01 2 SIA A JA O UM 6 PTEMBER 18 SE OCTOBE R 7 Led by DAVID MARSHALL International Needs Canada Travel through Nepal, Bangladesh, and India YO UR IT I N ERARY
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WELCOME The Umoja Journey is an adventure that will remain with you for the rest of your life. After you say yes to this journey, the most difficult part of the process will be over, and the fun and excitement can begin. OVERVIEW OF THE UMOJA JOURNEY The Umoja Journey is an exciting journey by road, air and train across Asia. The tour highlights the work of International Needs in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India, and gives you the adventure of a lifetime. The objectives are as follows: To give you a glimpse into the development projects in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. To provide funding for the projects we ll be visiting. To invite you to share your expertise and insight with our development partners. To share the exciting launch of Astha Guitars by Mr. Raghu Dixit. UMOJA JOURNEY COST The cost of the journey is CAN $20,000 per person, which may be processed as a charitable donation toward the work of International Needs, if your country of residence permits deductions of this nature. You can make a straight contribution, find sponsors, or do some fund-raising. Your donation will cover the cost of the following: Funding for the development projects in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. All travel costs of the trip, including airfare from North America You can join us for the whole journey or just one leg. However, the full cost applies. LOGISTICS OF THE JOURNEY This itinerary provides the day-by-day details so you know what to expect: Destinations and maps Travel plans Activities Projects we will be visiting ASIA 2016 3
UMOJA JOURNEY AT A GLANCE Nepal, Bangladesh, and India September 18 through October 7, 2016 Day Date Destination What s Happening 1 Sunday, September 18... Kathmandu, Nepal Arrival day 2 Monday, September 19... Kathmandu, Nepal Sightseeing 3 Tuesday, September 20... Kathmandu, Nepal Sightseeing 4 Wednesday, September 21...Bhaktapur, Nepal Visit Program:. Lydia Vocational Training Centre 5 Thursday, September 22...Dhaka, Bangladesh Travel Day 6 Friday, September 23... Jessore, Bangladesh Visit Program:. Jessore Computer Skills Training &. Bethany Children s Village 7 Saturday, September 24...Barisal, Bangladesh Visit Program:. Savar Children s Village 8 Sunday, September 25... Naogoan, Bangladesh Naogoan Free School 9 Monday, September 26... Siliguri, India Sano Diyo Orphanage 10 Tuesday, September 27... Varanasi, India Sightseeing 11 Wednesday, September 28... Varanasi, India Sightseeing 12 Thursday, September 29...Kachhawa, India Visit Program:. Kachhawa Christian School 13 Friday, September 30...Allahabad, India Neva Villages 14 Saturday, October 1... Delhi, India Travel Day 15 Sunday, October 2... Delhi, India Maharajas Express train tour 16 Monday, October 3...Agra, India Maharajas Express train tour 17 Tuesday, October 4...Jaipur, India Maharajas Express train tour 18 Wednesday, October 5... Delhi, India Visit Program: ACTS School 19 Thursday, October 6... Bangalore, India Visit Program: ACTS Schools Evening Concert, Raghu Dixit (Astha Guitars Launch) 20 Friday, October 7... Bangalore, India Evening Flight Home 4 UMOJA JOURNEY
You may choose to arrive earlier than Sunday 18 Sept to enjoy some retreat time at the Dwarika s Dhulikhel, Resort, near Kathmandu. This is a holistic lifestyle retreat, drawing on ancient Himalayan knowledge and philosophy of care for nature and for one s self. Set in magnificent natural surroundings, it offers a place in which to contemplate, to learn and to explore the connectedness between mind, body and earth. www.dwarikas-dhulikhel.com DAY ONE Sunday, September 18 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal. Airport transfers arranged as required. Overnight at the Dwarika s Hotel in Kathmandu. www.dwarikas.com ASIA 2016 5
DAY TWO Monday, September 19 Activities Kathmandu Sightseeing Day The Kathmandu Valley is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the valley. The tour starts with Swambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. In the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. The Numismatic Museum and the Tribhuvan Museum are inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the monkey temple after the large tribe of handsome monkeys which guards the hill and amuses visitors and devotees with tricks, including sliding gracefully down the double banisters of the main stairway to the temple. The roving monkeys quickly snatch up any offerings of food made by devotees and will just as quickly grab anything you may be carrying! Overnight at the Dwarika s Hotel in Kathmandu. www.dwarikas.com 6 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY THREE Tuesday, September 20 Activities Sightseeing day Bhaktapur and Patan Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, and about 14km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur, or the city of Devotees, still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving, the Bhadgaolen topi (cap) and curd. After sightseeing in Bhaktapur,we continue with a tour of Patan. Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, lies just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, but it is a much quieter and less frenetic place to visit. It includes the Royal Palace, which contains a richly decorated bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple. Visit the Buddhist monuments and the ancient temples. Overnight at the Dwarika s Hotel in Kathmandu. www.dwarikas.com DAY FOUR Wednesday, September 21 Visit a Project Women with Skills, Hope and Purpose Lydia Vocational Training Centre (Lydia) is committed to providing underprivileged young women of Nepal with the basic life skills, literacy, numeracy and vocational skills to make a living and lead productive, independent lives in their communities. Every year two batches of approximately 30 women affected by varying degrees of social, religious, educational and economic hardship spend 5 months in residence at Lydia immersed in sewing, playing guitar, madal and tambourine, and exploring issues in health education as well as Bible studies. At the end of the course the women, newly empowered with marketable skills, return to their homes and put their training to use. At graduation each graduate receives a sewing machine. In return, the women commit to passing along their sewing skills to five other women in their communities. In this way skills and information are quickly disseminated through remote communities and across a variety of cultural and physical barriers. Overnight at the Dwarika s Hotel in Kathmandu. ASIA 2016 7
DAY FIVE Thursday, September 22 Flight to Jessore Relaxed morning. Afternoon flight to Bangladesh. 1345 KATHMANDU to DHAKA 1515 1645 DHAKA to JESSORE 1730 Overnight at Hotel City Plaza International, Jessore DAY SIX Friday, September 23 Visit a Project Morning visit to Jessore, an isolated, rural district in the SW tip of Bangladesh. Suffering from high unemployment and low literacy rates, more than half the population of Jessore live below the poverty line. International Needs Bangladesh provide vocational training in computer applications for rural women enabling them to find work and support their families. Drive to Bethany Children s Village, Barisal (Approx 4 hours). Visit Bethany Children s Village a boy s boarding school. Since 1994, Bethany Children s Village has served as home and school for 100 orphans and vulnerable boys in the Barisal District of Bangladesh, providing primary school education, as well as vocational training in office administration, fish, poultry and vegetable farming. Over the years, many lives have been changed. The school focuses on providing a nurturing learning environment equipping vulnerable children with the coping skills to manage the unusual circumstances of their lives, the life skills to function as productive members of society and the educational foundation required to compete successfully in the labour market. Overnight at Hotel Grand Park, Barisal. 8 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY SEVEN Saturday, September 24 FLY Barisal to Dhaka. Arrive in Bangladesh s thriving capital, Dhaka, one of Southeast Asia s major cities, and head to the vibrant Pan Pacific Sonargaon, a prestigious 5 star Dhaka hotel situated prominently in the centre of Bangladesh s diplomatic zone and commercial district. The hotel is close to historic sites and exciting shopping, a modern oasis in a bustling city. Visit a Project In the afternoon there will be an optional visit to Savar Children s Village. International Needs Savar Children s Village is a girl s boarding school located 45 minutes outside Dhaka, the country s capital city. The facility includes a large courtyard, a church, school dormitories, and a medical clinic. Savar hosts 250 orphans and vulnerable girls from various regions in Bangladesh. Activities Spend the evening touring around Old Dhaka. The historic architecture here conjures memories of times past when Dhaka was one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the Indian subcontinent. Spend some time at Ahsan Manjil, or the Pink Palace, and Tara Masjid, also known as the Star Mosque, before embarking on a rickshaw tour of the city - a traditional experience you will not forget! www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/bangladesh/dhaka.html ASIA 2016 9
DAY EIGHT Sunday, September 25 Dhaka (DAC) to Rajshahi (RJH) Biman Bangladesh Airlines 491 Dep: 0800 Arr 0845 BG 491 Visit a Project Naogoan Integrated Project The Naogoan Free School is located in northwest Bangladesh in a rural area. The people who live in rural areas face debilitating poverty and many of the children have no families or adults who care for them. Some work as day laborers in local factories or fields, while others live on the streets, stealing food when they can and sleeping wherever they find shelter. While the government subsidizes education, rural children are all but forgotten. When International Needs opened the Naogoan Free School, the teachers and leaders simply invited anyone who wanted to learn to come to school. More than 250 children started coming to school every day of their own free will to learn to read, write and do simple math! Today, there are 400 children attending classes. Through child sponsorship they receive food, clothing, medical care and Christian teaching. International Needs Bangladesh is hoping to move forward with the Naogoan Integrated Project by constructing a three-story building to expand its ministry to the families in the region. Project duration is estimated at 18 months, six months for each phase. Afternoon Drive from Naogaon to Siliguri, INDIA which is 305 Km away, approx. 6 hour drive. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight at the Sinclairs Siliguri hotel in Pradhan Nagar, at the heart of the city, a luxury hotel equipped with modern amenities. One of the most renowned hotels in the region. If there s time you could take a dip in the hotel s outdoor swimming pool or visit the Health Club which has a gym, steam and sauna, or rejuvenate at The Laya Spa. www.sinclairshotels.com/siliguri DAY NINE Monday, September 26 Visit a Project Visit the Sano Diyo Orphanage, a shelter home for girls. Sano Diyo today takes care of 37 girls. At Sano Diyo, needy and abandoned children have been given a home, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The home is situated in the foothills of Darjeeling, in Siliguri, West Bengal, and is managed by ACTS staff Prasanna and Arpana Khaling, a dedicated and devoted couple. FLY BAGDOGRA 1630 DELHI 1850 Overnight at Holiday Inn Express, Delhi International Airport 10 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY TEN Tuesday, September 27 FLY DELHI 1025 VARANASI 1150 Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Though many names have been given to Varanasi, it probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varuna to the north and the Asi to the south. Varanasi s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. For the devout Hindu the city has always had a special place. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered especially auspicious to die here, ensuring an instant route to heaven. The revered and ancient city Varanasi is the religious center of the world of Hindus. A city where the past and present, eternity and continuity co-exist. The city of Banaras is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - the land of sacred light. The Ganga is believed to have flown from heaven to wash away the worldly sins of the human race of mortals.the life and activities in the city center around the holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men, women and children - come down to the river to wait for the rising sun when immersion in the sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away. We will be staying at the Nadesar Palace Hotel which has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquility. Works of art from the Maharaja s collection decorate the walls of the Palace s 10 luxurious suites. Embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era, the décor of the rooms is intended to evoke the colors of marigolds, jasmines, and pale pink lotuses that are offered to the holy Ganges Overnight at Nadesar Palace hotel, Varanasi www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-nadesar-palace-varanasi ASIA 2016 11
DAY TWELVE Thursday, September 29 Drive to Allahabad, via Kachhawa 220 KM Approx. 3 hours DAY ELEVEN Wednesday, September 28 Another day in Varanasi. Along the water s edge, there are the burning ghats. The most sacred one is Manikarnika, associated with Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva s wife. The major shrine is the Vishwanath Temple the abode of Lord Shiva, the most important of the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, the Lords of this universe. Around this temple evolved the spiritual identity of Varanasi. Overnight at Nadesar Palace hotel, Varanasi https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-nadesarpalace-varanasi/ Visit a Project Check out and drive to Kachhawa (a top Hindu pilgrimage destination) which is 101 Km away, approx. 45 minute drive. Visit the Kachhawa Christian School a part of the ACTS Group of Institutions. This is the only school in Kachhawa providing quality education. This school primarily caters to the needs of the village children who are looking for quality English-medium schooling at a moderate cost. Continue journey to Allahabad where we will visit the IN work in Allahabad, which is the community development program mainly for women and children. Overnight at Hotel Harsh Ananda in Allahabad. www.hotelharshananda.com/ 12 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY THIRTEEN Friday, September 30 Visit a Project This project provides quality education (Neva villages), the provision of some basic essentials, vocational training, medical treatment and health education to girls in the villages of Allahabad, North India. Girls have very limited access to education in this semi-rural area and many students start at the schools having had no previous education. Around 400 girls and young women benefit from the work of this program. Overnight at Hotel Harsh Ananda in Allahabad. DAY FOURTEEN Saturday, October 1 Air India 9604 Allahabad (IXD) to Delhi (DEL) Dep: 1430 Arr: 1615 Chosen as India s best Luxury Historical Hotel by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2015. The Imperial is an iconic property in Delhi s 5 star hotel category and the most distinguished address situated in the heart of the capital, reminiscent of the halcyon days of the Raj. A luxury hotel with an iconic and awe-inspiring heritage interwoven in colonial elegance, it dwells in its modern delivery of oldstyle class, magnificence and luxuries aplenty. Built in 1931 by Blomfield, one of Sir Edwin Lutyen s associates and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, it is New Delhi s landmark Hotel, located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway. The Hotel is steps away from the renowned shopping district and city s major attractions. Overnight: The Imperial, Delhi. www.theimperialindia.com ASIA 2016 13
DAY FIFTEEN Sunday, October 2 8am Check in: Maharajas Express Train journey Day 1 Delhi - Agra snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a symbol of eternal love. Assemble at Safdarjung Railway Station for a welcome ceremony and begin the 3 day Treasures of India rail journey aboard the luxurious Maharajas Express train. www.maharajas-express-india.com/treasuresof-india.html Soon after a traditional Indian welcome, complete your registration formalities and get ushered to your cabins. Savor your delicious brunch onboard. Arrival in the city of love, Agra where we visit the iconic Taj Mahal, and other architectural gems of the Mughal Empire; the Itmad-ud-Daullah and the impressive Agra Fort. Your discovery of the essence of Mughal architecture is completed with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in red sandstone. Taj Mahal: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard were said to have grown Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later. After the Taj we will visit Agra Fort- that was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - the interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Return to enjoy the comfort of Maharajas express or go for the optional Mohabbat, the Taj Show or optional shopping tour Dinner and overnight stay on board the train. 14 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY SEVENTEEN Tuesday, October 4 Day 3 Jaipur DAY SIXTEEN Monday, October 3 Day 2 Agra - Ranthambore Arrive in Jaipur and have breakfast on board The historic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, often called the Pink City. Explore the forts and palaces with a walk through the colorful bazaars of this beautiful city. Disembark to visit the Agra Fort or visit Itmad- Ud-Daula (optional). Get back to your world of lavishness- Maharajas Express for breakfast. Leave for Sawai Madhopur as you enjoy lunch onboard. Enjoy a thrilling Jeep Safari to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Enjoy adventurous morning and afternoon safaris at the Reserve, looking for the elusive big cats. Proceed to visit Amber Fort, visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). You may also choose activities such as spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to Amber Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club. Post lunch you have an option of visiting the local bazaars of Jaipur or indulging in a rejuvenating spa session at a palace hotel or local sightseeing tour of the City Palace complex which houses the royal family of Jaipur and an exquisite museum, the royal observatory Jantar Mantar. Return to Maharajas Express, and leave for Jaipur. Dinner and overnight stay aboard Maharajas Express. ASIA 2016 15
DAY EIGHTEEN Wednesday, October 5 Day 4 Delhi Today you will bid adieu to the Treasure of India tour on board Maharajas Express train. Post breakfast, disembark the train and transfer to the airport FLY DELHI 1330 to BANGALORE 1615 AI 502 investment here in digital smart classes and computer labs. Even though the fees are very reasonable, we want to give these kids the best. A small profit is generated here which really helps to support the rest of ACTS. Transfer to the Leela Palace Bengaluru Hotel, which is among the few places to stay in Bengaluru. Spread over nine acres of lush gardens, resplendent with cascading waterfalls and ornate blooms the hotel is unabashed in its opulence. Strategically situated near the Bengaluru airport, the hotel showcases the architectural glory of Mysore. Overnight at Leela Palace Bengaluru Hotel www.theleela.com/locations/bangalore Visit a Project On arrival visit ACTS Secondary School. ACTS SECONDARY SCHOOL We have a big school in Bangalore with 1400 kids, 3 to 16-year-olds. There has been lots of Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the third-most populous city in India, with over 8.4 million residents. Located in southern India on the Deccan Plateau, at a height of over 900 m (3,000 ft.) above sea level, Bengaluru is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Its elevation is the highest among the major large cities of India. 16 UMOJA JOURNEY
DAY NINETEEN Thursday, October 6 Visit a Project Visit two ACTS schools catering to under privileged children. Nirmala Vidyalaya, Gattahalli is a smaller village school in Bangalore with 400 kids and Nirmala Vidyalaya, Rajendranaga a small slum school in Bangalore with 60 kids. Parents of these kids are daily-wage laborers, maids, drivers, etc. and are quite poor. Evening concert to celebrate Umoja and the official launch of Astha Guitars by famous musician Mr. Raghu Dixit. www.asthaguitars.com www.raghudixit.com Overnight at Leela Palace Bengaluru Hotel DAY TWENTY Friday, October 7 Evening Flight Home ASIA 2016 17