DAY 01: DELHI
Arrive at Delhi, received upon arrival and straight drive to hotel. Night stay at Delhi.
DAY 02: DELHI
After breakfast the sightseeing tour to explore the historic city, firstly visiting old delhi: (shahajahanabad) the majestic red fort, a marvel in red sandstone walls of historical lal qila, built in 1638, sprawled in 2 kilometers with a high of 18 meters, jama masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in india, both built by emperor shah jahan of taj mahal fame, rajghat, memorial of mahatma gandhi, where he was cremated, later in you opt to have rickshaw ride past through the bustling bazaar of in chandani chowk. The sightseeing continue to explore the best tourist attractions of new delhi include president house (rashtrapati bhawan), during the british rule this places was the residence of british viceroys, india gate, this monument was built to honour and tribute to the indian soldiers, sacrificed themselves during the afghan war, then visiting birla mandir (laxmi narayan temple) built by the one of the most richest industrialist birla family. Humayun's tomb, lotus shaped bhai's temple, qutub minar, built by qutub-ud-din aibek of the slave dynasty; in the evening witness the light and sound show at red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Light and sound show: an impressive sound and light show at the red fort, makes the 5,000 years old narration of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the fabulous panoramic and historic vicinity of the red fort, selected occurrence from the archives of delhi's historic and legendary precedent are colorfully brought to life. To make this show an emotively unforgettable experience, the special effects are combined with the unique ambience.
DAY 03 : DELHI - AGRA - DELHI
After early breakfast proceed to agra, Full day tour of Agra, Visit Local sightseeing at agra , like Sikandara Fort, Red Fort, Tajmahal, etc, after that back to Delhi, Overnight stay at Delhi.
Agra was established by badal singh in 1475. Agra also known as the city of taj, finds mention in the mahabharat as agraban. This city was considered as the sister city of mathura in those days, which was more prominent than agraban. Agra situated near river yamuna was chosen as the capital city by the lodhi kings. Sikander lodhi made agra his capital but babar defeated the lodhis to capture not only agra but also laid the foundation of the mughal empire.
As baber arrived here, the golden era of agra started and it attained zenith during the reign of akbar, jehangir and shah jahan. It was during akbar's period that agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend achieved its peak when shah jahan became the ruler.
From mid 16th century to earlier 17th century, agra witnessed a frantic building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love taj mahal was built. Mughals build high quality and contemporary style buildings during this era. The same is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in agra. The narrow lanes of agra filled with aroma of mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with their skill all remind of the mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today the remains left in agra have become a major tourist attractions, attracting innumerable tourists to this major tourist destination of india.
Now move further for sightseeing.
Visit the taj mahal - its construction started by 1631 ad and ended by 1651 ad. It was built by shah jahan and is known as one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj mahal is popularly known as the symbol of love and was built in the memory of mumtaz mahal (shah jahan' s second wife).
Agra fort - agra fort was built by the famed mughal emperor akbar in 1565 ad, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect pearl mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
DAY 04: DELHI-AHMEDABAD BYFLIGHT
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport, take a fliht ti ahmedabad, after reaching ahmedabad airport, pick up drive to utelia, a feudal village clustered around a medieval palace. Stay overnight in hotel.
DAY 05 : THE BHARWAD
Most people in bharwad are shepherds and cattlemen. There are no wanderers any more, most bharwadi live in villages, painting their houses primarily in blues, greens and white. Some bharwadi have taken professions like, the polishing and cutting of diamonds is one. We will be able to photograph the steps that turn a handful of dull looking opaque lumps into sparkling gems. We can go for to the local camel-breeding farm, where we can explore the business of producing the finest stock of camels.
DAY 06: A STEPWELL & SUN TEMPLE
For a journey into the past, drive to balaram. There will be three major stops: a museum, a stepwell (baoli), and a sun temple. The calico museum is one of the most riveting museums in all of gujarat and houses an extensive array of tribal fabrics, both modern and antique, wall hangings, tapestries, and costumes. Adalaj wav (built in 1499) is the most famous of the gujarati baolis (step-wells). These enticing creations were constructed by royal families as a means of ensuring a source of water throughout the year and as a place of escape from the fierce gujarati summers. The majestic walls have been adorned with carvings of flowers and birds, and at the bottom of the five story-deep well, is a small pool of water. The modhera sun temple was build in the reign of king bhimdev i (1027/27) and is said to resemble the famous konark temple in orissa. Like adalaj wav, modheras granite austerity is relieved by the slight of brightly-clad locals walking around the complex.
DAY 07: THE GOWALA & THE GARACIA
The gowala and garacia tribes are second cousins to each other, they differ only in the manner of living; the gowala are more settled, the garacia are still prone to roaming, and their women dress in a manner slightly less flaunty than the gowala females. The homes of these tribals are among the hills that separate gujarat from rajasthan and they are primarily sheepherders. On one evening we will enjoy a private performance of tribal dances.
DAY 08 : PATAN'S PATOLA WEAVERS AND THE RANI-KI-VAV
Patola is an intricate form of double ikat weaving that is so difficult and demanding that one sari can take up to six months to complete, this art today is practiced only by three families. All these three families live near gujarat's oldest baoli, the 11th-century rani-ki-vav. We will then visit one of the families, and explore the stepwell during our drive into the little rann of kutch
DAY 09 : THE BANJARA AND THE RABARI
The little rann of kutch separates kutch from the rest of gujarat. This area is comprised of marshy salt flats and inhospitable terrain. Flamingos breed in the shallow lake areas and the last remaining khurs (asiatic wild asses) live in a protected sanctuary. Travel the rabari, on of the most nomadic of tribes of gujarat, constantly searching for better grazing ground for their camels and sheep. Other tribes that have settled here, include the banjara, who make their living from cattle, and whose female members are famous for their embroidery.
DAY 10 : INTO THE RANN OF KUTCH
Today, we lead westward into the bleak countryside of Kutch, Gujarat's last frontier. Today there won't be any scheduled stops as we head toward bhuj, the regions capital. This, fortunately, is the season when the rabari migrate, so it's possible our journey may be enlivened by meeting a group of them along the way.
DAY 11-12 : A MELTING POT OF TRIBES
There are many tribes whom we can meet and photograph over the next four days, some of them are megwar, samma, jat, mutwa, ahir and rabari. We make daily excursions into the barren and inhospitable landscape that is the great rann of kutch. We will also spend some time at bhuj, which was partially destroyed by the earthquake that struck in january 2001. We will tour the old city (via motor rickshaws) watching, among other places, the aina (old) and prag (new) mahals (palaces) and visit the bhartiya folk museum with its exhibits related to local tribal life. We also visit an artist who is one of only three people continuing to paint in the rogan style.
DAY 13 : DEPARTURE
Morning you will be depart from Bhuj to Bombay/Delhi for onward destination.
|
