15-Day Holi Photography Itinerary (March 11 - March 25, 2025)
Day 1: March 11 - Arrival in New Delhi
Morning:
- Flight from London to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel Hari Piorko.
Night:
- Stroll around Connaught Place for evening photography.
- Capture the colonial architecture and vibrant night lights.
Day 2: March 12 - Exploring New Delhi
Morning:
- Visit the Red Fort (Red Fort) (Location).
- Photograph the intricate Mughal architecture.
Afternoon:
- Explore Jama Masjid (Location).
- Capture the grandeur of one of India's largest mosques.
- Visit the Qutub Minar (Location), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night:
- Photograph the illuminated India Gate and stroll along Rajpath.
Day 3: March 13 - New Delhi to Jaipur
Transportation:
- Take the Shatabdi Express from New Delhi Railway Station to Jaipur Junction (approx. 4-5 hours).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Zostel Jaipur.
Night:
- Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) (Location) for evening photography.
- Capture the stunning façade illuminated at dusk.
Day 4: March 14 - Holi in Jaipur
All Day:
- Participate in Holi celebrations across Jaipur.
- Photograph street processions, dances, and vibrant rituals.
- Interact with locals to capture authentic moments.
- Tip: Wear white clothing to highlight the colors and protect your belongings.
Night:
- Optional visit to Johari Bazaar for night photography.
Day 5: March 15 - Exploring Jaipur
Morning:
- Visit Amber Fort (Location), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Photograph the fort's stunning architecture and panoramic views.
Afternoon:
- Explore the City Palace (Location).
- Visit Jantar Mantar (Location), another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night:
- Capture the vibrant atmosphere of Johari Bazaar.
- Photograph local artisans and colorful textiles.
Day 6: March 16 - Jaipur to Agra
Transportation:
- Take the Shatabdi Express from Jaipur to Agra (approx. 4-5 hours).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Zostel Agra.
- Photograph the Taj Mahal (Location) from Mehtab Bagh at night.
Night:
- Rest and organize your photographic equipment.
Day 7: March 17 - Exploring Agra
Morning:
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Agra Fort (Location), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) (Location).
Night:
- Photograph the bustling Sadar Bazaar for local life and crafts.
Day 8: March 18 - Agra to Mathura
Transportation:
- Travel from Agra to Mathura by train or car (approx. 2-3 hours).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Ganpati Guest House.
- Visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple (Location).
Night:
- Photograph the local architecture and religious activities.
Day 9: March 19 - Mathura to Vrindavan
Transportation:
- Travel from Mathura to Vrindavan by car (approx. 30 minutes).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel Divine Banyan.
- Visit the Banke Bihari Temple (Location).
Night:
- Photograph the Yamuna River Ghats at sunset.
Day 10: March 20 - Exploring Vrindavan
Morning:
- Photograph the stunning temples and architecture of Vrindavan, including ISKCON Vrindavan and Prem Mandir.
Afternoon:
- Participate in local rituals and cultural activities for authentic photography.
Night:
- Rest and review your photographic material.
Day 11: March 21 - Vrindavan to Barsana
Transportation:
- Travel from Vrindavan to Barsana by car (approx. 1 hour).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel Amar Residency.
- Prepare for the upcoming Lathmar Holi celebrations.
Night:
- Explore and photograph the surrounding areas.
Day 12: March 22 - Celebration of Lathmar Holi in Barsana
All Day:
- Experience the unique Lathmar Holi celebration where women playfully hit men with sticks while they defend themselves.
- Photograph the vibrant colors, dances, and traditional rituals.
- Tip: Wear white clothing to make the colors stand out and protect your equipment.
Night:
- Return to Vrindavan and rest for the next day's activities.
Day 13: March 23 - Barsana to Varanasi
Transportation:
- Travel back to New Delhi for a flight to Varanasi.
- Alternatively, arrange a private transfer from Agra if direct flights are available.
Afternoon:
- Take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Varanasi Airport (VNS) (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Check-in at Zostel Varanasi.
Night:
- Take a nocturnal stroll along the Ghats of Varanasi for captivating night photography.
Day 14: March 24 - Exploring Varanasi and Celebrating Holi
Morning:
- Attend the Puja at Sunrise on the ghats to photograph religious rituals and the awakening city.
Afternoon:
- Participate in the Holi celebrations in Varanasi, capturing the colorful festivities along the ghats and streets.
Night:
- Photograph the Ganges River illuminated at night and the vibrant city lights.
Day 15: March 25 - Varanasi to New Delhi and Return to London
Transportation:
- Take a flight from Varanasi Airport (VNS) to New Delhi (DEL) (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Connect to your international flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) back to London (approx. 8-9 hours).
Morning:
- Transfer to Kolkata if necessary and prepare for your return flight.
Afternoon:
- Board your flight from New Delhi to London.
Night:
- Arrive back in London.
Contact for Emergencies
Embassy of Spain in India:
- Address: C-49/1, South Extension-II, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
- Phone: +91-11-2619-3400
Emergency Numbers in India:
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 102
- Firefighters: 101