22th /23th November
Today we board an afternoon flight from JFK New York to the Delhi Airport. This is the perfect time to relax and anticipate the experiences to come in exotic India.
24st November
Upon arrival into DELHI /JAIPUR , we will collect our luggage, meet our motor coach driver and escort and proceed to Hotel located in the central part of the city to unpack and unwind. B, D
Drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur evening. We will check into the Hotel.
25th November
Morning after breakfast we shall visit to Sanganer village and arrive at a textile treasure and collector’s place. We shall learn and understand and do hands on the famous kantha stiches workshop. You shall have opportunity to admire the antique collection of kantha.
We will also visit a paper factory to see local women transform cotton into beautiful paper products.
Afternoon Sanganer hand block printing workshop and hands on. Evening is free at leisure. B, L
26st November
Following a wonderful breakfast, we will visit the spectacular Amber Palace, one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture in India. As a special treat, you can take a ride on one of the Royal Elephants, so be sure to bring your cameras! After lunch on our own, we will visit a gem stone cutting center and see the beautiful collection of jewels of Jaipur. Later, we will visit craftsmen as they hand-knot fine wool and silk carpets. Amber Road is our next stop, giving us the opportunity to shop for many unique items, including hand-block prints, local pottery, gemstones and antiques. We will return later in the afternoon with time to relax. We check in other hotel today. B,
27 November
This morning, after breakfast, we depart the hotel to experience an in-depth walking tour of the streets of Jaipur. The photo opportunities will be plentiful as we visit the largest Hindu Temple in the city, spend time in the bustling flower and spice markets and take rickshaw rides. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and, visit to a tailor n fabric shop to purchase and have fittings for that perfect garment. Then return to the hotel, B, L
28 November
This morning, after breakfast, we depart the hotel to experience a family of puppet makers in slums.
Visit a textile garments place, Visit a mochi embroidery demonstration,
DINNER WITH RAJPUT FAMILY WITH COCKING DEMO, Back to hotel. B, D
29 November
After breakfast, check out from hotel. Drive to bagru. Bagru will be our destination to view the indigo-dye process. First we shall see the fabric washing and drying area which is fantastic to see in the morning as they laid out all the fabrics in open fields. We shall learn and practice about mud resist technique of indigo and block printing. Afternoon drive to pushkar. Lunch on the way. Later Check in to a heritage resort.
Evening visit to see this vibrant holy town, where thousands of pilgrimages come every day to take holy bath. Stroll through the bazars of this town which is very colorful. After we return to the hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. At pushker. B, L
Pushkar
30 November
TODAY after breakfast we visit to holy lake to do puja ceremony at Ghats. Walk at mela ground in pushker. Late afternoon camel cart ride in pushker. Evening enjoys local folk dance at hotel. B,
Pushkar
Today after leisurely breakfast we drive to Udaipur en route see beautiful landscapes of Rajasthan.
Arrive Udaipur and stay at beautiful heritage hotel near lake. Overnight at hotel. B, L
1 st December
Today morning after breakfast we start the tour of this beautiful city of lakes.
We visit royal palace of maharaja and its museum. Have a breathtaking boat ride in Pichola Lake close to city palace. See famous jagmandir. Enjoy free time n have lunch at jagmandir.
Afternoon Visit a miniature painting school and admire the Mughal art of fine miniature paintings.
Also we visit to see famous gold thread work of Rajasthan at a textile collectors place.
Back to hotel rest of the day at leisure. B. L
2ND December
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad.
Arrive Ahmadabad and relax in Hotel. B, D
Ahmadabad
3RD December
After breakfast, Visit the Gandhi Ashram which was From 1917 to 1930, home and workplace of Mohandas K Gandhi the founding father of India, who promoted khadi - handloom fabrics woven using hand spun yarns, as a way to achieve employment, women empowerment and rural social development, besides stopping the import of textiles from Britain that were draining the Indian economy in the 1920s and '30s. Here, you can see the handspun cloths once worn by Gandhi, the old spinning wheel on which he worked, and a demonstration of hand-spinning. There is a souvenir shop here and you can visit khadi shops nearby.
Visit the famous Saras museum of textiles and crafts. The Saras Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of textiles and crafts from Gujarat and other regions of India. It's an excellent place to admire a wide variety of textiles, including intricate embroidery, weaving, utensils, daily items and other traditional crafts.
You can enjoy lunch at famous thali restaurants.
The workshops of Chitraras. The Chitaras are traditional artists who produce Kalamkari, a hand painted or block printed textile. The specialization of these artists is in ritualistic paintings called Mata ni Pacchedi, or cloth of the Mother Goddess, used as shrine curtains and canopies. Participate in a workshop.
In the afternoon visit the old city of Ahmedabad and monuments. Dinner at hotel. B D ,Ahmadabad
4TH December
AHMEDABAD TO SAYLA 136km/2 1/2 hours
After morning breakfast Drive to Sayla and visit the work center of an award winning ikat silk weaver. At the weaving center. Visit a Patola Weaver family. Patola weaving is renowned for its complexity and beauty. It involves a double Ikat weaving process, where both the warp and weft threads are tied and dyed before weaving to create intricate patterns.
After lunch visit the Tangaliya work center (tangaliya is a rare weave where extra threads are added that can be knotted to form patterns in the woven fabric) also visit a family that weaves recycled materials into rugs.
a palace at Muli. B
5TH December
BDay-7: MULI TO BHUJ 250 km. Travel from Gondal to Bhuj. Stop by cotton farms and talk to local farmers.
On the way visit a cotton spinning and yarn factory.
Afternoon visit L L D C museum.
The Living & Learning Design Center in Ajrakhpur is an excellent resource to gain insights into the handicrafts and communities of Kutch. Their museum likely provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional crafts, textiles, and the lives of the local artisans. It's a valuable educational experience to learn about the cultural significance and techniques behind these crafts.
Stay at Regenta Hotel or Kutch wilderness Kamp B, D
6th December
AROUND BHUJ
Morning after breakfast visit one of the villages where you can see the intricate art of block printing - the rare Ajrakh printing is exquisite and involves many processes. Ajrakh Block Printing is a traditional form of block printing that is known for its intricate and beautiful patterns. The process involves multiple stages, including hand carving wooden blocks, creating natural dyes, and meticulously printing on textiles. Visiting a village where Ajrakh printing is practiced allows you to witness the entire process and appreciate the artistry behind this ancient craft.
Shawl Weaving: The Kutch region is famous for its shawl weaving, with various communities producing distinctive styles of shawls. Watching the weavers at work siting in pits .and learning about the different techniques and designs they use is a great way to understand the significance of shawl weaving in the local culture.
Textile Collection Visit: Meeting with Mr. Vizier's family, who are renowned textile collectors, provides a unique opportunity to view a diverse and rare collection of textiles. You can learn about the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of the textiles in their collection and gain insights into the region's textile heritage.
Bandhani (Tie-and-Dye) Bandhani is a tie-and-dye technique used to create intricate patterns and designs on fabrics. Visiting a bandhani artist allows you to observe the skilled artisans at work and learn about the different tying and dyeing methods used in this craft. You may also have the chance to try your hand at tie-dyeing under the guidance of experts. B, D
7th December
BHUJ AND THE CRAFT VILLAGES.
Morning visit to Kutch salt area Kutch Salt Area: Kutch is known for its vast salt flats, and the traditional salt-making techniques in the region are indeed fascinating. The salt workers often use age-old methods to extract and process salt from the salt pans. You can witness the labor-intensive process of hand-making salt, which involves collecting salt from the salt flats and then drying it.
Banni Grasslands: The Banni grasslands are known for their pastoral villages and unique handicrafts. The region is inhabited by various communities, including the Ahir, Jat, and Mutva, who practice traditional crafts and farming.
Women in the pastoral families of Banni are skilled in embroidery. They create beautiful and intricate patterns as part of their daily life and to supplement their family income. The embroidery often features vibrant colors, mirrors, and traditional motifs, making it a visual treat.
Rogan Art: Rogan art is a rare and intricate form of fabric painting. It involves using castor oil and natural pigments to create intricate and colorful designs on textiles. Meeting a family engaged in Rogan art is a unique experience, as this art form is not widely practiced and is labor-intensive.
Bell Making: Visiting a family that makes bells provides insight into the craftsmanship and skills required for creating these traditional and functional items. The art of bell making has been passed down through generations, and it's interesting to see how these bells are created.
The villages in the Kutch region are rich in culture and tradition. Meeting the local people and experiencing their way of life can be a memorable and educational experience. You may also have the chance to see their traditional homes and interact with the villagers to learn more about their daily routines and customs. B, D
8th December
Day-10: BHUJ TO DASADA 276km Travel to Dasada. Arrive Dasada stay at camp hotel
9th December
After breakfast, morning visit to wild Ass sanctuary safari. The Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhar), which is native to the region. You can go on a safari to observe these animals and enjoy bird watching, as the area is also a habitat for various bird species, including flamingos around the lakes.
We shall be exploring local villages where families create dolls and other textile items are an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship and creativity of the local artisans. These handmade dolls and textiles often reflect the region's culture and traditions.
Return to Hotel
10th December
After breakfast Dasada to Ahmedabad airport 112km
Travel to Ahmedabad airport for return flight. TO DELHI. ARRIVE AT DELHI AND CHECK IN YOUR RETURN INTERNATIONAL
Optional PRE TOUR-Delhi Agra extension
3NIGHTS 4 DAYS @850 USD EXTRA DOUBLE OCUPANCY , SINGLE OCCUPENCY 1100 USD
We can also do it with Delhi Agra option or extension. So those who have been here before can just start with Jaipur and do further until Gujarat
21st November
Upon arrival into Delhi, we will collect our luggage, meet our motor coach driver and escort and proceed to Hotel located in the central part of the city to unpack and unwind. B, D
Hotel garden inn by Hilton
22th November
This morning, following breakfast, we will meet our professional tour guide and board our private, luxurious motor coach as we begin a tour of New Delhi, the capital city of India. This diverse city has dramatic contrasts of both traditional and modern areas, existing harmoniously side-by-side. During our panoramic tour of the new part of Delhi, we will drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the president of India, and see the India Gate, a memorial raised in honor of Indian Soldiers martyred during the Afghan war.
We shall ride on rickshaw in old Delhi and see the hustle n bustle of this old busy area. This will be thrilling experience for you.
We shall have opportunity to visit to a beautiful Sikh temple where we shall learn about Sikhism and know the rituals. After lunch, we shall visit the oldest monument in Delhi—the world-famous Qutab Minar built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek during the Slave Dynasty. In the afternoon, we will visit The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum popularly known as the Crafts Museum, whose collection currently consists of over 33,000 items of folk art, tribal arts, crafts and textiles. Tonight, we will return to our hotel where we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner together and reminisce about our day. B,
Hotel garden inn by Hilton
23rd November
Following breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the town of Agra. Upon our arrival, we will check into the Radisson Blu Agra Hotel enjoy lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we visit the extraordinary Taj Mahal. Our guide will provide an informative tour as we stroll through the grounds and learn more about this man-made Wonder of the World. As we marvel at this enormous mausoleum complex, we will have many opportunities to capture incredible photos, especially at sunset.
We shall have opportunity to see the world-famous beautiful marble inlay craft of Agra. Later we return to our hotel, we will have an enjoyable dinner together. B,
Agra
24th November
This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the massive Red Fort of Agra which was the residence of the Mughal emperors of India. The amazing morning light will afford the opportunity of taking spectacular photographs of the enormous structure. Next, we continue our education in textiles with a visit to a famous art center for a demonstration of Gold Thread embroidery and see the finest pieces of gold-embroidered tapestries. We will have a stop for lunch on your own. B, L
Drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur evening. We will check into the Hotel.
