India Unbound a collection of extraordinary journeys for chameleon worldwide

journeys at glance

✦ for the love of art

✦for the love of spices

✦ celebrating the festive life✦ mountains & monks

for the love of artdelhi - surajkund - alsisar - bikaner - nagaur - jodhpur - udaipur -

deogarh - jaipur - agra

The  “land of the Kings”, Rajasthan is soaked in stunning palaces and royal hilltop forts outlining rich and spectacular arts and crafts. All this has fascinated and enthralled generations of guests. The havelis of Shekhawati for instance, are famous for the frescoes and exquisitely latticed windows. Most of the havelis feature mirror work and paintings decorated with gold or silver leaf. This distinctive art further finds its place in the Junagarh Fort of Bikaner which will overwhelm you with its series of exquisite gold work on the walls and pillars. The countryside is enormously diverse: with callous, barren deserts, rustic farmland and big, bustling cities. A visit to Jodhpur will give you a surprise in the form of its art work - the “Dhurrie” (carpet) weaving. These carpets are made mostly from cotton and wool.Further, there is Kishangarh with its exquisite world of miniature paintings and Jaipur with its block prints. Bandhani or Tie-and-Dye of Rajasthan and - the zari work or gold work on the fabrics will also attract you.

highlights • a day at the surajkund craft fair

• opportunity to explore the cattle fair

• a visit to the frescoes of alsisar

• interaction with the tribes

• jeep safari through the rugged terrains of deogarh

• introduction to indigeneous art and craft forms of India

day-wise itineraryday 1 : arrive in delhiday 2 : in delhiday 3 : drive to alsisarday 4 : alsisar to bikanerday 5 : bikaner to nagaurday 6 : in nagaurday 7 : nagaur to jodhpurday 8 : in jodhpurday 9 : jodhpur to udaipurday 10 : in udaipurday 11 : udaipur to deogarhday 12 : deogarh to jaipurday 13 : in jaipurday 14 : jaipur, fatehpur sikri, agraday 15 : agra to Delhi

day 1: arrive in DelhiWelcome to New Delhi. You will be met my our representative at the airport, who will escort you to the hotel and will help you with the check-in formalities.

day 2: a painter’s delightHave Breakfast at the hotel. The next move will be to take a drive to Surajkund festival. Your day will be exciting to explore the crafts and arts of Multi hued artists highlighting handloom and handicraft traditions of the country. Pack some interesting crafts for friends and people back home.

day 3: in the world of Havelis and artAfter being treated in Delhi with sumptuous breakfast. You will be taken to the world of beautiful wall paintings in Alsisar, explore the havelis and their art culture to be mesmerized by them again and again.

day 4: a drive to the camel cityAfter having breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Bikaner; a city with a timeless appeal in the state of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called the camel city, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. You will visit the Junagarh fort next. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows.

day 5: a trade like no otherFollowing the Breakfast at the hotel in Bikaner , you will take a drive to Nagaur to see the carpet making factory en-route. In the evening: you will be free to explore the Nagaur Fair where Fine bullocks, cattle,

camels, horses and poultry are traded at this fair. Dinner will be served to you in the hotel.

day 6: fair and its funYou will start your day with the breakfast in Hotel. This day will be free for you to explore the fair.

day 7: listening to the tales of antiquity : JodhpurAfter having  breakfast in the hotel , you will drive to Jodhpur- a city that echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the afternoon, you can plan a visit to Mehrangarh Fort. You will find that within this fort there are some magnificent palaces- with marvelously carved panels and latticed windows  These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

day 8: the artistic explorationToday you will drive to the Salavas village. While here, you will meet the potters and spend some time with the Durrie weaver’s family. Later on, you will explore the Bishnoi community, known for their ecologists attitude . Do not forget to try the Tie-and-Die fabric work before returning. You can carry a sample of your work as a souvenir.

day 9: to explore the heroic worldWelcome to Udaipur, the kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and   heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is

situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks.

day 10: meet the lake cityAfter a having a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur city visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple & Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum. Later in the day you will also visit SADHNA – a women's handicraft enterprise which aims at providing an alternative means of livelihood to the rural and tribal women.

day 11: a royal treatAfter having breakfast at the hotel  you will drive to Deogarh- a small sleepy desert town with rich historical past. In the  evening you will  experience aJeep Safari through the villages.

day 12: fabrics and printsToday you will drive to Jaipur visiting Bagru village en-route. This village is famous for Block Printing.  The printing involves laying the cloth/fabric, which is to be printed, on flat tables and impressions are made using the beautifully carved block. In the evening you will be  free to explore colourful markets of Jaipur

day 13 : strings of royal pastFollowing the breakfast in hotel, you will be driven to the Amber Fort .Visit the Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family situated at the entrance to the palace. You will then ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the fort is situated. Later, you will visit the city palace & observetory. In the afternoon you will drive to Sanganer to visit the workshop of Blu Pottery.

day 14: speaking with handsToday you will be  visiting Fatehpur Sikri - a stunning imperial complex of pavilions and pa laces spread amongst a la rge abandoned city. You will then drive to Agra and check-in at the hotel. In the evening you will go for Zardozi Workshop, a beautiful metal embroidery, which once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India.

day 15: magic of Pietra Dura The morning visit to Taj mahal will be   a thrilling experience for you. The Taj Mahal presents a wondrous sight at different time of the day – at dawn, during the day, at sunset and even on a moonless night. In the afternoon you will be introduced to the Pietra Dura. Later you will drive to Delhi to connect to your onward international flight.

for the love of spiceschennai - mahabalipuram - pondicherry - karaikudi - madurai - periyar -

kumarakom - alleppey - cochin - kozhikode - thalaserry

South Indian cuisine is a combination of subtle tastes. It is largely non-greasy, roasted and steamed. Rice is the staple diet and forms the basis of almost every meal. It is usually served with Sambar (spicy Lentil soup), Rasam (thin watery, spicy soup), and curried vegetables. Coconut is an important ingredient in all South Indian recipes. Some of the most favoured dishes include the Dosa (giant, rice crispy crepes rolled around a variety of fillings), Idli (steamed rice cakes) and Vada (spicy lentil donuts). Desserts from the South include the Rava Kesari (Roasted Sooji sweetened with sugar, mixed with raisins & nuts and garnished with Ghee and the creamy Payasum (Vermicelli stir fried with powdered green cardamoms, and raisins in milk)

highlights

• heritage walk in chennai

• introduction to spices and various culinary forms

• time travel into the colonial past

• understanding the village life

• a kathakali dance performance

• lessons on dravadian form of architecture

day-wise itinerary

day 1 : chennai to mahabalipuramday 2 : in mahabalipuramday 3 : to pondicherryday 4 : pondicherry and karaikudiday 5 : karaikudi and maduraiday 6 : madurai and kodaikannalday 7 : in kodaikannalday 8 : kodaikannal and periyarday 9 : periyar and kumarakomday 10 : alleppey and cochinday 11 : in cochinday 12 : cochin and thalasseryday 13 : in thalasseryday 14 : thalassery, kozhikode and mumbaiday 15 : depart from mumbai

day 1: cooking in Chennai After your Arrival in  Chennai by international flight you will meet the assistance and you w i l l b e  t r a n s f e r e d t o h o t e l i n Mahabalipuram . There will be rooms for immediate occupancy at Ideal Beach Resort. Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel in the Morning. Your afternoon will be occupied by your plans of  Sightseeing in Mahabalipuram. The evening will be entertaining experience as you will be having Introductory session on Cooking. Later, Dinner will be served at the Hotel.

day 2: heritage walk Following Breakfast at the hotel you will take a Heritage tour of Chennai. Later, lunching  at a local restaurant in Chennai. In the  afternoon you will visit the kitchen of sweets & Snacks and in the evening you will return to Mahabalipuram

day 3: venture into the Pondi landAfter breakfast you wi l l leave for Pondicherry. The vibrant afternoon Walk through the French quarters will satiate your traveler spirits. You  will later attend a cooking demonstration at the hotel followed by the dinner at night.

day 4: cherish the chettinad cuisineAfter having breakfast at the hotel. You will be driven to Karaikudi -   a great place of worship, famous for the temples dedicated to Ganesha or Pillaiyar, the elephant god. Enjoy the Cooking demonstration here . The Dinner will be of spicy Chettinadi cuisine served at hotel.

day 5: for the love of dravidian architectureThe morning will begun with a guided tour through the nearby villages and markets. Later, leave for Madurai (88 kms/ 1 hr 30 mins). You will arrive Madurai and check-in a t ho te l . The re w i l l be Cook i ng demonstration followed by lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon you will be occupied  with the sightseeing tour of Madurai. You will attend the night ceremony at Meenakshi temple. Later dinner will be served at the hotel

day 6: in the lap of natureAfter having breakfast at the hotel you will later drive to Kodaikanal (116 kms/ 3 hrs). You will arrive at Kodaikanal and check-in at hotel.In the evening you can proceed for an Ayurveda garden tour and later Dinner at the hotel will be served.

day 7: hello simplicity After having Breakfast at the hotel. You will visit the village & farm to see the plantations and experience activities like milking of cows, coir making, pottery, organic farming, coffee plantation etc. The evening will provide you opportunity to attend a cooking demonstration followed by dinner at the hotel

day 8: plantations and periyarAfter having breakfast at the hotel. The next day you will leave for Periyar (149 kms/ 4 hrs). You will arrive at Periyar and check-in at hotel.In the afternoon  you have Guided tour to the spice plantation. In the evening you will attend Cooking demonstration followed by dinner.

day 9: meeting the Ghats The day would begun by Visiting the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Leave for Kumarakom via Ettumanoor (120 kms/ 3 hrs & 30 mins). Next you will see Kalariyapatu at a local Kalari. After Lunching at a local restaurant in Kalari you will arrive at Kumarakom and transfer to the jetty to board the houseboat. Dinner will be served on   the houseboat. You will see the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks.

day 10: on a HouseboatAfter Breakfast at the hotel. Disembark the houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Cochin (55 kms/ 1 hr). Arrive Cochin and check-in at hotel. After Lunching   at the hotel, in Later afternoon you will visit the Chinese fishing nets and later experience an exclusive “Kathakali dance performance

day 11: cochinFollowing Breakfast will be the , Sightseeing tour of Cochin. Lunching at a local restaurant.

day 12: to the thalassery villagesAfter breakfast, leave for Thalassery; visiting the villages and taking a tour of them will be a different experience. You will arrive at Thalassery and check-in at the hotel. Later dinner will be  at the hotel

day 13: essence of Malabari cuisinesAfter having breakfast in the Hotel, visit the local fish and vegetable markets. This will be followed by the  Cooking demonstration – Malabari cuisine. Later , lunch will be served at the hotel

day 14: eating with delight at old cafeBreakfast will be served  at the hotel. You will arrive at Kozhikode and transfer to the airport to board flight to Mumbai at 1350 hrs. You will be assisted   on arrival in Mumbai at 1535 hrs . The Car  will be at disposal till the time of departure. Later you can enjoy the dinner at Leopold cafe one of the city's oldest restaurants. It is a multi-cuisine restaurant serving cuisines like, Indian, Western, Chinese, South American, etc. After that you will be transferred to international airport to board flight

day 15: back homeLastly you wi l l depart Mumbai by international flight

delhi - bhubaneshwar - konark - puri - pipli - bhubaneshwar - shantiniketan - kolkata

The Eastern side of the country can offer abundant opportunities to interact with the various facets of culture. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the two major festivals of the land that showcase the power of the Shakti worship cult in Odisha. Celebrated with utmost earnestness, joviality, and eclat, these festivals are held in the months of September and October and offer an opportunity for a larger-than-life celebration. The most  celebrated festival of the Bengalis can be sensed in  its spurt of fanfare  which is the  Durga Puja festival. This autumnal festival recalls the power of Shakti symbolized by the Goddess Durga who slays an asura (demon) to re-establish peace and sanctity on earth again. Visiting these four different dimensions of Indian culture and tradition can give  you will preview into the multi hued diverse incredible land of India and you will cherish the diversity which makes India distinct

celebrating the festive life

highlights

• celebrate durga puja with the locals

• explore the rock cut caves

• cycle through the villages in bengal

• spend a day in an institution that produced novel laureates

day-wise itinerary

day 1 : arrive in Delhiday 2 : bhubaneshwar and puriday 3 : in puriday 4 : puri and bhubaneshwarday 5 : in bhubaneshwarday 6 : in bhubaneshwarday 7 : bolpur and shantiniketanday 8 : in shantiniketanday 9 : to kolkataday 10 : in kolkataday 11 : back to UK

day 1: arrive in delhiYou will arrive at IGI airport by your international flight and will be received by our representative who will escort you to the hotel.

day 2: to the city of godsHave sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely morning. Later, transfer to the airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar.  You will be driven to Puri, visiting Konark enroute. Arrive Puri and check-in at the hotel.Your evening will endowed by leisure and exploration of the various temples and beaches in Puri.

day 3: exploring marketsThe Breakfast will be   at the hotel . Your  morning will begun by Visit the Jagannath Temple from the library opposite to it. You can Walk through the bazaar around the temple  and in the afternoon you can have leisure to explore the beach.

day 4: to the city of templesFollowing breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Bhbaneshwar - a city strewn with a multitude of temples of various sizes. You will explore the city in the afternoon.

day 5: rock cut caves After Breakfast at the hotel , you will proceed for excursion to the caves used by Jain Monks for residential purpos. These were built in the city of Bhuvneshwara, Orissa - Udaigiri & Khandagiri. In the evening you can either relax in the hotel or explore the markets.

day 6: Fun ride in cycle rickshawEarly morning breakfast at the hotel and then  transfer to the railway station to board train to Bolpur at 06:37 hrs. You arrive Bolpur at 16:18 hrs and transfer to the hotel . In the Evening you will see the Exploration of Shantiniketan by Cycle Rickshaw.

day 7: visit to shantiniketanAfter having Breakfast at the hotel  you have the entire day to explore the university

day 8: to the intellectual capitalFollowing the Breakfast at the hotel , we will drive you to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and check-in at the hotel . Be ready here to be mesmerized by this marvelous city with its narrow galleys, tram journeys and the old world charm. Evening enjoy boat ride at the sunset

day 9: exploring charms of kolkataYour morning will begun by Visiting Flower Market. Later you will return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed for sightseeing of Kolkata city visiting British Kolkata and Victoria.   In the afternoon you will drive to Kumartuli and in late evening Visit Dakshineshwar and Belur. 

day 10: celebration timeFollowing Breakfast at the hotel  will be the full day guided tour of Durgapuja During the week of Durga Puja, in the entire state of West Bengal as well as in large enclaves of Bengalis everywhere, life comes to a complete standstill. At the end of six days, the idol(Durga) is taken for immersion in a procession amid loud chants of 'Bolo Durga

mai-ki jai' (glory be to Mother Durga') and 'aashchhe bochhor abar hobe' ('it will happen again next year') and drumbeats to the river or other water body. It is cast in the waters symbolic of the departure of the deity to her home with her husband in the Himalayas. After this, in a tradition called Vijaya Dashami, families visit each other and sweetmeats are offered to visitors (Dashami is literally "tenth day" and Vijay is "victory").arrive Kumarakom and transfer to the jetty to board the houseboat.  Dinner will be on  the houseboatthe majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks.

day 11: bid adieu to IndiaAfter Breakfast at the hotel  you can enjoy a  leisurely morning, transfer to the airport to board flight onwards.

delhi - srinagar - kargil - lehMoving to the Northernmost part of the country, you can interact with Buddhism in Ladakh and be a part of their colorful festivals. Festivals in Ladakh are celebrated as the occasions for merry-making. These festivals provide people with ample opportunities to interact with each other, form new ties and renew the old ones. This, in a region where villages are separated by miles and snow makes even walking on the goat tracks impossible. Many of the annual festivals of the Gompas take place in the winter, which is a relatively idle time for majority of the people. These take the form of dance-dramas in the gompa courtyards.The festival Yuru Kabgyat is acclaimed for being the important occasion for the followers of Buddhism. But you can be enchanted watching other festivals like Phyang Tsedup, Stok guru Trechu, and Matho Narang. The highlights of most of these festivals are the dance dramas – Chhams — performed by monks wearing vibrant clothes and formidable masks. As per ancient customs ritual offerings are made to the holy deities of the monasteries; these colourful dances make for an unforgettable experience for the visitors

mountains and monks

highlights • drive through the highest motorable pass in the world

• stay on a houseboat

• ride a bactrian camel

• introduction to tibettan buddhism

• interact with the monks and understand the buddhist way of life

day-wise itinerary

day 1 : arrive in Delhiday 2 : delhi and srinagarday 3 : in srinagarday 4 : srinagar and kargilday 5 : kargil, lamayuru and temisgamday 6 : temisgam, alchi, likir and lehday 7 : in lehday 8 : leh, hemis and pangongday 9 : pangong, shakti and shayokday 10 : shayok and nubra valleyday 11 : nubra valley and lehday 12 : in lehday 13 : leh and delhiday 14 : depart delhi

day 1: into the capital Once you arrive in Delhi by International flight , you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel.

day 2: to abode of natureFollowing Breakfast you will board flight to Srinagar at 0955 hrs. Reaching there at 1215 hrs you will enjoy the lunch on the  houseboat. In the late Afternoon, along the bright sunny gaze of Sun peeking in your Shikara   just  Enjoy a Shikara ride on the lake.

day 3: in the city of wealth and abundanceIn the  morning (05:00 hrs) you will visit the floating market and the Breakfast  will be on the houseboat . After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Srinagar visiting the Mughal Gardens (a combination of three renowned gardens namely the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Chashmashahi), the Hazratbal Mosque and the Shankaracharya Temple.Lunching   at the House-boat and Rest of the day  can be spent at leisure.

day 4: the kargil frontThe day will be filled with excitement and fervour. After having Breakfast at the houseboat. You will then leave for Kargil - a drive of about 7-8 hrs. After lunch you will arrive  arrive at  Kargil and check-in at the hotel. You will be provided with Dinner at the hotel

day 5: the himalayan villageAfter having Breakfast in the Hotel, you will leave  Packed Lunch will be provided. You

will arrive Temisgam and check-in at the hotel. In the evening visit the village of Temisgam and later have, Dinner at hotel  

day 6: to the green carpet After having Breakfast at the hotel, leave for Leh visiting,Alchi, Likir enroute. Enjoy lunching there. Arrive Leh in the evening and check-in at the hotel . Later enjoy dinner at the hotel

day 7: festivities and funThe exciting day begins after breakfast at the hotel . You will  do full day Excursion to Phyang festival . You will be given Packed Lunch . Having the evening for yourself you can enjoy the way it pleases you most. Later, dinner  will be at the hotel

day 8: monks and monasteryyou will transfer for Pangong ,visiting Hemis monastery enroute. Lunch en route. Laater enjoy a visit to  the serene  Pangong Lake. Later Dinner will be at the camp

day 9: visit to shyok riverIn the morning afer Breakfast at the camp leave for Shayok . Lunch will be enrouted. You will arrive at Shayok and check in guest house . Later , dinner at Guest house

day 10: a drive to the nubra valleyAfter having Breakfast at the hotel  you will visit a valley cut off from the world -- a hidden secret land of Nubra. You will be provided with packed lunches and dinner at hotel.

day 11: in lehAfter Breakfast at the camp in the Morning you will visit the Diskit Gompa. The day will be full of adventure as you will experience a ride on the “double-humped” bactarian camel there. Lunch  will be at the camp . Later, leave for Leh and Arrive Leh and check-in at the hotel . IN the evening enjoy yourself amidst the beauty of nature

day 12: for the love of Stupas and palacesAfter having breakfast at the hotel in the Morning. You will be ready to visit the Leh Palace & Shanti stupa.Leh Palace is nine s t o r e y s h i g h ; t h e u p p e r f l o o r s accommodated the royal family, The royal family moved to Stok Palace. After lunching at the hotel , the rest of the day will be for your Independent activities.

day 13: a visit to old DelhiAfter breakfast at the hotel in the morning leave for airport to board flight to Delhi Transfer from Airport to hotel. The a will see the visit to Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Chandini Chowk & Jama Masjid. Do not miss Experiencing   Cycle Rickshaw Ride  and later have lunch at Chor Bizzare

day 14 : delhi delightAfter having Breakfast at the hotel. You will explore the highlights of Delhi. This will start with a visit of Humayun's Tomb & Qutab Minar. You will then be transferred to the international airport for your  onward connection.

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