Art, Books and Culture India Tour

Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the old and new India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors who have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Take a Special Cycle Rickshaw tour in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

You will be transported 400 years back and will ride on a cycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk known as the Moonlit Square of India. Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and be bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.

The total duration of the tour will be 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes. It is an extensive tour that covers 20 main sites which includes palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars. The tour ends at an old Haveli (mansion) built in1860 that has a photo gallery depicting the lifestyle of Mughals and a small lounge to relax and to enjoy some local snacks.

Today afternoon assisted departure transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus – laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city’s inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor continue to enthrall the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. It is a truly enchanting city. On arrival you will check into the hotel.

Post breakfast visit Udaipur city starting at Jagdish Temple built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola.

Visit the City Palace (part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal in the world) and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

Later enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Rest of the day is at leisure or you can choose to meet with either a Contemporary or Miniature artist to discuss their art.

Optional: Discuss Contemporary Indian Art With A Local Artist

Optional: Meet an Artist who specializes in Miniature Traditional Art

Post breakfast, you will depart by surface for Shahpura Bagh (approx. 4 hours)

This wonderful, garden estate is surrounded by glistening lakes which (seasonally) teem with birds. Formerly the summer home of the rulers of Shahpura, the style and décor of Shahpura Bagh is very much a mixture of Rajasthani meets colonial with a quiet understated yet elegant air.

Afternoon is reserved for an interesting session with an expert who will demonstrate the art of Phad painting, a painting depicting mythology and history.

Late afternoon a short drive of 30 minutes from the Bagh brings you to the Village Dhikhola, a quaint and rustic village, where time has stood still. You can explore the village and the fort owned by the family. Enjoy the sundowners while listening to the stories of the by gone era.

Morning explore the area with your hosts visiting the farmlands owned and maintained by the Royal family. You will also have the opportunity of visiting a local school as well.

Later depart by surface for Jaipur (approx. 4 – 5 hours).

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the color of the buildings in the city. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra – an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.

Evening is reserved for special cooking demonstration/dinner with Thakur Durga Singh, the current custodian of Dera Mandawa, who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, current affairs, and is a bank of knowledge so vast that he has a point of view on anything under the sun. He is what one could call a modern traditionalist, actively seeking the use of modern technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living. The inquisitive can have endless conversations with him on a number of his projects like rain – water harvesting, biogas plant, solar heating and even healthy cooking. He would be more than delighted to share his experiences with you.

In the morning start your tour by visiting the magnificent Amber Fort. It was once the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you can climb up to the fort in approximately 10 minutes but a jeep or elephant ride will spare you the trouble of walking up to the fortress.

Afternoon you will visit the Jaipur Literature Festival. From Nobel laureates to local language writers, Man Booker prize winners to debut novelists, every January the most remarkable, witty, sensitive and brilliant collection of authors come together for five days of readings, debates and discussions at the beautiful Diggi Palace.

Jaipur Literature Festival began in 2006 and is now regarded as a cultural catalyst within India and around the world, exposing audiences to a constant flow of ideas. Featuring live music sessions and interactive workshops, the festival provides a space to dare, dream and imagine.

Visit the City Palace and Royal Observatory. The City Palace houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings and an armory. Then, continue on to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar) built in the 17th century by Jai Singh, a famous astronomer. The observatory has a 900-foot-high sundial. The Central museum founded in 1876 has a large collection of antiques.

Later drive past the Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Hawa Mahal built in a unique design is the landmark of Jaipur and was used by the ladies of the court to watch the daily goings on in the street below. The pink sandstone carvings are extremely intricate and it is a great place to take pictures.

Afternoon is free to visit the Jaipur Literature Festival.

Today early morning experience the spiritual side of the locals by visiting colorful temples, interact with residents over a cup of tea in their homes and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating area of Jaipur. The walk has been carefully designed to offer a rewarding and enriching experience. This walk uncovers some of the best – kept secrets of the walled city of Jaipur by meeting residents and gaining an insight into their lives.

Post breakfast depart by surface for Ranthambore. (approx. 3 hours)

On arrival at Ranthambore, you will check into the lodge.

In the afternoon visit Dastkar’s Organization that was started in 1981 by six women who came together to start an organization that dealt with the problems of traditional artisans in contemporary India. They all shared the belief that craft despite the strains of urbanization and industrialization is still viable-with a vital role to play in the economic mainstream of the country. While the roots of all craft traditions are based on social, cultural or religious customs, one must remember that craft is an important economic activity and the second largest source of income for rural people in India today.

Meet some of the locals who have been trained in tiger art to create the images of beautiful animals on paper and canvas. The revenue generated by selling these paintings creates awareness and supports the people of the region to protect these endangered species.

Explore the park by taking one morning and one afternoon game drive.

Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks.
Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing amongst a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture.

Ranthambore is perhaps most famous for being one of the original ‘Project Tiger’ reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a tiger. Whether or not you see tiger on this holiday, you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety and number of other mammals and birds that make the park their home.

You may also choose to take time to visit the spectacular ruins of Ranthambore Fort whose massive battlements dominate the reserve and provide outstanding views over the region.

Evening is reserved for an interesting wildlife session with an expert / in-house naturalist who will be glad to share how the Project Tiger started and its positive impact on wildlife and society in creating awareness to save the endangered species. He / She will be glad to answer all your questions relating to wildlife

Post breakfast drive to Agra (approx. 6 hours) and en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition.

Visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise.

The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden designs, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb. The monument changes with light and presents differently at different times of the day.

Post breakfast visit the massive Agra Fort that was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience).

Late afternoon enjoy Hi Tea with local family and later proceed for the Kachpura Heritage Walk. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset from across the river.

Today depart by surface for Delhi (approx. 4 hours 30 minutes).

On arrival at Delhi, drive through the city viewing the Diplomatic Enclave, government buildings, Central Secretariat, President’s House and Parliament.

Visit Qutub Minar, the five-storied tower, with a 14.4meter base that tapers up to two and a half meters at the top and is visible for a long distance around.

Morning is reserved for a talk on the art movement in India from miniature paintings to contemporary art along with the introduction to the miniature paintings. Visit to different art galleries can be organized as per the requirement of the guest like a visit to Modern Art Gallery, National Museum and private galleries as well.

Afternoon visit the Crafts Museum which takes you through the rural surroundings that have been painstakingly created to imitate typical Indian villages with craftsmen sitting outside the museum and displaying their skills. Also known as the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, the Crafts Museum Delhi is a huge complex that houses a wide range of traditional and creative crafts that ranges from terracotta horses to handmade jewelery from different tribes in the country.

Today you have a full day to visit the Indian Art Fair with an expert.

The India Art Fair continues to be one of the worlds most attended events of its kind attracting over 400,000 people since its inception. The 6th edition saw 91 exhibiting booths and 1000 artist from around the world comprising of 50% international and 50% Indian galleries. The art fair includes several pavilions of exhibits by galleries and solo projects by several artists. It also has an art education series with guided walks conducted by curators and students of art history. Simultaneously, there is a speaker’s forum with panels of Indian and international experts from the art domain to discuss issues pertaining to the art in the region.

Today assisted departure transfer to the International airport to board the flight for home.