Together Women Rise: Journey to India
February 4 – 16, 2023
Join Together Women Rise for an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan, India, the Land of the Maharajas. A region famous for its regal culture and rich heritage, Rajasthan is home to majestic palaces and forts, colorful arts and handicrafts, and delightful cuisine. You will spend 13 days exploring the historic cities of New Delhi, Jodphur, and Jaipur, seeking out a glimpse of wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park, and topping off your adventure by visiting the iconic Taj Mahal.
You will also have the unique opportunity to visit and learn alongside four of Together Women Rise’s grantees in Rajasthan and experience firsthand how they are impacting the lives of Indian women and children. These organizations equip women and children living in poverty with the skills and resources to become leaders of their own futures. We invite you to join this inspiring and uniquely customized journey with Together Women Rise that highlights holistic approaches to empowering women and children in India.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Over this 13 day trip, travelers will have the opportunity to engage in the work that Together Women Rise supports in Rajasthan, India. Through this inspiring learning journey, travelers will:
- Discover the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan through cuisine, sightseeing, bazaars and markets, and interacting with local communities
- Learn about local efforts to promote development through skilled arts, access to healthcare, food and water security, technology, and education
- Engage with four of Together Women Rise’s grantees; Asia Initiatives, Gravis, Anchal Project, and Edu-Girls (Vimukti Girls School)
- Visit beautiful palaces, forts, and temples of the Rajasthan region such as Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the “Palace of Winds” in Jaipur, and the iconic Taj Mahal
- Spend two days in the stunning Ranthambore National Park, a protected reserve for tigers, leopards, and marsh crocodiles
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Saturday, February 4th
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi where you will be met by your driver from Sakha Cabs for Women and transferred to your hotel. Get settled and acclimated at the hotel before a relaxing evening with your fellow travelers.
Kick off Together Women Rise’s journey to Rajasthan at a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Overnight at The Oberoi Maidens
Day 2 – Sunday, February 5th
After breakfast at your leisure, embark on a day of sightseeing in New Delhi. You’ll start with a tour through the markets of Old Delhi by rickshaw. Then visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest Mosque.
After lunch, visit the beautiful Mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the residence where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay in Delhi. You will also have the opportunity to visit the the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Temple and Community Kitchen where they provide 10,000 free meals a day. Here you’ll be able to help out by rolling Indian bread with the other volunteers.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Overnight at The Oberoi Maidens
Day 3 – Monday, February 6th
Today you will have your first site visit! Together Women Rise grantee, Asia Initiatives, is partnered with the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), in which you will visit their garment production company owned and managed by the craftswomen. Visit the embroidery workshop and learn how Asia Initiatives’ signature Social Capital Credits have helped increase wages and also improved working conditions for local women through programs like this.
Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Overnight at The Oberoi Maidens
Day 4 – Tuesday, February 7th
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel before departing for a noon flight to Jodhpur.
After checking into your hotel and lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon sightseeing in India’s beautiful Blue City. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thara, a marble cenotaph built in 1899.
In the late afternoon, explore the Old City starting in Brahmpuri, where all the houses are painted blue, and ending in the bustling bazaars where merchants sell bangles of gold and silver, colorfully dyed saris, as well as spices and sweets.
Dinner will be at local restaurant.
Overnight at Welcome Heritage Balsamand Palace
Day 5 – Wednesday, February 8th
Today, you will spend a full and interactive day with Gravis. First, you’ll visit their headquarters in Jodhpur City, then travel to two rural villages to learn about their health initiatives and work to improve water and horticulture infrastructure for local communities.
Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Overnight at Welcome Heritage Balsamand Palace
Day 6 – Thursday, February 9th
After breakfast, you will depart Jodhpur for Ajmer, about a 4.5 hour drive
Upon arrival in Ajmer, you’ll have lunch and then visit Anchal Project where you’ll meet women artisans that have come out of the commerical sex trade. Visit their workshop and learn how Anchal has helped these women improve their lives and well-being through skilled artistry.
Drive to nearby Pushkar, home to Lake Pushkar, the sacred lake of Hindus, for dinner and an overnight.
Overnight at Pushkar Palace
Day 7 – Friday, February 10th
This morning, you’ll continue on your journey to the city of Jaipur, approximately a 4 hour drive. Known as India’s Pink City, Jaipur is full of majestic palaces and temples.
After checking into your hotel and lunch, you’ll visit the Maharajas City Palace and museum which provides a splendid introduction to Jaipur’s royal past, and its fascinating arts and crafts. You’ll also stop to see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its ornate pink façade and 953 windows have become an icon for the city.
In the late afternoon, join a cooking class at Dera Mandawa with Shrimati Usha Kumari, the matriarch of the Mandawa family. This will be a unique opportunity to cook and taste dishes that you will not find easily in modern day Rajasthan.
Dinner will be at Dera Mandawa.
Overnight at Mandawa Haveli
Day 8 – Saturday, February 11th
Today, you will learn about Edu-Girls’ program in Jaipur. Start the day with a tour of the neighborhood where students of the Vimukti Girls School live. Visit a few homes of the girls and experience the challenging conditions in which they are growing up.
In the afternoon, visit Vimukti Girls School and learn how technology and education are helping these girls to become leaders of their own futures.
Dinner tonight will be on your own.
Overnight at Mandawa Haveli
Day 9 – Sunday, February 12th
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you’ll go on a heritage walk to the market where you can buy locally-made handicrafts. Then take a short drive to visit the Amber Fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples on the banks of the placid waters of Maotha Lake.
After lunch, drive to Ranthambore National Park, about 4 hours, where you will spend the next two nights soaking in the natural beauty of the reserve.
Overnight at Hotel Tigeress Resort
Day 10 – Monday, February 13th
In the early morning, take a jeep ride with a naturalist through the preserve in search of wildlife. You’ll then return to the hotel for breakfast.
Spend the rest of the morning relaxing at the resort. You can take a nature walk or enjoy an optional spa treatment.
After lunch, you’ll depart for another jeep ride safari that will last into the early evening.
Dinner will be at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Tigeress Resort
Day 11 – Tuesday, February 14th
Today you will travel from Ranthambore to Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal. The first part of the journey will be by train from Ranthambore to Bharatpur – about a 2.5 hour ride. Once you arrive in Bharatpur, drive the final 1.5 hours to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, visit the Taj Mahal and stay until sunset, a spectacular sight not to be missed.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight at Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Day 12 – Wednesday, February 15th
Enjoy an early morning sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh or “The Moonlight Garden” located behind the Taj Mahal. Take in the view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and then start the approximately 4-hour drive to New Delhi.
The rest of the afternoon will be free for last-minute shopping or relaxing at the hotel before enjoying a festive final dinner together.
Overnight at The Grand
Day 13 – Thursday, February 16th
Say farewell to the friends you’ve made and transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for your international departure.
For more information about this incredible journey to India with Together Women Rise, be sure to visit the following pages:
Pricing & Registration
Pre-Departure Information
In-Country Information
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