Gay Group Trip: India and the Holi Festival
Trip Summary:
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At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Colorful, diverse, and layered with centuries of fascinating history, there is no one city that successfully captures the spirit of India. To fully get to know the world’s most populous democracy, you’ll want to sample a broader range of what is on offer.
Beginning the trip in Delhi, you will be immersed in the charming bustle of this multicultural metropolis from the minute you pass through the India Gate. The next stop is Agra, where you will take in the Taj Mahal, framed against a backdrop of soft morning pastels. This bucket-list sight is one of the highlights of the trip and serves as the perfect introduction to the city’s extensive past.
Continuing through the spiritual hubs of Varanasi and Jaipur, your trip will coincide with several significant Hindu and Sikh holidays, including the famously colorful paint-throwing festival of Holi, where you’ll have a chance to get involved in the communal burst of color. Before returning to Delhi for your return flight, you’ll stop off in Udaipur, sometimes called “the city of lakes”. Here, a bounty of palaces and temples sprawl across the banks of the city’s waterways, an opulent oasis in the Rajasthan desert.
From viewing a sunrise vista of the Taj Mahal to cruising down the Ganges in an exclusive river tour of Varanasi, whatever your dream Indian adventure entails, this gay group trip is guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
More Information
The state of LGBTQ+ rights in India reflects a complex interplay of progress and persistent challenges. Historically, gender non-conformity has been acknowledged through the Hijras, officially recognized as a third gender and a part of Indian society for centuries. However, social taboos and stigmas surrounding homosexuality have traditionally limited broader acceptance.
A turning point came in 2018 when the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark ruling that decriminalized same-sex relationships by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. This historic decision removed a colonial-era law that criminalized consensual same-sex activity, affirming the constitutional rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The ruling marked a significant step toward equality and sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion across the country.
Despite this progress, India does not yet recognize same-sex marriage or adoption rights for same-sex couples, and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity remain absent. However, legal protections for transgender individuals were introduced through the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which seeks to safeguard their rights, though its implementation has faced criticism from activists for being inadequate.
Culturally, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals are gradually shifting, particularly among younger generations and in urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. These cities host vibrant Pride events, inclusive nightlife, and advocacy groups that work to promote acceptance and push for further legal reforms.
While challenges persist, including societal stigma and limited legal protections, India’s evolving legal landscape and growing visibility of LGBTQ+ voices signal a path toward greater acceptance and equality for the community. For LGBTQ+ travelers, India offers a mix of cultural richness and a developing inclusivity, particularly in more progressive urban areas.
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In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Days 1 to 3: Delhi
Your Indian adventure begins in the vibrant bustle of Delhi. During your time in the city, you will stroll through the India Gate, gaze upon some of the most historically significant monuments in the world, and tour India’s biggest mosque. The perfect place to begin a group trip, Delhi boasts one of India’s most thriving nightlife scenes and is guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
Day 4: Agra
A couple of hours’ drive from Delhi, Agra is home to some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. From the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal to the dusty red stone of the Agra Fort, there are historical and cultural treasures around every corner. You will conclude your time in Agra with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal itself, where you will watch the building’s facade emerge from the morning haze before heading off to Varanasi.
Days 5 and 6: Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on earth and is embued with a spiritual atmosphere that can be expected from centuries of religious pilgrimage and celebration. The best way to view this uniquely special destination is via the water, and you will be taking an exclusive boat trip down the Ganges, where you will bear witness to the riverbank buzz and get the chance to partake in a traditional blessing ceremony.
Days 7 and 8: Jaipur
Commonly known as “The Pink City” for the dominant color palette of the buildings here, Jaipur is the cosmopolitan capital of Rajasthan, a region known for its sprawling stretches of untamed wilderness and ancient ruins. After a tour of the City Palace, you will take part in a bonfire lighting ceremony as part of the Holika Dehan celebrations, and enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal. Ending your time in Jaipur on a colorful note, the final day in the city will be spent reveling in the vibrant, joyous chaos of paint and water throwing, a highlight of the Holi festival and a staple of the Hindu religious calendar.
Days 9 and 10: Udaipur
Once described as ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’, Udaipur is a glistening jewel of palaces and temples nestled on the banks of five major lakes. You’ll get the chance to explore the headlining sights in this awe-inspiring city, including the Crystal Gallery, Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, and the City Palace. From an exclusive boat tour on Lake Pichola, you will also be able to view the surrounding city rising up from the Rajasthan desert, before enjoying a farewell fine-dining experience at the Sheesh Mahal.
Days 11 and 12: Delhi
Spending your final day exploring the cosmopolitan bustle of Gurgaon on the outskirts of Delhi, you will be able to roam the city at your leisure, before heading to the airport on the morning of your departure day.
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