EXPERIENCE 1:
TITLE: EVENING WALK OF JAIPUR
LOCATION: JAIPUR
From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur have patronised the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and as a result modern day Jaipur is considered by many as the crafts capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. In the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishweshwarji, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen using skills passed down through generations.
On this fascinating evening walk, mingle and talk with locals whilst sampling some of the regions culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tikki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewellers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of the Winds, is both the meeting and starting point of this two and a half hour walk.
EXPERIENCE 2
TITLE: REDISCOVER DELHI
LOCATION: DELHI
This full day tour is full of pleasant surprises and is going to arouse all your senses. The best place to start is from the charmingly vibrant streets of Old Delhi. Here you have, on the one hand, historic Mughal architecture to marvel at, and on the other, the hubbub of Chandni Chowk showcasing the diversity in food, culture, trading, and attires. Spend time at the Jama Masjid – the largest and the most magnificent mosque in India. Treat your eyes to the architectural brilliance of the massive courtyard where thousands of devotees gather during Eid.
A highlight of the tour is the attar (perfume) making workshop, where you get to blend different essences and create your signature scent. You get to take your creation back as a souvenir. The tour also gives you the opportunity to spend time with the residents of a children’s home in a unique session. Lunch is at a secret destination full of culinary history. Lastly, stimulate your auditory senses as you relax to the soulful chanting of the Holy Words at a Sikh temple. Soak in the serenity in the heart of urban chaos, before you explore the place and take a peek inside the community kitchen.
EXPERIENCE 3
TITLE: UDAIPUR BY CYCLE
LOCATION: UDAIPUR
The cycling tour of Udaipur is very special as it gives you a chance to peek into the hustle bustle of Udaipur’s city life in a short span of time. Get ready to explore the heart of Udaipur, and absorb the passionate dedication of local craftsmen & artists of various specialties. Discover the city beyond its lakes and palaces. When you paddle your way through Udaipur and explore it on bicycles with us, you also contribute towards responsible travel and help reduce the carbon footprint
EXPERIENCE 4
TITLE: COOKING LESSON AT DERA MANDAWA
LOCATION: JAIPUR
Come and discover the 19TH century Dera Mandawa Homestay and its affable and charming hosts, who will definitely make you feel at home. Get to know better the owner of the place by sharing a homemade dinner, made in a friendly atmosphere during a cooking demonstration. Neatly typed cooking recipes in a handmade paper folder will be given as a take away. The cooking covers ingredients and recipes of Rajasthan which you can easily replicate at home. You can also work hands on and can cook on the cooking station.
EXPERIENCE 5
TITLE: BAGRU BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP
LOCATION: JAIPUR
Bagru is a little town 30kms from Jaipur. Known for its unique art of block printing, Bagru has emerged as a major hub for textile printing in Rajasthan with over a 100 small and large units. In this hands-on experience you will create your own piece of textile art under a mentor and take it back with you as a memento. Be careful, you might be judged for your printing proficiency and alignment.
EXPERIENCE 6
TITLE: MORNING WALK OF JAIPUR
LOCATION: JAIPUR
The morning walk of Jaipur is a great way to experience the daily rhythm of the local communities. Visit colourful temples, interact with residents, get to know about the living traditions, discover architectural wonders, and uncover some of the best kept secrets of the walled city of Jaipur. Witness the Pink City stir awake from slumber as you make your way through its different quarters.
EXPERIENCE 7
TITLE: WALK THROUGH THE NORTHERN BAZAARS & HIDDEN ALLEYS OF VARANASI
LOCATION: VARANASI
Take a walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi and discover its many secrets. Make your way through colourful bazaars in the northern part of the city and peep inside workspaces of local artisans who have been living here for years. The tour ends at the Kal Bhairava temple, dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva as the destroyer of one’s ego.
EXPERIENCE 8
TITLE: MORNING WALKING TOUR OF COCHIN
LOCATION: COCHIN
Explore the old town of Fort Kochi that gained popularity over the years as an important port used by traders from across the world. It was an important commercial centre with a heady mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. They built houses, churches, and other buildings that went on to become important landmarks of the city. The walk takes you through old towns of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, along the street lined with many colourful shops, charming colonial buildings, small cafes, and the fishing nets near the beach area introduced by traders from Kubla Khan’s court. Learn about the different communities here on this delightful walk.
EXPERIENCE 9
TITLE: RIVERSIDE WALK OF VARANASI
LOCATION: VARANASI
Varanasi is famous for its diverse traditions and cultures. People, irrespective of their social standing, come here to attain moksha (salvation) by spending the last days of their lives by the banks of the River Ganga. This walk takes you to Bengali Tola, a suburb of the Bengali community and one of the most interesting quarters of Varanasi. It begins at an historic fortress, winds its way through narrow alleys, past the oldest intact Shiva temple in Varanasi, eventually landing you in Bengali Tola. Here you will visit a hidden Kali temple before heading to the historic Dashashwamedh Ghat which is famous for its daily Ganga Aarti at dusk.
EXPERIENCE 10
TITLE: NIGHT WALK OF VARANASI
LOCATION: VARANASI
It is believed that people who die in Varanasi is freed from the suffering laden cycle of death and rebirth. People, irrespective of their social standing, come here to attain moksha (salvation) by spending the last days of their lives by the banks of the River Ganga. This night walk dwells into philosophy of life, death and rebirth. Begin the tour at a fertility temple, visit an ashram of the Aghors, a mystical sect known for their extreme rituals, pass cremation grounds at a distance and end the tour by witnessing the evening service of Goddess who is said to be the destroyer of one’s sorrows.
EXPERIENCE 11
TITLE: MUMBAI BY DAWN
LOCATION: MUMBAI
Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Millions of people come from all over India to the industrial capital of the country to eke out a living. Watching this lively city wake up gives you deep cultural insights into the real Mumbai.
Wake up at the crack of dawn to start your tour at the chaotic docks, where you will find yourself amidst a fish auction of the famous Bombay Duck. Witness vendors faultlessly sorting out newspapers in 7 different languages in the middle of the road. Understand the logistics of food distribution; watch people bargaining with wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors to pick up fresh produce for the day ahead. Finally, get the glimpse of daily lives – bread-boys carrying fresh bread, the milkman riding past with milk canisters, and hundreds of vendors sitting atop a bridge selling flowers and leafy vegetables. The most amazing part of this tour is everything disappears by 8 in the morning. End the tour at a cricket ground learning about the game that is almost like a religion in India.
EXPERIENCE 12
TITLE: SPICES AND OTHER STORIES
LOCATION: THEKKADY
The tour starts with a short jeep ride to a viewpoint where guests get a bird’s eye view of Kumily town, the Periyar National Park, agricultural fields, and forests. From here, a 10 minutes’ drive takes guests to a village where they spend time getting to know about the locals, the spices they grow, the local agrarian economy, and the aspirations of the young. The final stop is the home of a spice farmer who has received many awards for best agricultural practices. The farmer himself, or one of his family members, takes guests around the farm and explains in detail about spices – the variety, the various processes, and the market. The tour ends with a cup of spice tea and homemade chocolates at the farmer’s home. One can choose to do this tour by cycling or with a jeep ride with short walks.
EXPERIENCE 13
TITLE: KOCHI BY CYCLE
LOCATION: COCHIN
Start your morning bright and early, cycling through the picturesque seaside Fort Kochi, and witness the city stir awake. Join the locals for a brimming hot cup of tea as they start with their day, where you get a peek into the life and times of the diverse communities from all over India that have made Fort Kochi their home. Ride along to catch all the morning action with the hustle-bustle in the fish market. Then, of course, to make up for all the burnt calories, end with a sumptuous local breakfast!
EXPERIENCE 14
TITLE: CHURCHES, FOOD, AND BEACHES OF GOA
LOCATION: GOA
This full day tour highlights what Goa is famous for – churches, food, and beaches! Start the day with a visit to the fabulous Basilica of Bom Jesus, which represents the rich and varied heritage of Goa and is the best example of baroque architecture. It is here that the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined. Later, walk to another church, Se Cathedral, located just across the road. It is one of the largest churches in Goa with its construction reflecting the Portuguese – Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Proceed to a spice plantation to enjoy a lunch of Goan delicacies. Thereafter, you will head down to one of the beaches of Goa for a relaxed time by the sea. Have a quiet down time, swim or simply bask in the glorious sun.
EXPERIENCE 15
TITLE: TOY STORIES OF CHANNAPATNA
LOCATION: CHANNAPATNA
Channapatna is home to the art of wooden toy making for over 200 years now. These toys are so unique that they found their way to the residence of the former President of the USA – Barack Obama. Your host takes you through the complete toy manufacturing process at an artisan work facility along with an introduction to the history of the craft, its uniqueness, and special features. While all the toys are made using machines, you also get to visit a nearby village where lacquerer craft is practiced on hand driven lathes in its original form. The tour ends at the facility where you can try your hands at creating a souvenir for yourself under the watchful eyes of a master artisan. You can take back some of the souvenirs from the gift shop within the premises.
EXPERIENCE 16
TITLE: A DAY IN AUROVILLE
LOCATION: PONDICHERRY
Auroville is an experimental international community, known as ‘City of Dawn’, founded for people from all over the world who wish to live in harmony. Walk with a resident of Auroville, who is settled inside this community for 3 generations. He will give you a first-hand insight into how this community has flourished. Get to know more about the creators and conservators of art, crafts, and skilled handicrafts within Auroville. Get familiarised with different projects including herbal workshop, musical instrument making, wallpaper workshop, and much more.
EXPERIENCE 17
TITLE: EXPLORING MYLAPORE – THE PEACOCK TRAIL
LOCATION: CHENNAI
Take a walk in Mylapore, a bustling neighbourhood in the heart of Chennai that pre-dates the city by at least 2000 years. This trail weaves stories of gods and demons, harmony, stories of local life, of ancient customs and symbolisms, and of Mylapore and Madras in the busy alleys and nooks. Riddled with numerous stories hidden away in the mundane rituals of life, this is a great way to start your journey into South India.
EXPERIENCE 18
TITLE: BREWLICIOUS – A COFFEE TASTING SESSION
LOCATION: CHIKAMAGALUR
Did you know India is the only country where coffee is grown in shade? Learn this and a lot more about Indian coffee and how 1 coffee bean can have so many avatars. Your host comes from 3rd generation coffee planters and has put this experience together at her cosy home set in the middle of acres of coffee trees and the shade of silver oak trees. Needless to say that you will be left with a mild caffeine buzz at the end of the session. Sophisticated and engaging – the entire experience will make you a coffee perfectionist.
EXPERIENCE 19
TITLE: THE BENGAL RENAISSANCE
LOCATION: KOLKATA
Kolkata is considered as the cultural capital of India, thanks to her renaissance phase within the colonial period and the post-independence radical politics. This walk will take you through College Street, the most cerebral road in the city, where you will find even a cigarette shop that sells books!
You’d be walking to get familiarised with some of most celebrated historical educational institutions of India, that are nerve centres of radical students politics, with India’s most happening rendezvous of intellectuals, with almost extinct letter presses which once commanded the printing scenario of the city, and of course – with the largest open air book market in the world.
EXPERIENCE 20
TITLE: REDISCOVERING THE ELYSIUM HILL
LOCATION: SHIMLA
In this trail, you go around one of the 7 Hills – the Elysium Hill, which is tantalizingly close to the Mall road, yet surprisingly peaceful and quiet. On this walking trail, you will learn how Shimla has evolved over the years. You will go past the famous Lakkar Bazzar, the house of the Chief Engineer of Kalka Shimla Railway, the Auckland School –once the house of Alexander Malcolm Jacob, the man who sold the Jacob Diamond, Chapslee – built in 1838 as the Lodge to secretary of the British Governor General and Longwood – a residential locality. On the way, admire the beautiful blossoms and stop briefly to hear the story of Sterling Castle, one of the first 3 houses of Shimla built in 1833. This is a Shimla you never thought existed.
EXPERIENCE 21
TITLE: INTO THE WILDS OF CHITRAKOOT
LOCATION: BUNDELKHAND
A foray into the heart of Bundelkhand, the wilds of Chitrakoot is not for everyone. This sparsely populated region is a tough landscape to survive in, but generations have called this home. This exploration is a dive into a land that is almost never on the touristic map. Delve into the India where the going gets tough and the rewards are soul stirring. Long drives, virgin waterfalls, lazy rivers, camping, history, culinary treat, unmatched hospitality, and the company of informed facilitators, who love to talk about history are the treasures waiting for you in this extraordinary 2 night tour ex Chitrakoot.
