Textile and Crafts with Kebab & Chikankari

Tour Leader Ms. Monicca Bambi, India

Hi, I am Monicca your host on this vibrant journey of colors, textile and art. I am the curator and organizer of the tour.

I am an art graduate from Delhi university and also completed master degree in Tourism from one of pioneer institute of Delhi.

My aim is to give the best travel experience to my clients which they can cherish for a lifetime. I have more than 15 years of experience catering overseas guests to India.

We have repeat guests who would love to travel with us again and again.

Day 01- 06 February 2025 Thursday                   

Arrive Delhi by international flight.

On arrival at Delhi International airport after clearing immigration formalities, you will meet our representative in the arrival hall holding paging of your name. He will further assist you with your vehicle and then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours)

Afternoon enjoy local shopping or rest at hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02- 07 February 2025 Friday       

Delhi

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast you will be proceed for combined full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. We start the tour from Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk this part of Delhi will take you in Old Mughal era, while walking through old lanes you can see big wooden carved antique doors, big havelis (mansion), narrow lanes and busy bustling life. You must taste lip smacking street food in Old Delhi market area. Then you will visit India’s largest Mosque “Jama Masjid” where at a time 25,000 can accommodate.

Post lunch visit New Delhi or Lutyens Delhi, beautifully designed by “Sir Edwin Lutyens”, drive pass India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Connaught Place. Later continue the sightseeing visiting, Humayun Tomb, the tomb was built in 1570 and was the first garden tomb made by Humayun’s son Akbar. It is Unesco world heritage site.

Conclude the sightseeing with the visit of “Qutub Minar”, the stunning red stone tower is 72.5 m high with 2.75m in diameter. It is also UNESCO site.

Evening dinner will be at a local restaurant. (On a fixed menu basis).

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 03- 08 February 2025 Saturday     

Delhi- Jaipur (approx. 245 Kms/5- 6 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is also known as pink city because of its wall color which are exclusively painted in pink color. This colorful city has chaotic streets, colorful auto rickshaws and lively culture. It is the gateway to Rajasthan vacation, here you can still see royal life, forts and Palaces reflecting glorious past.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant on a fixed menu basis.

Post lunch proceed for shopping visit bustling yet colorful market showcasing beautiful handicraft, Rajasthan jewelry and shoes. You can get your hand painted with traditional Indian design of henna.

Also visit the beautiful Jaipuri Mojri (Sandals) showroom. After watching the fascinating design of traditional Jaipuri Sandals, we will visit a textile showroom showcasing amazing textile products like cushions, bedcovers, art objects etc. Here you can see carpet weaving and many craftsmen doing block printing preparing different awesome designs with different color themes.

Then we visit workshop of semi-precious and precious stone jewelry, how the craftsman is cutting and shaping the stones. Check out the amazing jewelry collections too. Later also visit silver jewelry showroom, stone showcasing modern, contemporary, and traditional jewelry designs.

Later visit Blue Pottery shop in Jaipur is one of the well-known crafts of Jaipur. It was once a native craft of Persia that was brought to India by Mughals and later got patronized by Indian ruler (mostly Rajput).  This blue pottery technique is an imported one. It is a mix of Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. Blue pottery caught the local people’s interest, and many started learning this craft soon, most of the Kumbhar (pottery) families also shifted from working on red clay to blue pottery later, on a larger scale. Eventually blue pottery craft flourished in and around Jaipur. Blue pottery has made its mark among a few other crafts.

Later visit making of Lac Bangles. Bangles are known by many different names across the country.  There is a high demand for lac bangles mostly during festivals and occasions in India. Even foreign people have started adorning these Lac bangles and are even exporting these bangles to foreign countries. Many tourists from foreign countries comes to India in search of Lac Bangles, stays in India for few months practicing this craft and after learning goes back to their countries to produce lac bangles. Jaipur is recognized as a chief center of art and crafts in India.

On this day you can give your fabric to get stitched and on the departure day on the last night in Jaipur you can get your suit/ Kurta ready. (Optional)

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 04- 09 February 2025 Sunday 

Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Bagru Village. Bagru village is about 30 kms from Jaipur. (01 Hour)

Earlier block painting was famous in large parts of Rajasthan but due to modern printing technology and demand the work is limited and done at some places only. Bagru village is one of those places where still traditional Hand block painting work is done. Get in touch with your creative side, or develop your skills, while learning side by side from our skilled craftsperson. Be fascinated by the prints made with small wooden blocks and colors extracted from nature.

Check in at Local artist workshop to prepare your own hand block print cloth using Bagru and Dabu techniques. During the workshop we will provide you with light snacks.

We will also walk around the village and witness the people doing this craft, here you can click beautiful photos. It will be a random walk. Return to Jaipur.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 05- 10 February 2025 Monday         

Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

After early breakfast proceed to visit Amber Fort en-route stop at Hawa Mahal for clicking some pictures, it is a stunning 5 story building. It was built to enable royal ladies to see the daily lives of the city or some function or procession as those days ladies had to cover their faces. Visit Amber Fort by shared jeep.

Afternoon visit City Palace (Royal residence) & observatory (Jantar Mantar).

Evening will be at leisure to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06- 11 February 2025 Tuesday   

Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

This day will be free to explore this beautiful city in your own manner. If you have any plans to meet some vendors or suppliers you can meet on this day, since Jaipur is paradise for shoppers you can explore the other shopping avenues on your own.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 07- 12 February 2025 Wednesday       

Jaipur – Agra (approx. 265 Kms/ 6 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Agra en-route visit Abhaneri Stepwell. It is one of the largest step wells in the world and one of the most beautiful ones. Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Chand Baori is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India Chand Baori one was built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well.

Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through. Today, the construction is not used as a well anymore, but its exquisite geometry attracts local and international visitors. About 64 feet deep, it is India’s largest and deepest stepwells with 13 floors and was built in the 9th century for water harvesting. The land of the Taj is not only famous for the biggest allure “Taj Mahal” but also legacy of mughals which they had left behind. Their legacy can be seen in mausoleums, tombs, and magnificent forts. On arrival check in at the hotel.

After visiting step well continue drive to Agra.  The land of the Taj is not only famous for the biggest allure “Taj Mahal” but also legacy of Mughals which they had left behind Their legacy can be seen in mausoleums, tombs, and magnificent forts.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Later visit Agra Fort.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 08- 13 February 2025 Thursday     

Agra -Lucknow (approx. 260 Kms/ 5.5 hours)

Early morning visits beautiful Taj Mahal, during sunrise the sunrays have a magical effect with marble surface. It changes its color which creates eternal beauty (Closed on Friday).

Return to hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast drive to Lucknow. On arrival check in at the hotel. Lunch will be on a direct payment basis.

When in Lucknow, how can the talk about the food be left behind, continuing further we will walk down the lane adjacent to Akbari Gate. Tasting the best of meat dishes from the Awadhi menu from the places, where they originated from and have still been able to thrive on their own in the era of McDonald and KFC. You will experience the concept of food loyalty and the real taste of the original Tundey Kebabs, Raheem’s Nihari and Mobeen’s Pasanda Kebabs. Observe the chefs at work in these small and dingy shops that seldom look hygienic, but no one has ever fallen sick. To take this tour, you need to be a foodie with closed eyes, so that your taste buds work to their best of abilities. Try all of these, while a culinary curator (Walk Leader) explains the history and the recipe   (Operational Except Sunday and Thursday)

Overnight stay at a hotel. (We have purposely not included dinner on this day as guests may not feel hungry after a food walk).

Day 09- 14 February 2025 Friday 

Lucknow

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast at 1030 Hrs we will visit a Zardozi workshop and understand this art form and ace designer couple Masood & Almas (Almasood Label) will today showcase their work in a trunk-show and show us the current work that their craftsmen would be doing. A day here will teach us the Chikan & Zari Craft in a step-by-step session exclusively scheduled for us today. During a break we will enjoy a Traditional lunch here: Rastogi Meal – Rastogis are a community of Embroidery merchants who deal exclusively in Chikan craft. This meal is a high-calorie vegetarian meal had by this community to sustain all day through the dinner.

Post lunch this evening, we leave for a Heritage Walk: we will reach ‘Chowk‘ the oldest marketplace of Lucknow to appreciate the unique crafts of this Nawabi City. We walk in the by-lane of Chowk called ‘Gol Darwaza’ – a place that was once a seat of numerous ‘Kothas’ (a small entertainment studios where nautch girls performed in the evenings) now is a marketplace that is known to house the best of handicrafts and Chikan work. A heritage walk here will showcase the culture of this fabled city and take you into the bygone era.   (Operates every day except Thursday and a few festival holidays).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10- 15 February 2025 Saturday           

Lucknow

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast enjoy city sightseeing. Post Lunch Later we visit Sadat Ali & Begum Tombs and the ‘Chatar Manzil’ (Outside view only), we reach the world’s most unique architecture, ‘Asifi Imambara’. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula’. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls. Salute the “Nawab” (Prince) lying in peace inside and proceed to see his noble work. Also see the ‘Rumi Darwaza’ or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque. Later we reach the Husainabad Complex – The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, ‘Big Ben’. Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara – known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative. Admire each one and bow down to the Nawab and his mother sleeping inside.

Afternoon Lunch at The Royal Café: The royal cafe is a brand of Jagtiani hotels and properties with a rich legacy of forty years in the food & beverage industry in Lucknow. They have been delighting & entertaining the citizens of Lucknow with great food at highly affordable prices. This chain of hotels is known for introducing several signature dishes including Basket Chaat, Potli Kabab among others. They have also brought about several innovations for preparing food in hygienic conditions.

Evening will be at leisure to relax and to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11- 16 February 2025 Sunday

Lucknow – Delhi by flight

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast assisted transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi airport connect flight for onward destination.

(No accommodation envisaged in Delhi on this day)

End of our services…

Hotel envisaged:

****envisaged standard room category at the above-mentioned hotels.

10 Nights staying in a 4-star & heritage hotels.

Buffet Breakfast is included at your respective hotel’s coffee shop.

01 dinner is included in Delhi at a local restaurant on a fixed menu basis.

01 Lunch included at a local restaurant in Jaipur on a fixed menu basis.

01 Lunch is included at The Royal Café restaurant in Lucknow on a fixed menu basis.

During the Zardozi workshop lunch is included.

During the culinary walk in Lucknow Street snacks are included.

(Above mentioned meals are included on a fixed menu basis).

Seat in coach basis included.

English speaking accompanied guide service is included from Delhi till Agra. In Lucknow we will provide local English speaking guide service.

Secure your seat by depositing USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.

Since this tour involve air-travel from Lucknow to Delhi hence we would be requiring airfare amount in -order to issue air-ticket well in advance. The air fare will be refundable in-lieu of cancellation as per respective airline policy after deducting our handling charges. (We would require air fare amount 3 months prior the tour starting date).

We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.

English speaking accompanied guide service is included throughout the tour.

Cost includes:

• Accommodation for 10 nights based on above mentioned hotels on DOUBLE/TWIN sharing basis.
• Meals are included as follows:
• Breakfast is included at all the hotels at hotel’s coffee shop on buffet basis.

(Please note that on the arrival day breakfast & dinner is not included)

• 2^nd Day dinner is included at Delhi’s local restaurant of fixed menu basis.
• All transportation i.e. airport transfers, sightseeing and interstate drives will be done using following vehicles:
• 06 pax-using tempo traveller (minivan).
• 7- 12 pax Mini coach. (18seater-mini coach)
• Separate arrival transfer service is included.
• We have envisaged the services of English-speaking accompanied guide from Delhi till Agra. In Lucknow we will provide local English speaking guide service.
• We have included 01-time entrance fee as per the itinerary.
• Bottled water and wet tissue throughout in the vehicle.
• All currently applicable taxes. (5% Goods & Service Tax).

Cost Does Not Include:

• International airfare
• Domestic airfare or Internal flights
• Visa charges
• Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips.
• Any expenses of personal nature & Insurance of any kind.
• Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Any item not specified under ‘cost includes’.
• Any bank charges during transferring the payment.

Special Notes

• The flight timings and FARES are subject to change at the time of issuance.
• The check-in time at hotel is 1400 hrs and check-out time is 1200 noon. Incase if you have flight arriving or departing during midnight, we suggest the book room for pre-night/late check-out to avoid any inconvenience.
• The vehicle will be as per the itinerary only and not available during leisure time and strictly as per the itinerary.
• The hotels mentioned are indicative and will be booked only once we get go ahead from your end. The rooms will be subject to availability.
• Incase if any of the guest/s are allergic to any food or have any dietary restrictions, we request you to please advise in advance to update hotels/restaurants accordingly.

Visa process:

• Now you can obtain e-visa online for India. The details and process are available on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Please check the eligibility and apply for Visa accordingly.

Booking terms

• At the time of booking USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.
• In case of internal flight ticket is involved we would require air-fare amount to issue the
• ticket well in advance.
• We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.
• In case of air tickets involved, we need payment to issue the tickets as ticket always issue in advance.

Cancellation terms:

• 49 days prior to arrival in India: 10% of total billing
• 30 days prior to arrival in India: 50% of total billing

10-15 days or less prior to arrival in India: No refund

Flight ticket cancellation:

• 30 days prior to arrival in India: internal/international flights (if issued non-refundable ticket), will refund as per airline policy after deducting our handling charges. 

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before leaving for the holidays.