Artists of the White Desert - Creative Travel I A family

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Artists of the White Desert

Dive into the spectacular art and cultural heritage of India with this tour that explores art, handicrafts and textiles from around the country. Witness local craftsmen at work, creating their masterpieces. Visit magnificent forts, palaces and lakes that highlight Indian craftmanship. And attend the mesmerising Rann Utsav, a cultural extravaganza of music and dance set under the full moon on a sprawling salt desert. On this incredible journey, you get to meet and interact with local artisans, craftsmen and weavers to learn more about their art; visit colourful markets; enjoy local cuisines and immerse in the

entire cultural extravaganza that is India. This is a great journey for art and fashion enthusiasts, especially those interested in the unique textile and crafts legacy of India. Tour Expert Rema Kumar Renowned Fashion & Textile Expert Rema Kumar, textile designer based in New Delhi, has been working with weavers and master craftsmen of India for 20 years. She works with weavers to produce saris, dupattas, stoles, shawls and yardage. Thereafter, she adds on the finer details to these fabrics by way of various printing and cutworks. Rema runs her casual and semi-formal Indian wear label “Outlooks” and in 2001, launched her store 'Alter Ego', now called ‘Add Ons’. Her collections have been sold under the label “Rema Kumar” through her flagship store in Delhi. She was also invited to represent India at the Asian Fair at Tokyo and Yokohama.

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Saturday, 02nd February 2019: Arrive in Delhi - by flight

• Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport

• Welcome greetings & transfer to your hotel for check-in

• Dinner & briefing by your journey expert

• Overnight stay at the hotel

Welcome to India! The capital of India, Delhi is a curious mix of the traditional and the modern. Prepare to be charmed by the seamless intermingling of the old and the new. Monuments that have stood witness to the rise and fall of empires stand harmoniously by new-age restaurants and bars that offer a variety of world cuisines! You will be met by your guest ambassador at the arrival area of the airport, after clearing immigration and customs formalities. Depart for your hotel where you will check in for your stay. Sunday, 03rd February 2019: In Delhi

• Breakfast at hotel

• Full day visit old & new Delhi

• Afternoon visit a designer’s studio

• Overnight at hotel

Kickstart your journey with a full day exploration of this historic city. Delhi’s recorded history dates to over 1500 BC, and each kingdom that ruled over the city has left an indelible mark on it.

Start the day with a rickshaw ride through the walled city of Old Delhi. Here you will find glimpses of the splendour and romance of Delhi’s erstwhile royalty. Old Delhi is a walled city that was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after he switched his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. Drive past the opulent Red Fort, which served as the main residence of the Mughals for over 200 years. Later, we explore New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920's, in sharp contrast to Old Delhi with its broad tree-lined avenues, punctuated by Mughal-style gardens and colonial bungalows. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue,

Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, President House and the Parliament House. Visit Humayun's tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture, built by the emperor’s wife Begai Begum, and said to be the blueprint for the renowned monument of love, the Taj Mahal! Walk through the tiny lanes of Shahpur Jat, an urban village that has emerged as one of the trendiest fashion hubs in Delhi. At Rema Kumar’s venture – Add Ons – you will find a variety of indigenous textiles and accessories produced in collaboration with local weavers and craftsmen. Pattachitra sketches, which traditionally tell stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, have been reinterpreted and take on floral and paisley patterns on everyday objects like trays and coasters. Unlikely objects like framed papier-mâché combs are used as wall-hangings. From the stone-crushers of Jaisalmer to the kalamkari artists of Andhra Pradesh, weavers of Varanasi and Gond tribal artists of Madhya Pradesh, here’s your chance to soak in Indian craftmanship in all its forms.


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Monday, 04th February 2019: Delhi/ Agra (By Surface)


• Drive to Agra (approximately 4 ½ hrs)

• Visit Agra fort and a marble factory

• Dinner & overnight at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Agra, approximately 4½ hrs. away. Agra is the city of love and longing, meticulously planned, built and nurtured by three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan, during the most glorious era of the Mughal empire. The buildings spread across Agra are stellar examples of Mughal architecture and engineering. After checking in at the hotel we proceed to visit Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. Agra Fort is one of the finest forts built by the Mughals in India. Built as a military fort, it was later converted into an opulent palace by Shah Jahan, who was later imprisoned there by his son Aurangzeb.

As you explore this city, look out for its iconic “marble inlay” work, one of the most beautiful and popular forms of Indian art introduced by the Mughals back in the 17th century. See how a variety of floral, trellis, creeper and geometric patterns are finely carved on the marble surface and embedded with semi-precious stones. The Mughals were known for their passion for the arts and the period of their rule was a golden age for Indian architecture. Agra’s “marble inlay” heritage is a fine example of this legacy.

Tuesday, 05th February 2019: Agra / Jaipur ( By Surface )


• Morning visit Taj Mahal

• Drive to Jaipur (approximately 6 hrs)


Today, we visit the much-awaited monument of love, Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj is a classic example of the masterfully beautiful marble inlay work of Agra. This magnificent monument took over 20 years and more than 20,000 craftsmen to complete, according to some accounts. One of the most popular stories about the monument is that once construction was completed, Shah Jahan had its architect’s hands cut off, and eyes blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure.

The area surrounding the monument is protected and hence, vehicles aren’t allowed to go all the way. We will embark at the parking lot and board battery buses to the Taj.


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Wednesday, 06th February 2019: In Jaipur


• Morning visit Sanganer & Bagru

• Afternoon city tour of Jaipur


This morning, we visit two important centres of local craftsmanship, Sanganer and Bagru. Learn about the renowned arts of block printing and tie-die, synonymous with Indian textiles for many generations. Across the region, one can find distinctive styles and methods of printing using locally available natural materials and motifs.

The block printed textiles of Sanganer became famous in the 16th-17th centuries in Europe, when the East India Company began to export them in bulk. Today, there are over 154 block printing units in Sanganer, employing around 20,000 people, producing the much sought-after Sanganer prints, that are sold all over the country and the world. Also explore the prints of Bagru, one of Rajasthan's most important centres of hand block printing, dating back to over 300 years. Bagru prints are famous for their exceptional quality and for being eco-friendly. Even today, artisans use traditional vegetable dyes for printing the cloth. Next, we check out Rajasthan’s famous blue pottery, a popular Rajasthani art form, known for its exquisite work. There are many craftsmen in Jaipur who prepare blue pottery using blue, green and white colours. Today is your chance to get in-depth knowledge on this craft from a master craftsman.

In the afternoon, we visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. Also visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, a bizarre garden of astronomical structures, where one cannot help but be amazed by how astronomers calculated eclipses and planetary positions accurately without sophisticated computers! Followed by a photo visit of Jaipur’s most popular and most photographed monument, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.


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Thursday, 07th February 2019 : Jaipur/ Udaipur (By Jet Airways flight 1600 / 1700 hrs)


• Morning visit Amer fort

• Evening fly to Udaipur


After breakfast, proceed for a half-day excursion of the inspiring Amer Fort, 11 Kms form Jaipur. Amer Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Ride up to the fort in a Jeep and walk through its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, one can almost visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered!

Friday, 08th February 2019: In Udaipur


• Morning visit the city

• Afternoon visit Molela village of terracotta artisans

• Overnight at hotel Nestled in the folds of the Aravalli range, Udaipur looks lush and green, vastly different from the arid and mountainous landscapes seen across Rajasthan. The rulers of the Mewar region of Rajasthan chose Udaipur as their capital city, where the imposing City Palace still stands as a grand testament to their power and riches. This morning, we visit the City Palace. Within the complex is the Jagdish temple, an ornately designed temple which is over four hundred years old. Its beautifully carved pillars and ceilings, along with the temple spire that towers over all the other buildings in the vicinity, make it an unmissable sight. Later, stroll through the royal gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari to admire the ornamental lotus pools and relive the lives led by the royalty and their consorts.

Later, we meet the talented Molela potters of the region, who specialise in murtis or idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. The red clay of Molela village is said to have a special quality that makes it impervious to breakage. Each January, tribal groups from northern India come to Molela to procure murtis for the upcoming year. Some are painted with brightly-coloured vegetable dyes, while others are left in their original state. Lately, the artists of Molela have begun experimenting with secular designs, and their work is now being used to decorate the walls of urban Indian homes and offices. Today, we will meet one of Molela’s finest potters to learn more about the art.


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Saturday, 09th February 2019: Udaipur/ Ahmedabad (By surface)


• Morning drive to Ahmedabad (approximately 6 hours)

• Evening traditional vegetarian dinner & visit Utensils Museum at Vishala


After breakfast, we drive down to the city of Ahmedabad. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river in the eastern state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad offers an interesting mix of architecture – from ancient mosques, palaces and tombs to cutting-edge modern buildings. Early in the city’s history, under Ahmed Shah, the Rajput Muslim ruler who laid the foundation for the city, builders fused Hindu craftsmanship with Persian architecture, giving rise to the Indo-Saracenic style.

Visit the Vechaar Utensils Museum in the evening followed by dinner at Vishalla, which serves mouth-watering traditional Gujarati vegetarian food, set inside a typical village ambience. Vishalla's portrayal as a typical Indian village can be traced back to the childhood memories of the designer. In the city, he could never find the same free, relaxed, natural living that he had experienced during the school vacations he spent in the village. Today, the restaurant presents Indian culture and tradition in its village-like environment, where people come to escape urban life.

Also visit the remarkable museum of old utensils known as Vechaar – the only museum of its kind in the world, displaying a precious collection of utensils. A walk around the hut-like museum makes one's heart skip a beat, marvelling at the inimitable beauty of these ingenious utensils, passed down from a time that did not enjoy today’s modern facilities. (Note: Liquor is prohibited for residents in Ahmedabad, Kutch and Bhuj, which are part of Gujrat state, but visitors and tourists can buy it within permissible quota per week, such as 12 bottles of beer or one litre of wine, from liquor shop after furnishing documents like passport.)


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Sunday, 10th February 2019: In Ahmedabad


• Morning visit Calico museum

• Excursion to Pethapur village

• En route visit Adlaj Vav & Gandhi ashram


Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles where you can explore Indian textiles influenced by the Mughal and Provincial Courts of 17th-19th century. Catch glimpses of the textile trade of India and its relationship with the outside world since the 15th century. The museum also showcases regional embroideries from areas like Sindh, Kutch, Kathiawad, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Bengal, Punjab, Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) as well as techniques of weaving and dyeing wooden blocks for printing. Next, we explore the Adalaj Stepwell, a unique Hindu ‘water building’ set in the quite village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad.

The stepwell was built in 1499 by Muslim king Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba, wife of Veer Singh, the Vaghela chieftain. The step well or ‘Vav’, as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is five stories in depth. It has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Villagers would come here every morning to fill water, offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls and interact with each other in the cool shade of the vav.

Explore the Sabarmati Ashram, from where Mahatma Gandhi drove some of the major activities of India’s independence struggle. Gandhi stayed in the ashram for many years before he finally proceeded for a march to Dandi to break the salt law in March 1930. Before starting the march to Dandi, Gandhi declared that he will not return to the ashram before the independence of the country. Also visit the Pethapur village in Gandhinagar to get bewitched by the intricate geometric and floral motifs, delicate and bold patterns of block printing, which represent the design

sensibility of Gujarat. Block printing has remained the mainstay of the one of the oldest textile craft forms in the world and Gujarat is the top destination to explore it. Likewise, block carving is another form of textile craft, where the maker leaves a personal impression at every step.


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Monday, 11th February 2019: Ahmedabad/ Little Rann of Kutch (By surface)


• Morning drive to little Rann of Kutch (100 km / 2½ hrr)

• Lunch at the resort

• Afternoon safari to wild ass sanctuary

• Dinner & overnight at resort

After breakfast, drive to little Rann of Kutch and check in at the resort.

After lunch, enjoy a safari to the Wild Ass Sanctuary of the Little Rann of Kutch. Spread across nearly 5000 square kilometres of the Little Rann, this is the only place on earth where the endangered Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), known locally as the ghudkhar, still lives. The only other subspecies of wild asses live in the high arid plateaus of Tibet, making this the most accessible place to see wild asses in their natural environs. The sanctuary is home to far more than just the wild ass. Among the 32 other species of mammals are the chinkara (Indian gazelle), two types of desert fox (Indian and White-footed), jackals, caracals

(African lynx), nilgais (the largest antelope of Asia), Indian wolves, blackbucks, and striped hyenas. From the salty desert, periodically inundated during the monsoons, to wetlands where freshwater rivers drain through the Rann mixing into the seawater at the Gulf of Kutch, and the scrub forests found on the beyts, the variety of vegetation here supports an equal variety of fauna. Tuesday, 12th February 2019: Little Rann of Kutch/ White Rann of Kutch (By surface)

• Breakfast at resort

• Morning drive to White Rann of Kutch (appx. 6 hrs)

• Evening enjoy activities during Rann Utsav

• Lunch, dinner & overnight at tent

Today, we visit the awe inspiring Rann Utsav, a mesmerising carnival of music, dance, set amidst the natural beauty of the salt desert, made even more stunning when visited at full moon. The shimmering landscape offers an enchanting setting to this festival, making it one of the most unique and memorable experiences to take back from Gujarat. Participate in various activities like golf cart rides, ATV rides, camel cart excursions, paramotoring, meditation, yoga and various cultural immersions.


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Wednesday, 13th February 2019: In White Rann of Kutch

• Breakfast at tent

• Enjoy activities at Rann utsav

• Lunch, dinner & overnight at tent

Kutch, located in the State of Gujarat, is blessed with one of the most ecologically and culturally abundant landscapes. The brimming profusion of nature’s beauty, culture and tradition, exploding colours and celebrations – all together reflect the magnificence of the kaleidoscopic that is Kutch. It is impossible not to be affected by the spectacular sight of a boundless white desert under the moonlight, that will leave you feeling enticingly close to nature. Immerse in the local culture with distinctive folk dances and music, intricate arts and crafts, gracious people and nature along with the

affluent handicrafts of the district including folk textiles, exquisite embroidery, Bandhani sarees, traditional ornaments and mirror work. Rann Utsav is celebrated in the Dhordo village of Kutch, 85 km from Bhuj. Thursday, 14th February 2019: White Rann of Kutch/ Bhuj (By surface)/ Mumbai (By Jet Airways flight 1620/ 1745 hrs)


• Drive to Bhuj (appx. 2 ½ hrs)

• Visit an artisan village of textiles

• Fly to Mumbai


After breakfast, drive to Bhuj. On route, we visit a small town just 8 km southeast of Bhuj, Bhujodi – a major textile centre of Kutch, with a majority of the 1200 inhabitants involved in textile handicraft production. Here you can meet weavers, tie-dye artists and block printers. Later, transfer to Bhuj airport to board flight to Mumbai. On arrival transfer to hotel in Mumbai.


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Friday, 15th February 2019: In Mumbai

• Early breakfast at hotel

• Five Senses walking tour including lunch (approx 0830 – 1500 hrs)

• Evening free time


The 5 Senses walk, as the name suggests, will take you on a journey of 5 different experiences (covering taste, smell, touch, sound and vision) that offer a true perspective of this city. Mumbai city tours have long been just about monuments. And while history is essential to tell the story of the city, it’s not the only way to define it. Mumbai is as much about the historic sights, as it is about the people and their distinct culture. This tour pays homage to Mumbai in its entirety by creating fun and engaging daylong activities that don’t dwell on just the history but go beyond to tingle all your sense with everything quintessentially Mumbai.

Saturday, 16th February 2019: Depart Mumbai (By Flight)

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Transfer to Airport to board the flight towards onward destination

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination.

End of Journey


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QUOTE Rates are valid from 02nd – 16th February ’2019

Included accommodation:

City Name of hotel Type of hotel

Delhi Hotel Le Meridien Luxury Hotel

Agra Courtyard by Marriott Boutique Hotel

Jaipur Jaipur Marriott hotel Luxury Hotel

Udaipur Fateh Prakash Palace Heritage Hotel

Ahmedabad Hyatt Boutique Hotel

Little Rann of Kutch Rann Riders Boutique resort

White Rann of Kutch Deluxe tent Tent

Mumbai The Trident Nariman Point Luxury Hotel

Journey Cost ( Assured journey operation with minimum 2 guests ) :

GBP EURO USD AUD

Per Person journey package cost on twin sharing basis

5345 6070 7480 9760

Single room supplement over & above the journey package cost

1165 1320 1630 2130

Air fare in economy class for the sector- Jaipur / Udaipur & Bhuj / Mumbai

260 300 380 480

*Air fare subject to change at the time of booking. What’s Included

• Journey led by an expert resource • Accommodation based on twin / double sharing basis including breakfast for 14 nights & 15 days • Lunch and dinner as per the program • Drinks with the welcome dinner on first night • All transfers, journeys & excursions by appropriate air-conditioned vehicles based on the number

of guests • All entrance fees at the places of interest based on the program • Assistance on all arrival, departure & during the journey • Visit to a textile designer studio • Meet with local weavers & artisans in various places • Wildlife safari • Participate in Rann Utsav • Walking journey in Mumbai • Porterage at airport & hotels • All currently applicable taxes


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What’s Not Included

• All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, shopping etc. • Meals not included and mentioned in the program • Personal fees for cameras at the places of visit, depends on size of camera and equipment • Any International airfare or domestic airfare (which is quoted separately). • All flight schedules and airfare are subject to change till the time of final booking • Any Visa fee (all nationalities require an entry visa prior to arrival in India)

Special Notes

• Please send all bookings and information related emails to our Special Projects team at [email protected]

• Copies of passports for all guests will be required at the time of booking • Check in times at the hotels are 1400 Hrs. / Check out times at the hotels are 1200 noon • Free baggage allowance on domestic flights, as prevails currently (subject to change): • Economy Class passengers: 20 kilos per person in check-in bag and 7 kilos in cabin bag. Excess baggage

allowance can be purchased online in advance or at the airport while checking in. • Due to any unforeseen circumstances, if any airline opts to cancel / withdraw their flight operation(s)

on particular sector(s) their liability is limited to the 100% refund of the airfare charged for the particular sector(s) and do not stand responsible for re-routing or re-booking seats on any other airline. In such events / situations, Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd. will try best to work out most suitable alternative option to make our guests travel and all applicable supplement(s), if any, to be borne by the guests / passengers

• The driving times mentioned in the proposal are approximate and as per normal traffic & road conditions

• The maximum group size will be 24 guests to ensure a delightful experience • Journey prices are based on current taxes, in case of any change, the same will be levied additionally


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Booking, Cancellation and Amendment fee.

Booking:

1. 25 % of Journey cost to be paid at the time of booking 2. Remaining payment to be paid 70 days prior to Journey 3. If booking is made within 70 days of the journey, full payment is required to confirm the Journey 4. Payment can be made by bank transfer or through Creative's online payment gateway

Cancellation:

1. Up-to 70 days prior to Journey - 10% cancellation fee shall be applicable 2. Between 69 - 50 days prior to Journey - 25% cancellation fee shall be applicable 3. Between 49 - 31 days prior to Journey - 50% cancellation fee shall be applicable 4. Less than 30 days prior to Journey - 100% cancellation fee shall be applicable

Name change:

1. Accommodation: Free of cost up to 72 hours before arrival 2. Flights: A fee of US$ 55 per person, per sector shall be applicable along with any change in the ticket fare 3. Trains : A fee of US $ 5 per person, per sector shall be applicable

Cancellations and material alteration by Creative Travel : The journeys are planned well in advance. We reserve the right to modify itineraries, substitute accommodations, including flights and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond our control such as 'force majeure' events - flood, fire, act of God, war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activities, strikes, airport closure, technical problems with transport, alteration or cancellation of scheduled travel services. Most of the changes will be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date but occasionally there could be a major change closer to the departure date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of guests required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. In both conditions of change / cancellation, you will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements or cancelling your booked holiday and receiving a full refund deducting the taxes except where the major change / cancellation arises due to reasons of force majeure. In case of force majeure, we will refund you for all unutilised services after deducting the taxes.


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Artists of the White Desert - Creative Travel I A family