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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
