2020 India Adult Trip

2020 India Adult Trip

WE in India

WE.ORG/TRIPS | [email protected] | 1.833.999.6393

Table of contents

5 Namaste 6 India itinerary 12 Trip costs 14 Araveli Cottages & Tented Camp

16  Trip extensions 18 Signature service 20 Health & safety 22 FAQ 24 Testimonials

Meet local artisans Have the chance to learn about the origins of tie-dye and block printing as you try your hand at creating colorful masterpieces.

Community discovery Walk side-by-side with women as they fetch water, care for their goats and cows, and cook chapatti for their families—learning what it takes for a community to thrive.

Indian cooking class Join our chefs to learn how to prepare traditional favorites like butter chicken and samosas.

Namaste! Dear friends, I am honored to warmly invite you to join us on a ME to WE Trip to India—a meaningful journey you will never forget. Be welcomed into a local community in the province of Rajasthan. Experience the vibrant local culture and build a legacy alongside loved ones and fellow travellers—connecting with the community as you volunteer together on a sustainable development project. In the following pages, read more about this adventure to India and all the experience has to offer for yourself and your family. This is your time to change the world,

Roxanne Joyal CEO, ME to WE

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India Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Late evening: Arrival in Delhi Collect your luggage and proceed through customs, where you will be welcomed by your driver in the arrivals hall. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your boutique hotel. Check-in at the Leela Ambience Gurgaon Designed by the same architects as India’s first “green” hotel, the Leela Kempinski Gurgaon combines India’s rich cultural past with its modernity. Surrounded by a lush oasis of green, the Leela Kempinski Gurgaon is an award-winning hotel with restaurants that have received the highest of accolades, the perfect place to begin.

Brunch at the Leela Ambience Gurgaon Enjoy a leisurely morning and a hearty brunch at the hotel. Indulge in fresh local juices and fruits, traditional Indian flavors and western favorites before you embark on the rest of your trip. Mid-morning flight to Udaipur Board the shuttle bus from your hotel to take you to your commercial flight to Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East. Depart for Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp Drink in the beautiful sights and colors of the stunning landscapes of Rajasthan, the royal state of India, on your drive to Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, while learning some key Hindi words and greetings en route.

Introduction and orientation Settle in to your private tent or cottage and tour the generous shared spaces and garden. Enjoy an al fresco lunch overlooking the Aravalli mountain range. Learn about WE Villages international development model, which works with rural villages and regional governments to support, teach and empower people within five Pillars of Impact: Education, Water, Health, Food, and Opportunity. Welcome dinner We love food, and we love to share the aromatic flavors and dishes of Rajasthan with our guests. Treat yourself to a variety of Indian dishes, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as western favorites. Day 3

Optional early morning yoga Begin your day at sunrise like thousands of others in India with yoga, the discipline that first originated in ancient India. Find your center and reconnect your mind and body through this calming exercise. For the less inclined yogi, we also offer a great alternative called Discovering Your Dosha, where you’ll learn about the three fundamental bodily humors (doshas).

Language lesson After breakfast, have some fun and get ready to learn key phrases in Hindi. From namaste to aap kaise ho? you will be communicating with community members in no time! You will soon be testing out your new skills as you head into the village for the first time.

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Day 4

Village walk Connect with the local women of the community as you join them to help with their morning activities. Walk in their footsteps through the village, where you’ll experience community life including shared communal responsibility and sustainability, defined by the renewable and functional use of resources. Be invited into the homes of the local women to make chapatti, collect water and feed their animals. Nature walk Take in the exquisite beauty of the Mewar region foothills as you explore with a local guide. Discover the gorgeous flora and fauna that blossom in this region. Lunch and Jhapki Enjoy your daily siesta following a hearty meal served family style in the Araveli central courtyard.

Bollywood dancing Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a Bollywood experience! Spend the afternoon with a professional Bollywood choreographer who will share the glamor (and some of the tricks) of one of the largest centres of film production in the world as he teaches you to dance. Find your rhythm and move to the beat of your heart’s content! Indian Artisan activities Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying your hand at age-old customs, and create your own masterpiece. Learn the secrets to henna, tie-dying and block-printing. Dinner & musical entertainment The musical traditions of India are rich and varied and remain an integral part of daily life. Spend a relaxing evening listening to the different sounds of local masters playing Indian and Rajasthani musical instruments.

Community welcome and visit to WE Villages primary school Experience the warmth of a community welcome as you gather with students and local families who will be directly impacted by the work you are doing. In accordance with Hindu tradition, you will partake in a Pooja—a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony to mark the beginning of an auspicious event. Every new initiative begins with a blessing to ensure the success and prosperity of the work being undertaken. Learn about the community you’ll be volunteering in, and how you’ll be able to make a meaningful difference in partnership with local communities. Lunch and Jhapki Jhapki is Hindi for siesta. In keeping with local tradition, we will take a short rest from the hot midday sun at Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp before returning to the day’s activities in the cooler afternoon hours.

School-building Roll up your sleeves and get to know the local community members by working together and volunteering at the school build site. Guests of all ages and abilities can take on a meaningful role in helping build a new school for the community. Dinner and dance performance from local dance troupe The perfect end to the day? A colorful performance showcasing local dancers and folk dance traditions!

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Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Optional early morning yoga Participate in the school lunch program Food security is an ongoing issue in India, and malnutrition exists especially among the women and children who eat “last and least.” Facing high rates of anemia and malnutrition, almost every school in India has instituted a government lunch program to encourage student enrolment and retention, and to help combat malnutrition. Help cook lunch at a WE Villages school and distribute it to students. Learn firsthand about food costs, issues around food security, and how we’re working to help communities access sustainable food sources.

Optional early morning yoga session! Closing ceremony

Depart Araveli Cottages & Tented Camp for Udaipur Old city market shopping Test your bargaining skills with city vendors as you pick up local goods, whether it be traditional kurtas, local perfumes or musical instruments. You’ll find tons of unique treasures to bring home to remind you of your travels. Lunch on the Shores of Lake Pichola Enjoy your lunch on the shores of the beautiful Lake Pichola in the shadow of City Palace and Lake Palace, both world-famous architectural attractions. The majestic City Palace was built almost five centuries ago on a hill that gives stunning views of Udaipur, and you might recognize the Lake Palace from a 1980s James Bond film! Fly from Udaipur to Delhi Connect to your flight home in the Delhi Airport. International flights back to North America generally depart from Delhi in the late evening or early morning hours. OR Begin your customized extension

Start your day on a wonderful note by celebrating the progress you made on the build site with the new friends you made in the community.

Lunch and Jhapki Kumbhalgarh Fort

Visit this dominating fort which boasts the second largest wall after the Great Wall of China. The Mewar fortress was built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, and enlarged through the 19th century. Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the general public as a museum and boasts an incredible number of temples, as well as a permanent community within the fortress walls. Farewell dinner cart extravaganza What better way to bid farewell to your stay in India than enjoying some of region’s most gastronomic dishes! Enjoy your meal as you reflect on your trip and the strong bonds you made, and look ahead to the next spectacular adventure in your WE journey.

School-building Lunch and Jhapki Mewari art class

Under the guidance of a local artist, try your hand at Mewari art, which is one of the most influential schools of Rajasthani style of miniature painting, originating from the 17th and 18th centuries and developed in the Mewar region. Women and men’s circle Gather in gender specific circles to gain fuller insight into what is important to women and men of rural Rajasthan. Discover the parallels and differences with your own lives as you learn about one another.

Memories to cherish forever!

Explore a new culture and place through the people who call it home. See life on the beaten path.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. Accommodations may change subject to availability.

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Trip costs

$4,650 USD PP Araveli Tented Camp: based on double occupancy

$500* USD PP To upgrade to Araveli Cottages: based on quad occupancy

$500 USD PP Single supplement

Inclusions • ME to WE professional facilitator • Ground transportation for the duration of the trip • Return airfare from Delhi to Udaipur • Hotel accommodation in Delhi (one night) • Meals as indicated in Delhi • Entrance fees to sights in Delhi and Udaipur • All activities as outlined in the itinerary

• Accommodation at Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp ( five nights) • All meals and drinks at Araveli, including purified water, sodas, beer and wine Exclusions • International airfare to and from Delhi • Indian tourist visa, which can be obtained and stamped in your passport prior to departure at an Indian embassy or consulate. Visas are not available at the port of entry • Evening snack in Delhi upon arrival • Travel insurance (out-of-country medical, trip cancellation and interruption insurance) • Gratuities are not expected but appreciated, and are shared among all staff. • We humbly suggest $10-15 per adult per day *Please inquire for exclusive cottage pricing. Please note that arrival and departure transfers are included in your trip cost. Pick-up time at the airport begins at 2:30 p.m. on your arrival day, to accommodate check-in at the hotel, which begins at 3:00 p.m. Should you decide to extend your stay by arriving earlier or departing later than the scheduled times of your ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip, airport pick-up and drop- offs can be arranged at an additional cost.

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Araveli Cottages & Tented Camp

• We have a 17-year record of travel safety for our guests. • Take in spectacular views of the pink-hued Aravalli Mountains from the comfort of your private veranda. • Enjoy local dishes and western favourites prepared fresh daily in our central courtyard pavilion.

• Well-appointed private cottages, generous indoor- outdoor shared spaces and contoured landscapes will enhance the overall experience of your unique adventure. • All cottages and tents offer modern conveniences including hot water, air conditioning, electricity and en suite washrooms.

A property designed with authentic Indian décor and royal Rajasthani flair, Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp offers delightful spaces to recharge and refresh after a day of exploring.

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FROM $1,095 USD PP Based on double occupancy

Taj Mahal Treat yourself to a unique excursion marked by authentic Indian hospitality. Explore the hidden wonders of Agra, made famous by the Taj Mahal. You’re in for a grand experience as you dive into the city’s surviving art, culture, architecture and royal cuisine of contemporary Agra.

Price subject to availability and occupancy.

Includes two nights full board accommodation, activities and all land transfers.

FROM $2,495 USD PP Based on double occupancy

Golden Triangle Discover the regal splendor of Jaipur and Northern India with magnificent forts, palaces and landscaped estates. From the aristocratic grandeur of Deogarh Mahal to the mighty ramparts of Amber Fort, royal Rajasthan will pamper you with hospitality and luxurious splendor. Top off your adventure with a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal, a must-see on every traveler’s bucket list.

Price subject to availability and occupancy.

Includes four nights full board accommodation, activities and all domestic flights and land transfers.

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Don’t worry about the details, our team is on call to provide:

International and domestic flights on world-class airlines Our ME to WE Travel Teammembers are experts at buying the best flights and finding you the top sales on international airfare. Whether you want to fly first class, or snag the most cost-effective deal, our team can book your travel from door-to-door. Travel insurance Whether it is medical, cancellation or lost baggage (or any combination of the above), we are able to create and purchase the plan that will give you and your family peace of mind. Passport and visa information If you are unsure on what is needed to enter India, we will walk you through any and all special requirements and make sure you have everything you need to begin your journey worry-free! Immunization information At ME to WE, our participants’ health is our top priority. We always recommend visiting a travel doctor a minimum of six weeks before your departure date. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, we are happy to recommend a travel doctor that is familiar with ME to WE Trips. On-ground transportation and local guide Once you arrive in India, we take care of all your transportation, so you can sit back and enjoy the bustling markets and rolling hills of rural India unfolding in front of you. Your experienced local guide will welcome you into the communities and be an invaluable resource for in-depth information about the places and people you visit. Travel recommendations FromRajasthan, you are at the perfect gateway to explore either Delhi and the Taj Mahal or Jaipur and Agra—both of which we are more than happy to arrange for you. Whatever you choose, we are more than happy to arrange the next leg of your journey!

Our signature service

Whether you’re preparing for your trip or experiencing the real deal on the ground, we take care of all the details! Leave the planning to us—including flight arrangements, packing lists and information about vaccines and visas. While in country, we encourage you to focus on what’s really important: being in the moment. That’s why we ensure every detail is accounted for— from world-class accommodations and meals, to in-country transportation and excursions with your local guide.

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NEW YEAR TRIP 2018-2019

Health & safety

Your safety is our top priority! We take care of all the details to ensure you stay safe and healthy throughout your trip including: • Airport arrival assistance • 24-hour security staff • Filtered water available at all times

“The water we will drink is filtered. The food is prepared by their own kitchen, their own chef. We have these wonderful facilitators around us that are fountains of knowledge, but they also make sure that everything is seamless.”

Donna MacFarlane ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip, 2013

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in India? The weather in Rajasthan is usually hot and dry. Winter has pleasant daytime temperatures with cooler nights, to summer when it is very hot. Monsoon season brings rain during July and August. Q: What time zone is India in? A: India is on IST (India Standard Time), and is 10 or 11 hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time), depending on the time of year. Q: Can I bring a laptop, iPod, expensive camera etc.? A: We suggest traveling as lightly as possible to minimize the risk of damage to or loss of your possessions. For essential items, Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp provides a small safe in every tent and cottage.

Q: Is there filtered water? A: We provide filtered water for our guests to drink. We bring jugs of purified drinking water to the camp and then recycle them after each trip. We recommend bringing along a good, reusable water bottle that you can fill up as you head from our lodge for your day trips to the community. Q: How is the food? A: Participants will have the opportunity to sample a range of traditional Indian and Asian cuisines. Participants enjoy their meals from local restaurants that are regularly visited by ME to WE and at our pre-arranged by ME to WE facilitators as well as on site at Araveli. While staying at Araveli, guests will be treated to the culinary expertise of Chef KK, Araveli’s in-house chef. The majority of the food we will be eating in India is vegetarian, as it is the local custom. Don’t worry—there will be lots of protein options as well as western favorites available at all times.

Q: Will I have access to phone and internet while in India? A: Both phone and email communication is easily accessible in New Delhi. Internet access and phone access is not readily available at Araveli. In Udaipur, you will be able to use your phone if it is activated for international use. Q: Is there a minimum age for the participants going to India? A: No. We welcome guests of all ages! Whether young or old—there is something for everyone. Q: Can I bring gifts for the kids? A: We ask that you do not, as we work in solidarity with our partner communities. Put simply, your gift is your presence. We ask that our trip participants do not bring candy, toys or presents for community members, as we would like to promote fairness for all children. A portion of your trip cost goes to in-country communities to support their basic needs.

Q: What is the electrical voltage in India? A: Electricity will be available in New Delhi and while in Rajasthan. The voltage in India is 230-240V/50Hz. There are 2 types of Indian-style plugs. The first has two circular metal pins while the other has two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin. Please make sure to bring a converter with you. Plugs C & D are used in India:

PLUG C PLUG D

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Meg Kettlitz’s story

“2017 what an amazing year! My daughter graduated from high school earning admittance to The University of Toronto and The Lester B Pearson scholarship. 150 year anniversary of Canada. 70 years of Indian independence.And, a Family and Friends WE trip to India! We had an awesome adventure. From all of the sites, the sounds, the smells, the textures, the colors, to the comradeship of everyone we met. Everything was magical! It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite moment. My personal accomplishment best moment was the water walk. In Kenya in 2016 I wasn’t strong enough to do it. And, while, I suspect my pot wasn’t 100% full, I’m still proud of myself. It also is a reminder of just how hard the women in the village work and how strong they are. From the noise of the monkeys jumping on our tent telling us it was time to wake up to the f lickering of the stars at night telling us good night, it was an amazing family and life experience. One that I wish everyone could experience.” Meg Kettlitz Founders and Friends Trip 2017

Left: Meg and her daughter, Alessia Kettlitz

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Geraldine’s story

“The first visit to Kalthana was such a memorable occasion and one that I will never forget. I have a vivid image in my mind of stepping out of the car and hearing all this beautiful singing and flashes of bright blue down the hill as the children and adults of the Kalthana School greeted us with such hospitality. I was taken by the hand by a shy but bright eyed young boy aged about seven years. I believe his name was Nawara and he and I squatted down on the ground together and tied friendship bands around each other’s wrists, which was a very special moment indeed.” Geraldine Prosser Founders and Friends Trip 2016

Left: Geraldine Prosser with local teachers on the 2016 Founders and Friends Trip.

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Join us! ME to WE Trips Janice Carere Director of Special Experiences

[email protected] 1.647.961.2784

INDIA