TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com), the leader of premium and luxury escorted journeys, is excited to journey Canadians to India during the annual Diwali celebrations, taking place this year from November 11th through to November 15th throughout the culturally diverse nation. One of the most important festivals celebrated in India, the 5-day "festival of lights" is feted by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Coinciding with the Hindu New Year, Diwali symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. With three of its most popular all-inclusive Luxury Gold itineraries travelling during the festivities, clients will not only be able to partake in the lively celebrations, but they will also return from their travels with a deeper understanding of what Diwali truly stands for.
"Diwali is one of the most happiest holidays in India and we are excited to celebrate this joyous time with your clients,"said Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada. "Guests on one of our three Luxury Gold itineraries departing during the festivities will be able to witness the colourful celebrations first-hand. Whether being mesmerized by the brightly adorned markets in Jaipur to viewing the local temples all aglow in Kolkata, your clients will return home with memories to last them a lifetime!"
Insight Vacations has three Luxury Gold departures from its 2015-16 India program travelling during the Diwali celebrations, the following is a highlight of each itinerary:
Imperial Rajasthan *November 8th departure
A 14-day heritage journey through timeless Rajasthan, where Maharajahs built forts and lavish palaces towering over desert cities. Many of these palaces have been converted into modern hotels, making India one of the few places in the world where you can still truly live like a king. In Jaipur, guests will be met with bright lights in celebration of the "festival of lights". Much of the beauty of Diwali comes from the warm glow of lights and lamps that adorn streets, homes, and shops. The "Pink City" is one of the best places in India to experience this, where not just buildings but whole markets are illuminated. Each year, a competition takes place for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market. It's a dazzling display that will surely dazzle guests. Over in the "Blue City" of Jodhpur, guests embark on a Signature Experience with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, set on a cliff a hundred feet above the city skyline and the white marble Jaswant Thada. Guests then drive to Ranakpur, the temple town of Rajasthan where they explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the sprawling Jain temples, which are regarded as perhaps of the best in the country. Ending in Udaipur, travellers relax for two nights at the luxurious 5-star, The Leela Palace, a Signature Hotel set in a majestic location on Lake Pichola with spectacular views of the Aravalli Mountains.
Classical India *November 8th departure
A 14-day Luxury Gold journey into the mysterious and enigmatic land of India, full of strange fascination from the erotic temples of Khajuraho and ethereal Taj Mahal, to the mesmerizing rituals and funeral pyres that line the revered Ganges River. Starting in Delhi, an ancient melting pot with a population of over 16 million and continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC, guests are treated to Indian hospitality with a traditional floral garland upon arrival. After a restful night's sleep at the luxurious Le Méridien Delhi, a TripAdvisor 2015 Hall of Fame recipient, guests ride by rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi. In Kolkata, Lakshmi puja is celebrated earlier than the Diwali celebrations and the deity celebrated on this occasion is the fierce Goddess Kali. On the first night of the "Kali Puja" celebrations, guests will be able to witness the dazzling firework displays and diyas around individual homes. Makeshift structures called pandals, made of articles as bamboos and cloth, are erected that house idols of Goddess Kali where guests can stand in awe over. In Jaipur, the stunning capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, travellers will stay at the Fairmont Jaipur - an Insight Vacations Signature Hotel. A piece of Canadiana in India, the five star Fairmont Jaipur is an ode to the "Pink City" through awe inspiring architecture and decor, inspired by the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs of yore. The luxury Jaipur hotel is Fairmont's first and only hotel in India, and is perfectly nestled amongst the majestic Aravalli hills. All 199 rooms and suites are bespoke residences that exude classic heritage influences with four poster beds, camel bone inlaid furniture, walk-in bathrooms with the distinct pink city stone bath tubs, Mughal styled low seating day beds and discreet arched windows.
Mystical South India *November 10th departure
An unforgettable exploration of Southern India that takes in the spicy history and plantation covered hills of Kerala before heading into Tamil Nadu. On this 12-day Luxury Gold itinerary, guests experience some of India's oldest and most celebrated Hindu temples and even a touch of Francophile charm. Starting in Kochi on the first night of Diwali, the town celebrates with much splendour, pomp and fervour. Locals light up crackers while sweets are passed around - guests will experience the true sounds of Diwali. Then, guests journey to the small island of Kumbalangi for a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers. Travellers walk through the village, joining the fishermen as they raise their Chinese nets or farmers working in the fields. Guests will see how the locals spin golden palm fibers into coir and tap the palms for sap to make a potent drink called 'toddy'. From there, guests head to Madurai, known as the "Athens of the East" where guests can celebrate the last night of Diwali by lighting one of the many candles at Sri Meenakshi Temple. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500-year-old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. At Pondicherry, formerly the largest French colony in India, the influence can be felt in the Ville Blanche where tree lined boulevards are littered with salmon-pink-coloured mansions and lush gardens. While in Chennai, guests will stay at Insight's Signature Hotel, the Leela Palace, this city's first and only seafront five-star hotel.
For more information, please contact your local Sales Manager, visit www.insightvacations.com, or contact an Insight Specialist at the National Sales Centre at 1-800-387-8490.
About Insight Vacations
For more than 35 years, Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com) has been designing the world's finest escorted travel itineraries. Insight offers 113 journeys to more countries across Europe than any other operator and provides the same legendary service across North America, Peru, India, Bhutan, Morocco, Egypt and Israel.
Insight guests enjoy The Art of Touring in Style with business-class legroom aboard customized luxury coaches, intimate groups of just 40 travellers and the services of an experienced Tour Director who acts as 'travelling concierge.' Each expertly planned itinerary includes a range of Signature Events for a unique and authentic look into the history and culture of each destination. Throughout their trip, guests will stay in handpicked hotels that are centrally or scenically located and have the perfect balance of guided and independent exploration.
For more information, visit us at http://www.insightvacations.com, on social media at http://www.facebook.com/InsightVacations, http://twitter.com/InsightVacation, and join the conversation using the hashtag #InsightMoments.
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