India
Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur,
Pushkar Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi
Folk dances of India
Folk Dancing, Folk Music, Culture, History, Art, and Adventure!
When: November 3-18, 2026
Price: Land Only: $5995
(To see our 3 choices of payment method, click here.)
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Discover India’s Rich Cultural Heritage, melodramatic story, and Folk Dance esthetic
Join us on this mesmerizing journey and let the rhythm of India’s folk dances captivate your soul. Book your spot today and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of India’s cultural wonders!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of India’s cultural tapestry with our exclusive Folk Dance Tours. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse folk dances of India, each telling a story of the region’s heritage, traditions, and way of life. From the energetic Bhangra of Punjab to the graceful Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu, immerse yourself in the rhythm and soul of India’s rich artistic legacy.
Throughout the tour, engage in interactive workshops and meet local dancers and artisans who will share their knowledge and passion for their craft. Learn the basic steps of these folk dances and understand the significance behind each movement and costume.
Itinerary
Feb 26, Thursday: ARRIVE DELHI:
Arrive Delhi, city sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, the capital of India, which typifies the soul of the country. The grand legacy of the past, survives in many monuments that were left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of each ruler’s character. You will be met, escorted and transferred to your hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Feb 27, Friday: DELHI
Morning after breakfast, proceed for a “Mughal Historic Heritage Walk” in Old Delhi area. Enroute experience the Delhi metro train to Chawri Bazaar in old Delhi. Board tricycle rickshaw to Khari Baoli (spice market), the market which has been operating since 17th century. Later walk through the lanes of Chandni Chowk area, stopping at the Town Hall, built in 1865. Visit Gurudwara Shishganj Sahib: where the 9th Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded during Aurangzeb’s reign. Move on to Ballimaran, past Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli (Museum). Ghalib was the great India poet who wrote in Urdu and Persian. Pass through narrow streets full of shops doing brisk business. Watch how merchandise is sold only in Specific Street as the Indian merchants have long practiced guild trading. Also visit Jama Masjid before boarding the bus to visit Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Later return to the hotel.
Late afternoon, enjoy folk dancing participation & learning at the institute. Try your hand with Bhangra, Giddha and Dhamyal, different types of folk dances of India. Bhangra: one of the most popular dances of North India, Originally, Punjabis performed Bhangra to celebrate the success of the harvest. Giddha: is Punjab’s most famous folk dance for women. Giddha is a freestyle dance with spontaneous and creative movements displaying the excitement and high-spirited mood of the moment. Haryana Dhamyal: The folk dance of Haryana is known as the ‘Dhamyal’ or the ‘Duph’. The dance can be performed by men alone as well as with women. Phag: The dance done basically in the lunar month of Phalgun seeks to celebrate the colorful festival of Holi.
Feb 28, Saturday: DELHI
Morning enjoy visit to Akshardham Temple- The 141 feet high, 275 feet wide and 315 ft long temple is visible from a long distance. The massive temple built of sandstone and marble is the blend of several architectural temple styles. The temple consists of 234 delicately carved and ornate pillars. The temple has 20 Shikhars (towers) and a beautiful Gajendra parth (plinth of stone elephants). The temple houses 20,000 statues of Hindu deities and motifs. The temple is carved with the images of flora, fauna, dances, musicians and Gods, which cover its surfaces from top to bottom. Inside you can enjoy the roller coaster ride (showcasing the long history and present marvels of India) and the puppetry shows and a movie ( depicting the life and achievements of Swaminarayan, the founder of this belief and religion. This temple is closed on Mondays.
Later proceed for half day city tour of New Delhi – The capital city of modern India, New Delhi, is a well laid-out main metropolitan area built by the British when they moved their capital here from Calcutta in 1911. It blends internationalism and tradition, with many interesting museums and art galleries here. We will drive past the President’s palace and India Gate in the Lutyens’ Imperial City and Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb that pay homage to the mighty Afghan & Mughal Empires. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Mar 1, Sunday: DELHI / UDAIPUR : FLIGHT Air India
On time transfer to airport to board flight to Udaipur, the “Venice of the East.” This lake city is perhaps the most romantic of all the Indian centers. Arrive and check into hotel. Late afternoon, enjoy boat ride around the Lake Pichola and visit the Jagmandir, an Island Palace on the lake. Overnight at hotel or meals and overnight stay.
Mar 2, Monday: UDAIPUR
Morning, proceed for a city tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace with its numerous buildings, the museum of the local Maharanas (the most powerful Maharajas of Rajasthan) and the majestic 17th century Jagdish temple, dedicated to Vishnu. Later visit Sahelion ki Bari (Royal Garden of Ladies), a majestic garden, known as the Courtyard of Maidens. As the name suggests, it was made for the maidens who accompanied the Princess after her marriage to Maharana Sangram Singh. Afternoon free to explore the city on your own.
Evening enjoy “Dharohar” Dance show at Bhagore Ki Haveli. It features a variety of Rajasthani folk dances, including the Ghoomar, Chari, Bhavai, and Gavri dances, as well as a puppet show. It opens with a brief introduction, drum beating, and conch shell blowing etc. Later return to the hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Mar 3, Tuesday: UDAIPUR / JODHPUR via RANAKPUR : DRIVE 6 and half hours
Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur via Ranakpur, visiting the fabulous 500 year old Jain Temple of Ranakpur. The temple is superbly preserved in perfect condition. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of the main temple, some octagonal and many more than one story high and over 1,400 beautifully hand carved pillars each distinctively different from other. Later proceed to Jodhpur. Arrive and check into hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Mar 4, Wednesday: JODHPUR
Morning visit Mehrangarh Fort built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. From the courtyard you will see beautiful latticework that covers the sandstone walls and balconies. See the beautifully decorated Dancing Hall, Royal Bedroom, Jewel-Studded Robes, Ornate Baby Cradles, Silver Elephant Seats and Palanquins. Proceed to Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and serves as the cremation ground for the royal Rajput family of Marwar.
After lunch excursion to Bishnoi Village by Jeep, to learn about their 19 principles. You will meet the village elders and witness an opium ceremony. Famous for pottery, they will demonstrate their skills; if you wish you may participate in the ceremony. Next stop will be at Gudha Village to see Antelopes, Fazelle, Dumessille Crane and much more. Next, visit the Salaws, known for their weaving of magic carpets. Your last stop will be at a Shepherd’s Village; a perfect place to photograph traditional village life. After the tour return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel
Mar 5, Thursday: JODHPUR / PUSHKAR: DRIVE 6 and half hours
Morning drive overland to Pushkar, the only city in the world with a Brahma temple. Arrive and check into hotel. Later visit Brahma temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit the serene Pushkar lake which is surrounded by temples and Ghats all around. it holds a spiritual significance. The ambiance is peaceful, and a walk around the lake allows you to soak in the essence of the town. Later venture into the local market which is an amazing amalgamation of Israeli and local Rajasthani culture. Meals and overnight at the hotel/
RAJASTHANI FOLK DANCES: The vast unending expanse of burning hot sand that makes up the Thar Desert of Rajasthan hosts one of the most vibrant and evocative music cultures of the world. The heady, hypnotic combination of rhythm and melodies sung and played by the Langas and Manganiars are part of the eternal appeal of this mysterious and wondrous land. Rajasthan has great variety of dances, which are simple expressions of jollity and festivity. The dancers, the dances and costumes have made Thar the most colorful desert in the world. Each province adding its own form of dance styles and performer. There are a dance that follows a lineage of age old traditions, adhere to sacred consequence, display their daring attitude as well as complimenting various fairs and festivals. During your stay you will be able to see, learn and participate on some of the folk dances of Rajasthan Dandi Gair is a popular traditional welcoming dance in Rajasthan.
Mar 6, Friday: PUSHKAR /JAIPUR: DRIVE: 3 and half hours
Travel by road to Jaipur, owing its name to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Arrive Jaipur, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable experience. Jaipur is a vibrant tapestry of Rajputana grandeur and urban charm. As you wander through its bustling streets and majestic palaces, you’ll be transported back in time to an era of kings and queens, forts and festivities. Arrive and check into hotel.
Afternoon proceed for a city tour, visiting City Palace, which occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Proceed to visit Observatory, known as Jantar Mantar (1728-34) built by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading. Tour local market before returning to the hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Mar 7, Saturday; JAIPUR
Morning after breakfast proceed to Amer Palace. Stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal, a 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century. It has 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Enjoy the magneticity vibe of Amber Fort, situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037.
Afternoon enjoy Rajasthani folk dance session– Learning and participation: The vast unending expanse of burning hot sand that makes up the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, hosts one of the most vibrant and evocative music cultures of the world. The heady, hypnotic combination of rhythm and melodies sung and played by the Langas and Manganiars are part of the eternal appeal of this mysterious and wondrous land. Rajasthan has great variety of dances, which are simple expressions of jollity and festivity. During your stay you will be able to see, learn and participate on some of the folk dances of Rajasthan.
Mar 8, Sunday: JAIPUR / FATEH PUR SIKRI/ AGRA: DRIVE: 5 and half hours
Morning drive overland to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted capital city, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later due to severe water shortage. Within the city, you will tour the Diwan-I-Aam or Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Khaas or the Hall of Private Audience is a two storied building. Panch Mahal or Five Storey Palace is a five storied building, and the architecture is Persian in style like a Buddhist monastery. Palace of Jodha Bai is named after Jehangir’s wife Jodha Bai. This palace is a fine blend of Hindu columns and Muslim Cupolas. Inside the palace is the Palace of the Winds where the walls are entirely made of stone lattice work. Birbal Palace was the residence of Birbal, who was Akbar’s favorite courtier, famous for his wit and wisdom. Miriam’s House also known as the Golden House was Akbar’s Christian wife from Goa. Ankh Michauli is where the emperor played hide and seek with the ladies of the harem and was probably used for storing records. Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah is the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, originally built of red sandstone but was later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Arrive Agra, a city steeped in history and boasts an impressive array of Mughal-era monuments, showcasing stunning architecture, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Arrive and check into hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Mar 11, Wednesday : VARANASI
Early morning proceed for a sunrise boat ride on the holy river Ganges, to see the devout, praying and bathing on the Ghats (Banks), and learn about the local customs and rituals. You can see number of funeral pyres burning at a distance. Millions of Hindus believe that people who die here, in this city on the Ganges, are lucky. Because if they are cremated here, they can break the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth. See the ancient city of Varanasi come to life as you make your way down the scenic Ganges River by boat. Observe Hindus practicing their morning rituals as the sun comes up along the banks of the river and learn about local customs and traditions.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we do a half-day temple tour of Varanasi, visiting Durga temple, Sankat Mochan temple,, BHU (Banaras Hindu University) and Tulsi Manas Mandir. Rest of the morning is at leisure.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, a place where Buddha preached his first lessons on Nirvana. Later visit the museum with its fine collection of Buddhist artifacts. Overnight at the hotel
Mar 12, Thursday: VARANASI
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for a walking tour of Varanasi. Explore the narrow lanes and by-lanes of Varanasi, so typical of the city. The streets of Varanasi are narrow and maze-like, with many alleys and lanes that lead to ancient temples, ghats (riverfront steps), and bazaars. Walking through these winding streets is like stepping back in time. Varanasi’s bazaars are famous for their colorful textiles, silk saris, spices, and handicrafts. The bustling markets are a feast for the senses, with vendors hawking their wares, and shoppers haggling for the best prices.
Afternoon proceed for a Kathak dance and practice session. Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that originated in northern India, known for its intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, and expressive storytelling. It’s a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim art, characterized by precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer articulates by controlling ankle bells, danced by both males and females. Kathak dancers tell stories based on epics, myths, and legends, by using their body movements, facial expressions, and hand gestures to communicate the story. Later return to the hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Mar 13, Friday: VARANASI / DELHI/ DEPART: FLIGHT
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive and proceed to the international airport board flight onward destination.
FOLK DANCES PARTICIPATION & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES :
Bhangra: One of the most popular dances of North India, Originally, Punjabis performed Bhangra to celebrate the success of the harvest. Now people perform Bhangra at wedding parties, receptions and other happy occasions. Persons of all types of social classes perform Bhangra together.
Giddha: is Punjab’s most famous folk dance for women. Giddha is not performed with any rigid set pieces or sequences. It is a freestyle dance with spontaneous and creative movements displaying the excitement and high-spirited mood of the moment. In recent times Giddha is performed as a choreographed dance, and still has the same high-spirited energy. Brightly colored costumes and elaborate jewelry enhance the performance further, it’s hard not to join in or at least clap along.
These days, Giddha and Bhangra are associated with each other and performed together by men and women of all ages. Thanks to the infectious beat of the dhol drum the Panjabi folk dances, Bhangra & Giddha have been a making inroad on to American dance floors over the last several decades
Haryana Dhamyal:
The folk dance of Haryana
is known as the ‘Dhamyal’ or the ‘Duph’.
The dance can be performed by men alone
as well as with women.
The Duph, after which the dance form
is derived,
is a circular drum, played nimbly by
the male dancers,
as they dance.
Phag: The dance done basically in the lunar month of Phalgun seeks to celebrate the colorful festival of 
Holi. The dancers come together to the sound of ‘Tasha’, ‘Nagara’ and ‘Dhol’. The men come running & singing the traditional songs of ‘Phalgun’, followed by women carrying ‘Koraras’, the knotted lengths of cloths. They run about the men hitting with the ‘Koraras’ while men defend themselves as best as they can with ‘Shuntis’.
REGISTRATION FORM:
Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person. Single supplement: $995. Additional charges: $185 hotel taxes and service. Gratuities and drinks during meals not included. Program subject to change without notice. Cancellations 90 days prior to departure: Total refund. Less than 90 days: No refund. Travel insurance recommended. travelsafe travel insurance
Total balance due November 1, 2025
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