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Retreats and Tours for Women

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0459 247 122
  • 11-20 March 2025
  • 8 Nights / 9 Days
  • Weather 24 - 31 C
  • Fitness - Med - walk up to 5km a day

The Colours of India 2025

The west is in some ways quintessential Rajasthan, with all the romance of desert dunes, majestic forts and camel caravans. Most of the region is covered by the Thar Desert, which also extends into Punjab, Gujarat and Pakistan. The Thar is the world’s most populous arid zone, mostly covered by scrub vegetation, with plentiful villages eking out a living from their animals and maintaining a richly colourful desert culture. Ancient and atmospheric cities form the focus of travel here, each with a monumental fort at its heart. Proud Jodhpur is a halfway house between the relatively urbane cities of eastern Rajasthan and the state’s wild west. And Jaisalmer the relatively remote desert city and popular starting points for desert safaris. You won’t quickly forget nights sleeping under the desert stars or your camel’s rhythmic progress across the landscape.

Delhi

Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colorful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth. Highlights are Gandhi Museum, India Gate, Humayuns Tomb, and shopping at Hauz Khas and the Khan Market. 

Jodhpur

Mighty Mehrangarh, the muscular fort that towers over the Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle and an architectural masterpiece. Around Mehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, stretches out to the 6-mile-long (10km), 16th-century city wall. The Blue City really is blue! Inside is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem to lead where you expect them to, scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops and bazaars selling everything from trumpets and temple decorations to snuff and saris. Jodhpur is famous for its vintage furniture. 

Bishnoi

Anyone visiting India would be cheating themselves if they didn’t get a taste of Indian countryside. Chhotaram Prajapats Homestay is just the place to stay to be surrounded by nature and experience the local village life. See wildlife, meet the local families in the villages, take part in different activities from learning to make Chia to an opium ceremony?! to making clay pots. Your Host Chhotaram and his family have 10 sweet little ensuite mud huts and they are sure to take excellent care of you. They also make stunning “Durry’s” woven carpets which you can purchase and have sent home.

Thar Desert

Most of the Western region of Rajasthan is covered by the Thar Desert, which also extends into Punjab, Gujarat and Pakistan. The Thar is the world’s most populous arid zone, mostly covered by scrub vegetation, with plentiful villages eking out a living from their animals and maintaining a richly colourful desert culture. Desert Springs Desert Camp our glamping home for the night is a tented colony, set up as an exclusive, nomadic village, making you feel a part of this magical expanse, dont forget to look up at night. 

Jaisalmer

The fort of Jaisalmer is a breathtaking sight: a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains like a mirage from a bygone era. No place better evokes exotic camel-train trade routes and desert mystery. Ninety-nine bastions encircle the fort’s still-inhabited twisting lanes. Inside are shops swaddled in bright embroideries, a royal palace and numerous businesses looking for your tourist rupee. It’s hard not to be enchanted by this desert citadel. 

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Trip Highlights
  • Visit sites of significane in Delhi including Hymayums Tomb, Gandhi Museum, India Gate and Khan Market
  • Visit the magnificent Menargh Fort and Museum
  • Take a ricksahw ride through the Blue city and early morning walk to a sunrise lookout
  • Enjoy Holi Festival
  • Cook up some lunch with the Spice Girls
  • Shop for some Vintage Indian Furniture
  • Be haunted at Kuldara ruins a Ghost town on the outskirts of Jaisalmer
  • Spend a night at a Homestay in Bishnoi
  • Visit several handicraft villages
  • Shop for silver and textiles in Jaisalmer
  • Take a photo op at gorgeous Gladisar Lake
  • Enjoy an optional sunset camel ride in the Thar desert
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Investment
  • Twinshare – $2995 AUD
  • Single Room – $3665 AUD
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*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED

This tour has a $500 deposit and the remainder is due 75 prior to departure. 

Inclusions

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Airport transfers on the 11th and 20th of March 2025
  • All transport by private vehicles (pickup and drop off at Delhi, Udaipur airports).
  • Entrance fees to sights
  • All breakfasts and some lunches and dinners as per the itinerary (note most meals we provide to you in your package lunches or dinner as vegetarian)
  • Services of an English speaking Indian guide throughout the tour, plus local guides at each site, (we like you to have the best local experience and knowledge) plus a Vibrant Women Host will also be present

What is not included

  • International Airfare (Airfares to and from India).
  • Indian Visas
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory) is not included
  • Extra nights accommodation
  • Some lunches and dinners are not included. Allow $15 - $20 per meal (does not included drinks) India food is heavy often 2 meals a day is enough
  • Tipping we suggest $20 a day = $160 AUD this covers porters, guides, drivers, etc but not restaurant tips at your discretion. We suggest you pay tips prior to arriving in India ask us and we can add to your invoice. Or they will be collected on day 1 in Rupiah approx. 8665Rp
Requirements:

This sightseeing tour has several walking tours and many stairs, you require a moderate level of fitness to attend. We can walk around 5km a day so you really need to be prepared. Please note you must wear practical and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for your own safety, road and paths are very uneven. 

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Travel Itinerary

Did we mention SHOPPING!!!

During our Colours of India Tour we visit a few of Jodhpur’s incredible Vintage furniture showrooms.  Imagine finding Ishka-style furniture at half the price, and even with a 15% import tax, you can have it shipped home and it’s still a steal! 

Jodhpur furniture is famous for its intricate carvings, bold colors, and stunning teak wood craftsmanship. You won’t believe the level of detail and beauty in each piece, from the intricate inlay work to the Industrial-style distressed timber furniture. And let’s not forget about the famous Bone and mother of pearl inlay! Whether you have a traditional or modern home, these stunning pieces will make a statement like no other. Trust us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you won’t want to miss. So get ready to shop! 

Vibrant Women with a heart ♥

Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our charity Samadhan Dwarka and the amazing work they do in supporting children with an intellectual disability in India, so THANK YOU! 

What our guests say about our Colours of India Tour

5/5
"This was my first trip to India. It ended up only a small group and what a great bunch of girls it was. I loved the sights, the accommodation was amazing and I can't even begin to describe how great the food was. India is full of colour and contrasts. The entire trip went smoothly thanks to Sarah and Nitin. I sat with a snake charmer, stayed in a glamping tent in the desert and rode a camel, experiences I will never forget. Thank you to the vibrant women in the group who made it so special."
Christine S.
Colours of India 2024
5/5
"I had a great time. A very nice group of women travellers. Indian Tour Manager Nitin was wonderful.
Kerry W.
Colours of India 2024
5/5
"I was amazed that so much was included on the price. Tammie was knowledgeable, fun and organized, always professional & responsible, keeping an eagle eye on her wayward flock the whole time. Vikas was a delight, happy and charming. Never a cross word. Excellent in choices of food and all things Indian. Both guides were amazing!"
Del
India 2018
5/5
"This trip for me was a fabulous memory to keep. remembering the amazing sights, sounds, colours of India and meeting a bunch of women who were like minded and fun to be with. We all felt safe. Well looked after and it was the perfect size group. The flexible attitude and adjusting to the groups needs was good and vikas and ashish were great, I really liked their stories"
Helen
India 2019

FAQ's

A $500 non-refundable non-transferable payment is required for this tour. Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days,  50% will be forfeited in addition to the non refundable deposit.  For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us.  Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you.  This is why travel insurance is compulsory.

Please read our Terms and Conditions HERE. You will be asked to sign your agreeance to these terms and conditions upon booking. 

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you an manage yourself that is fine. But we cannot be responsible for peoples health and wellbeing in regards to food in foreign countries as sometimes things get lost in translation. WE hope you understand. WE don’t ever want our guests to become unwell whilst travelling with us.

Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior to arrival in India. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure. 

Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance provider CoverMore

A. We have both single and twinshare rooms available. The single room has the supplement included. If you choose twinshare and are not travelling with a friend we will do our best to find you a roommate however in the event no one else is seeking a twinshare roommate, then the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand.

*Please note that snorers, smokers or people who wear CPAP machines when sleeping must disclose this when booking as this could impact other peoples sleep and they need to be aware of this.

**Also please note we cannot guarantee compatibility of roommates, for example you may be of different ages or nationalities, have different habits, snore etc. however mostly when we do match people up they get on well and its only for a short period of time. Some people have even made lifelong friendships.

A. The food is Indian haha and I think most people know what this is like. Yes, its spicy but we can ask to tone it down. Keep in mind that when you ask, “Is this spicy?” and the waiter says, “No Maam” his taste buds are not like yours and it will be spicy. India is heaven for vegetarians, all that delicious dahl, spinach and paneer, mushrooms with tomatoes and cauliflower and fresh green peas, potatoes with cumin seeds, koftas and the list goes on, India is my favourite food destination.

A. Note above we do not suggest you come early or stay longer unless you have something specific in mind or another person with you. We would not recommend women travelling on their own venture out in large Indian cities unaccompanied. If you desire a longer stay in India we suggest contacting https://www.thedelhiway.com/.

A. Well, that depends on your shopping habits! You will need to allocate around $15/$20 per meal lunches and dinners and then add on extra for personal spending. Alcohol is always more expensive in countries where people don’t drink and is taxed highly. I tell people to budget around $500AUD a week. You can use ATM’s to get money, credit cards for larger purchases and bring a few hundred dollars either USD or AUD to exchange. 

A. The most convenient and cheapest way to get your visa is online e-Visa – To complete online choose E-Visa Application. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

The online application can only be completed between 4 and 120 days prior to travel. Make sure you don’t apply too early so that your visa is expired by the time you want to depart, 30 days in advance is enough, previously it has taken 1 week to receive the E-Visa. This cost is between $10 and $50USD, prices change all the time sorry but just to give you a guideline.

You will receive a document on how to complete your VISA application after we receive your booking and deposit. Its a step by step process with images

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