Invisible-Visible India:

 

From Political Capital to translation of civilization in regional areas of Western India. From Plains to the Deccan Plateau and Arabian Sea to salt wastelands. A Celebration of human spirit and color

 

Day 1:

 

Arrival in Delhi

 

:Orientation to traveling in India. Distribution of guided notes on the places that you will visit.

 

tour to Old Delhi (log onto our link on Delhi walks to choose the experience you want)

 

Day 1 Drive through:

 

Day 2:

 

Morning flight to Ahemadabad.

 

Regional expressions of Indo Islamic sensibilities, Stepwells, Textiles, Rituals, National Movement, Crafts and Indigenous communities.

 

Ahemadabad: regional Flavors of Indo Islamic Traditions and Nationalism : Textiles, Stepwells, Hindu Temples, Esoteric Jain Temples,

 

Regional Islamic Architecture, Utensil museum, regional cuisine and the Essence of Gandhi and milestones in contemporary architecture.Stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan as traditional methods of water harvesting become almost similar to temples, intricately sculpted they have diverse functions and symbolism .

 

The first day of the tour will comprise of a visit to a stepwell in Ahemadabad followed by an out of town to the 10thc Sun Temple in Modehera.

 

The tour will then proceed to the town of Patan the ancient 8th c capital has one of the most elaborate 11thc setpwell that is sculpted with images related to water cosmology. The visit to Patan will include a visit to the home of textile weavers who are engaged in weaving Patan sarees. The weaving technique is that of double Ikat. Ikat apparently goes out of India to other parts of the world from this center.

 

We return to Ahemadabad and preceding the traditional Gujrati dinner will be a visit to a unique 'utensil' museum .

 

Day 3:

 

Early morning Ahemadabad walk that covers Jain and regional Islamic heritage. This will be followed by a visit to the textile museum. Post lunch a visit to Gandhi's Ashram (hermitage) and driving tour of some regional Islamic architecture along with contemporary architecture -work of la corbeau architecture in Headband as showcased in the Museum of Ahemadabad.

 

Day 4:

 

Ktuch:

 

A Living Museum of Crafts, Textiles and Artisan Communities

 

Arrival in Bhuj:

 

Visit to Bhuj Palace museum, Ajrak Textile makers, and a walk in the Silver Market

 

Day5:

 

Drive to the wasteland called the Rann of Kutch and experience an interaction with various indigenous communities who create amazing embroidery, pottery, leather products and sing Sufi music. There will be interaction with local tadition bearers. Also visit a special crafts village

 

Day 6.

 

A visit to Mandavi to view life on the Arabian sea, interact with boatmakers who still make you recall the phenomenon of Noah's Ark

 

Day 7:

 

Depart for Mumbai, driving and walking tour of Mumbai with a Art Historian:

 

Starting Point – Hotel Oberoi

 

Drive through:

 

Corporate District

 

Nariman Point, Ballard Estate , Get off and walk: Art District ,Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel, Kala Ghoda, Prince of Wales, National Gallery of Modern Art, Jehangir Art Gallery, Street Galleries , Drive through: Civic Hub, University, High Court, Oval Maidan ,. The Promenade : Marine Drive – Queens necklace and Chowpatty Sea Face

 

Get off and view from top:

 

Dhobighaat : A unique gem in the urban concrete jungle of Bombay is the Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghaat, traditional; washermen's heritage.

 

Day 8 :

 

Visit to the Rock Temples of Elephanta Caves with an art historian, return to relish fresh sea food and Konkani Culture

 

Day 9 :

 

Depart for Home

 

 

Link to From Unmanifest to Manifest : Rock Temples and Islamic Culture of the Deccan Plateau

 

 

 

icontravelaid@gmail.com