| Description
Join Vincent Versace on an unforgettable passage to India and discover the mystical beauty of one of the world's great civilizations. A land of amazing variety, India is an assault on the senses expressed in extremes of luxury and destitution, heat and cold, chaos and tranquility, antiquity and modernity. Gain deep insight into India’s history, from the Mughul empires through colonialism and Partition. Become familiar with Gandhi’s principle of satyagraha, a peaceful force that would eventually bring the British Empire to its knees. Survey India’s highly stylized musical and dance traditions, and get to know the subcontinent’s vastly influential Nobel laureate mathematicians and poets. Enjoy artful cuisine renowned throughout the world. To round out an incomparable itinerary we’ve included the greatest of Asia’s festivals, the Pushkar Camel Fair. Whole families travel hundreds of miles around to trade, receive blessings, and revel in the carnival atmosphere. There will be mystics, musicians, camel races, and vendors plying their wares from the far corners of Rajasthan. Enjoy exquisite accommodations throughout, including restored palaces that lie just outside the bustle of major cities and attractions. We're confident that you'll enjoy their amazing architecture and old-world opulence as a highlight of your trip to India.
Biography
VINCENT VERSACE is the recipient of the 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award in Media Arts & Entertainment and the 2001 Shellenberg Fine Art Award. He was commissioned by the San Francisco Presidio National Park to create a permanent collection of art for the park and he is the host of the Epson Print Academy, a seminar tour on digital printing for photographers. He is a former artist in residence for the Altamira Group and former consultant to the president of Kodak's Digital & Applied Imaging Group. Vincent also serves as a consultant for Epson, Lexar, Apple, Roland, Dynalite Strobe systems, Photoflex, Luminos, Kodak, LowePro, and Nikon, to beta test their digital cameras and digital imaging products. Articles about his work have appeared in nearly every major photography and digital imaging periodical. His work is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History.
Website: http://www.versacephotography.com
Itinerary
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 13, 2008
PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
In the month of November the small town of Pushkar is the scene of one of India’s best-known animal-trading fairs, the Pushkar Mela. Thousands of people come with their camels and cattle and set up camp on the sand dunes just outside Pushkar. This centuries-old religious festival attracts thousands of pilgrims and is, perhaps, the largest camel fair in the world. Against a backdrop of endless camels, colorful skirts and turbans, and the clanging of temple bells, one may see the villagers enjoy camel races, camel decorating contests, etc. This is where photographers run out of film. You will get a chance to ride a camel or a camel cart, experience Rajasthani folk music and dances.
Oct 31 Fri
Lv USA
The vast and exotic sub- continent of India beckons as we depart for New Delhi, INDIA.
Nov 01 Sat
Arr Delhi
Evening arrive in the capital city of India, New Delhi.
Upon arrival and after clearing immigrations and customs you will be met and transferred to TAJ AMBASSADOR/HANS PLAZA. Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to 3000 years. Eight successive cities were built by various rulers in and around present day Delhi. Few capitals in the world have as many monuments of which Delhi is justly proud.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 02 Sun
Delhi (BD)
Morning sightseeing tour of New Delhi, designed in 1911 by the British, New Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Your tour includes visit to the impressive Qutab Minar, a 234-foot sandstone tower (an impressive monument built in 1193). Also visit Humayun's tomb, a predecessor to the famous Taj Mahal. Later, drive past the government buildings and presidential palace along the broad and majestic Rajpath, Diplomatic enclave.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, we will visit the Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal power followed by a ‘rickshaw’ (pedi-cab) Ride into the Chandni Chowk (old shopping street), the market area popular for glass bangles and silver jewelry.
On return, visit Raj Ghat, a memorial of the great Mahatma Gandhi. Also visit the Gurudwara, Temple of the Sikh.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 03 Mon
Delhi/Agra (BD)
Morning we will drive to Agra (4-5 hours). Upon arrival transfer to THE TRIDENT.
The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic The Mahabharat. Ptolemy, Alexander the Great's geographer also called it Agra. It was, however, in the medieval period that Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. Its many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, have given it a unique position as a major tourist center.
The Taj Mahal, simply, is beauty - not just in design and technique, but in desire and intent. It was built as a monument to love, a manifestation of life's most powerful emotion. When his wife died unexpectedly, Emperor Shah Jahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this beautiful structure. The result stands before you today - a delicately carved, white marble jewel which seems to float on a sea of red limestone.
Afternoon we will visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra fort, the massive red sandstone Mughal Fort built in 16th century by Emperor Akbar and additions made to it until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan.
Later we will visit a private collection of marble inlay work as used in Taj Mahal. And visit private collection of gems/jewelry and embroidery/tapestries (as mentioned in National Geographic magazine, *KOHINOOR).
Evening we are invited to visit an Indian family home.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 04 Tue
Agra/Jaipur (BD)
Morning we will drive to Jaipur (5 hours) visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri, the once fabled Mughal capital, which has taken on a sleeping beauty quality, lying quietly but wonderfully, preserved. We will see the Halls of Public and Private Audiences, the Tower of Victory, and the Tomb of Salim Chisti, which is laced with mother-of-pearl.
Upon arrival transfer to CARLSON COUNTRY INN
The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, the city was founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king, Sawai Jai Singh II and built according to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is a walled city with seven rectangular blocks. The Maharajah's palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens. Jaipur is aptly called the ‘the pink city’ of India.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 05 Wed
Jaipur (BD)
Morning we will drive just north of Jaipur to visit Amber and its famous palace riding on elegantly caparisoned elephant, we approach the palace in the traditional way.
The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed animals. Inside, we will find lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the Chamber of Mirrors.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city, visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory, which is equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot high sun dial which is remarkably accurate, We will also see the ornate and elaborate Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal, a famous landmark of Jaipur and the City Palace museum.
Later you have the chance to explore the exotic ‘bazaars’ of Jaipur.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 06 Thu
Jaipur/Pushkar (BLD)
Morning we will drive to Pushkar (2-3 hours) to attend the famous Pushkar Camel Fair.
Upon arrival transfer to TENTED CAMP
The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, almost quarter million people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with Camel and Cattle for several days of live stock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.
This small town becomes a cultural phenomenon when colorfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. The Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is believed to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm, Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.
Part of the small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility items. Decorations for Cattle, Camel is a highlight. Camel and Horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds.
Afternoon we will visit the camel trading center, enjoy a camel or camel cart ride, walk through the colorful ‘bazaars’, visit the Brahma temple and the ghats, bathing steps of the holy Pushkar Lake.
Enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance at your Tented camp.
Overnight at the Tented Camp.
Nov 07 Fri
Pushkar (BLD)
Full day at leisure to attend the festivities and you may wish to visit the camel trading center, take a camel ride, walk though the colorful ‘bazaars’, visit the Brahma temple and the ghats, bathing steps of the holy Pushkar Lake.
Overnight at the Tented Camp.
Nov 08 Sat
Pushkar/Jodhpur/Jodhpur Rohet (BD)
Morning we will drive to Rohet (4-5 hours) visiting en route. The 15th century city of Jodhpur, stands at the edge of Thar Desert and is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur is a resplendent city, with a blend of modern and traditional buildings. The city is totally dominated by a massive fort sprawled across 125- meter high hill known as Meherangarh Fort, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. A flourishing trade centre in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops. It boasts of some of very fine reminders of its glorious past-palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical significance. Also Jodhpur is popularly known as the ‘Blue city’ because of the beautiful houses painted with indigo color mostly belonging to the Brahmin caste. You can get a magnificent view of this Blue city from the ramparts of the Meherangarh Fort.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, we will visit the Meherangarh Fort, which was impregnable for the rocky base which is built is scraped on every side. Within the walls are royal palaces, with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899.
Later continue driving to Rohet and upon arrival transfer to CASTLE ROHET
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 09 Sun
Rohet/Udaipur (BL)
Morning we will participate in one of the most interesting features of this tour, a ‘village safari’.
We will have an opportunity to experience first hand the authentic rural life of India not often seen by tourists. We will see how the natives utilize the meager resources to make items of daily use. You might see the pot maker, shoemaker in action. Visit few homes and meet the village people to learn about their farming practices and how they keep their animals. We may see few Bishnoi tribal villages- strict vegetarians- they have allowed herds of spotted dear to grow unharmed around their villages. The Bishnoi’s are steeped in history: this 450-year-old tribe has a distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wild centuries of living with nature by nature. In village of other tribes one can witness the opium ceremony- a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Colorfully attired men and woman carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remain in the mind's eye, the effervescence of a cool ambience. As the shadows lengthen, the sun casts a golden glow on the sands. Driving across this mystic horizon, one could encounter the agile black buck, wild camels and flights of rare birds.
Later we will drive to Udaipur visiting en route the ornate Jain temple at Ranakpur. The Jain temple at Ranakpur is a 15th century temple, built in white marble with exquisitely intricate carvings. It is unique in its architectural elegance. The entire complex is built on over 40,000 sq. ft and comprises 29 halls 5 spires, 20 domes and 420 pillars. The temple is enclosed on all four sides with a row of 86 chapels. All these architectural elements are covered with carvings that are so delicate that it looks like lacework. It is amazing to find that among hundreds of pillars no two are alike.
Continue driving to Udaipur and upon arrival transfer to
THE TRIDENT In Udaipur the visitor finds his dream of India come true, for the city combines real beauty with picturesque associations of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amid green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, raise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge, in which the city clusters, along the shores of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Within the palace is all the magnificence of the East - peacocks in mosaic on the walls, floors inlaid with tiles of rare beauty, and roof gardens affording thrilling views of the panorama below.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 10 Mon
Udaipur (BD)
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast and exquisite City Palace of the Maharana. Amber, Jade, and colored glass gives the palace a sparkling, yet ethereal quality. Also visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We will drive past Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the maids-of-Honor. On return visit the Crystal Gallery in the Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace which once used to the venue of state banquets, official functions and formal ‘durbars’, offers breathtaking views of the Lake Pichola with Jagmandir, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace)
Sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola to visit the Jag Mandir Palace, This palace is built on an island, which covers 4 acres and is noted for its marble interior and imposing dome. You will get a chance to witness the daily life on the lake.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 11 Tue
Udaipur/Delhi/Varanasi (BD)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.
Dep: Udaipur at 7:40am by Jet Air 373
Arr: Delhi at 9:45am
Change planes to Varanasi
Dep: Delhi at 10:40am by Jet Air 723
Arr: Varanasi at 11:50am
Upon arrival transfer to RAMADA PLAZA Varanasi is believed to have been created when this universe itself was created. According to historical records, it is a city contemporary with Niniveh and Thebes and therefore is the oldest living city in the world. It is today the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and the sight of devout Hindus praying, standing waist deep in water is a moving experience. Varanasi has been a seat of learning from time immemorial. It was at nearby Sarnath that the Buddha preached his first sermon.
Afternoon we will visit Sarnath and its fine museum.
Sunset cruise on holy river Ganges to witness the evening prayer ceremonies.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Nov 12 Wed
Varanasi/Delhi/Homebound (B)
Early morning you will be picked up from your Hotel for a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. To see thousands of devout Hindus descend to the holy waters of the Ganges for prayers and rituals may be one of the most extraordinary experience of your visit to India. Varanasi has over 100 bathing Ghats but the Manikarnika is the most sacred of them all. During holy occasions it is visited by a multitude of pilgrims who offer flowers, milk, sandalwood and sweetmeats.
Later in the morning we will enjoy a tour of the city including visit to the Bharat Mata relief map of India and drive through the Benares Hindu University, one of the oldest universities of India, constructed in the beginning of the 20th century, founded by Pandit Malviya as a centre of education in Indian art, culture and music, and for the study of Sanskrit.
Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Dep: Varanasi at 2:40pm by Jet Air 724
Arr: Delhi at 4:00pm
Upon arrival prepare for the Farewell dinner then transfer to International airport for your homebound flight.
Nov 13 Thu
Lv Delhi HOMEBOUND FLIGHT.
Arrive USA same day.
Tour Ends!! -- Happy Landings!!
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