesthouses, comfortable hotels near temples, and premium resorts around Vrindavan.
Pushkar
Travellers may choose from desert camps, boutique havelis, lake-view hotels, and heritage Rajasthan-style properties.
Kolkata
Kolkata offers premium luxury hotels, colonial-era boutique stays, mid-range urban accommodations, and cultural guesthouses near festival zones.
Best Time to Experience These Festivals
These festivals take place during specific months:
- Holi (Mathura–Vrindavan): February–March
- Pushkar Fair: October–November
- Durga Puja (Kolkata): September–October
Weather during these months is comfortable for travel, photography, long walks, evening ceremonies, and cultural exploration.
Conclusion
The “Festivals of India Tour (Holi–Pushkar–Durga Puja) – 10 Days” is an extraordinary journey that showcases the heart of India through its unforgettable festivities. From the joyful colours of Holi to the cultural beauty of Pushkar Fair, and from the divine artistry of Durga Puja to the spiritual rhythms of traditional ceremonies—this tour offers a lifetime of memories.
Designed for cultural travellers, photographers, spiritual explorers, and festival lovers, this itinerary reveals India’s rich heritage in its most vibrant form. Every moment is a celebration, every landscape tells a story, and every festival welcomes travellers into the true soul of India.