Holi Festival in Vrindavan & Mathura with Taj Mahal Tour

5.00

(2 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before dawn—still dark outside, Delhi just starting to wake up. Our driver from Padma Holidays met us right on time, and we set off down the Yamuna Expressway. It was chilly enough that I kept my jacket zipped up tight. The city lights faded behind us as we headed for Agra, sipping bottled water and watching the sky lighten through the car window.

By 7:30 am we rolled into Agra. Our local guide was waiting—he waved us over with a big smile. Walking towards the Taj Mahal at sunrise felt surreal. There’s this quiet hush around the marble as the first light hits it; even with other visitors nearby, you can hear birds and catch a faint scent of wet earth from last night’s watering. The guide shared stories about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz—details I hadn’t heard before—and pointed out little things like how the marble changes color as the sun climbs higher.

Afterward, breakfast at a five-star hotel tasted even better than expected—fresh parathas, hot chai, and some local sweets I’d never tried before (the jalebi was sticky but so good). We had a bit of time to check out local crafts; there were shops selling marble inlay work just like what we’d seen at the Taj.

On our way to Vrindavan, we slowed down by Agra Fort for photos—the red stone looks almost golden in late morning light. The drive took about two hours; traffic got busier near Mathura but nothing too wild. By early afternoon we were in Vrindavan, right in the middle of Holi celebrations. Colors everywhere—on faces, clothes, even stray dogs! Our guide led us through temple crowds: ISKCON temple first (chanting echoing off white walls), then Banke Bihari where people tossed handfuls of powder into the air. At Prem Mandir, music spilled out onto the street and everyone seemed caught up in it.

I lost track of time—four hours went by fast when you’re dancing along with locals and snapping photos every few steps. My shirt was a mess of pinks and greens by the end. Leaving wasn’t easy; you get swept up in all that energy. But by 5:30 pm we were back on the road to Delhi, tired but still grinning under all that color dust.