Textile Treasures of India with Diwali Celebration departing 7 Nov 2020 - Crafty Adventures E: | W: ...
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Textile Treasures of India with Diwali Celebration departing 7 Nov 2020 Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Delhi Day 01: 07th Nov’20 | Saturday Arrive Delhi Arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Accommodation will be booked from a day prior with breakfast for early check-in. Delhi, the soul of India and a mélange of cultures, encapsulates two very different worlds, the “old’ and the “new” giving a feel of both ancient and modern India. The city is nestled in the lap of majestic Yamuna River and presents the soul of India in its true self. Over thousand years, it has wooed rulers, fascinated plunderers, and tried historians with details. Even today, Delhi preserves an enviable heritage; it’s a city always on the move. The city is sprinkled with captivating ancient monuments, picturesque gardens, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing arts scene and some of the sub- continent’s best restaurants. This city of contrasts is a treasure trove for tourists. Afternoon, explore the markets of Connaught Place and Janpath. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Day 02: 08th Nov’20 | Sunday Delhi Breakfast is at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Introduction to Delhi starts with tour to Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) visiting Raj Ghat, Photo Stop at Red Fort, Jama Mosque and Chandni Chowk. In 17th century, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, made his capital in Shahjahanabad, the area that broadly covers present-day Old Delhi, also called the walled city. Raj Ghat lies on the bank of the river Yamuna. It is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. It also houses two museums dedicated to Gandhi. At the Gandhi Memorial Museum, you can catch a documentary on the life of this noble soul and the philosophy of the Sarvodaya Movement. Jama Mosque is the largest and most well-known mosque in India. It is flanked by Red fort on one side and old city Chandni Chowk on another side. Built by Shah Jahan in 17th century, Jama Masjid is one of the most crowded destinations in Delhi for pilgrims and tourists. It is a great place of Muslim pilgrimage. There are three entrances to the Courtyard- on the East, North and South. Since the mosque is laid on a hillock, the steps climbing up to this are steep. The eastern gate has 774 steps. Chandni Chowk is the oldest market places of Old Delhi. The origin of Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in Indian history. According to legends, Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was designed by Jahanara-Emperor Shah Jahan's favorite daughter. Today this market is considered to be one of the busiest markets in the world. Later on proceed to visit the Old Delhi’s cloth and embellishment market. Dariba Kalan is renowned for jewellery; Kinari Bazaar is the haat of laces, buttons and other fabric decoration; Ballimaran houses leather footwear shops. Chawri Bazaar is famous for its wedding / birthday invitation cards, huge & very colourful collection. Khari Baoli is Asia’s biggest spice market is also one of the oldest as it has been on existence for more than 4 centuries now. From Old Delhi, you will proceed to visit Craft Museum and Humayun’s Tomb. Craft Musem, the National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum, known as the Crafts Museum houses the rich, diverse & practicing craft traditions of India. The museum was designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. This magnificent garden tomb was built in the year of 1565 AD, nine years after the death of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, by his widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure are garden squares with walkways, water channels and a mausoleum with a double dome in the center. Humayun’s Tomb is often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal owing to the stylistic similarity of its structures. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 03: 09th Nov’20 | Monday Delhi – Agra (210 Kms / 04 Hrs) Breakfast is at the hotel. Later visit to Qutab Minar. Qutab Minar with a height of 234 feet is considered as the tallest individual tower in the world. It is one of the many masterpieces that depicted the sheer brilliance of the Mughal architects of those times. It was constructed under the rule of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199. It is surrounded by other ancient monuments which are collectively called Qutub complex. Later by surface travel to Agra. Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as one of the tourist destination in India. The city is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen supposedly with a lineage dating back to the Mughals. Agra’s handicrafts also include carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
In the evening, proceed for the special show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’. The show is a saga of love based on story behind the making of Taj Mahal. The eternal love story of Emperor Shah Jehan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who gave us first wonder in the world in the form of ‘Taj Mahal’. The romantic tale from Indian history has been told in a dramatic manner through a live performance by over 80 professional artists packed by latest light and sound technologies. The main attraction of this show is the 12’ Taj Replica weighing 8250 kilos. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 04: 10th Nov’20 | Tuesday Agra Early morning at sunrise, visit Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World that symbolizes love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place. Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. It was completed in 1653 AD, it is believed that it took nearly 22 years to complete the grandeur palace. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the same. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Return to hotel for breakfast and later visit Agra Fort. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
The Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The fort contains a maze of buildings forming a small city within a city. The Agra Fort offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 05: 11th Nov’20 | Wednesday Agra – Jaipur (260 Kms / 06 Hrs) Breakfast is at the hotel. Later by surface travel to Jaipur. En-route visit Chand Baori Step-well in Abhaneri Village. Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel. Chand Baori is one of the oldest, deepest and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The oldest parts of the structure date back to the 08th century & significant additions were made in the 18th century. Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts and verdant green gardens against a scenic backdrop of the Aravali hills, Jaipur represents the charm of India’s rich past and the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis. The city of Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD and is commonly known as the ‘Pink City” because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition. Later in the evening, enjoy Cooking Demonstration in Dera Mandawa. The traditional cooking demonstration followed by dinner at Dera Mandawa would leave you amazed. You would witness a cooking class organized by the host. The dishes they would demonstrate have been in the cuisine for generations. They come with flavours of the land and wonderful back stories. You would learn the process and also the best use of the spices etc. The guest also works hands on and can cook on the cooking station. The session would continue with the dinner and drinks. This would be a sit down dinner with the hosts where we shall serve the soft drinks, beverages, beer etc. during the demo & dinner. The ancient way of cooking that too the traditional cuisine are mouthwatering desire of taste. Return to hotel after dinner. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 06: 12th Nov’20 | Thursday Jaipur Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Amer Fort, also spelled and pronounced as Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 Km from Jaipur. The Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur. The construction of the fort was started by Man Singh I in 1592. The fort boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India. A jeep would be there to & fro the magnificent Amber Fort. Later visit the Bagru Village known as the main centers of block printing. The craft of block making and printing developed in the region around the 18th century. The basic carving tools are made by block makers themselves form iron rods, bicycle spokes etc. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Bagru village is approx. 30 Kms drive from the main city. This village is one of those places where still traditional Hand block painting work is done. You may get in touch with your creative side, or develop your skills, while learning side by side our skilled craftsperson. Be fascinated by the prints made with small wooden blocks and colors extracted from nature. Lunch will be organized during the workshop itself. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 07: 13th Nov’20 | Friday Jaipur Breakfast is at the hotel. Later visit to Sanganer Village to experience textile techniques and practices of Jaipur. Today you will learn the basics of Block Printing. You may participate in the single block printing and the double block printing workshops. The ‘design' is first drawn on paper & stretched out on a smooth surface of the wood. The motif or design is then pierced through the needles so that the 'impression' is transferred on the smooth surface of the wood. You will also get the chance to try your hand at preparing the block and then printing a souvenir. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Later experience the technique of Blue Pottery. Take a look at one of the most well-known items constructed in Rajasthan, blue pottery which was once only the luxury of the rich today has become a reasonable piece of ornamentation. Today the items made in blue pottery are available in many colors like pink, yellow and green. The Jaipur blue pottery, prepared from Egyptian paste, is shiny and low- fired. Some of this pottery is semi-transparent and generally ornamented with animal and bird designs. Later explore the colorful markets of Jaipur. We shall buy you traditional Sarees for ladies guests and colorful Kurta & Pajama for gentlemen, (one set for each participant) for Diwali celebration for tomorrow. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 08: 14th Nov’20 | Saturday Jaipur (Diwali Celebration) Breakfast is at the hotel. Proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur City visiting City Palace, Observatory and Hawa Mahal. City Palace is the former residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. It is located in the heart of the walled city. The huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace also has a museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II where on display are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Banarasi Silk sarees, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. Observatory is an astronomical observation site built in early 18th century. It was built by Maharaja Jai Sigh II in 1724, whose passion for science, engineering, and astronomy prompted him to construct this complex of fourteen scientific instruments. It’s been over 200 years since they were first constructed, these fourteen structures can still accurately measure time; predict eclipses, and track stars and planets in their orbits. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Palace of Winds, popularly known as Hawa Mahal is perhaps the most well-known architectural landmark of Jaipur. An imposing structure in the city’s signature pink color, Hawa Mahal is a unique palace as it does not have any rooms or halls. It is a five-storeyed structure embellished with numerous little windows and balconied. The Palace was designed as a viewing gallery for the women of the royal household, the windows and balconies of this palace feature delicate latticework that is astonishing in detail and level of craftsmanship. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, the ladies will be assisted in dressing-up the sarees; gentlemen would dress-up their own. Later enjoy Diwali Celebration in Shahpura House with the Royal Family. Before the celebration gets started, you will be served with local snacks and sweets and a small briefing will be held about the celebration to ensure everything goes perfect. The royal family would showcase as well as involve in the celebration by sharing with the ways of making this festival more enjoyable. You will take part in the celebrations with lighting- up the oil lamps and candles and place them in and around the house and also participate in the Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Prayers. The hosts would arrange some fireworks for the guests wherein the guests may also try hands. The traditional dinner (pure veg) would be the gourmet gesture. After the celebrations, we shall offer a Special Diwali Souvenir to you as a momentum for you to remember and cherish the beauty of this festival of love, happiness and harmony. Later drive back to the hotel. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 09: 15th Nov’20 | Sunday Jaipur – Jodhpur (By Train) Early morning transfer to Jaipur Railway Station with packed breakfast. Train Number 22478 Jaipur Departure 0600 Hrs Jodhpur Arrival 1055 Hrs Upon arrival at Jodhpur Railway Station, transfer to hotel. Jodhpur or the "Sun City" is famous for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. The city was founded in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha. The city is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, one of the specialties of this city is that almost all the houses based around the fort of Mehrangarh are painted in blue color, due to which the city is even known as the "Blue City". Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 10: 16th Nov’20 | Monday Jodhpur Breakfast is at the hotel. Later visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. As Rajasthan’s largest fort, Mehrangarh forms a looming presence over Jodhpur. Visible from miles around, it is a grand statement of Rajput valor. Its construction was started around 1459 by the king known as the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha and is believed to have been completed by Raja Jeswant Singh in the second half of the 17th century. There are several palaces inside the fort. The fort offers magnificent panoramic view of the city. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Jaswant Thada is situated on the left side of Fort Mehrangarh; in fact it is located between the fort and the city. Well maintained gardens welcome you inside the compound, and provide a great base to sit back and reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced. This cenotaph was built by Sardar Singhji in memory of his father. Thereafter visit a textile center where you would witness tie & dye (Bandhani) technique to color the cotton fabrics. This practice is very common in India and gives a fresh design at every experiment. The fabric is tied in intricate patterns with the help of beads or grains, preventing colour from seeping into the tied areas during the dyeing process when the fabric is dunk in vats of colour. For over a century, Jodhpur has been the traditional yarn- dyeing centre in the country, each dyed sari or dupatta unfurling unlimited and surprising possibilities. Evening get ready for the special evening with Travel Sapphire Specials: Henna Session for the Women in the hotel; Farewell dinner at a Restaurant in Jodhpur. Overnight stay in hotel. (Meals: B, L, D) Day 11: 17th Nov’20 | Tuesday Jodhpur – Delhi (By Air) and Departure Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, transfer to Jodhpur Airport to board flight for Delhi. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Flight Details Air India, AI 476 Jodhpur Departure 1455 Hrs Delhi Arrival 1620 Hrs Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, transfer to the International Terminal to board the flight for onward destination. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
Cost Proposal Itinerary Considered: Delhi (2 Nights) – Agra (2 Nights) – Jaipur (4 Nights) – Jodhpur (2 Nights) – Delhi Hotel Accommodation: Days Nights Destination 4 Star & 5 Star Hotel Accommodation Day 01 - 03 2 Delhi The Suryaa Hotel Day 03 - 05 2 Agra Crystal Sarovar Premier Day 05 - 09 4 Jaipur Hilton Jaipur Day 09 - 11 2 Jodhpur ITC WelcomHotel Jodhpur Cost Per Person: Cost Per Person 4 Star & 5 Star Hotel Accommodation Based on Twin Share AUD $4,599 Per Person Single Room Supplement AUD $1260 Inclusions: • 10 nights’ accommodation on double / twin sharing basis at the hotels mentioned above; • Early check-in @ 0800 Hrs with breakfast on the day of arrival in Delhi; • Meals as mentioned in the travel program; • Service of an accompanying English Speaking Guide throughout the tour program; • Service of a Textile Expert in Jaipur and Jodhpur; • Textile Experiences as mentioned in the travel program; • All arrival, sightseeing and excursions as per the travel program by an Air Conditioned Vehicle; • Entrance fees at the monuments as per the travel program; • Train Ride from Jaipur to Jodhpur in AC Chair Car with packed breakfast; • Packaged water bottles, Hand Sanitizers, Wet and Dry tissues in the vehicle throughout the trip; • Cooking demonstration followed by lavish dinner & drinks with a Royal Host in Jaipur; • Traditional Sarees for ladies and colorful Kurta Pajama for gentlemen, (one set for each traveller) for Diwali celebration; • Diwali Celebration with Royal Family; • Jodhpur - Delhi Airfare in Economy Class; • Tipping in hotel, restaurants, guide, driver and helper on behalf of the group; • Travel Sapphire Representative for assistance on all arrival & departure; • All currently applicable taxes. Exclusions: • Expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, camera/ video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses etc.; • Any international airfare; • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion. Crafty Adventures E: jo@craftyadventures.com.au | W: https://www.craftyadventures.com.au/tours
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