LIVING ARTS OF INDIA TOUR - Jasmine Trails Tours · 2019-01-17 · After breakfast we visit the Agra Fort which was the royal residence and center of power of the Mughals. Today we

Jasmine Trails +91 98991 16467 | [email protected] | www.jasminetrails.com

1503 Tower 5, Valley View Estate, Gurgaon – 122003, Haryana, India

LIVING ARTS OF INDIA TOUR

12-28 OCTOBER 2019

As an ancient civilization India’s art heritage is incredibly vast and varied. Right from paintings to carvings, textiles to architecture and more, Indian art has attracted the attention of laymen and connoisseurs from far and wide. Changing cultural, religious or commercial environments influenced the creation as well as the abandoning of many art forms. This 16-day journey will introduce you to the art and crafts of northern India that reflect the region’s history, geography, religion and foreign influences. Come, discover this beautiful land in the comfort of a small group tour led by Australian artist David Rossiter.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tour led by Australian artist David Rossiter •

16 nights easy paced tour with time to

explore and enjoy • Covers Rajasthan, Delhi,

Agra, the holy city of Varanasi and the temple

town of Khajuraho • Private hands-on

workshops under the expert guidance of

master artisans • Introduction to several art

forms ranging from the elite to rural•

Opportunity to meet and interact with local

people especially in village areas • Celebrate

Diwali with an Indian family at their home •

Arts such as paper stencils, silk brocade

weaving, miniature painting, hand block

printing, tribal art, village crafts and more.

Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Jaipur-Kishangarh-Jodhpur-Delhi

TOUR COST: AUD 5,570.00 per person on twin sharing AUD 1,600.00 Single Room Supplement

About David Rossiter I am a full-time visual artist with a love of India that I would like to share with others. India is the opposite to the small country town that I come from on the south coast of Australia but I keep going back. Extensive travel and four artist’s residencies have given me many unforgettable experiences and an immense admiration for this diverse country. India has also created some strong friendships and an overload of visual and mental stimulation that feeds my art practice both there and when back at home in the studio. [email protected]

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Sat, 12 Oct

Arrive in Delhi You will be received tonight at the international airport in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and turn in for the night. Meals: none Hotel: The Park

Day 2: Sun, 13 Oct

Delhi This morning we visit Humayun’s tomb, the resting place of the second Mughal emperor Humayun. A forerunner to the Taj Mahal it is a grand and impressive structure built in and Indo-Persian style. Onwards to the old part of the city, where we take a cycle rickshaw ride through the lanes and alleys of the 17th century market which is still bustling with activity and is one of the biggest whole sale markets of the country. Stop at the Spice Market to take in the sights, smells and sounds. Opportunity to stop and pick up some spices to take home. Back in new Delhi we visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. Learn about how Indian art changed and transformed according to patronage, outside influences and political mood. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: The Park

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Day 3: Mon, 14 Oct Delhi We start the day with a drive to Sanskriti Foundation which is engaged in preserving and promoting traditional Indian artistic heritage and culture. Here we have a curated walk through the various museums which are built in a traditional ‘village’ atmosphere to add context and relevance to the displays. After a simple vegetarian meal there, we will have the opportunity to interact with an artist to learn about local traditional art. We will also have a workshop with him/her. End the day with a visit to Qutub Minar, an iconic minaret built in the 12th Century. This was built by the first Muslims to settle and rule in India. Built with stones from destroyed Hindu and Jain temples, it is a beautiful complex of stunning stone carvings and impressive buildings. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: The Park

Day 04: Tue, 15 Oct Delhi to Agra by road (4 hours)

After an early breakfast we leave for Agra. On the way we stop at the holy city of Mathura, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. One of the special art forms from here is Sanjhi art. This art involves stenciling on paper, where intricate patterns and scenes are cut into sheets of paper. Traditionally, the theme was religious, like stories from Krishna’s life. Now this is a dying art with only a few families still doing this work. We will meet one such master-artist family, learning about the art as well getting some hands-on experience in making these stencils. After lunch drive across the Yamuna River to Mehtab Bagh gardens. These “moonlight gardens” which lie right across the Taj Mahal have been painstakingly excavated and restored. This is an excellent spot to gaze at the Taj and enjoy the gardens as the sun goes down. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott

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Day 5: Wed, 16 Oct

Agra Very early wake up call for viewing Taj Mahal at sunrise. Perhaps the most photographed structure in the world, the magnificent Taj Mahal is indeed a wonder. Elegant, ethereal and perfect, it is a testimony of the Golden Age of the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. After breakfast we visit the Agra Fort which was the royal residence and center of power of the Mughals. Today we will showcase a unique art of Agra called Parchinkari, which can be translated as inlay work. The Taj Mahal was embellished with art as were several other buildings during the Mughal reign. Under Shah Jahan the art was perfected into an unmatched skill. We will see how artisans design, carve and inlay semi-precious stones into marble. It is fascinating to see how it has been adapted to more contemporary tastes. Those who like can buy finished products. Afternoon free to relax. Lunch on own. Here are some possible optional activities: (At supplement cost) Kite flying: This traditional sport and pastime is still very popular in India. Join a local resident on a roof top to try your hand at learning how to launch and manipulate the kite. Henna tattoos: Watch as an expert henna artist paints intricate designs, or any pattern of your choice, on the palm of your hands within minutes. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott

Day 6: Thu, 17 Oct

Agra to Khajuraho by train and road Early morning departure for a train ride to Jhansi 0800/1045 hrs. After arriving we will ride in our bus for about 4 hours through beautiful countryside to arrive at Khajuraho. We will make a halt at Orchha, a small, quaint village on the river Betwa to have lunch and make a brief visit to the cenotaph memorials of the kings. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Radisson Khajuraho

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Day 7: Fri, 18 Oct

Khajuraho Today we visit the famous temples with our guide. These temples from the 9th -11th Centuries are adorned by an unbelievable profusion of intricately carved and sophisticated sculptures. Humans, celestial beings, animals and gods and goddesses can be seen in these sculptures. Try and solve the mystery about why there are also erotic carvings on these temple walls. Today we will have the opportunity to sit and sketch or paint on site. Those interested can rent a bicycle and explore the village on their own. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Radisson Khajuraho

Day 8: Sat, 19 Oct

Khajuraho to Varanasi by flight at 1420/1515 hrs Leisurely morning today. Take a swim at the hotel, sleep in, or go for a walk. After a light snack in the late morning we check out by noon for our flight to Varanasi. Right after check-in we will go down to the ghats and board a motorboat to take us up the river to the place where the evening Ganga Aarti takes place. This is a prayer ceremony to thank Mother Ganges and bid her good night. This event takes place every evening and is conducted by priests who sing hymns and make offerings to the holy river.

The ghats are steps that lead to the water. These steps are a busy place with pilgrims, worshippers, people just relaxing or selling things. As we float by, we will watch and learn about the cremations that take place here day and night. This holy city, the abode of Shiva, is a place where one attains salvation by merely dying here or being cremated here. Return by boat to the hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel tonight. Meals: Breakfast, snacky Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Ganges View

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Day 9: Sun, 20 Oct Varanasi Wake up before dawn for another boat ride on the Ganges. The scene in the morning is quite different from the evening before. Watch people bathing, worshipping the rising sun, doing yoga and offering prayers. Pilgrims from other parts of the country throng the ghats. We return to hotel for breakfast and wash up. Next, we drive a short distance to Sarnath. This is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples after he attained enlightenment and is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. At the archaeological excavation site we see the remains of Buddhist cloisters and monasteries. The site museum houses some of the best collections of antiquities from the 3rd century BC onwards. Drive back to Varanasi. The rest of the afternoon is free to paint or sketch either at one of the ghats or on the rooftop of a building overlooking the river. Those interested may like to visit the famous silk weavers of Varanasi who even now use the traditional looms which are unbelievably complex and impressive. The silk and brocade sarees of Varanasi were a prized possession in every woman’s wardrobe. Power looms pose a threat to this art and industry however efforts are being made to revive it. This evening we attend a music performance at a famous school for classical music. Varanasi has produced some India’s most prominent musicians and singers, including Pandit Ravi Shankar. Return to hotel for dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Ganges View

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Day 10: Mon, 21 Oct Varanasi to Jaipur by flight at 1230/1405 hrs Departure to the airport for your flight to Jaipur. Spend time in the old city to browse and shop for knick-knacks and get some amazing photos. Today we also have an opportunity to shop for Jaipur’s specialties like textiles, woolen rugs and jewelry. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Hotel: Trident Hotel

Day 11: Tue, 22 Oct

Jaipur After breakfast we head to Amer, the fairytale fort on a hilltop. This was the original capital of the Jaipur royal family. The fort is a story of valour, honour, beautiful architecture and politics. On the way we stop for a photo of the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal. The next stop is at an elephant shelter. Set in a private estate, we will have a chance to interact with the resident elephants, bathing, feeding and even painting them. We will also have a lovely home cooked style lunch outdoors in the garden. Enjoy a free afternoon. Some possible free-time options: Blue Pottery: Visit a blue pottery making workshop. Introduced by the Mughals and adapted into non-architectural use in India, this is a special glazed pottery which does not use clay. Birla Temple: Visit a 20th century white marble temple with beautiful coloured glass windows. Shopping: Head out for more of that wonderful stuff that Jaipur offers! Dinner will be on your own. Suggestions to eat out can be made. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Hotel: Trident Hotel

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Day 12: Wed, 23 Oct Jaipur Visit City Palace museum and Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. The City Palace, which is the home of the royal family is also known for its impressive private museums housed in an array of ornate courtyards and buildings within the complex. Marvel at displays of royal memorabilia, particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles. Adjacent to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, an 18th century astronomical observatory. Built on a massive scale out of brick and masonry, the instruments resemble otherworldly buildings. It is used for astronomy and for making accurate astrological predictions even to this day. At the City Palace atelier, we learn about miniature paintings from a master artist. Miniature paintings were commissioned by rulers and nobility for personal collections and albums, as well as to illustrate manuscripts. Option in the evening: A Bollywood movie at the iconic cinema hall, Raj Mandir Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Trident Hotel

Day 13: Thu, 24 Oct Jaipur to Kishangarh (2.5 hrs drive)

This morning we drive to Bagru, a hand-block printing village close to Jaipur. A special art and industry of Jaipur is its textile printing. The traditional way of carving patterns into wooden blocks and printing entire lengths of fabric by hand is still being used and is hugely popular. See all the processes from beginning to end. Here we have a workshop where we get to work alongside a skilled printer to print a scarf of your own using colours and blocks of your choice. After lunch leave for Kishangarh, 1.5 hrs away. This is a small town which is known for its distinctive 18th century style paintings. The area is also known for its marble quarries. Rest of the day to relax by the lake where our hotel is located. Those interested may join in exploring the small Kishangarh fortress and old town. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Phool Mahal

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Day 14: Fri, 25 Oct

Kishangarh to Jodhpur by road (4.5 hrs) This morning drive to Jodhpur. Our hotel is on the outskirts of Jodhpur in a village called Rohet. This afternoon we will drive out to visit the villages nearby. Take in the arid landscape while you arrive at a Bishnoi village. The Bishnois can be considered one of the world’s earliest environmentalists. The black buck is sacred for them and that is why the graceful animals can be seen roaming freely in herds. You will be welcomed into a Brahmin home to witness and take part in a ceremony involving drinking (small quantities!) of opium as a way to honour the guest. Also visit a potter’s home. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Rohet Garh

Day 15: Sat, 26 Oct

Jodhpur This morning we have an exciting day ahead. Drive to Jodhpur and take a tour of the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh fort that seems to rise out of a rocky cliff. Also explore the old market at the clock tower, during which you will have time take pictures, browse local markets and do some incredible shopping. On the way back, we visit the home of a dhurrie weaver. This humble craft has made it into homes in the western countries even. Watch how these are made on looms that lie flat on the ground. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Rohet Garh

Day 16: Sun, 27 Oct

Jodhpur to Delhi by flight at 1255/1420 hrs Relaxed morning and then drive to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Today is India’s most important festival called Diwali and you are invited to the home of the tour organizer to celebrate this big day. Take part in the religious puja ceremony at the family altar, light oil lamps and follow all this up with dinner and drinks and lots of fun. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Double Tree Hilton

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Day 17: Mon, 28 Oct Delhi-Home Departure transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: None

View payment schedule and other terms, conditions and notes

INCLUSIONS TO THE COST • Australian tour leader and artist David Rossiter • Hotel accommodation (twin share) for 16 nights

in 4 star plus and heritage properties • All but three meals • Group transfers, sightseeing, excursions and

surface travel as per itinerary by Air-conditioned coach.

• Domestic airfare and trains • Services of English-Speaking Guide and tour

manager. • Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary • All visits to artisans and workshops as per

itinerary • Mineral water during drives • Tips for drivers, driver assistants, rickshaw

drivers, boatmen, bell boys at hotels, restaurant tips for meals that are included in the cost.

• Diwali celebrations at an Indian home with dinner and drinks

TOUR COST: per person On Twin sharing AUD 4,950.00 Airfare for internal flights AUD 620.00 TOTAL AUD 5,570.00 Single Room Supplement AUD 1,600.00

To know more and sign up: [email protected]

+61 419311180 OR

[email protected] +91 9899116467

Note: Airfares quoted are as per current pricing. Any changes in airfares will be payable as

actuals by guests.

EXCLUSIONS TO COST • International Airfare and visa. • Personal expenses like telephone calls, laundry etc. • Meals, other than indicated in the itinerary • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks • All costs related to insurance, medical repatriation. • Fees for using movie cameras at monuments

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