Explore India! January 2015

Transcription

1 Explore India! Experience the culture of India through an immersive Literature and Literacy experience on World Literacy s 60th Anniversary Tour of India! January 2015 PRESENTED BY

2 World Literacy Canada, in celebration of it s 60th anniversary, is planning a trip to India! The essence of North India is in its rampant spirituality and the marvelous expressions of pageantry and palaces. Your adventures begin in Delhi, the capital of India. From here you travel to the Pink City of Jaipur with its princely palaces and bustling markets. We have timed our visit to coincide with the Jaipur Literature Festival and this will certainly be a highlight of the trip. From there, you ll then travel to the iconic Taj Mahal, love s most perfect expression, before venturing to the delightfully erotic temples of Khajuraho where spirituality takes an artistic turn. Your journey ends, fittingly, in Varanasi at the holy Ganges, at World Literacy s India program sites. World Literacy Canada - India WLC s mission is to successfully deliver literacy education for women and children as an essential element in the struggle for equality. In keeping with this goal, since 1995, WLC has established a permanent base in Varanasi to help strengthen and oversee its programs and work more closely with its local partners. The office is located in the Ganga Mahal, an historic building situated in the community of Assi Ghat, on the banks of the river Ganges. WLC is well-known in this city of over one million people and the Ganga Mahal has been a central part of WLC s programs in India. TOUR ESCORT Jasmine Gill is the Executive Director of World Literacy Canada. With family roots tracing back generations from India, she has a passion for the country, its culture, philosophies and especially for the World Literacy programs within it. Jasmine has a long track record of leadership and volunteerism in Varanasi, having previously served on the board of directors of World Literacy Canada and having lived and worked in Varanasi from She is excited to share her knowledge of World Literacy s literacy and empowerment initiatives with you.

3 OUR ITINERARY Monday, January 19: Depart Canada Today you will depart on the overnight flight to Delhi. Tuesday, January 20: Arrive in Delhi On arrival at the airport in Delhi, we will be met and taken to our hotel. Overnight: Grand Hotel, Delhi Wednesday, January 21: Delhi Today we begin your exploration of Delhi. The morning starts in New Delhi, the part of the city designed and built by the British in the 1920s. The imperial city displays well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautiful trees and imposing government buildings. We will see Humayun s Tomb, a red sandstone structure considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal; India Gate, like the Arc-de-Triomphe commemorating the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I; and Qutab Minar, a tower built in 1199 to celebrate victory against a Rajput King. In the afternoon, we ll explore Old Delhi, starting at the Masjid Jamal, Asia s largest mosque. By rickshaw, we ll visit the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. This evening we will enjoy a special welcome dinner. Overnight: Grand Hotel, Delhi Thursday, January 22: Drive to Jaipur Today we are onward by road to the Pink City of Jaipur. Here people dress brightly, as if to compensate for the barren desert surrounding them. The brilliant display of colour and activity welcomes us and draws us in. Overnight: Rajputana Palace Hotel, Jaipur Friday, January 23: Jaipur Early today we will start with a visit to Amber Fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples that still stand in a magnificent state. We will approach as the maharajahs did: by elephant! This afternoon we visit Jantar Mantar, the largest of Jai Singh s five remarkable observatories and the City Palace, a former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Overnight: Rajputana Palace Hotel, Jaipur Saturday, January 24: Jaipur Today, we ll expand our literary journey by taking part in the Jaipur Literature Festival held in the Diggi Palace, a beautiful heritage property still occupied by the royal family. Thousands of committed readers, writers and lovers of literature make this annual pilgrimage to the largest literary festival in Asia-Pacific. Overnight: Rajputana Palace Hotel, Jaipur Delhi Jaipur train NEPAL Agra Fatehpur Varanasi Sikri Jhansi Khajuraho INDIA Arabian Sea

4 Sunday, January 25: Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Today we will leave Jaipur and drive through the countryside to the beautiful deserted, walled city of Fatehpur Sikri to visit this evocative site. Later we ll continue to Agra, famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The fabled Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as a final resting place for this favourite Queen Mumtaz. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years ( A.D) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to complete. It may be a visual cliché, but it is also the one of the few architectural icons that surpasses expectation. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Agra Monday, January 26: Agra This morning we will take in Shah Jehan s masterpiece, the Taj Mahal. The elegant dome of the Taj has a diameter of 60 feet, and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Fantastic inlay work, using semi-precious stones, decorates the exterior and interior. In the afternoon we will visit Agra Fort, commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. It houses a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Agra Tuesday, January 27: Train to Jhansi, drive to Khajuraho Today we will travel by train to Jhansi. After lunch, continue by road to Khajuraho. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Khajuraho Wednesday, January 28: Khajuraho In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. You will visit the sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho, which are ensconced in wall niches. Provocative maidens, dancers, musicians and embracing couples adorn these buildings of worship, and are masterpieces of Indian art. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Khajuraho Thursday, January 29: Fly to Varanasi You will have the morning at leisure before catching a flight to Varanasi. This evening you ll visit the city and witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti, performed every evening at sunset on the banks of the river Ganges. This ceremony is performed with clanging bells, beating drums and the ceremonial lighting of lamps. Priests lead devotional singing and attendants move through the crowd offering small lamps to the people so that they may purify themselves with the light of wisdom. To finish the ritual, offerings of flowers and cancels are set afloat on the waters of the Ganges a truly extraordinary experience. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Friday, January 30: Varanasi Early this morning you will depart on a sunrise cruise on the Ganges to see thousands of Hindu pilgrims perform rites of prayer. Later you ll visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. A highlight includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which contains fine examples of Buddhist art treasures. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Saturday, January 31: Varanasi Today we will spend the day visiting World Literacy s adult literacy centres, children s education classes, community libraries and

5 skills-training programs. You will have a first-hand look at how the work of one NGO reaches thousands of people with your support and have the opportunity to share in the joy that literacy education and empowerment brings. This evening we will share a farewell dinner and concert to celebrate our remarkable journey through India. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Sunday, February 1: Depart Varanasi Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home via Delhi or continue your travels with a visit to Nepal. Meals: Breakfast NEPAL EXTENSION Sunday, February 1: Fly to Kathmandu Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. It is said that there is a temple or idol for every soul living in the city, and Kathmandu is a treasure house just waiting to be explored. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with this fabled destination. Meals: Breakfast Monday, February 2: Kathmandu Weather permitting, there are optional (not included) early morning one-hour mountain flights to view the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world, including Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth. Later today you will depart on a full day city tour. You will visit the temple of Pashupatinath where it is said that Lord Siva came because it was a perfect place for a holiday! Worship has been going on here for at least 1500 years and there has been a Siva temple here since 879 AD. It is one of the most important Siva temples on the sub-continent and many Indians come to visit this popular pilgrimage site. The cremation ground is near the temple and the ashes of persons cremated are sprinkled into the waters of the Bagmati, eventually to be carried to the sacred Ganges. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit Patan. Located about five kilometres south of Kathmandu, on the southern side of the Bagmati River, Patan is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. It is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts. Tuesday, February 3: Kathmandu This morning you will visit the UNESCO designated World Heritage city of Bhaktapur, founded in the 12th century by King Anand Dev Malla. It was the capital city of the Greater Malla Kingdom in the Kathmandu Valley until the 15th century AD and has more temples per square foot than Patan or Kathmandu! We have arranged a demonstration of Thangka Painting. These religious paintings served as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha. Wednesday, February 4: Kathmandu Day at leisure for optional activities and to visit WLC s partner projects in Biratnagar. Thursday, February 5: Depart Kathmandu Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are subject to change. In the event of weather changes, logistical arrangements or local events, we may make changes to your Private Journey.

6 Tour Cost: US$4595* Taxes and Gratuities: US$275 Nepal Extension: US$1295 Taxes and Gratuities: US$75 TOUR DETAILS *Note: The tour is being operated in support of World Literacy Canada and includes a donation of C$500. A tax deductible receipt will be provided by World Literacy Canada. Group Size: participants Cost Includes: Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar Meals as described in the itinerary All transportation by private vehicle Train tickets Internal flights Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking private guides All entrance fees Gratuities Tour escorted by Jasmine Gill Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home (This may be booked on points!) Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary Fuel surcharges, if applicable Travel insurance Tourist visa(s) Medical expenses (for pre-trip vaccinations and otherwise) Excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation HOW TO BOOK For more information and to book this tour, please be in touch with Worldwide Quest. Contact details below. MORE INFORMATION Payment Details A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to proceed with Private Journey arrangements. A second nonrefundable deposit of US$1000 per person is required once all services are confirmed. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this Private Journey. Please make sure that it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. Full information regarding any required visas will be provided once services are confirmed. Flights Worldwide Quest is pleased to provide personalized flight arrangements for your Private Journey. If you are making your own flight arrangements, please check with us to ensure that your schedule aligns with your program prior to booking. Cancellation Policy All deposits are non-refundable, however, in some instances, you may transfer your deposit to another Private Journey or to one of our small group tours 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance Please note that all payments are non-refundable. We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should this trip become inoperable due to our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife Insurance coverage. Should you decline this coverage, you must sign a waiver and provide details of your own medical coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory for all Private Journeys. Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # )