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This program is a dream come true for art aficionados: each region in India has its own distinctive style of art, architecture, carving, embroidery, weaving and more. While one could easily spend a lifetime engaging with the full range of India's many art forms, this journey you undertake encompasses the folk traditions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Orissa. You start with a three-night stay in Delhi. The capital of the country offers a heady mix of diverse cultural traditions. You can visit the Crafts Museum and its sweeping collection of artifacts from the entire country. A day trip to Agra features the Moghul traditions that flourished here centuries ago, and are still practiced today by local artisans. The glorious Taj Mahal is an architectural feat of wonder.
Fly to Udaipur, the magnificent lakeside city of Rajasthan. Indeed, with its enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes and colourful bazaars, the city is a traveller’s delight. There is probably no other place as romantic as the city of Udaipur. You can visit the City Palace that is a gigantic structure towering over the beautiful Lake Pichola. Drive to Ahmedabad, the Gujarati City aptly named ‘Manchester of the East’. You can plan a trip to the remarkable Calico Museum of Textiles. A must see is the Jama Masjid. The architecture of the city is an interesting blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. En route, pass through the villages where the locals wear vibrant textiles and striking silver jewelry with great relish and pride.
Next you travel to Aurangabad, from where you will tour the Ajanta and Ellora caves. These ancient cave temples are world heritage sites with frescoes and sculpture that continue to inspire artists even today. The Ajanta caves were originally built as retreats for Buddhist monks. Your next destination is Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. You will fly to Mumbai and then move on to Bhubaneswar. This eastern state of India is renowned for the richness of its tribal arts. Distinct traditions of painting, metalwork, sculpture, and textile design will be explored in artisan's villages. You can go to the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri that contain rock-cut caves. From here you drive to Puri. The village of Pipli is the ideal place to get a real taste of the local handicrafts of Orissa. Next you drive to Konark. You catch a flight for Kolkata and from there to the holy city of Varanasi. The city is renowned for its magnificent silks. In the morning you will go for a boat-ride and then later visit Sarnath. Your enriching journey ends back in Delhi.
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