PARAGLIDING AT VAGAMON (3 nights programme)

In Kerala you have three different levels of flying, which depends on your skill type, the time and interest you have for the sport. It can be categorized as Basic, Medium and Pro level. You can do a basic level flight, which will train you to fly up to 100 Ft. You will be taken to different terrains starting from a slope to a small hill in the training part. Medium level flight training will take two days and you will be able to fly down about 500Ft, once you are qualified for the jump. A Pro level, or professional flier level, will need a three day training and you will fly from about 1000Ft high. If you qualify in the first two levels you can go directly to the pro level fighting.

Riding the warm thermal currents of the air on a Para glider is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailing the skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. Paragliding uses thermals as the driving force, and is the closest one can get, to being a bird. In perfect weather conditions you can stay aloft for over three hours and can soar to heights more than 3000 meters.

The basic techniques of Para gliding include - launching, turning and landing. Once airborne, a great deal of maneuverability can be achieved with the Para glider. The glider can be steered by pulling suspension lines, which, cause gliding motion, thus enabling the pilot fly at any course at will.

Suggested time: The months of March and April

 

A day excursion to Jhadol Village (Udaipur)

Leaving Udaipur 50 kms behind, driving on a rising and falling road through forested verdant hills, alive with birds and fauna, sweet smelling Mahua trees passing by Bhil (aboriginals) hamlets arrives Jhadol, the country seat of Jhala Raj Ranas.

Bhils, have earned a special place in the historical coat of arms of Mewar beside the Rajput king. Bhils, known for their skills with bows, arrows and spears have lived in this region as loyal soldiers in the armies of the Jhalas of Jhadol since the 12th century. No one can forget the importance and contribution of the Bhil community in the battles fought for the honor of Mewar. The Jhalas of Jhadol devised Guerrilla warfare tactics with the Bhils in order to face the invading Mughal armies (that were always 5 times the size of the defenders) that posed a constant threat to the state of Mewar. These ingenious guerrilla warfare tactics of former Mewar armies are now used the world over.

Upon arrival, they will be greeted by the tribal chief and will be given a traditional welcome.  They will then enjoy the tribal folk dance and music program followed by a Kabbaddi match. Kabbaddi, played between two teams on either side in a small arena is the age old tribal sport that test the strength, skill, speed and team spirit.

The guests will then witness an archery competition, and may participate. The bows and arrows used by the tribe are traditional styled arms which have been in use for centuries in war and also to earn a livelihood from hunting deer, rabbit and pheasants. They will then proceed to lunch by the lake. In the mid-afternoon they will take a village walk in the nearby tribal settlements.

The day will come to an end with tea and sunset on top of the hill with panoramic views of the Aravali ranges. In the late evening we will driven back to Udaipur.

 

A Visit a typical Mumbaiah Home with a talk on Indian Caste System by a university professor

In ancient India there developed a social system in which people were divided into separate close communities. These communities are known in English as caste. The origin of the caste system is in Hinduism, but it affected the whole Indian society. The caste system in the religious form is basically a simple division of society in which there are four castes arranged in a hierarchy and below them the outcast.

 The Indian caste system has been in use for many years.  Still today the values of the caste system are held strongly.  It has kept a sense of order, and peace among the people.  There are five different levels of the system: Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and Harijans. Within each of these categories are the actual "castes" or jatis within which people are born, marry, and die. They all have their own place among each other and accept that it is the way to keep society from disintegrating to chaos.  This system has worked well for Indian people and still has a major role in modern India.

Stay with an Indian Family (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Kolkotta, Kerala & many 0ther places all over India)

India is renowned for being incredibly diverse. With literally hundreds of different languages, everything from style of dress to architecture changes from state to state and town to town, a local insight is not just a luxury, it is essential to getting the most out of this extraordinary country. That is what makes a Homestay so ideal for tourists: the sights, smells, tastes and traditions of India are experienced rather than just watched, lived rather than observed.

Owners are the most gracious hosts and tend to every need that you can imagine. The meals were magnificant and if you want you can watch them prepared the authentic Indian way. The gardens to the home are some of the best that we saw in India, there is strategically placed wrought iron furniture all made and designed by the family in the garden for you to relax on after a long day shopping.

Special Treasure hunt organized in the Bazars of jaipur.

Concept is to give Fix amount of Indian money to each couple or team together with specific target & Time to Bargain to the most and buy number of products. Winner will be given special incentive

In the Indian metropolis of Delhi, visit the largest spice market in all of Asia, the bustling Khari Baoli bazaar. Open air shops on both sides of the road display sackcloth bags filled with pungent spices, bushels of fragrant flowers, nuts and sticky dried fruits, mountains of bright orange turmeric, mouth-watering sweets, gallons of gooey ghee and enough tea

A TRI-CYCLE RIDE IN CHANDNI CHOWK, DELHI

It is an exhilarating experience to visit the narrow by-lanes on a tri-cycle which presents infinite opportunities for taking candid photographs of the bustling market life.

Chandni Chowk meaning the ‘Moonlight Square’, was designed and laid by Jahanara Begum, Mughal emperor Shahajahan's daughter between the Red Fort and Fateh Puri Masjid. In a way the street reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India as it houses many important places of worship of major religions of the world.

The bazaar has several galis (lanes). Each of these galis represent a speciality of this market, for example the parathawali gali famous for it's parathas. The bustling bazaar hosts authentic Indian food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1,000 kinds, to sarees with  intricate embroidary. There are lots of narrow lanes with many shops selling books, clothing, shoes and leather goods, electronic and consumer goods and what not. The area, even more so than the rest of the city, is very congested but a ‘not to be missed experience’.

 

Oarsmen’s Delight-Witness Snake boat race with lunch at a backwater home stay

Visit to Philipkutty’s Farm House – One of its own kinds. You are welcomed, looked after and cared by the owner Mrs. Anu Mathew, who runs this show –just to care the passion of her Late Husband.  This is set in an Island. To raise your eye brows, the farming is done below the sea level.   In this farm house, one can see different kinds of flora, cultivation of paddy, areca nut, nutmeg etc and prawn farming too… Enjoy a Traditional Kerala Lunch.

Snake boat race can be organized on the backwaters by the banks of PhilipKuttys Farm, Kumarakom after lunch. We organize 2 snakeboats for this mock race which manned by approx 100 oarsmen in one boat. Even guest can join with them in the boat during the race if interested.

The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.

Boats from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race, which is later followed by a procession of participating teams and cultural shows. Experience the real essence of a backwater village and take in the very best of a boat race that is bound to redefine your levels of excitement. A splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'kali-vallangal' or racing boats. Its rowers sing songs known as ' vanchi pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a feast for the eyes and the ears. Later boats of would line up for their heats leading to the final race.

You could be part of this splendid event by rowing the boat along with the rowers.

 

GAJAMALA IN KERALA (A Feast to Mind ’n Soul – Morning with Caparisoned Elephant).

We take the group to a nearby ground in fort Cochin by coach, where a Festive atmosphere is created. Each guest will be welcomed with Tikka & Garlands by Traditionally dressed Ladies.  The ground will be blessed with the presence of 10 caparisoned elephants, which will pamper ones eyes. Each guest will have the opportunity to feed the elephants. The musical concert-instrumental (Panchavadyam) by 20 artists, which definitely make one swing in the air. To quench your thirst Soft drinks and snacks will be provided.

Visit to an untouched fishing Village KUMBALANGI 

`She’ is marvelous for every tourist. She is blessed with Calm, quite and tranquil landscapes with warm inhabitants who depends on her natural richness.   -- A day in Kumbalangi can be a festival to remember...a treat for the eye and to the mind. Kumbalangi is rich with exotic local cuisines, manually operated coir looms, fish farms etc.

Kumbalangi is a village in central Kerala close to the port town of Cochin. She has a vast stretch of backwaters connected by interlocking waterways to the whole of Kerala. It is an ideal getaway location for tourists from all over the world. What makes it more interesting to visit Kumbalangi is that it is a virgin landscape unspoiled by excessive presence of tourists.

We take you to the village by 1230 hrs.

Programme starts with a Sadya, the Traditional Kerala Lunch on Banana Leaf. 

1400 till 1630 is just to enjoy in & out Kumbalangi. You can watch crab catching, coir processing, Olamedayal   (netting the coconut tree leaf), and Chinese fishing net operation etc …. 1630 hrs Experience a country boat - Non mechanized man rowing boat and do a cruise through the backwaters for 30 minutes.

1700 hours return back to Cochin with good memories……….

 

VISIT TO THE NATIVE FISHER FOLK OF MUMBAI “KOLI VILLAGE

The name Dolkar is derived from dol or dhola the large funnel shaped net. The smaller nets are known as jal. Every Koli house comprises an oti (verandah) which is reserved for weaving and repairing nets. Though house patterns differ, every house has a chool (kitchen), vathan (room) and a devghar (the worship room). Even in the poorest of families, living in one room tenements one corner of the house is reserved for the God. Deeply religious. No. Koli whatever his faith, will recommence fishing after the rainy season without offering a coconut to the sea on Narial Poornima day.

The Kolis-fisherfolk-of Mumbai are a distinct community. In their dress, their language, their food and their lifestyle they are easily distinguishable. Koli working women hold their neatly pleated, flowing sarees well above their ankles as they gingerly tip-toe around them to avoid any close encounter with the fishy kind.

The Kolis are divided into two main occupational classes: the Dolkars and states. The Dolkars do the actual fishing while the latter purchase the haul wholesale. They usually set forth in boats to meet the returning Dolkars and buy the fish. Their popular folk song Dolkar dariyacha Raja (Dolkar, the king of the sea) underlines his supremacy.

Open Deck Bus Tour – Mumbai Darshan

Nilambari - Open Deck Bus

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has introduced of its own kind a tour by OPEN DECK BUS in the heart of City of Mumbai. The Guide of this tour is specially trained by M.T.D.C. to make your tour entertaining, informative and enjoyable. In your journey through the City's past and present, look out for historical and archaeological buildings on the way.

ENFIELD MOTOR TOUR (with separate rider – for sight seeing tour of Cochin)

Pick up from Hotel after breakfast by Enfield Bullet. Ride up to Parade Ground and visit the Dutch Cemetery, then proceed to Dutch Palace After visiting Dutch Palace walk up to Jewish Synagogue and ride to St.Francis Church By noon ride back to the Hotel.

21 Enfield Motor bikes

Refreshments

Fruit and water stops at every 15 km or as required

Support

1. Two guides on Bikes

2. One 35 seator personal vehicle

3. Three Bikes with Marshals for traffic control and directions

4. One ambulance with doctor and paramedic

 

BICYCLE TOUR

One day Programme Covering 50 km in Kerala includes

21 Geared hard tail cycles in different sizes

Refreshments

Fruit and water stops at every 15 km or as required

Hot kerala Lunch at Lunch point

Support

1. Two guides on Cycles

2. One 35 seator personal vehicle

3. One bike carrier

4. One Luggage carrier

5. Two SUV’s as pilot and follow up vehicles

6. Three Motor cycles with Marshals for traffic control and directions

7. One ambulance with doctor and paramedic

 

A DAY WITH A  DABBAWALA IN MUMBAI

A dabbawala (one who carries the box), sometimes spelled dabbawalla , tiffinwalla , tiffinwalla or dabbawallah, is a person in the Indian city of Mumbai whose job is to carry and deliver freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers. Though the work sounds simple, it is actually a highly specialized trade that is over a century old and which has become integral to Mumbai's culture.

More than 175,000 or 200,000 lunches get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawalas, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality. According to a recent survey, there is only one mistake in every 6,000,000 deliveries. The organization has been awarded the ‘Six Sigma certificate’ by Forbes Group.

A day with Dabbawala can be arranged for a single person or a group with language specific escort who will take you on the entire process of meeting the dabbawalas, understanding the coding system for the tiffins, and accompanying them on the local train to reach the final destination.

 

DHARAVI SLUMS IN MUMBAI

Asia's largest slum, Dharavi, lies on prime property right in the middle of India's financial capital, Mumbai (Bombay). It is home to more than a million people. Many are second-generation residents, whose parents moved in years ago. Today's Dharavi bears no resemblance to the fishing village it once was. A city within a city, it is one unending stretch of narrow dirty lanes, open sewers and cramped huts. Even in the smallest of rooms, there is usually a cooking gas stove and continuous electricity. Many residents have a small colour television with a cable connection that ensures they can catch up with their favourite soaps. Some of them even have a video player. Dharavi also has a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic. Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets.

The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a year.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recycling area: Old computers, parts and plastics come from all over the world to Dharavi to be recycled. See the recycling plants in which separation and melting of plastics takes place.

Rooftop visit: There is nothing like the view from a Dharavi factory rooftop. The tin hutments that house so many human lives stretch on as far as you can see, and birds screech overhead in the blue sky. You will never forget this view!

Biscuit bakery: Taste the tea biscuits that you can buy anywhere in Mumbai, hot and fresh at the source!

Popaddom making: Watch the women of Dharavi make popaddoms, the essential appetizer of any Indian meal, by baking them on wooden baskets that are turned upside-down.

Visit to a resident’s house: Gain an understanding of how the incredible people of Dharavi live

Kumbharwada pottery colony: Watch artisans create all types of pots out of unfired, sundried clay.

Kindergarten and community centre (NOT ALWAYS OPEN): Visit the school and young adult centre that are supported by our tour. Muskan School is a progressive kindergarten that serves the children of the Kumbharwada Community and the Community Centre provides education in English, computers and other soft skills to the teenagers and young adults of Dharavi. Visitors end the tour experiencing what matters most to Reality Tours... the men, women and children that make this dynamic community one of the most vibrant places in Mumbai.

MUSIC SONG DANCE - Duration: 6-8 hours

MUSIC SONG DANCE FOR CORPORATE GROUPS

Whether you want to build or unite your team, lift employee morale, lay the foundation for your company culture or reinforce the key themes of your conference or event, MSD can tailor a workshop, activity, energizer or program that meets your objectives while offering participants a challenging, exhilarating and rewarding experience.

Companies can choose a half-day or a full-day workshop, either as an isolated event or as part of a conference or other company event. In both workshops, participants are lead through the rudiments of songwriting, music production and recording by industry-experienced facilitators.

Through creative writing exercises that encourage ‘subconscious flow’, participants ‘purge’ words, phrases and sentences on a broad range of topics to provide the basis for lyrics. Words from the various ideas are then amalgamated to create verses and a chorus

FULL-DAY WORKSHOP

During the course of one day, participants revel in the bonding process of creating an original composition - lyrics, melody, vocals and performance. In a program designed to create maximum sense of empowerment and teamwork, the group will negotiate with each other to create their lyrics and melody, and learn vocal and performance techniques to maximize their confidence and experience. The legacy of the company’s shared core values, event themes and any other key messages will be proudly embodied in an original rock song that the team can truly call their own.

As well as recording their song, the group also creates and performs scenes for the song’s video clip. The radio-ready song and edited video clip are ready for presentation to participants and colleagues in 4-5 days, depending on the size of the group, making it the ideal ‘grand finale’ for a conference or event’s closing dinner. This video can be used by the company for their marketing later like a theme song, which is written by their people, sung and performed by their people.

 DERA AMER - Situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort is the ideal location for outdoor recreational and adventure activities in very close proximity to the city of Jaipur.

Elephant Polo, Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari and Jungle experience.

ELEPHANT POLO AT DERA AMER - JAIPUR

Tuskers ahoy! Get astride an elephant like a maharaja and play a game so royal, the start is celebrated by a royal military brass band. While the pounding of nagadas (huge Indian drums) heralds your arrival, you are welcomed warmly by tableaux of camels, elephants and ladies in traditional attire. After the final chukker, folk artistes regale you with music as a lavish spread of food brings down the curtains on this royal event.

TUG OFF WAR WITH ELEPHANT AT DERA AMER – JAIPUR

Prepare yourself to play Tug off war Game in Jaipur pre or post Elephant Polo match and match your team strength with non other but with Elephant. Game of Elephant Polo followed by gala Dinner at Dera Amer, Jaipur.

Being on top of an elephant is one experience but to be playing a game of polo, is a memory that will last forever. eard of the game of Polo? But ever heard of “Elephant Polo”. The city of Jaipur is synonymous with polo, being the home of this regal game. Relive the glory of this sport of the royals.

A special demonstration game of elephant polo will be arranged including a game played by the guests. Also see a spectacular display of trick horse riding the old Indian army style. Special ceremonial bands will play and a lavish buffet will be laid out. This will be one dinner to beat all dinner.

The guests are greeted at the entrance by the decorated elephants and trumpeteers, after feeding the elephants, flower petals showered on them the guests proceed into the venue. A welcome drink and face towels is offered to the guests, the passage lined by decorated camels and the local drums announce the arrival of the guests.
Once the guests are seated in the lounge cocktails and barbecue snacks served the guests are given a brief description of game followed by a demonstration round and guest participation, finally a grand and colorful procession of the animals.

After the game enjoy a well spread buffet lunch or dinner.

Heard of the game of Polo?

But ever heard of “Elephant Polo”. The city of Jaipur is synonymous with polo, being the home of this regal game. Relive the glory of this sport of the royals. A special demonstration game of elephant polo will be arranged including a game played by the guests. Fancy a try at tug of war with an elephant? Now’s your chance. Also see a spectacular display of trick horse riding the old Indian army style. Special ceremonial bands will play and a lavish buffet will be laid out. This will be one dinner to beat all Dinners. Guests arrive at the Polo venue “Polo Club” and welcomed by ceremonially attired well caparisoned Elephants with traditional chattras (umbrellas ) and haudas ( palanquins ). The venue is appropriately decorated with floral arrangements etc. They are escorted to their seats, while the ceremonial military pipers band entertains the guests. Specially designed event cards with the Group brandings are placed on each seat for the guests. These cards are bilingual & they have a brief programme of the afternoon along with various historic details. The event starts with the Group / company flag being hoisted by a rider in traditional costume on a galloping horse with a lance. Guests then witness a Grand Royal Procession comprising of Ceremonially attired horses with Riders in traditional Ceremonial Cavalry costumes, Palanquin with bearers, Royal carriages, Camels, Ceremonially attired Elephants traditional musicians etc. This is followed by a performance by the Pipe Band. Guests then witness a demonstration Elephant Polo Chukker played by Indian Players, thereafter guests participate in the Elephant Polo themselves. Being on top of an elephant is one experience but to be playing a game of polo, is a memory that will last forever. And what better way than to build team spirit. This is followed by Elephant Holi – a traditional Indian festival of colours. Mahouts ( elephant riders ) parade the elephants in front of the guest & play Holi. It is an spectacular colorful sight to witness the enormous pachyderms ( elephants ) playing Holi. Guests are welcome to join in & play Holi on Elephant back. After the game enjoy a well spread buffet.

• Above description is meant to be suggestive and elements are subject to change

 

A visit to Vintage collection of classic car Museum of Maharana of Udaipur

Vintage Collection of Classic Car Museum : The collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel comprises a variety of classic and interestingly rare transportation vehicles; some stately and vintage like Cadillac, Chevrolet, Morris etc., while the others are sleek and fast.

The Maharanas of Udaipur once possessed and used these regal splendours of automobiles as their luxuries but most of the other models are gradually being added to the collection, since it provides a unique aristocratic safari for the exclusive guests.

Special – Elephant Safari this afternoon

For the adventurous, enjoy a special treat. While in Jaipur take out half a day or full day to see the countrywide from the backs of Elephants. Rides take you through riverbeds and forests and you experience the rural India at its best. Interact with villagers and get a glimpse into their lifestyle. The ride is a unique experience in the beautiful countryside of Jaipur. The guest can enjoy spectacular view of the hills, river.

Duration of the ride will be approximately 2 hours. A drive to the boarding point may be involved.

SUNSET SAFARI AT SAM DUNES 

Camel ride with a fantastic view of sunset against the sand dunes.. One can enjoy dinner with folkdances, music and campfire.