Cultural Introduction Experience in Rajasthan India

The purpose of this program is to help you get an understanding of the manners, norms, and etiquette that is inherent in Indian society as well as show you around and introduce you to your new surroundings.

Monday

• 7:00 – 8:00 Breakfast
• 9:30: 12:15 Overview of program cultural shock. Introduction to India including culture, caste system and religions in general (PowerPoint presentation). including Do’s and Don’ts (House Rules). Local language class at the centre.
• 13.00 – 14:00 Lunch at the Centre
• 15.00 – 20:00 City Centre , Visiting city place, a famous temple, and a local dance performance. After this a visit to the local markets
• 20.20 – 20:50 Dinner at the Centre and Introduction to your project.

Tuesday

• 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga
• 8:30 – 9:00 Breakfast at the centre
• 09:30 – 12:30 Hindi Language Lesson (Alphabets, sentences, phrases, names of fruits and vegetables, numbers). A short break to learn making Indian Chai (tea)
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at the Centre
• 15:00 – 18:00 Go on an a heritage walk in the old city of Udaipur then visit a Rajasthani Art School to learn traditional painting
• 18:30 – 19:15 Dinner at the Centre
• 19:30 – 20:30 Workshop introducing previous participants to new participants

Wednesday

• 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast at the Centre
• 9:00 -10:15 Visit a local vegetable Market & vegetable Shopping
• 10:30 – 12:45 Join a practical session of Indian Cooking
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at the Centre
• 14:30 – 18:00 Visit Badi lake and Fatesagar Lake
• 18:30 – 19:15 Dinner at the Centre
• 19:30 on wards Enjoy a Bollywood movie at the Centre

Thursday

• 7:00 – 08:00 Yoga
• 8:00 – 08:45 Breakfast at the Centre
• 9:30 – 12:30 Bollywood dance
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at the Centre
• 15:00 – 17:00 Go on a scenic boat ride in Lake Pichola and witness the panoramic city view of Udaipur from atop a hill
• 18.30 – 19:15 Dinner at the Centre

Friday

• 6:00 Today, will be an exciting day. Hop onto an Indian train to travel to the amazing town of Chittorgarh to witness the beautiful fort and temples.
• 8:30 Breakfast in Chittorgarh
• 9:00 Visit ancient monuments and temples
• 13:00 – 14:00 Authentic Rajasthani Lunch
• 14:30 – 16:00 Sightseeing
• 16:30 Depart to Udaipur
• 20:00 Dinner at the Centre

Saturday & Sunday

Weekends are free for you to explore incredible India! 🙂

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The Royal city of Udaipur located in the state of Rajasthan is commonly called the Venice of the East and nicknamed ‘the city of lakes’ is located in the princely state of Rajasthan. Primarily known for its art and architecture, it has temples dating as far back as 950 AD and palaces dating back to the Rajput era. Fans of The Jungle Book and James Bond films may recognize Udaipur as the birthplace of Bagheera and the location for the Roger Moore starrer Octopussy. Drawing several million tourists a year, it has loads to offer in terms of art, architecture, culture and cuisine. With all of this and more, Udaipur is one of the cities everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

Accommodation & Food

There is a mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. Rooms are shared on a single gender basis 4-8 people per room. There is an option to reserve a private room, this is subject to availability, and must be requested before booking at an additional cost.

Food Arrangements
The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.There is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.

Facilities
Our house is located five kilometres away from the city centre, where you can find anything you might need.

The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15 minute walk away from our accommodation.

Sights & Surroundings
Jaisalmer, a gigantic sandcastle that remains inhabited and has mesmerized people from all over the world. With ninety nine bastions, the castle encircles shops, a palace and more.

Pushkar, a Hindu pilgrimage town that is set around a holy late and home to one of the few Brahma temples, over fifty bathing ghats and over 400 temples. The main street is a long bazaar, where you can find any souvenir you can think of to bring back home.

Jodhpur, dubbed “The Blue City” for its blue-tinted edifices, Jodhpur is considered an architectural masterpiece due to its ever-photogenic streets and Mehrangarh, a magnificent fort that towers over the town.

Jaipur, a colourful and flamboyant city made famous by the Hawa Mahal, a pink-toned building that towers over the main bazaar and was historically built for royal women to be able to see festivals without being on the streets.

Ajmer, famous for its Islamic heritage and for containing one of India’s most important Muslim pilgrimage centres. In Ajmer, you’ll be able to find examples of Muslim architecture such as the Jain golden temples.

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