INDIA - Majestic Rajasthan

Adventurebug
Group Travel

INDIA – Majestic Rajasthan

Kathy Didier - Pembrook Travels / 13 nights - 9-22 January 2011
(depart from US on January 8)

Delhi (3 nights : 2 at beginning, 1 at the end) – Agra (1 night) – Jaipur (2 nights) – Tordigarh (2 nights) – Jojawar (2 nights) – Udaipur (3 nights)

THEME: Discovery, light walking, visits to both urban monuments and rural areas. Transport in private air con bus / train and small excursions by jeep, boat and camel cart.

INTENSITY: Gentle to Moderate – easy walking / longest transfer day is 5 hours in bus (average is 2.5 hours) / no long treks (*this is not classified as a trekking holiday to India but termed ‘discovery’). It is a very diverse experience!

COST OF TRIP: $2650 (MORE INFORMATION IS GIVEN BELOW) This does not include airfare.

NAMASTE! India has captured the imagination of travelers dating back to the spice trade and perhaps even prior to this. As a large and populous land mass in Eastern Asia with unshakable roots in a complex, yet peaceful religious system, India offers a virtual feast for adventurers of all disciplines and interests.

This tour program, fully guided by Matt Butler, owner of Adventurebug http://www.adventurebug.com/ with the support team on the ground in India promises to be a memorable experience for all walks of life and interest levels intending to visit this part of the world. Matt has traveled extensively in India and claims it to be the ultimate compliment to the discerned traveler’s quiver. Although testing at times, India is an authentic experience for the mind, body and soul. Blissful, tantalizing, colorful, and introspective on one hand yet overwhelming and potentially enduring at times on the other. It is the traveler’s finest hour…

Striking the right balance for travel in India is a task and this customized program seeks to bring out the country’s best. We have chosen Rajasthan, the heart of India to explore and the region that offers the finest blend of monuments, rural areas, cultural attractions, gastronomical delights and a secure infrastructure that lends itself to the comforts we are accustomed to on our international tour programs.

Bright turbans, flowing skirts, twirled moustaches, graceful language, rustic forts, lakes and hillsides, history and culture embedded in every grain of its yellow sand. We find amazing sunsets and sunrises, tales of chivalry and courage and a welcoming culture that has so much to teach us. These are all part and parcel of the fascination of India, and in particular, Rajasthan.

Whether on foot or from our air conditioned private coach, a historic train journey, rickshaw, jeep safari, evening boat tour and even a camel cart, we experience India using all mediums of transport!

Add Intriguing visits to forts, palaces and monuments and find a stark contrast to our days in rural villages where we visit a local school, doctor’s practice and become guests of a tribal community in central India. This is truly a diverse program offering tremendous insight to the discerned traveler. We welcome you to join us on this very unique journey in 2011!

INDIA – Rajasthan Discovery 2011
ITINERARY

08 January 2011 – Depart from home airports – Note that we have three nights in Delhi before we travel to Agra. If our flights from home are cancelled or delayed due to bad weather…we may arrive late…but, will certainly be in Delhi long before transfer to Agra.

09 January 2011 Delhi
On your arrival at Delhi airport, Matt and one of his local counterpart guides will greet you and escort you to the comforts of your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Florence Inn or similar (2 nights) http://www.florencegroup.in/florenceinn/index.html Trip orientation talk with Dinner or Snack included (pending arrival time and schedule – most likely we will arrive after 9:00pm).

10 January 2011 Delhi
The capital of India, Delhi blends a historic past with a vibrant present. The Imperial city, planned for the British by Lutyens, is set amidst parks and shaded avenues. Legend has it that Delhi, then called Indraprastha, was originally founded around 1200 B.C. by the Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities. Amongst which Shahjehanabad or “Mughal Delhi”, still retains the charm of the famous Mughal era.

After breakfast, we go on a tour of old Delhi (private air con bus), visiting its imposing Red Fort, the enchanting Jama Mosque and the myriad of lanes and by lanes of Chandani Chowk. The Red Fort is a symbol of India’s sovereignty and on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the National Flag from the ramparts of this fort. This was the fort from which the Mughals governed the whole country, and where the famous Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond, now set in the Queen of England’s crown, originally came from.

We also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, father of India and a symbol of peace and non-violence. In the evening we take a drive around the fascinating India Gate; the President’s Palace, the country’s Parliament; and other memorials around Lutyen’s Delhi.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included


11 January 2011 Agra
Today we have an air conditioned train journey (2 hours) to the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal – Agra, arriving first to check in at our hotel and to take lunch before a busy afternoon of discovery.
In the afternoon, we visit the Red Fort of Agra – an imposing edifice built by Emperor Akbar and his future generations in the 16th and the 17th century. It is known for the Mussaman Burz, where Shahjehan was put under house arrest, and where he died looking at the extra-ordinary monument he made for his wife, the Taj Mahal. We will also have an opportunity to visit The Jehangiri Mahal; Hall of public audience (Diwan-e-Aam) and the Diwan-e-Khas, which are all very interesting .

We end the day at the famous monument of love, the Taj Mahal, a perfect example of symmetry. Built by Emperor Shahjehan in 1631 for his wife Mumtaz, it is an unforgettable structure. It is also the place where both Shahjehan and Mumtaj are buried in peace and where their immortal love story is witnessed by thousands of people everyday. And at sunset, it is even more beautiful and ethereal.

Overnight at Agra - Hotel Pushp Villa or similar (1 night only) http://www.hotelpushpvilla.com/
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included


12 January 2011 Jaipur
After breakfast our private air conditioned bus transport will drive about 5 hours to Jaipur. This will be our longest single transfer on this trip but offering us a wide range of scenery along the way.

En route to Jaipur we visit the mystique Fatehpur Sikri, the famous Mughal monument built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, and known to be one of the most beautiful cities of the era. The architecture of the monument epitomizes the emperor’s love for all religions. It was inhabited for only a few years and then deserted and is today better known as a ghost town. Even today, it houses the beautiful palaces of the king and his three queens as well as some very interesting buildings like the Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal (Five Storey Palace), the treasury, the step-well and an interesting game of dice which he played with his queens.

Upon arrival to Jaipur we check into our hotel. In late afternoon we explore some city attractions. Lunch to be taken on journey at an appropriate hour.

Jaipur - The Heritage Pink City has been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur state since its inception in 1727 AD. It got the name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who was not only a great ruler, but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer. His various talents are clearly exhibited around the city. Vidhydhar Bhattacharya designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra.

Today Jaipur is not only significant for its various forts and palaces but is also a trading center for jewelry, gems and precious stones, block and tie & die printed textiles, carpets, blue pottery etc.
Overnight at Hotel Khandwa Haveli or similar (2 nights) http://www.khandwahaveli.com/
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

13 January 2011 Jaipur
After breakfast, we drive 11 Kms outside the city to the old capital of Jaipur, where, by jeep transfers we find the historical Fort of Amber. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The attractions at the fort include the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. The Diwan-e-Khas and the fore square of the fort are also beautiful.

In the afternoon we visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory. This Palace (Museum) was built by the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II, who founded the city in the ancient Indian town planning style of grids, where eight blocks would have houses of different communities; with broad streets lined with shops dividing these blocks and ending at various gates. The ninth block was the City Palace surrounded by the other eight blocks. The museum at the City Palace houses some very amazing and rare artifacts like the biggest bronze vessels in the world and some old manuscripts of very rare books.

The Jantar Mantar observatory, situated in the compounds of the palace, is an early 18th century observatory built by the king to observe the astronomical movements. The various brick instruments at the observatory show his foresight and intelligence par excellence. En-route to the City Palace we visit the most famous landmark of Jaipur, Hawamahal or the Palace of Winds - a whimsical façade built by the kings for the queens to witness the royal processions while still maintaining “purdah”. On our way back we will hopefully have time to explore the famous Jaipur markets.

Overnight at Tordigarh (2 nights) http://hotelsrajasthan.net/tordihotels/tordigarh.html
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

14 January 2011 Tordigarh
After breakfast we drive (about 2 ½ hours) to Tordi Garh. Tordi Garh is a small village in the centre of Rajasthan not much explored. Here we stay as guests of the nobles of Tordi who have transformed one of the wings of their fortress into a guest wing. This is truly an authentic experience and an opportunity for us to experience rural India that is relatively untouched by tourism!

This afternoon, we go for a Camel Cart ride to the small dunes near the village. We can go on a small trek on the hillock and return to the carts waiting for us downhill. We return to the hotel for our dinner and overnight stay.

15 January 2011 Tordigarh
Today, we spend the morning in the village school interacting and learning the education system developed to teach the children in remote villages of Rajasthan. We also play games with the children and participate in the community program. Note – This is very much aligned with Adventurebug’s RIFCOM project in Morocco and we are happy to be integrating this experience into our tour program with you.

In the afternoon we go for a walking tour of the village with the locals and visit families of the residents of the village, the local temple and the interesting small market. Late in the afternoon we go to the local dispensary (a small hospital equipped to meet the requirements of a village) and meet the doctor and the staff to learn about the medical facilities in remote villages of this country.

At night we enjoy dinner at the hotel with local tribal musicians performing for us. Overnight at Tordigarh (2 nights) http://www.hotelsrajasthan.net/tordihotels/tordigarh.html
Breakfast, lunch and dinners included both nights


16 January 2011 Jojawar
This morning we drive to Jojawar (about 2-3 hours). Jojawar is set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Aravali hills. Rawla Jojawar is an aristocratic family house now converted into a beautiful home stay, where the charm is meeting the family of the owners and the various villagers who reside in the village. Here we also visit the neighbouring villages of tribal communities living in the Aravali ranges and take a countryside tour with more opportunites for walking and stretching our legs in this authentic Rajastan landscape.

Overnight at Rawla Jojawar (2 nights) http://www.jojawar.com/index.htm
Breakfast, lunch and dinners included

17 January 2011 Jojawar
Today we take a jeep ride in the countryside to visit hamlets of Rabari tribes. We also take a short train tour 945 min) on a very local train that passes through this unique rural countryside. The stay in Jojawar will give us opportunities of close interaction with Rabaris, Bhils and Gadulia Luhar tribes of India.

The Rabaris are a nomadic tribe which take their cattle to various parts of the country during summers. The Bhils are hunters and a martial tribe. The Gadulias are nomadic ironsmiths.

Once again, our visit to Jojawar offers an authentic rural experience to regions of India that have little in the way of ‘monuments or palaces’ but offer a more personal insight into ‘real’ life of Indian tribes people.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

18 January 2011 Udaipur
This morning we make our final transfer and drive (about 3 hrs) to Udaipur – a personal favourite for Matt from Adventurebug and a fitting end to our exploration of India!

The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of beautiful lakes and lush green hills. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book. Lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lined with stalls, relive the kingdom’s glorious past. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in the world and is also known as the Venice of the East. The city was founded by Rana Udai Singh in 1568 after his citadel Chittorgarh was sacked by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legend says that Udai Singh was guided by a holy man, meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake, to establish his capital on this very spot.

This afternoon, after our transfer we will explore some of Udaipur on foot. In late afternoon, we take a boat cruise by ferry on the Lake Pichola where we can catch glimpses of this fascinating city’s design and surrounding hillsides dotted with temples and magnificent palaces.

Hotel Mahendra Prakash or similar (3 nights) http://www.hotelmahendraprakash.com/index.htm

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

19 January 2011 Udaipur
This morning we go on a tour of the City Palace and Jagdish Temple. The City Palace which towers over Pichola Lake was founded by Udai Singh, the founder of the city, and was added to by every ruler who ruled Udaipur. Thus, today it is a truly amalgamated architecture

Jagdish Temple is a towering edifice in Marble right in the heart of the city. With beautiful sculptures and a black marble Statue of Vishnu (the preserver), this temple is a true example of the Indo Aryan style of Architecture.

We also visit the Sahelion ki Bari or the Garden of Maidens. This beautiful garden was made by the king especially for his queen and her hand maidens to be able to enjoy themselves without having to be in purdah. There is a museum attached to the gardens with some beautiful artifacts of those times.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lovely shops and markets of this city.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

20 January 2011 Udaipur / Jhadol & Bhils Community Visit
Today we drive to approximately 60 kms to the village of Jhadol where we will interact with the tribal community of Bhils.

Bhils were employed by the ruling Rajputs in various capacities, e.g. as Shikaris because of their knowledge of the terrain. Many had even become warriors in armies. They were in the Mewar army of Maharana Pratap Singh and like Chhatrapati Shivaji, were experts in guerilla warfare which the Mughals had so much trouble handling.

This will be our final opportunity to interact with the rural people and unique cultures of Rajasthan and to experience more of the beautiful natural landscapes by road and on foot.

Late afternoon we return to Udaipur.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

21 January 2011 Udaipur – Delhi Today, pending flight arrangements, we have some free time to self-explore Udaipur and /or last minute visits to the market or just relax before we fly back to Delhi. Cost of Udaipur to Delhi flight is not included. Overnight in hotel in Delhi.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

22 January 2011 - Delhi
Today we visit the Qutab minar and then the Lotus Temple. The Qutab Minar is considered to be the world's tallest brick minaret. The minaret was started off by the first Muslim ruler in India - Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1193. A complex of Hindu temples was destroyed (you can still see the ruins of these temples around the Minar) and the bricks used for the Minar. It was, however, completed in 1386 by Firoz Tuglak. It is one of the more modern structures, made famous by its unusual designs, for which it has won many accolades. It was commissioned as a Bahai House of Worship.

In the afternoon we visit the famous Akshardham temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. This temple epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.

The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India's glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005. Akshardham means the eternal, devine abode of the supreeme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades.

We will check out of our rooms after breakfast, today. We will move our luggage to two day rooms until we go to the airport in the late evening. This shared space provides us with a place to refresh ourselves after our day's tour.

Most flights from Delhi to the US leave in the late evening....or early morning hours.

Breakfast included only



PRICE PER PERSON
With a group of 18 plus leaders - $2650 per person
This price was based upon an exchange rate of $1.55 US = 1 Euro. If we get a better exchange rate, you will receive a refund.

Payment Schedule:
Deposit - $1000 per person
July 1, 2009 - balance


INCLUSIONS
· 13 nights accommodation (twin share) all rooms have internal ensuite facilities
· All meals as per itinerary (Dinner arrival night to breakfast on departure day)
· All land transport (and airport transfers), in private A.C. microbus with driver / including baggage transfers to / from hotels.
· Other transport including 1 train journey (Delhi/Agra) with private shuttles to/from station.
· Additional Transfers built into tour including a Jeep safari – Camel cart ride – Rickshaw ride –- Rural train safari - Boat ferry tour on Lake Pichola.
· Guiding and Tour management services of Matt and 1 local Rajastan Guide (both present for entire tour program).
· Entrance Fees and / or guided visits:

Delhi - Parilament House, President House and India gate, Jama Masjid, Silver Street, Red Fort and Rikshaw Ride, Akshardham.
Agra - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
Jaipur - Amber Fort, Royal Observatory, Hawa Mahal and City Palace
Todi & Jojawar – Visits to local communities, schools, doctor facility, etc.
Udaipur - City Palace and Jagdish Temple
· Tips which cover all meals, baggage handlers, hotel services, local day guides, general assistance, etc. (*see NOT INCLUDED below)
· Taxes and Administration fees (prices are Net WITH NO HIDDEN FEES)

NOT INCLUDED
· Air transport (International and within India)
· Private insurance (emergency, evacuation and / or cancellation)
· Medical expenses and / or services required on tour
· Additional services such telephone, laundry, etc.
· Beverages at meals and personal drink such as alcohol, mineral water, soft drinks.
· *Tipping for one local guide and one driver (local guide who is with us 14 days and driver who we have from Agra to Udaipur – 12 days…..plus Matt Butler)

RECOMMENDED minimum TIPPING value ($87 US per person TOTAL):
Local Guide who is with us for entire trip = $36 US pp
Bus Driver for 12 days = $15 US pp
Matt Butler who is with us for entire trip = $36 US pp

Additions: For Independent Travelers who are not arriving at Delhi Airport or departing Udaipur Airport at the same time as group leader, you will need to pay for cost of airport transfer = 20 euros/pax in 2 person car (40 euros/car)


CANCELLATION POLICY
This trip is limited to eighteen participants. Trip is expected to fill very early. Once filled, Kathy will keep a waitlist. Kathy will make every effort to find a replacement…..but, it might not happen.

There is a $100 non-refundable fee charged if you cancel your reservation. Cancellation must be in writing. If we find a replacement for you, you will be refunded your payments minus $100. If we do not find a replacement, you will lose total of payments made to date.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE
It is advisable to have Travel Insurance for cancellation, medical, evacuation, and baggage insurance. You might check on Travelex or Access America travel insurance.

REGISTRATION
A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a spot on the trip, please mail the Application and deposit to : Kathy Didier, PO Box C, Woodstock, NH 03293. Find application at the end of this document.

FLIGHTS
We will fly into Delhi and out of Udaipur. Flights should cost under $1500. Should be able to make flight reservations at the beginning of March, 2010. As soon as I have flight information, I will send it to those who have registered for the trip. If we want to receive included transport from airport in Delhi, we all need to arrive at around the same time.

VISA – A visa is required for US Citizens traveling to India. To apply for an Indian Visa contact Travisaoutsourcing https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage You need two full, blank pages in your current passport for your visa. You need to send two passport photos with your application. You actually complete the application on line giving your credit card number. You then mail your passport to this company and they attach your visa. It takes five work day. Most of us will only want the 6 month multiple entry visa. This costs $60 consular fee plus $13 service fee for a total of $73. To include our stay….and allow for extra time in case you are delayed in the country….do not apply for visa until September or later. Be sure that you have at least six months remaining on your current passport (good until at least August 1, 2011). You also could go to one of Travisaoutsourcing’s offices. See https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/contact-us

INDIA – The Facts

India has more than a billion people yet is does not feel over crowded due to its immense size. It is desperately poor yet emerging as an economic powerhouse in some areas. However, wealth like in all capitalistic societies is held by less than 2% of the entire population. It is largely a rural – agricultural inhabited society with a complicated religious and political structure however the value system of society is constant with most developing countries worldwide – that is that poverty is undeniable and that family and community are at the center of importance. Oh, and cricket is THE SPORT!

What to Expect?
India is a voyage of inner and outer travel that is best managed by those with a healthy and hearty attitude. This country will test your mental, physical and emotional capacities yet, with the right perspective, enhance your spiritual connection to what is really important.

Here are a few ‘top of list’ expectations:
Pollution in city areas; cows EVERYWHERE; men in business suits and women in saris; poverty and extreme wealth; bicycles; motorbikes and people walking everywhere; spicy food and bland food; smog in the cities; friendly welcomes; good beer but little wine; staring and very personal questions about your wealth, your family, your interests; smells of sewage and waste; beautiful landscapes; deserts and woodlands; mountains and lakes; crippled people; children everywhere; temples; holy men with long white beards; beggars and thieves; arts and crafts; busy markets; haggling and hassles! Normal sit down toilets… cozy hotels; India has it all…

The Weather?
Delhi, our arrival point is mild and dry from December to February. Temperatures range from 55f to 75f. It can be cool and crisp at night but warm and sunny throughout the day. Expect to wear pants and a sweater in evenings and light shirt in the daytime. There is nearly no chance of rain throughout this trip. As we travel south towards Udaipur the weather becomes only slightly milder (average daytime high of 75-80f). Additionally, this program stays very close to sea level throughout – there are no high mountain passes and maximum heights may only reach 1000 feet.

What’s the food like?
Generally Indian food, eaten by billions of people is spicy and varied. Curry is only one of hundreds of spices utilized but in the west we naively call everything curry! Traditionally many Indians are vegetarians and staple food tends to be tasty bread (roti), lentils (dhal) and vegetables. However, chicken, goat, lamb and fish are common. Beef however is forbidden (cows are sacred), so forget about steak! Despite the huge difference between the western diet and India, our tour groups, with the right attitude and expectations, tend to enjoy the culinary delights India has to offer.

What to Bring and What to Wear?
As always travel light, bringing easy to wash travel wear and comfy walking shoes (not trekking boots). Light layers, a sun hat and some relaxing evening wear for our cozy hotels. A medium size rolling suitcase is fine and a light day pack to carry your water bottle, camera and guidebook or journal. Bring prescription medicines, toiletries, hand wash and camera batteries.

Money and Expenses in India?
The Rupee is the currency and the exchange is approximately 1$US = 47 INR
Costs for general goods is very cheap still – bottle of water is about 30 cents US in the market and up to a dollar in restaurants. Beer and soft drinks about 20% more. Shoppers tend to buy crafts and clothing in India at a very good rate.

HEALTH Concerns?
The region of India we visit and the time of year (winter) is one of the healthiest times to travel. Outside of ‘Delhi Belly’ from adjusting to the food, most travelers to India find few irritations or health problems. Common sense should be practiced however such as regular hand washing before meals; utilizing mineral water; avoiding foods too spicy at first and generally taking care of yourself (mediate alcohol consumption and get plenty of rest).
For full and updated traveler’s health information on India, please visit the (WHO) World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/countries/ind/en/)
Malaria is not considered a problem in Delhi or Rajastan but it’s advisable to consult professional advice. Updated vaccinations for travel to the developing world is strongly recommended.


SECURITY Issues?
India is deeply impoverished and despite its very spiritual nature, we as western visitors carry more materialism and wealth on one vacation than they have in a lifetime. Opportunists such as pick pockets and petty thieves exist. Outright muggings and violent attacks are rare. All our hotels and destinations are secure and care should always be practiced in the evening and in certain districts.

The risk of terrorism is, like anywhere in the world, unpredictable. Mumbai suffered a terrible attack 2 years ago and there is continual conflict in the far north (Kashmir) and some boarder regions with Pakistan. Our itinerary tends to avoid these conflict zones and is very much in the tourist quarters of the country that has been statistically at peace.

PASSPORT and INDIAN VISA
Be absolutely certain that your passport is valid for travel to / from India and that you have the appropriate VISA. Please consult the embassy or consul in your country for this information and do it well in advance – you may be without your passport for some time to obtain this visa!!!