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See India with
James Buchanan Photography February 2006
Press Release: General/Travel/Photographic/Media/Leisure
 With Harvey World
Travel Chadstone-Victoria, you can see the sights of Northern India AND
get the most out of your photography as you travel with well known
professional Photographer James Buchanan on a 14 day photographic
extravaganza.
Come February 2006, you could join James
Buchanan Photography with 16 others to see the sights of the real India,
while learning some of the professional tips and tricks from one of the
busiest professional commercial photographers in Melbourne, Australia.
Have the time of your life in culture drenched India, fall in love with
its people, and further your keen photographic passion at the same time,
with invaluable professional advice throughout the whole amazing trip.
As you visit ancient forts, historic
temples, the must see Taj Mahal and many more picturesque village spots,
you are encouraged to ask for advice in any area of photography that
interests you or requires further explanation. Helpful hints, photographic
advice and real experiences through life as a professional photographer,
all build up your knowledge in photography and help you get the most from
your shots whilst away on holiday. This includes occasional 15-20 minute
optional tutorials on different areas of photography.
Subjects will be
guided by the interests of the 16 members of the tour group.
James Buchanan has worked as a professional
commercial, advertising & fashion photographer for more than 12 years. He
is well known and considered by his clients and peers to be one of the
busiest photographers in Melbourne, with an impressive client list, a
friendly & approachable personality and a persistent work ethic to
constantly further his already vast experience.
This is one holiday where
your memories will definitely last forever.
For further information:
Contact Simon Flower at Harvey World Travel,
Chadstone, Victoria Australia
Phone: (03) 9568
1500 or Email:
sflower.chadstone@harveyworld.com.au
Or Email James
Buchanan Photography - Click here to do so
Tour cost is around AUD$5,300
and includes accommodation
in deluxe hotels & Maharaja Palaces with breakfast daily, transportation
by air-conditioned coach, flights with Singapore Airlines, selected meals,
airport taxes/fuel surcharges and Indian Visa. Open to all Australian
residents to participate.
*For all terms &
conditions, bookings & itinerary please make contact with one of the
people above.
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Moghul Tour of Northern
India, February 2006 - In detail
*Images below kindly provided
by Harvey World Travel
Day 01 Check in at
Melbourne airport for your flight to Delhi's International airport. Met on
arrival and transfer to hotel – Imperial Hotel (Heritage room). The décor
of this fabulous hotel recalls the ‘Days of the Raj’. Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 02 - In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel followed by combined sightseeing tour of Old & New
Delhi. The tour includes visits to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple-a modern
Hindu Temple, the Jama Masijd , the Red Fort, the Raj Ghat - the cremation
site of Mahatma Gandhi Humayun’s Tomb, the Bahai temple and the Qutub
Minar. You also drive past the Presidents House, Parliament House and
the India Gate. Evening Sound & Light Show at the Red Fort followed by dinner at the Haveli Restaurant at Taj Mahal
Hotel - As the name suggests, the ‘Haveli’ restaurant is redolent of
old-world charm interwoven with an essence of royalty that is reflected in
cuisine as well. The restaurant with a view, Haveli overlooks verdant
gardens and the veranda overlooks the pool. Chef Irshad Ahmed Qureshi
presents age-old recipes from the royal Mughal kitchens. His guests have
included the Indian Prime Minister and other dignitaries. Rare artwork by
famous Indian painter Anjolie Ela Meno are part of the Haveli structure,
whereas niche’s enhance the décor with urns, wood carvings and lamps. Soulful
Indian dance performances and music are played in the evening to complete
the journey back to the bygone era. The charm of ‘Haveli’ draws corporate
leaders, Presidents and Prime Ministers to dine in a serene, relaxing
ambience. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 - Drive
Delhi/Agra (220 kms/3.5 hrs.) Breakfast
at the hotel followed by drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at hotel - Mughal Sheraton. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the
Taj Mahal, the legendary monument dedicated
to love, the red sandstone Agra Fort, built in 1630 originally as a
military structure, but later transformed into a lavish palatial building,
the Itimad-ud-daulah, also known as Baby Taj, built by Queen Noor Jahan in
memory of her father, and the Sikandra. Dinner at the Peshwari Indian
Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 - Drive Agra/Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs.)
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri and a rickshaw
ride into the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Breakfast at the hotel followed by
drive to Jaipur,
 en-route visiting the Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted city
built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of
water. The graceful buildings within this city are remarkably well
preserved, including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Panch
Mahal. The red sandstone palaces are in such a perfect state that it seems
as if Emperor Akbar left yesterday. After the visit, drive to Bharatpur.
Lunch at the Laxmi Vilas Palace followed by a rickshaw ride into the
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary -- One of the finest bird parks in the world,
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a reserve that offers protection to faunal
species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory
water birds and waterside birds; Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar also
inhabit this sanctuary. After a rickshaw ride into the Bird Sanctuary,
continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at hotel – Rajputana
Sheraton. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 - In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
followed by sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the Amber Fort -- situated
atop a hill just outside Jaipur (ascend to the fort will be on elephant
back), the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Tour will
also include a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Stop
for lunch in the City Palace Gardens. At the entrance of the Royal
Residence, the visitors will be welcomed with a garland and teeka by the
girls dressed in Rajasthani costumes, followed with a refreshing
non-alcoholic welcome drink. The guests will be guided to the residential
areas of the Royal Family by a senior staff member. Chandra Mahal Veranda-over-looking
the Jai Niwas Gardens with fountains will be set to serve a relaxing
Lunch. The Buffet will be a combination of the specialities of the Royal
Cuisine and some continental dishes. A Live performance of the Indian
instrumental music will be made while the guests are having their lunch.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 - Jaipur/Khimsar (300 kms/06 hrs.)
Morning after breakfast at hotel, drive to
Khimsar. Stop en-route for Lunch. On arrival in Khimsar, check in at the
Khimsar Fort -- The fort was built by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of the
Jodhpur founder, Rao Jodha, who moved to this region and founded the royal
dynasty at Khimsar. The construction of the fort began in 1523 AD in the
fairytale land of majestic forts and palaces. The fort's battle-scarred
walls and turrets are a telltale reminder of Khimsar's glorious past. In
mid 18th century, the royal family moved in and a new 'zenana' (ladies'
wing) was built with finely carved windows in stone grills to provide
'purdah' or veil for ladies-in-waiting. Subsequently, Thakur Onkar Singh
built for himself a regal wing. In 1997-98, the Khimsar Fort was awarded
the Grand Heritage classification by the Department of Tourism, Government
of India. The Khimsar fort provides excellent leisure facilities like
sunset visits to the Sand dunes, Black buck jeep safaris and camel safaris
to the nearby villages. Facilities here include a large swimming pool,
Ayurveda massage centre and a restaurant set in very dramatic surroundings
within the fort ruins. A section of the fort still remains the residence
of the royal family of Khimsar. Dinner and overnight at the Khimsar Fort.
Day 07 - Khimsar
Breakfast at the Khimsar Fort. Later transfer from the Khimsar Fort to the
Khimsar Sand Dunes on camel back (safari will take about 2 hrs.). Khimsar
Sand Dunes Village lies six kms from Khimsar Fort in the heart of the
seven dunes of Akla. A water body in the centre makes it a perfect 60-acre
oasis of peace. The village is surrounded by sand dunes in all directions
and is accessible by jeep, camel or horse. The cluster of huts resemble the
local village hutments known as dhanis.· The entire complex is
deliberately designed to be eco-friendly, thus merging with the
environment. On arrival, check in at the Khimsar Sand Dunes. In the
evening Desert Theme Dinner at the Khimsar Sand Dunes with live Rajasthani
entertainment and traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Overnight at the Khimsar
Sand Dunes resort.
Day 08 - Khimsar/Jodhpur (90
kms/1.5 hrs.)
Breakfast at the
Khimsar Sand Dunes followed by drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check in at
the hotel Balsamand Palace (Garden room). Later sightseeing tour of
Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort,
considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the
Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its
surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of
Jodhpur and the Jaswant Thada, close to the fort complex, this 19th
century cenotaph built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II is a spectacular site. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 - Jodhpur/Kumbulgarh (170 kms/04 hrs.)
Today’s journey takes you across the Rajasthani desert and through
many villages where the colourful saris of the women and the bright
turbans of the men provide a stark contrast to the drab desert hues. The
journey south takes us through the picturesque Aravali Hills, stopping at
villages with Persian wells (bullock driven irrigation systems). En route
stop at Ranakpur - famed for its' 15th century Jain Temples - Rishabji
Temple - has 1,444 pillars, all carved differently! The Sun Temple, has
particularly interesting carvings. Continue to the Aodhi hotel which
stands in the shadow of the imposing Kumbulgarh Fort.
Day 10 - Kumbulgarh/Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to the fort. Built in the 15th
century & surrounded by 13 mountain peaks, this is one of Rajasthan's
"impregnable" fortress cities and is protected by 36 kms of massive walls.
The Cloud Palace, protected by 7 majestic gates is approachable only by
jeep. A lunch, drive to Udaipur. Founded 1599, the glory, chivalry and
valour of the Rajputs is displayed at its' finest by the grandeur of this
lovely, lakeside city. The city is a constant procession of palaces,
temples, lakes and cenotaphs, each outdoing the other in its' beauty. The
bazaars offer fine crafts especially vividly coloured paintings. On
arrival, check in at the lakeside hotel Fateh Prakash Palace, part of the
City Palace complex. Later take after sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting
the opulent City Palace with its fabulous treasures and extravagant
decoration, 17th century
Jagdish temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari, ornamental gardens built for the
royal concubines and famed for their fountains. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Breakfast at the
hotel. Day at leisure in Udaipur. Udaipur is the perfect town to explore
on foot. Follow any of the myriad of twisting alleys and you will likely
end up on a lakeside ‘ghat’ with a fabulous view across the lake to the
mountains beyond. The lakeshore is busy with women washing their colourful
clothes and children playing in the cool waters. You could spend hours in
the fabled bazaar full of traditional handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Udaipur/Pushkar
Breakfast at the hotel followed by drive to Pushkar With a
permanent population of just 14,000 tiny Pushkar has an importance far
beyond its’ size. Pushkar Lake is one of the holiest bodies of water in
India, second only to the sacred ganges. The lake is surrounded by 52
bathing ‘ghats’. It is said that any man who bathes in the lake on the
holy day, is freed from reincarnation to Earth. Once a year, up to 200,000
traders and buyers gather from all over Rajasthan for the famous Camel
Fair. Pushkar is also home to the only temple in India dedicated to the
Lord Brahma. A short distance from the Pushkar Palace is one of India’s
more colourful bazaars. Dinner and overnight at the lakeside Pushkar
Palace.
Day 13 - Pushkar/Neemrana A
short drive down Highway One brings us back into the environs of Delhi…
but rather than stay in the bustle of the Capital again, we choose to stay
in one of the most remote locales that we shall visit on this tour –
Neemrana Palace Fortress. Neemrana Fort Palace dates back to 1464 A.D. when it was
built as a fortified palace. It was inhabited almost continuously until
independence in 1947, when royal privileges were first curtailed and then
abolished. Maharaja Rajendra Singh then moved out, the people of the
Neemrana village moved in, and the palace was slowly ransacked over the 30
years. Finally Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg rediscovered it in the late
1970's and took on the task of maintaining it and turning it in exclusive
heritage hotel. Neemrana is also Rajasthan's closest palace to New Delhi,
and one of India's oldest heritage hotels. The remainder of the day is at
your leisure to
relax around the pool or on one of the many private terraces overlooking
the surrounding plains. If you are feeling more energetic, explore the
surroundings on your own – the nearby village and its’ historic step-well.
Our farewell dinner is a banquet.
Day 14 - Depart Delhi Breakfast
at the Neemrana Fort Palace. Later drive to Delhi International airport for the
flight home.
THIS TOUR HAS SEVERAL AIMS:
We visit some of the great monuments to Indian
history and culture, hoping to provide insights to art,
architecture and the decorative arts of the splendid courts of the great Moghuls & Rajahs, the wonderful temples or mosques of the Hindu, Jain and
Moslem religions, to the crafts of village India.
It caters for those who wish to understand something
of the 'REAL INDIA' - the India of people who live in towns and
villages. We will endeavour to look at their domestic lives, their work,
(in agriculture & traditional crafts), their religions and their
lifestyles.
The accommodation throughout this tour becomes part
of the attraction Wherever possible we stay in authentic
palaces that have been lavishly restored and converted into hotels ‘fit
for a king’. We stay in hotels chosen for their location, atmosphere,
charm and personal attention rather than everyday Western 5 star
modernity. Enjoy highlights such as - breakfast beside a lake with deer
and water birds, or dining in the courtyard of a small palace, with folk
musicians and a lively welcome.
Shopping in India is a true delight, whether you buy
or just browse the colourful street stalls. With ample time to
rummage through the street bazaars, you are bound to return from this tour
with treasures which will serve to remind you of this fabulous tour for
years to come.
This is one
holiday where your memories will definitely last forever.
For further information:
Contact Simon Flower at Harvey World Travel,
Chadstone, Victoria Australia
Phone: (03) 9568
1500 or Email:
sflower.chadstone@harveyworld.com.au
Or Email James
Buchanan Photography - Click here to do so
Tour cost is around AUD$5,300
and includes accommodation in deluxe hotels & Maharaja
Palaces with breakfast daily, transportation by air-conditioned coach,
flights with Singapore Airlines, selected meals, airport taxes/fuel
surcharges and Indian Visa.
Open to all Australian residents to participate.
*For all terms &
conditions, bookings & itinerary please make contact with one of the
people above.
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