Rotary Friendship Team - Feb India NID Tour and Girl s School Project

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1 Rotary Friendship Team - Feb India NID Tour and Girl s School Project 18 th February to 2 nd March 2016 India is a mystery hidden behind cliché. An ephemeral reality that dissolves just when you think that you have it defined. She is everything you have heard and read about and more, much more, than words can describe. In addition to the Rotary emphasis, the NID and exposure to Rotary Club projects, the trip is infused with the true flavor of India, its diversity, vibrant cultures, lifelong traditions and wonderful hospitality that has enthralled travelers for literally thousands of years. This trip experience will combine to participate in National Immunization day, working opportunity on the Girl s school project, interaction with local Rotarians and visiting some of the India s most extraordinary sights. The schools project is the result of our NID team having participated in the D3080 District Conference in Hardiwar in Feb Anchorage Rotary Past President Jon Deisher made a presentation regarding After Polio, what? Mr. Deisher emphasized the need for cleaning the world s water (80%+ of the world s diseases are water-borne), sanitation (keeping human waste out of the environment a major cause of Polio s longevity), and girls literacy. All three are High Rotary priorities. Following the presentation, Mr. Deisher was approached by Kanan Diwan, incoming president of Chandigarh Midtown Rotary. Ms. Diwan had a concept that incorporated all three points of Mr. Deisher s presentation. Five area schools need safe restrooms and sanitary and hygienic conditions for young ladies personal needs. In the absence of such facilities within the schools, as young women matured, they do not have a safe and secure place to meet their hygienic needs, and are often harassed by boys as they sought ways to meet those needs. The result was that the girls would drop out of school early, thus interrupting their literacy development, leading to low vocational opportunities, early marriage and childbearing. With provisions of hygienic and safe restrooms, girls will remain in school longer, maintain their literacy trajectory, improve their vocational options and other life opportunities. Therefore, Mr. Deisher s club, Anchorage Rotary in Anchorage Rotary has become an international Global Grant partner with Chandigarh Midtown to deliver this capability to five local schools. Incidentally, the schools are co-ed and boys will benefit from clean restrooms as well. These are the kind of opportunities that can develop as an ancillary spin from the NID project and developing relationship with fellow Rotarians. Fellowship leading to international projects!

2 Rotary Friendship Team - Feb Detail Tour Program Considering our repeated visitors as well as first time guests, we have set two different itineraries. The whole team will travel together till the Polio immunizations and school project in Chandigarh. After the project, we will separate in two teams to enjoy trip of your choice. The first option is Tour A which is ideal for the first time visitors and takes you to the very heart of India s most popular tourist destinations and wildlife sanctuaries. However Tour option B is ideal for the second time visitors covering Rajasthan s most celebrated sites, Royal heritage, historical wonders and rural hamlets. Either option is available regardless of one s past experience in India. Dates Wednesday Feb.17, 2016 Thursday Feb.18, 2016 Friday Feb.19, 2016 Saturday Feb.20, 2016 Itinerary USA Delhi : Fly from your homeland to India by United Airlines or any other international flight matching to your comfort level and timings. Overnight onboard Flight. Arrival Delhi : Today afternoon or in the evening arrive at Delhi International Airport. After clearing immigration and custom formalities, meet our representative inside the airport arrival hall. On arrival reception and transfer to city hotel for 02 Nights. Delhi : After a leisurely morning, visit The President s Palace, Parliament House, India Gate and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Humayun s Tomb and Qutub Minar. In the afternoon explore Red Fort, Asia s largest mosque and take a ricksaw ride through the centuries-old market-place Chandni Chowk. Delhi Chandigarh (Girls School Project): After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board on the train to Chandigarh. In the afternoon arrive Chandigarh and visit to the host Rotary Club followed by a welcome meeting and introductions. Sunday Feb.21, 2016 Monday Feb.22, 2016 Chandigarh (NID & Girls School Project) : In the morning, drive in the nearby areas designated for the National Polio Day immunizations. We will group in small teams with fellow Rotarians and immunize kids from polio virus. In the afternoon return to visit the Girl s School Project and/or other Rotary projects of interest. Chandigarh (Girls School Project): Today morning, visit to the Girl s school project and in the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Chandigarh. Visit Rock garden, an epitome of creativity and innovation. Also visit the Rose Garden and other interesting sights of city beautiful.

3 Tuesday Feb.23, 2016 Chandigarh Delhi: After breakfast, visit to the Girl s School Project and other wonderful Rotary Projects in the area. Later in the afternoon say goodbye to the host families and take for a short flight to Delhi. On arrival check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. Wednesday Feb.24, 2016 Thursday Feb.25, 2016 Friday Feb.26, 2016 Tour A - Golden Triangle Delhi Jaipur : After breakfast, drive 05 Hrs to Jaipur, on arrival check-in to the hotel for 02 Nights. Evening free time for leisure activities or walk through the colorful markets of Pink city. Jaipur : After breakfast, full day city tour of Jaipur. In the morning take an elephant ride up to the Amber fort and explore the fort complex. Later in the afternoon, visit Palace of the winds, City Palace and Royal Observatory. Jaipur Ranthambhore : After breakfast, drive 05 hrs to the world famous Ranthambhore tiger reserve. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for 02 Nights. Later In the afternoon explore the Ranthambhore Fort complex and local village market. Tour B - Royal Rajasthan Delhi Udaipur: After breakfast, take a short flight to Udaipur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for 02 Nights. In the evening free time of leisure activities or enjoy walk around the hotel premises. Udaipur: After breakfast, full day city tour of Udaipur. Explore the impressive City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the Royal garden of the ladies of royal court. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise around lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir island. Udaipur Ranakpur Jodhpur : After a leisurely morning, drive 05 hrs to Jodhpur, enroot visit Ranakpur, famous for its 15 th centuries amazing Jain Temple. Later in the afternoon continue drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for 02 Nights. Saturday Feb.27, 2016 Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve: Early in the morning wake-up for the jungle safari (2-3 Hrs) and begin your search for the Tigers. Later, come back to hotel and enjoy free time. In the afternoon enjoy another tiger safari. Jodhpur: After breakfast, city tour of Jodhpur. Explore the Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada, and the beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace. In the afternoon Jeep safari around the villages of Bishnoi Tribes. Sunday Feb.28, 2016 Ranthambhore Bharatpur : After breakfast drive 05 hrs to Bharatpur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. In the evening, birdwatching tour in the sanctuary. Jodhpur Khimsar : After breakfast drive 02 hrs to Khimsar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. In the evening enjoy camel rides and explore the traditional village life.

4 Monday Feb.29, 2016 Tuesday Mar.01, 2016 Bharatpur Fatehpur Sikri Agra : After breakfast drive 02 hrs to Agra, enroot visit deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra Check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. In the evening enjoy a sunset visit of Taj Mahal from the banks of River Yamuna. Agra Delhi : Morning visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Jewel Museum. Later visit Marbal factory to see the art of marble inlaying. Afternoon drive 04 hrs to Delhi and check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. Khimsar Jaipur : After a leisurely morning and breakfast, drive 06 hrs to Jaipur. Along the way enjoy some nice views of beautiful countryside. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Evening free for leisure activities or walk around the local markets. Jaipur Delhi : Morning and early afternoon free time for leisure activities and quick shopping etc. Later in the afternoon, drive 05 hrs to Delhi and check-in to the hotel for 01 Night. Evening free for leisure activities. Wednesday Mar.02, 2016 Delhi USA: After a leisurely morning, both the teams will join together and visit nearby Indian Super Market for last minute shopping and souvenirs. In the evening celebrate an early farewell dinner and then transfer to the airport for your flight back home. OR stay tonight in Delhi to Join another 03 Night & 04 Days trip extension to Mumbai. Optional Program Mumbai Trip Extension (Mar.03 To Mar.06, 2016) Dates Thursday Mar.03, 2016 Friday Mar.04, 2016 Saturday Mar.05, 2016 Sunday Mar.06, 2016 Itinerary Delhi Mumbai : In the afternoon take a short flight to Mumbai. On arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon join the host Rotary club for welcome meetings, projects etc. Mumbai: Full day Rotary activities and sight visits with local host Rotary Club. Mumbai: After breakfast at hotel, full day sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Visits Gateway of India, Marine drive, Prince of Wales museum, hanging garden and other notable attractions. Mumbai Departure: After breakfast at hotel, take a boat cruise to Elephant Island and explore the 5 th century rock cut temples. In the evening transfer to the airport for flights back home.

5 Rotary Friendship Team - Feb Tour Expenses Estimate Nett Cost per person on Twin Sharing Basis from Feb.01 to Mar.31, 2016 Min Max Group Size NID & Project With Tour A -Golden Triangle NID & Project With Tour B -Royal Rajasthan Add-On Tour Mumbai Extension Persons US$ 3850 Per Person US$ 3850 Per Person US$ 1150 Per Person Persons US$ 3280 Per Person US$ 3280 Per Person US$ 980 Per Person Persons US$ 3065 Per Person US$ 3065 Per Person US$ 910 Per Person Single Supplement US$ 840 Per Person US$ 840 Per Person US$ 435 Per Person * Single Supplement is for those who want to stay in a Single Room. * The above mentioned cost is based on a group and not applicable for less than 05 participants. * We have invitation from Mumbai club to visit their projects. If we get home stay invitation there, than the Mumbai extension tour cost will be reduced accordingly. International Airfare Supplement: Our trip cost does not include International airfare as participants like to purchase their own flight tickets using air miles and credit card facilities. However if we receive any such requests then we do it on cost to cost basis. Current United Airlines economy class roundtrip airfare between Newark and Delhi is approximately US$1235. Quotations for other originating cities are available upon request. Availability and airfare are subject to change at the time of reservations. Tour option A Golden Triangle cost includes the following services: Meeting and assistance at all the airports & railway stations in India. Transfers upon arrival and departures from / to the airports. All Land transportation and sightseeing tour by Air-conditioned vehicle. Airfare from Chandigarh to Delhi in economy class. Train Fare from Delhi to Chandigarh in AC Chair Car Carriage. Sightseeing tours and entrance fee of the monuments as per the itinerary. Rickshaw ride through the market of Chandani Chowk in Old Delhi. Local English speaking guide during sightseeing tours and excursions. Participation in India s National Polio Day Immunizations and Girl s School Project. Two Bottles of mineral water per person, each day during sightseeing. Elephant ride excursion up to the Amber fort complex in Jaipur. Two Tiger Safaris in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve on sharing basis. One visit to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on cycle rickshaw. Twin sharing accommodation at the first class hotels with daily buffet Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel as per the plan. However Lunch will be served in the local restaurants/midways as per the daily sightseeing and traveling schedule.

6 Tour option B Royal Rajasthan cost includes the following services: Meeting and assistance at all the airports & railway stations in India. Transfers upon arrival and departures from / to the airports. All Land transportation and sightseeing tour by Air-conditioned vehicle. Economy class airfare for the Chandigarh - Delhi & Delhi Udaipur sector. Train Fare for the Delhi - Chandigarh sector in AC Chair Car. Sightseeing tours and entrance fee of the monuments as per the itinerary. Rickshaw ride through the market of Chandani Chowk in Old Delhi. Local English speaking guide during sightseeing tours and excursions. Participation in India s National Polio Day Immunizations and Girl s School Project. Two Bottles of mineral water per person, each day during sightseeing. Sunset boat cruise around Lake Pichola in Udaipur. One Jeep Safari around the Bishnoi Tribes villages near Jodhpur. One Camel Ride in Khimsar during sand dunes visit. Twin sharing accommodation at the first class hotels with daily buffet Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel as per the plan. However Lunch will be served in the local restaurants/midways as per the daily sightseeing and traveling schedule. The Mumbai Tour Extension cost includes the following services: Economy class airfare for the Delhi Mumbai sector. Transfers upon arrival and departures from / to the airports. All Land transportation and sightseeing tour by Air-conditioned vehicle. Sightseeing tour and entrance fee of the monuments as per the itinerary. Local English speaking guide during sightseeing tours and excursions. Boat ride excursion to the Elephant Island for Rock cut temple visit. Rotary Project visits with the local host Rotary Club of Mumbai. Twin sharing accommodation at the first class hotels with daily buffet Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel as per the plan. However Lunch will be served in the local restaurants/midways as per the daily sightseeing and traveling schedule. Following expenses are not included in any of the above mentioned tours: International airfare To / From India and vice versa and Airport taxes. Passport, Visa processing fee, fees for inoculations and health certificates. Personal expenses like drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls or tips etc. Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents, damage to or loss of goods. Video and Still Camera fee or any item which is not specifically and listed in the Itinerary. Accommodation in Chandigarh, this will be arranged as home stays by the host Rotary Club. Any other additional expenses which is not indicated in the cost sheet. Liability for, disturbance in trip program due to circumstances beyond our control such as airline or railway delays, road blocks, vehicle malfunctions, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, wars, riots, etc.

7 Destination Highlights Indian Destinations are some of the world s most fascinating places to travel. The geographical and cultural diversities have something for every traveler whether you are a first time visitor or seasoned traveler. Here, we are showcasing some highlights about the destination you will explore during your India tour: Delhi: The seat of power during the Mughal Empire and British rule is the capital city of modern India. At the time when world s civilizations were being established, Delhi had already been the capital of an empire for 500 years past. The city as it stands today has been built by Hindu, Muslim and British builders over the centuries. Home to estimated 20 million people, Delhi has an excellent old town ambience in Old Delhi, teeming with people, bullock carts and bazaars. However Lutyen s modern showpiece of New Delhi is stately and historic with wide tree-lined avenues, Government buildings, beautiful gardens and modern day super markets. The city is one of the undisputed highlights of the country. Chandigarh: At the foothills of the mighty Shivalik Range of Himalayas, Chandigarh is a city and union territory in the northern part of India that serves as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. The city derives its name from Goddess Chandi, a regional deity of the town. Chandigarh is also the first planned city of India, designed by the French architect Edouard Le Corbusier Jeanneret, who fashioned Chandigarh as a city of Sun, Space and Verdure. Being one of the most modern and advance cities in the country, it has some beautiful gardens, lake, Museum and Art Galleries showcasing some important stone sculptures of ancient India. Beign a modern city its roots are still connected to the cultural values. Jaipur: Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh early in the 17 th century, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Often called as the pink city because of its exquisite buildings built by red sand stone and painted terra cotta color. The fortifications surroundings of the city give it a medieval atmosphere where traditions and modernity seem to exist side by side. At the city s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family. High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Palace are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy tale. Jaipur embodies all that you may have heard about the pomp and pageantry of India, its Maharajahs and their fabulous palaces, the odd painted elephants and camel carts, and the marvelously colorful drama of Life on its bustling streets.

8 Ranthambhore: The famous Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the margins of the Aravalli hills with an area of 250sq miles. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests to open bush land. The typically dry deciduous forest and many small lakes inside the forest attract the Tiger population and often spotted at the edges of lakes. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region s glorious past. Apart from tigers, the reserve has its share of panthers, marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats sloth bears, Sambar deer and Nilgai. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli s eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles, Kingfisher and painted storks. Fatehpur Sikri: Founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 to 1585 but abandoned later due to shortage of water supply. The complex still stands as one of the best preserved heritage site form the Mughal Era. Akbar was inspired by his ancestor Timur s Persian Courts and this was reflected in the Persian design principles as well as Hindu and Jain styles of Architecture. The city boasts several elegant palaces, a series of interlocking courtyards, onion-shaped tombs and mosques. Bharatpur: Bharatpur is famous for wonderful Unesco-listed Keoladeo National Park, a wetland and significant bird sanctuary. Centered on a shallow lake and surrounding marshland, The sanctuary is the home of nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory birds from Siberia and central Asia. Around 190 species of birds migrate each winter to join 230 resident species. Glimpses of exotic birds are an everyday experience in Bharatpur such as painted storks, Saras crane, pelicans, Kingfisher, Owls, parakeets, Peacock and Doves. Agra: Home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj Mahal, a magnificent monument to an emperor s love for his queen. The Mogul Emperor Shah Jehan presented the world it s most magnificent monument to conjugal Love. A colossal, perfectly proportioned mass of marble, the Taj Mahal is literally a jewel. It was fashioned over 17 years by 20,000 craftsmen & laborers. From a distance, it seems to float, like a fantastic mirage, upon the banks of the River Yamuna. The city is known for its world heritage sites and monuments. The Irresistible charm of the Mughal era can be seen still in the monuments, cuisines and lifestyles.

9 Udaipur: The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. Serene in the shadow of dark green hills, the three lakes at Udaipur are shimmering jewels from which rise fairytale white palaces. Udaipur was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The "Surya Vanshi" Maharanas of Udaipur are Sun worshippers and trace their genealogy to the Hindu God Rama. The city is full of palaces, temples and havelis ranging from the modest to the extravagant. It s also proud of its heritage as a centre for the performing arts, paintings and crafts. Udaipur never succumbed to the Mogul invasions, and it remained the only princely state never to have seceded to the British Raj. The history of unconquered rule, heroic past and epitomizing chivalry is full of valor courage and romance. It is also referred as the most Romantic city of India Venice of the east. Ranakpur: These famous 15th century Jain temples lie buried in a shady glen and represent the climax of Jain architecture. Though the Taj Mahal is widely known as India s marble wonder, the marble sun temple of Ranakpur is certainly no less in its beauty. The spacious halls and courtyards are a brilliant juxtaposition of exquisitely carved and sculpted pillars, vaulted ceilings and arched doorways. One of the temple's most outstanding features is the sheer number of pillars, each of these pillars are intricately carved, and change color according the angle of the sun's rays. The play of light and shade has been so engineered that the entire complex seems suffused with an almost ethereal ambience. There are 84 shrines embellishing the temple, which symbolize the 84 lakh cycles of birth and death that a soul must go through in order to attain eternal salvation. Another gorgeous aspect of the Ranakpur temples are the ceilings representing the path to the heaven. Jodhpur: Jodhpur, the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan, is often called the blue city and is an oasis in the arid Thar Desert. The city is encompassed by a high wall - 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions and echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. This imperial city is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill soaring 125 Mts high above the plains. The wealth of historic attractions and colourful markets which specializes in antiques is charming. The delicate and intricately made handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the people in the traditional attire of Rajasthan makes this city quite attractive and picturesque in every sense. Beyond the teeming city, jeep safaris explore the home of the desert-dwelling Bishnoi tribes who have been protecting the natural environment from centuries.

10 Khimsar: Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert, Khimsar is a small village town with a mammoth and lavish Khimsar Fort standing like an oasis in the desert. Originally, the fort walls, turrets and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed around the beginning of the 16 th Century. Subsequently, the royal family moved in, and a new zenana or ladies residence was erected with finely carved windows in stone that provided purdah or veil for ladies in waiting. Today, the fort ranks amongst the premier classified Heritage Hotels of India. Khimsar is an ideal destination to get an insight into the village life of Rajasthan which is still untouched by the modernity. Mumbai: Formerly known as Bombay, the city of Mumbai is a mega city of India with strong historical links, wonderful British architecture, museums, beaches and above all, a true galaxy of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were earlier home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands were under the control of successive indigenous empires before being ceded to the Portuguese and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid 18 th century the city was reshaped and became a major seaport on the Arabian Sea. A city of diverse cultures and melting pot of commerce, industry, entertainment and politics. Today Mumbai houses important financial institutions such as Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange and numerous other corporates.