ETOSE - PEOPLE AND PLACES

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1 Diwali Special (15 days) (Covering both North and South India; this trip takes place in October or November, depending upon when Diwali is) Highlights: Visits to local homes, various NGO, national parks (Bharatpur, Ranthambore), and following towns: Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Salem, Kolli Hills, Madurai, Tanjore, Karaikkudi and Kannivadi. Day 1: Arrive Delhi Welcome to India - one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage! After lunch visit the Qutub Minar. Qutub Minar is an excellent example of Afghan Architecture. The Minar is a 72.5mts high victory tower, the construction of which began in the final year of twelfth century by Qutub ud Din Aibak and was later completed by his successor. It has been given World Heritage Site status. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. Day 2: Delhi Full day city tour of New and Old Delhi, including India Gate, Parliament House, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Humayun s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Gandhi Memorial, etc. This tour is done using Delhi s new underground system and part of it conducted by teenagers who grew up in a slum (we see Delhi the way these teenagers see it). New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the western end of the Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Red Fort was built by Shahjahan, the builder of Taj Mahal in Agra. The construction lasted from 1639 to Jama Masjid is the largest Mosque in India and stands across the road from the Red Fort. It was built in 1656 by Shahjahan. About 20,000 people can pray here at a time. Rajghat is the place where the father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Humayun's Tomb, built by Humayun s widow, Queen Haji Begum in the 16th century, is supposed to be the prototype of the Taj Mahal at Agra. Day 3: Delhi After breakfast, proceed to visit two non-government organisations (NGOs) Pratham and Arpana - in Delhi to see what efforts they are making to elevate poverty. Come in contact with local people and understand their culture and daily life better

2 Pratham - Pratham is the largest NGO working to provide quality education to the underprivileged children of India. Pratham was established in 1994 to provide education to the children in the slums of Mumbai city. Since then, the organization has grown both in scope and geographical coverage. Today they reach out to millions of children living both in rural and urban areas through a range of interventions. The Pratham team comprises of educationists, development professionals, media personnel, corporates, workers, activists, PhDs, MBAs, CAs, civil servants, bankers, corporate professionals, consultants, who all bring their experiences and perspectives to the organsiation and are unified by the common vision of improving the future of our children. Arpana is a non-political, secular, charitable organisation, guiding its dedicated workers to translate the ideal of the brotherhood of man into practical living, through selfless service of those less privileged, and total identification. The Projects are based on the Welfare of marginalised rural folk and urban slum dwellers, with a focus on holistic health, gender equity, socio-economic welfare and empowerment of women. Arpana has carried out wide ranging services for the disadvantaged, including health and development programs in three North Indian States - Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. Day 4: Delhi Agra Fatehpur Sikri Bharatpur Take a very early train to Agra and visit the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. After lunch proceed to Bharatpur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient city, on the way. Taj Mahal: The most photographed monument in the world, the Taj stands in its splendour of white marble, an imposing citadel on the banks of river Yamuna. Built in 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an ode to the emperor's eternal love for his wife. It took over 20,000 skilled workers from across the country, working day and night for 22 years for this architectural wonder to be created. Agra Fort: Built in red sandstone, it is the one of the famous sights of Agra other than Taj Mahal. The semi-circular fort was started by Akbar in 1565, and completed in Fatehpur Sikri: 40 km from Agra, a city completely made of red sandstone. Built by Akbar and dedicated to a saint, Fatehpur Sikri was conceived in Worth visiting are the Jama Masjid, Salim Chisti's tomb, the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas and the Queen's palaces within the city. Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has a definite all-india character. It is prolific and versatile Indo-Muslim composite style, which is a fusion of the composite cultures of indigenous and foreign origins. Day 5: Bharatpur Ranthambore An optional tour of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is on offer this morning for those who want to wake up early. Later take a train to Ranthambore. In the evening proceed for a drive in the beautiful national park. Dinner will be served at the campfire. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of - 2 -

3 birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It has been declared a World Heritage Site. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and wildlife lovers in this destination. The park is majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat. Ranthambore is also counted as the famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park. Day 6: Ranthambore - Jaipur (By bus - Approx 4 hrs) Wake up early to enjoy an exciting morning safari drive. Later travel to Jaipur - the Pink City of India! Later proceed for a city tour of Jaipur, visiting Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and City Palace. Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasps the appreciation of every visitor. It is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and is a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers. Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture. Jantar Mantar is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it a special destination for a traveller. It is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. Day 7: Jaipur Visit the famous Amber Fort where you will be treated to an elephant ride, if you wish. Enjoy lunch with an Indian family. After lunch proceed for shopping and watch the city light up at India s beautiful festival Diwali. Enjoy a special Diwali dinner at the hotel as well as Rajasthani folk dances. End the evening with firecrackers. Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the visitors. The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amber Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of enemies

4 Shopping: Handicrafts of Jaipur are well-known throughout the world for their distinctive quality and exclusive variety. Rajasthan is famous for its leather craft industry. Leather items like Jutis, Mojaris (slippers), Bags, Sandals, Shoes and Purses made in Jaipur catch the due attention of all visiting Jaipur. Day 8: Jaipur Delhi (By bus - Approx. 5 hrs) Travel back to Delhi today, stopping on the way in Tilonia to see the work done by the Barefoot College (whose focus is to teach illiterate women, for instance to install and repair solar panels!). Day 9: Delhi Salem Transfer to the airport for the flight to Chennai and then onwards to Salem. Lunch and little sight-seeing in Chennai. Day 10: Salem Kolli Hills Drive to Kolli Hills (65 kms) in the Eastern Ghats of India for a full day trip to visit the MSSRF (NGO) social projects and interact with local tribes. Spend a few hours living the lives of the locals. Day 11: Salem Thanjavur (Tanjore) Drive to Tanjore, visiting the Rock Fort and Srirangam Temples in Trichy on the way. The emblem of Tiruchirapalli, colloquially known as Trichy in short, is the Rock Fort Temple (rock temple) on a 83 m high rocky hill, which can be accessed via 437 rock-hewn steps. From there one can enjoy a magnificent view of Trichy and the fertile valley of the Cauvery River. On the cliff top is a temple dedicated to the god Ganesha. The Srirangam temple situated on an island in the Cauvery River is one of the largest temple city facilities in India. No fewer than seven concentric walls surround the temple town and over 20 Gopuram access to the various courtyards. Most of the buildings are from the Vijayanagara period (14 th. 16 th. Century). Architecturally, the most impressive is the 1000 pillar hall with 953 pillars, each monolithic granite, with beautiful ceiling construction and stone, horse-drawn carriage procession. Artistic highlight of the visit is the horse with the superlative columns, which seem to jump out of horses with their riders. Day 12: Tanjore Karaikkudi Visit Brihadishwara Temple and Thanjavur Royal Palace in Tanjore, and then drive to Karaikkudi to see the beautiful Chettinadu homes. Over night with a guest family in a traditional home. The Brihadeeswara Temple has gopurams over 27m high and is exquisitely sculpted. They lead to a vast courtyard in which the main temple stands guarded by two sentries carved out of single stones. Facing the sanctum is a nandi (bull), Shiva s favourite vehicle. The corridors around the sanctum have many sculptures as well as Chola frescoes which were recently discovered. The Palace and the remains of the fort that surround it can still be seen. Members of the former royal family of Thanjavur still occupy some apartments in the inner recesses but the Palace is now mainly used as an art gallery

5 Chettinad is a region of the Sivaganga district of southern Tamil Nadu state. Karaikudi is known as the capital of Chettinad, which includes Karaikudi and 74 other villages. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon and Burma, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, mansions and temples.it is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of eggwhites to give a smooth texture. Originally built by early Tamil dynasties like the Cholad, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of its denizens. Scattered over the whole place, each temple has its own tank called oorani where water lilies are grown, and used for holy rituals. Even today much of Chettinad's daily tidings are centered around the festivities around the temple. Athangudi is home of the famous Athangudi tiles. Visit a factory and see how these famous handmade terracotta tiles are patterned and sun-dried. They say it's the local sand that's the secret behind the texture. The village Athangudi, manufacturing exclusive colourful tile designs, even today has an industry going strong. The tiles are not ceramic; cement, baby jelly and sand along with synthetic oxides make up for the composition of the tile. They are cast from the locally available clay that is first burnt and then glazed. It is the play of base colours with typical conventional flora and line-drawing designs that sets them apart from the modern versions in the market. Day 13: Karaikkudi Madurai Drive to Madhurai, the temple city, and visit the world famous Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Thirumalai Nayak. Madurai: The Temple City was the capital of the Pandya kingdom but it was during the reign of the Nayaks (10th to the 18th century) that the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and other buildings were constructed. Madurai temple is believed to have 33 million sculptures. The palace of Thirumalai Nayak, the most famous king of the Nayak dynasty, has a great audience hall, a three-sided pavilion and a courtyard. Some of the original apartments still remain and there is a museum in one of the halls. Day 14: Madurai - Kannivadi Drive to Kannivadi to visit MSSRF s social projects in the area and spend time interacting with local people. Day 15: Madurai - Delhi Fly to Delhi and then on to flight home. Optional: a few days beach holiday in Kerala can be easily done from Madurai