The Rotary Dream Team - India 2016clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050048/en-ca/files/... ·...

The Rotary Dream Team - India 2016 FULL TRIP

FINAL DATES & PROGRAM, COSTS & TRIP APPLICATION FORM for US & Canada (Version 2.0) International Project Lead: PDG Elias Thomas, D 7780 (Maine, USA)

Project Manager: Past Pres. Sanjiv Saran (RC Delhi Megapolis, D 3010, India)

Trip Logistics & Accommodations arranged by High Points of India

39, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057, India Email: [email protected]

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Travellers down the ages have tried to discover the Essence of India. To many, it has remained an enigmatic kaleidoscope. To some it has revealed ancient, abiding, universal Truths. None could remain untouched by the epic proportions of its size, its artistic heritage, or the wealth and variety of its vibrant cultures. Since 2008, the Rotary Dream Teams come to India every year to work hands –on with humanitarian projects in the heart of India. Before or after the project, they also take a short holiday to enjoy a slice of India’s many contrasting cultural flavors and landscapes. In 2016, our project is located in the semi-desert area of Rajasthan. It presents a unique experience for those who like to Make a Difference, like the Outdoors, and cherish close interaction with distant cultures.

Project Highlights in 2016

We will participate in a Polio NID (National Immunization Day) in the Mewat district (Haryana), where the latest polio case had been reported as recently as January 2010. We will not only administer the drops to village children, but shall also lead a rally through the village streets to advertise how critical it is for parents to bring their children for the drops, every NID, every six weeks.






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Project Highlights (cont).

In the heart of rural India, we will work with our hands as part of the labour force to build a large Dam funded by a Global Grant from the Rotary Foundation. The Dam will have a far reaching, long-term and sustainable impact on the welfare of an impoverished but colourful and vibrant community. The dam will help surrounding villages to increase their annual crop yield by 50 percent, by trapping the rain water that gushes down from the hills in the monsoon months but rushes away without benefiting the local population.

The dam will prevent aquifer degradation and surface water depletion, and this in turn will lead to:

Recharge of ground water and lift water levels in the wells.

Make drinking water available to community during summer months from bore-wells in their own villages that are currently dry.

Free women and girl-children from the day long drudgery of fetching water from distant wells, thus freeing them up to benefit from trade-oriented education.

Make drinking water available to cattle and other animals.

Assure irrigation in summer months and thus increase the annual crops from 1 per year to 3 crops per year, including vegetable crops that are more lucrative but also water intensive.

Additional income from increased crops would reduce the need to take male children out of school and send them out to earn money for the family kitchen.

Check the distress sale of milk-giving animals by increase in the green cover.






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This is a unique opportunity to live and work with the real, Eternal India: rustic, curious, warmly welcoming, a collage of timeless pastoral scenes. The level of physical fitness required to enjoy this activity is no more than that of a normally active person. Since we will be working in tandem with local foremen and labour teams, prior experience or expertise in construction is not required. We

will stay near the project site in an exclusive tented camp specially put up for our team. The tents are in the Swiss Cottage style, with two beds and an attached WC (western style with flush), shower, and washbasin, with running hot & cold water.

What do you have to do to join the Trip ?

Read the following pages carefully, and print the Trip Application Form (pages 14 and 15).

Email the completed form as a scanned attachment to [email protected]. We will study any special requirements that you may have and will then mail our invoice and payment directions by wire transfer or credit -card, along with visa application instructions.

Apply for your Indian visa. Do not opt for the E-visa on arrival scheme as it is fraught with confusion. Instead, apply for a regular tourist visa. We will send instructions along with the invoice.

Send payment for your trip costs within 2 weeks of receiving the invoice, by bank wire transfer or credit-card.






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Sep.30, 2015

FINAL TRIP PROGRAM

Date TOUR A TOUR B

Fri Feb 12 Depart – Newark: 1 Dep. New York/ Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty): 8:40 PM Flight UA82

Depart – Newark: Dep. New York/ Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty): 8:40 PM Flight UA82

Sat Feb 13 Arr. Delhi, India (DEL): 9.20 PM (local time). Total Travel Time: 14 Hr. 05 min. Met on arrival in Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Arr. Delhi, India (DEL): 9.20 PM (local time). Total Travel Time: 14 Hr. 05 min. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Sun Feb. 14 Delhi: Full day city tours

Delhi – Amritsar: Morning transfer to the domestic airport for the Flight to Amritsar dep. 14.50 arr. 16.15. Met on arrival in Amritsar and transfer to hotel. PM participate in the evening prayers at the famous Golden Temple.

Mon Feb 15 Delhi – Agra: (Drive); AM: Drive to Agra PM: visit the Taj Mahal.

Amritsar – Dharamshala: AM: Sunrise visit to the Golden Temple, then drive about 7 hrs up into the foothills of the Himalayas to Dharamshala, adopted home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama after his exile from Tibet.

Tue Feb. 16 Agra – Ranthambhore: (Drive 245 Km.) AM: Visit Agra Fort. PM: Drive apx. 7 hr to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Dharamshala: Day reserved for individual time at the Dalai Lama Temple, with a slender chance that our team may be granted a private audience with His Holiness. Other excursions may be available.

Wed Feb.17 Ranthambhore: AM & PM: Jungle safaris by shared Canter vehicles.

Dharamshala – Palampur: Drive 1.5 hr to Palampur. Transfer to a pretty resort surrounded by tea plantations. PM: Explore Palampur Tea gardens and a tea factory.

Thu Feb 18 Ranthambhore – Jaipur: AM: Jungle safaris by shared Canter vehicles PM: Drive Apx. 150 Kms./ 4-5 Hrs to Jaipur

Palampur: Day at leisure with individual excursion options. Eg. Bicycle tour in the valley, Day trek through the forested hills, amble around the quaint town, visit Andretta Pottery & Sobha Singh Art Gallery

1 If you prefer any other airport, please inform us in the pace provided on the Trip Application Form






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Fri Feb 19 Jaipur: AM: Explore the Amber Fort followed by Jaipur city tour. PM: Shopping etc.

Palampur – Kangra: Board a local train dep. 8 am arr. 10 am for a fairy tale ride through the pretty valley. Explore the Kangra Fort and some great views. Late afternoon visit the Brajeshwari Devi Temple.

Sat Feb 20 Jaipur – Gurgaon: AM: Drive to Gurgaon, a slick IT town on the periphery of Delhi. Evening see the famous Bollywood Musical Zangoora (Live show) at the Kingdom of Dreams followed by Dinner at the rather fantastic “Culture Gulley” (Culture Lane”) attached to the theatre. The hotel is just 5 minutes away.

Kangra –Gaggal airport -Delhi–Gurgaon: Dep. hotel at 8.30 am. Drive 2 hr to Gaggal airport. Flight dep. 12.10 arr. Delhi 13.50. Transfer to hotel in Gurgaon, a slick IT town on the periphery of Delhi. Evening see the famous Bollywood Musical Zangoora (Live show) at the Kingdom of Dreams followed by Dinner at the rather fantastic “Culture Gulley” (Culture Lane”) attached to the theatre. The hotel is just 5 minutes away.

Sun Feb 21 Gurgaon-Polio NID activities – Dam Site: AM: drive about 1-2 hrs for NID activities in a village. PM Drive to dam site. Next 4 nights in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.

Gurgaon-Polio NID activities – Dam Site: AM: drive about 1-2 hrs for NID activities in a village. PM Drive to dam site. Next 4 nights in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.

Mon Feb. 22 Dam Site: Building our Dam. Overnight in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.

Dam Site: Building our Dam. Overnight in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.

Tue Feb. 23 Dam Site: Building our Dam. Overnight in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.


Wed Feb. 24 Dam Site: Building our Dam. Overnight in our exclusive camp in tented cottages.


Thu Feb. 25 Dam Site - Delhi AM: Drive back to Delhi. Check-in at hotel. Evening farewell dinner with local Rotarians.

Dam Site – Delhi: Drive about 4 hr. to Delhi. Check-in at hotel. Evening farewell dinner with local Rotarians.

Fri Feb. 26 Delhi-Newark: AM: Visit Rotary Project in Delhi. Hotel check out 12 noon, but a couple of rooms will remain available for common use till the evening. Transfer to airport at 7.30 PM. Board the United flight DEP. 11:35PM

Delhi-Newark: AM: Visit Rotary Project in Delhi. Hotel check out 12 noon, but a couple of rooms will remain available for common use till the evening. Transfer to airport at 7.30 PM. Board the United flight DEP. 11:35PM

Sat Feb. 27

Arr. Newark at 4:45 AM: Connect with onward flights if required. End of Trip.

Arr. Newark at 4:45 AM: Connect with onward flights if required. End of Trip.






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July 31, 2015 Trip Costs In US$ Per Person

Airfares marked in red are subject to increase or decrease depending on the airfares applicable on the date of your payment for reservations. We will accordingly adjust the final price payable by you.

Service Cost per person

TOUR A

Cost per person

TOUR B

Land services based on sharing Twin / Double Rooms 2804 2804

International airfare departing from Newark(EWR) Liberty – Delhi –

Newark based on Continental Airlines

1600 1600

Domestic airfare for Delhi – Amritsar + Dharamshala (Gaggal airport) –

Delhi.

Not Applicable 183

TOTAL COST: 4404 4587

SUPPLEMENT for Single rooms 683 683

The above prices include the following services as per the enclosed itineraries: International airfare (optional - you may choose to book your own international travel).

Domestic airfare for the sector Delhi – Amritsar + Dharamshala – Delhi for Itinerary B.

Meeting and assistance at all airports in India.

Airport transfers and all land transportation by private AC vehicles.

All activities mentioned in the itinerary.

Local English speaking guides and Entrance fees at places of visit.

Live Show Zangoora at The Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon.

Transportation and Portage of one suitcase per member up to 25 Kg each.

Accommodation in base -category rooms at the hotels indicated below or similar on full board basis (including Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner).

Hotels Included in TOUR A: (Total 13 Nights)

City Hotel Hotel Category Nights

Delhi Royal Plaza First Class 02

Agra Four Point by Sheraton / Howard Plaza First Class 01

Ranthambhore Tiger Moon / Ranthambhore Kothi Jungle Resort 02

Jaipur Ramada Inn / Royal Orchid Central Sup. Tourist Class 02

Gurgaon Crown Plaza Deluxe 01

Project Site Camp Tented Cottages 04

Delhi Royal Plaza First class 01






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Hotels Included in TOUR B (Total 13 Nights)

City Hotel Hotel Category Nights


Amritsar Ritz Plaza / Ramada First Class 01

Dharamshala Fortune Park Moksha First Class 02

Palampur Norwood Greens Sup. Tourist Class 02

Kangra The Grand Raj Sup, Tourist Class 01

Gurgaon Crown Plaza Deluxe 01

Project Site Camp Tented Cottages 04


The following services / expenses are not included in the trip costs specified above:

Passport, Visa processing fee, fees for inoculations and health certificates.

Any meals other than specified above.

Personal expenses such as drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls or tips.

Any additional expenses caused by, or liability for, disturbance in trip program due to circumstances beyond our control such as airline or railway delays, road blocks, vehicle malfunctions, weather Conditions, sickness, natural disasters, wars, riots, etc.

Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents, damage to or loss of goods.

Camera fee or any item not specifically listed above.

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More about the places we will visit Tour A

Delhi: At the time when Bombay and Madras were just being established, Delhi had already been the capital of an empire for 500 years past. Over the centuries, no fewer than eight cities have been built side by side on this site. The city as it stands today has been built by Hindu, Muslim and British builders, and in a few minutes you can be transported from the neo-classical architecture of the elegant garden city of New Delhi to the narrow, twisting lanes that surround Chandni-Chowk in the old city.






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Agra (Taj Mahal): Back in the north of India, the Taj Mahal is a magnificent monument to an emperor’s love for his queen. A colossal, perfectly proportioned mass of marble, the Taj Mahal is literally a jewel. It was fashioned over 17 years by 20,000 craftsmen & labourers. From a distance, it seems to float, like a fantastic mirage, upon the banks of the River Yamuna.

The famous Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is spread over an estimated area of 250 sq miles. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and atop one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th

century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type. Numerous lakes in this forest attract the tiger population. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region’s glorious past. The reserve is also home to panthers, marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital & chinkara deer, and nilgai (antelope). Bird life includes black storks, painted storks, quail, Bonelli’s eagles, crested serpent eagles and spur fowl.






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The fortifications surrounding Jaipur give it a medieval atmosphere. The honey-comb design of the ‘Palace of Winds' glows in the light of the setting sun. Quaint bazaars thrive around this edifice. High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Palace are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy tale. Indeed, Jaipur embodies all that you may have heard about the pomp and pageantry of India, its Maharajahs and their fabulous palaces, and the marvellous, colourful drama of Life on its bustling streets. We shall ascend to the Amber Palace atop gaily decorated elephants, as did the Maharajah’s of yore. Within the fort walls lies an assortment of buildings famous for their intricate mirror inlays - the Hall of Mirrors, Kali’s Temple, palaces with latticed windows and beautifully sculpted arches and pillars.

The City Palace is still the residence of the Jaipur family, and its museum displays a fabulous collection of paintings, carpets, jewels and arms. We will also visit the Jantar Mantar (Royal Observatory), and the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds”. This is a multi-storied, intricately latticed facade of pink sandstone, designed for the pleasures of the ladies of the royal court. From here they could look out upon the quaint bazaars that still thrive around the palace, without exposing themselves to the commoners. Later, we shall explore the same colourful bazaars on foot. Here we may have memorable encounters with the descendants of those






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“commoners”, many still living in their ancestral “havelis” along the main market street. The sheer variety of the items that are sold off the street is fascinating, ranging from the mundane to the exotic, or even the simply baffling.

More about the places we will visit

Tour B

After exploring Delhi with the participants of Tour A (see pictures and description on page 8), Tour B participants will branch off the beaten track.

The Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab, is a place of great beauty and sublime peacefulness. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. The Buddha is known to have spent time at this site in contemplation. Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. After the passing of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. During the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built in the centre of the lake. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi

Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. From early morning until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchanting music induces a delicate yet state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. Pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.






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The Kangra Valley with its lush green terraces, wooded hills, and shimmering streams lies sandwiched between the mighty Dhauladhar range and the undulating Shivalik Hills. Lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, fast flowing rivers, calm mountain lakes and flower filled meadows echo the shepherds flute, temple bells and Buddhist chants. At a height 6500 feet, Dharamsala is situated in the heart of the Kangra Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It was built by the British and is

now synonymous with the Dalai Lama. Lower Dharamsala has a bustling bazaar and bus stand where visitors mingle happily with the locals. Dharamsala retains its old world charm and still has suburbs reminiscent of the British Raj such as Forsytheganj and Macleodganj. Macleodganj has been transformed into a Tibetan township and is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama after His exile from Tibet. Here an entire cultural tradition is being nurtured at the school of Tibetan studies with its rare manuscripts and ancient texts. It hence attracts scholars, pilgrims and

tourists. The Tibetan Institute for the performing arts and a handicraft center add to the ambience. Visitors enjoy roaming through the bazaar and bargaining for hand made carpets and handicrafts, ranging from prayer wheels to Tangkhas (Buddhist painted scrolls mounted on silk) The aroma of delicious Tibetan food fills the air. A giant prayer wheel dominates the main street and a large statue of Lord Buddha looks on serenely as monks chant their prayers in the monastery.






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The plateau of Palampur (4000 ft) nestles amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range, flanked by terraced paddy fields, forests of pine and deodar and pretty tea plantations. The scenery presents a sublime and awe-inspiring contrast: the rural calm and simplicity of the plains set against grand and majestic mountains, and numerous streams and brooks crisscrossing the landscape. Palampur has several old forts and temples such as 16th century Temple of Bundlamata and the Chamundadevi Temple. The Kangra valley’s distinctive art style survives in the lovely little village of Andretta, 14 km south of Palampur. You can ride up on mountain bikes to the little Tibetan village of Tashijong

Gompa, famous for its ancient thangka paintings, carpet weaving and block printing. Neughal Park, 1 km from Palampur, affords an awe-inspiring view of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains and the River Neughal.

Kangra is a picturesque town overlooking the majestic Ban Ganga river. Secluded and scenic, it is located between the Dhauladhar range and the Shivaliks. Earlier famous as Nagarkot, the town has witnessed many invasions and battles. The imposing Kangra fort stands testimony to the town’s past glory, extends over 4 square km and boasts high ramparts and thick walls. Kangra is known for its handicrafts and artifacts including paintings and marvellous embroidered shawls. There are several rock-cut temples in the vicinity.






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Trip Application Form: Section 1 Please complete Section 1 & 2 of this form and email a scanned copy to

[email protected]

Last Name as on your passport:

First Name as on your passport:

Middle Names as on your passport:

Prefix (Mr. or Mrs. or Ms.)

Rotary Club and District (if applicable)

Position in Rotary Club and/ or District (if applicable)

Address: House / Apartment Number, Street, City, State, ZIP / PIN, Country

Date of Birth: Month / Date / Year

Passport Number

Passport Issued at (place of issue)

Passport Issue ON (date of issue)

Passport valid till (date)

Telephone No. (Country Code - Area Code - Phone Number)

Mobile Telephone number

E-Mail Address:

Details of person to be contacted in case of emergency:

Name:

Relationship:

Address: House / Apartment Number, Street, City, State, ZIP / PIN, Country

Telephone No. (Country Code - Area Code - Phone)

Mobile Telephone number (Country Code - Phone)

E-Mail Address:






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Trip Application Form: Section 2

Which Tour would you like to join, A or B? Please circle your choice.

Tour A Tour B

Do you require a single room? (please circle your answer and delete the other)

Yes / No

If not, is there anyone else traveling with you who will share your room?

Yes / No

(please circle your answer and delete the other) (If yes) Name of person who will share my room:

Or, will you accept to share a room with any other participant (same sex) (please circle your answer and delete the other)

Yes / No

Would you prefer to purchase your international flight tickets on your own? In that case, please circle A, and fill in your arrival and departure flight details against B & C.

A. Yes, I will purchase my own international flight tickets.

B. I will Arrive in New Delhi by Flt. No.____

at ____ Hr. on ____Feb. 2016 from _________

C. I will Depart from New Delhi on Flt.

No.____ at _____ Hr. on ____Feb. 2016 to ___________

If you have not opted to purchase your own flights: The flight costs indicated on these pages include international flights ex – Newark, New Jersey. Do you require a different international departure and return city?

Yes / No (If yes) I prefer to depart from and return to: ________________ (in this case, we will send an alternative air itinerary and trip price for you)

Please indicate your shirt size (for the Team T-shirts) S, M, X, XX OR XXX

Your signature: ____________Name ___________ Date: _________






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Past projects - Water Harvesting

2010: The Teench wala Dam: Dist. Alwar, Rajasthan, India 2011: The Chahalka Wala Dam, Dist. Mewat, Haryana, India

2012: The Kala Khana Wala Dam: Dist. Alwar, Rajasthan, India

2013: The Budhleen Wala Dam: Dist. Mewat, Haryana, India

2014: the Moutala Wala Dam, Dist. Sikar, Rajasthan, India

2015: Ashram Wala Reservoir, Dist. Gurgaon, Haryana, India






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Signage at our last project 2015: Ashram Wala Reservoir, Dist. Gurgaon, Haryana, India






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For more information, please contact:

Team Leader - PDG Elias Thomas in Maine, USA www.eliasthomas.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 207-636-2222 (ext. 102)

India Project Manager - Sanjiv Saran in New Delhi, India Past President Chair –International Service Rotary Club of Delhi Megapolis Email: [email protected] Tel: (+) 91 -11-26141224

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