Itineraries

AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE CONFERENCE TOURS

INDIA AND Jewels in the Crown

1. 18 MARCH – 2 APRIL, 2017

2. THE VALE OF KASHMIR 2 APRIL – 6 APRIL, 2017

These exclusive tours provide outstanding introductions to the complex cultures of India and Kashmir. With a special interest in landscapes and gardens, we experience many highlights of India. These are journeys of the mind - rich in layers of history and cultural interest. We visit properties, designers and gardens, many are unique - and exclusive to these tours.

For information: phone (03) 9804 8915 [email protected]

www.landscapeconference.com/alctours

1 SUMMARY

OUR TOURS PROVIDE AN INTRODUCTION TO OUTSTANDING HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA - surely, the most diverse, intriguing, beautiful, maddening, colourful, charming and bewildering country on earth! Travel in India can be challenging. We aim to make it as comfortable and seamless as possible.

The India Tour includes the capital Dehli with ‘Lutyens India’, the Mughal Mausoleum, the Chandi Chowk bazaars and Ahmedabad where we visit Mahatma Ghandi’s Ashram, and are welcomed by leading landscape architect Aniket Bhagwat. We visit his exciting modern homes and gardens. Then to Jaipur – capital of colourful Rajasthan with its forts and palaces, Agra – former capital of the and home to the mighty , remnants of Emperor ’s earliest Mughal Ram Bagh garden and the mausoleum garden which Aniket says should be seen by moonlight. We invited him to invoke the Gods to arrange this, but should they fail, we will be there at first light when the earliest morning rays bring out the soft ineffable hues of this incomparable jewel of the Mughal Shah

Jahan – an exquisite memorial to his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.

From Agra, to Khajuraho, for a night with its unique temple sculptures (the ‘naughty temples’) before our visit to Varanasi – which stands at the peak of all religious sites in the Hindu world. We glimpse something of the soul of India and despite thousands of pilgrims, aim to make this a comfortable visit. The dancing, chants and music can be pure joy.

Those taking the Vale of Kashmir Tour will fly to and sample surviving examples of the Paradise Gardens of Kashmir – especially surrounding . It has been written that there were some 500 gardens around the lake but another report says 700! The Bagh and Shalimar Gardens remain two of the most arresting and beautiful gardens you can find anywhere. Other surviving gardens provide contrast and we enjoy colonial remnants of the Raj who like the Mughals, went to Kashmir for its beauty and romance. It was the ultimate hill-station retreat with its landscapes, gardens and wildflowers. It can be achingly beautiful with its mountains, lakes and valleys, and a wonderful respite from the heat of the plains.

Our tours aim to provide a cultural introduction to India and Kashmir within a short period. We also provide varied themes of gardens and design – especially of the great with their wonderful architecture.

And we visit brilliant modern examples such as those introduced to us by Aniket Bhagwat, principal of Landscape India.

Warwick and Sue Forge

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LEADERS, DESIGNERS AND GUIDES

Tour leader Warwick Forge LL.B., M.B.A. fell in love with India aged about 12 reading Rudyard Kipling and this led to his three monthS visit to India and Kashmir in 1966 from whence he drove overland to Scotland. He has been involved with other visits including a study tour of Mughal Gardens with Erica Hunnigher and Penelope Hobhouse. Warwick has been a publisher of gardening books for nearly two decades and in former lives was a lawyer, retailer, and executive with the National Trust and Trust for Nature. In 2000 He was awarded the Centenary Medal for his contribution to the environment. This will be his fifth journey to India. Aniket Bhagwat

In Delhi we are indebted to support and advice from

landscape architect Brij Geeta and we will also take a tour with Pradip Krishen, leading authority on the trees of India who is actively involved with rehabilitating native landscapes.

We also plan to meet with other experts in Agra and

Srinagar who will greatly enhance our understanding and enjoyment. With advice from Aniket Bhagwat and other experts, we have developed these tours in conjunction with our Sue and Warwick partying in Sicily specialist In-Gound agents and leading guide Vineet

Kumar Sharma who is reserved for our tours. Co-tour leader Susanne Forge Dip. Bus. (Accounting) company director, accomplished gardener, with multiple managerial skills evident while on tour – has a love of the decorative arts which make for great shopping expeditions. Sue and Warwick have pioneered garden themed tours to five countries in South America and since 2002, convened the Australian Landscape Conferences biennially in Melbourne which attract leading garden designers from around the world.

Our India tours have their genesis in the 2013 Australian Landscape Conference when Aniket Bhagwat provided two brilliant presentations on the gardens and landscapes of India. Professor Jim Sinatra pronounced them the finest presentations he had ever heard.

These two tours follow Aniket’s recommendations closely and he will provide a wonderful introduction to modern architecture and gardens of India when we visit Vineet Kumar Sharma him in Ahmedabad. Aniket is principal of the leading firm Landscape India.

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THE ITINERARIES

1. INDIA TOUR, 18 MARCH – 2 APRIL, 2017 Sat 18 March. The Claridges Hotel, Delhi You are met on arrival at Delhi Airport by a travel representative and transferred to our lovely hotel.

Sun 19 March. The Claridges Hotel. Following a morning ‘meet, greet and introduction’, we depart for some sightseeing of Old & New Delhi including a drive around ‘Lutyen’s Delhi’ and India Gate, and a trip around the narrow lanes and streets of Chandi Chowk (Old Delhi), to be explored by bicycle rickshaw. Lutyens' Delhi is an area named after British architect Edwin Lutyens (1869–1944), who was responsible for much architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire in the 1920s - 1930s. The area includes the Lutyens Bungalow Zone. Construction followed after1911 when the British capital moved to Delhi from Calcutta. This central area still consists of many large avenues and bungalows and central features comprise the enormous Presidential Palace, parliament buildings and India Gate. As a largely protected area it is one of the few parts of Delhi that has not suffered too much change in the past 100 years. Most of this area can be happily observed through driving along its broad avenues. Many of the ‘bungalows’ are now embassies or belong to diplomats. The Presidential Palace (1913-30) (Rashtrapati Bhavan) provides limited access however, visits can be taxing and we will head instead for the attached monumental gardens which are usually open at this time. Described as ‘Mughal’ they are recreations in fact.

Mon 20 March The Claridges Hotel. It is refreshing to explore the Lodhi Gardens early morning and we plan to visit with Pradip Krishen, author of a book on the Trees of Delhi. From there we can visit the Sanskriti Kendra Museums and garden in South Delhi. We will also pay our respects to the massive Humayun Mausoleum which is next door to the Sunder Nursery which is strongly recommended by Aniket Bhagwat.

Tue-Wed-Thur 21, 22 & 23, March Grand deluxe rooms, House of MG, Ahmedabad, Gujarat We fly to Ahmedabad and Aniket Bhagwat – which will be The Safdarjung Mausoleum Garden, Delhi immensely stimulating. We will pay our respects to

4 Gandhi’s Ashram and walk around the old streets and ‘pols’ of the city. In 2012 The Times of India voted Ahmedabad ‘the best city to live in India’ and in 2010, it was ‘ranked third in Forbes’s list of fastest growing cities of the decade’. As Aniket observes, it is a city of much design creativity. For about twelve years, Mahatma Gandhi, lived at the Gandhi Ashram, (Sabarmati Ashram) located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. It was from this base that he led the famous rebellious Dandi or ‘Salt March’ (Satyagraha) across India in 1930. In recognition of the significant influence of this march on the Indian independence movement, the Indian government established the ashram as a national monument.

HALF WAY RETREAT, Ahmedabad Courtesy, Aniket Bhagwat

But it is the architecture and gardens of Aniket Bhagwat that will most direct our thoughts now and he has planned visits to three exciting residences – the Half Way Retreat, the Drum House and the Bridge House. (See www.landscapeindia.net) A fourth opportunity is the Aakash Party Plot about which Aniket was most excited. At his suggestion, we plan to hold a dinner here though the venue was conceived for weddings capable of seating over 10,000 guests! Note – Aniket has various other fascinating activities in mind for us not covered by these notes! And we will also visit architect Le Corbusier’s Mill Owners Building in Ahmedabad. The bad news? Only that Ahmedabad is in Gujarat - an alcohol free state.

Fri-Sat-Sun 24, 25 & 26 Mar Jaipur, Rajasthan Deluxe suite, Samode Haveli Our morning flight returns to Delhi and we drive by coach to the extensively renovated Neemrana Fort Palace for lunch en route to Jaipur and our historic Samodi Haveli. Jaipur is a place of wild contrasts, bombarding the senses at every turn. Jaipur’s old city, its rich colours deepening and fading according to the light, is lined with long, twinkling bazaars. (It) ..is today among the most tumultuous and polluted places in Rajasthan. ..But its energy and vibrancy, coupled with imposing historical and cultural wealth, are seductive.

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Jaipur is our favourite city in Rajasthan, and with Amber, affords wonderful sightseeing including visits to the Amber Palace (can be reached by elephant back), the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This five storey building has an ingenious network of windows to provide ladies of the royal household with views of daily life and processions. With its colour, architecture, rich culture, textiles and jewellery, Jaipur provides a very varied experience. The Rajputs were always proud and fierce warriors and a problem for their Mughal masters. Their honour led them to fight without fear often leading to jauhar (mass suicide) rather than surrender. This involved the women and children plunging to their deaths in a vast funeral pyre after which, the men rode out to battle and certain death against impossible odds.

The Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Mon-Tue, 27 & 28 Mar, Jaipur––Agra. Taj Gateways, with Taj views from our window. We depart Jaipur and drive to Agra (approx 4-5 hours), stopping en route at Abhaneri to see the Chand Baoli recommended to us by Aniket Bhagwat, The Chand Baori has 3,500 narrow steps with 13 storeys to a depth of about 30m making it one of the deepest and largest in India as well as one of Rajasthan’s oldest and most attractive landmarks. It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty between 800 and 900 AD and dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness. Rajasthan is very arid, and the stepwells were intended to store as much water as possible. The distinctive feature of stepwells is that people can easily reach the ground water and maintain the well. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees cooler and it was used as a community gathering centre during periods of intense heat. One side of the well has a pavilion and resting room for the royals. Chand Baori has been used for film locations e.g. The Fall and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. 6

We drive to Fatehpur Sikri, which became the capital of the Emperor ’s Mughal Empire from 1571- 85. It is recorded that Akbar was desperate for a son and that he annually visited Sheik Salim a saintly figure who belonged to the Chishti Sufi order. The saint predicted that Akbar would be delivered of three sons and in 1572 a third son was born. Akbar responded by building the new city, Fatehpur Sikri, adjacent to Sheik Salim’s residence. Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar’s principal place of residence and because of his involvement, it became a cultural, artistic and intellectual centre. The emperor’s interest in spiritual matters also grew and regular extraordinary discussions and debates took place involving Muslims, Hindus, Zoroastrians and Jesuits. However, the city suffered from water shortages and on his death in 1585, it was abruptly deserted. The Palace and Jama Masjid have been well restored by the Archeological Survey of India but the city itself remains a ghost town. We plan to arrive at Mehtab Bagh in Agra in time to enjoy the romantic sunset view of the Taj Mahal at sunset across the Yamuna River —

On Tuesday we rise early to greet the dawn and the Taj Mahal -

With the warmth of the sunrise the garden mists rose high, drifting away in turquois wreaths .. [and there] ..shone the Taj, a miracle revealed. The magic lasted but a moment, but in that moment I had seen the vision as its builders saw and planned it long ago.. It is Mumtaz Mahal herself, radiant in her youthful beauty, who still lingers on the banks of the shining Jumna, at early morn, the glowing midday sun, or in the silver moonlight. Or rather.. it is India’s noble tribute to the grace of Indian Womanhood — the ‘Venus de Milo of the East’.

The Taj is the one triumph of Indian art in which Moslem and Hindu, official Anglo-Indian and passing English tourist all join to reverence and admire. .. nothing is more striking, in a land of great ruins and tawdry modern buildings, than its absolute bloom of perfection’.

— Constance Villiers-Stuart, Gardens of the Great Mughals, 1913

7 After breakfast we visit the magnificent which spreads along the right bank of the Yamuna River and which still today, as in Mughal times, continues to dominate the city. We visit the Itmad-ud- daulah Tomb and the Rambagh (Arum Bagh) Gardens, on the site of the oldest Mughal garden in India created by the first emperor Babur. However, the remnants are now believed to belong to a later property created by . Nevertheless, these garden resorts and funerary monuments date back to the earliest of Mughal char-baghs which once made up a splendid collection on both sides of the Yamuna River.

Wed 29 Mar Agra – Khajuraho Lalit Hotel, Khajuraho with temple views It’s a short flight to Khajuraho where you may find the world’s best temple carvings. Certainly their unbridled and explicit eroticism – like the Karma Sutra – is rich in ingenuity and athleticism. They were built by the Rajput Chandela from 950-1050 and survived five centuries of invading Mughals. Why were they built here – in such a remote location? Nobody seems to know however, no doubt it was their remoteness which saved them from wholesale Mughal destruction as idolatrous objects as occurred elsewhere. There are two principal themes – stone figures of voluptuous, swaying asparus (heavenly nymphs) and sex with all its possibilities. Don’t say you were not warned! If we are lucky, our visit may coincide with the excellent Dance Festival in March or a son et lumiere (sound & light show) at the temple complex.

Thur-Fri 30-31 Mar Khajuraho – Varanasi Taj Ganges – executive room We return to the temples to see them in the early light and then take a short flight to Varanasi and arrive at our hotel. If time permits, we may enjoy a gentle stroll or light sightseeing. On Friday we embark upon an early morning boat ride on the most sacred of all rivers – the Ganges. We return to our hotel for breakfast followed by a day of sightseeing in Varanasi including a visit to the Buddhist site at Sarnath, where it is said that Buddha preached his first lessons on Nirvana.

Sat 1 Apr Varanasi - Delhi A return flight brings us back to Delhi. Departures homewards will depend on flight times and some of us may require an additional night at The Claridges (at our special group rate).

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2. THE VALE OF KASHMIR 2 APRIL – 6 APRIL, 2017 However, I returned to [Kashmir] to see the sparkle of spring, when nature rushes to bedeck the land with blossom after blossom: almond, apple, cherry, peach and pear. Violets pansies, narcissi, crocuses and daisies burst into bloom. In the graveyards, the irises were an explosion of purple and white. This was the time I drove to the . There, rivulets lined with poplars, willows and mustard emptied into it. On the Dal Lake nothing was more restful than a ride in a shikari. The Kashmiri gondola. I was rowed through canals, past floating gardens and under Mughal bridges, where the white breasted Kingfishers plunged for their catch. I left the Vale through the Banihal road. From its height saw the ripening rice-fields spread out for miles. The land glowed with the opulence of an enormous emerald. - Jawarharlal Nehru (Kashmir: Garden of the Himalayas, 1983).

The romantic Shalimar Garden looking towards the main pavilion

Sun 2 April Delhi – Srinagar. Super De luxe Lalit Grand Palace We fly to Srinagar in the morning and settle in to our hotel before departing on a tour of historic Srinagar which absorbed so many cultural influences. Afghans, Sikhs, Mughals and the British amongst many others, often imposed very oppressive rule upon these impoverished peoples who have nevertheless retained much of their cultural heritage into current times. Even the influence of Alexander the Great can still be seen in the classical motifs and decoration in some of the old ruins.

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From high on the terraces of Nishat Bagh, sunset approaches

Mon, Tue & Wed 3,4 & 5 Apr Srinagar Super De luxe Lalit Grand Palace From the time of our arrival we shall focus upon - A. The suite of significant surviving Mughal gardens which mostly surround the Dal Lake numbering about seven. The two truly fabulous gardens are Nishat Bagh and Shalimar. Warwick Forge is familiar with these gardens and will provide detailed notes prior to departure. B. Historic sites in and around Srinagar which include remnants of the British Raj, Mughal, Rajput and religious buildings. Khanqah Shah-i-Hamadan for example, is a fascinating spired 1730’s Muslim meeting hall in a Tibetan style. Note – Srinagar is north of Nepal and most of Tibet. It was constructed without nails and â é both frontage and interiors are covered in papier-m ch reliefs and elaborately coloured khatamband (faceted wood panelling). Non-Muslim visitors may peek through the door but may not enter. C. Our group can decide how we spend our time on Wednesday which is our last free day. There are many options. A visit to Kashmir invariably includes shopping to explore local arts and crafts for which Kashmir is famous. With conversion to Islam, strong links developed between Kashmir and Persia. When Zain-ul-Abidin became king of Kashmir, Persian became the official language of the court and many artists and artisans migrated from Persia to Kashmir. There was a flowering of the arts and crafts and we still find fine embroidery â é (Chain-stitch remains one of Kashmir’s specialities) carpets, rugs, papier m ch and wood carving all richly embellished with flowers and wildlife in the Persian style – and thus the Paisley pattern. Cashmere woollens, (including pashmina) silks and other fabrics are always sought after. A trip to the snowfields and valleys of is always popular, especially when the wildflowers are out. If the party is feeling adventurous they may choose to travel south on the main Srinagar – road along the Vale of Kashmir. There are two delightful gardens at Achabel and which were once used as encampments for the and their court as they made their way to Srinagar for the summer. Or of course, a quiet day returning to the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh gardens would be sheer joy and perhaps, a cruise in a shikari for afternoon tea in one of the Shikaris (houseboats) which were the pride and joy for the British Raj over the centuries! Indeed, one or two of us are considering ‘staying on’ for a couple of extra days in this earthly paradise – now there’s a thought!

Thur 06 April SRINAGAR/DELHI There is an early return flight to Delhi which should enable an onward connection the same day for most of us.

10 HOTELS In selecting hotels we strive to provide a high standard of comfort, amenities, location, restaurants and service. Some are wonderful and they are all four stars or more. Rankings listed are provided by Tripadvisor.

DELHI KHAJURAHO The Claridges Hotel- www.claridges.com 5 star – a Lalit Hotel – deluxe temple view, 4 to 4 and a half stars. friendly, boutique hotel, great central location – attractive #2 of 22 Hotels in Khajuraho. Forested location with garden, swimming pool and choice of restaurants. mostly excellent reviews.

AHMEDABAD VARANASSI House of MG – www.houseofmg.com – Aniket’s The Taj Gateways hotel – www.tajhotels.com – a good, recommendation, centrally located. Originally the home of modern hotel in an expansive garden. Our choice is a wealthy textile magnet it is steeped in history and local subject to a potential opening of a restored heritage culture. Excellent roof top restaurant serves traditional property. 4 star. #6 of 64 hotels in Varanassi. Gujarat thalis. They have recently opened a very interesting and well curated textile museum in house. SRINAGAR 4.5 Stars and # 1 of 151 hotels in Ahmedabad. The Lalit Grand Palace Hotel (formerly, Gulab Bhavan) ‘.. built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910 with the finest JAIPUR furniture, ethnic carpets, handicrafts and works by local Samode Haveli, Jaipur – www.samode.com 4.5 Stars – artisans. Maharaja Hari Singh and his wife would often The only heritage property remaining in the Old City invite guests to their Kashmir palace, cooking the meals … operating as a hotel. It has a fine reputation with good themselves. such gatherings, were punctuated by facilities including a large pool and spa. It is described as, laughter, singing and marvellous Dogri and Rajasthani ..an oasis within the walled city of Jaipur and is a traditional cuisine. Indian mansion set in a garden and intimate courtyards. Among the Maharaja’s many guests was Lord Built 175 years ago, for the rulers of Samode, it is still Mountbatten, who in 1947 stayed in the Viceroy and occupied by their descendants, who have converted their Vicereine Suites. The hotel’s courtyard still retains the home into a luxury hotel. Chinar tree under which Gandhiji once had a conversation with Maharaja Hari Singh. After India’s independence, ..The AGRA Gulab Bhavan was converted into The Grand Palace, The Taj Gateways hotel is centrally located – Srinagar’s only five-star hotel in 1956’. www.tajhotels.com and our rooms provide a distant view ‘Brilliantly located with views to Dal Lake. A sheer joy! — of the Taj Mahal. 4 stars. Upgraded rooms available on Warwick Forge request.

NOTE: Room upgrades are sometimes available upon request. Or perhaps, like the British Raj and Penelope Hobhouse, you would prefer a Shikari to spirit you away to a houseboat? Here she is, on her way. This option will be discussed with travellers in due course.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR GROUP SIZE at this time of year and Kashmir can be cold. Some of the These tours are limited to a maximum of twenty. A local gardens are very large but there are no requirements to multilingual guide and our two tour leaders normally cover all the terrain. Anyone in reasonable health will not accompany the group at all times. experience difficulties and travellers in their eighties can be Keep in mind the option to depart from the tour group quite at ease. However, the group must move at the for a break, and many evenings are completely free. speed of the slowest, and time spent at locations may be reduced if some people are not able to keep up with TRAVELLER PROFILES reasonable speeds. We generally have a small number with professional Applicants must inform ALC of any medical conditions, interests in gardens and design; many with a general love of which may be relevant to their travel experience. gardens and nature; and some who merely seek a general ALC requires that Tour Leaders reserve the right to take cultural tour. They are usually, but not always, middle aged steps to modify traveller movements where they feel it is a and curious about a range of cultural matters and enjoy most potential health risk or where travel experiences of others of the things we do – including good cuisine, hospitality and are unduly impaired. the chance to meet people from varied backgrounds. About half are couples and half singles. PRIVACY OF PROPERTIES Some properties are privately owned and their location and other details must be strictly respected by everyone.

SECURITY Every effort is made to ensure safe and secure travel at all times. We should be thoughtful and aware, and in most public areas, not display jewellery, expensive cameras, etc. We should also check, prior to walking out at night. Secure taxi travel is normally easy to arrange (from hotel or restaurant) and is inexpensive. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DEFAT) recommends that, for India overall, exercise a high degree of caution. Kashmir has had a bad press for many years but things are much improved and nearly one million tourists visit annually. The UK High Commission website says, There has been an overall decline in violence in recent years and an increase in the numbers of Indian and western tourists. There have been no recent reported attacks on visitors in the cities of Srinagar or Jammu. (15-10-2015).

We offer the Kashmir tour as a separate tour so that no Babur is here seen supervising construction of an early Mughal one feels under the slightest pressure to go. All advice garden with traditional elements. This extraordinary leader from our travel consultants and other advisors has established Mughal India and encouraged a wide range of arts and encouraged us to proceed. Aniket Bhagwat says, it would religious and cultural tolerance. be a nonsense to come to India and not go to Kashmir to

… see the Nishat Bagh . PHYSICAL CHALLENGES We take every care but responsibility for travel is a This is not a strenuous tour however, people will be decision for each person. expected to travel across various outdoor surfaces, stairs, Further information on security is available on request standing time, etc. The Indian plains can sometimes be hot and will be forwarded to all travellers. 12 TRAVEL INSURANCE It is essential to have travel insurance to protect your vaccinations and we will provide further information in due position and it is a condition of travel that you have course. comprehensive cover for Medical (including repatriation), We will also provide information concerning potential lost luggage, tour cancellations and other losses. This helps health issues, precautions, etc. We strongly recommend ensure that any problems will be rapidly resolved. you see your physician or travel health clinic some eight

For Kashmir, while companies provide cover for medical weeks before departure. expenses in the normal way, expenses for cancelled tours are not normally covered. We have therefore made arrangements with our Srinagar hotel that, in the extremely unlikely event that our tour is cancelled due to ‘extreme weather or civil unrest’, they will sympathetically consider reimbursement of our costs 24 hours prior to arrival. An alternative tour will then be offered and we can retain our international return flights.

BACKGROUND READING Extensive information will be provided for travellers in due course including a Reading Guide and background reading materials.

WEATHER Baori Haveli

For our India Tour (the plains of India), gardens are at their FURTHER INFORMATION best normally from mid-Feb to mid-March. In late March Further information will be provided well before temperatures rise to low thirties but will be cool in the departure concerning itinerary details, visa requirements, evenings. currency issues, arrival and departure taxes, electrical It will be early Spring and very refreshing in Kashmir with appliances, health, photography, clothing, what to pack, melting snows. We have spent inordinate time trying to entrance taxes, food, etc. And see: choose optimal dates to best suit both climates. www.smartraveller.gov.au

MEALS Both tours include daily breakfasts plus one substantial meal daily on average. Wine is not included since it is imported, expensive and often indifferent. However, beer, soft drink and bottled water are provided. Quality beers are popular and refreshing in this climate.

TYPE OF TOURING

• Moderate coach travel between cities and for day tours

• Minivans may be used in 1-2 locations and in Kashmir. • Various internal flights as listed.

VISAS, VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH

Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of return to Australia. Please provide a clear copy of and his beloved Mumtaz. Garden settings were your identity page as soon as possible. used for public meetings, political and business sessions, At time of writing, Australians do require a valid visa for for domestic life and for the women’s quarters (the Zenana) entry into India. which would include the Emperor’s wives and concubines. You should confirm requirements in due course and for The Zenana was kept very separate from all other sectors of further information visit: www.visalink.com.au the encampment. The Mughals retained their nomadic traditions and travelled a great deal and thus the need for extensive gardens You will also need to confirm requirements for in which to camp with requisite staff and equipment. 13 TOUR BOOKINGS – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Legal • Airport-hotel transfers (preferably via C&T bookings) ‘ALC Garden Tours’ (ALC) is a registered business name • Hotel porterage owned by Bloomings Books Pty Ltd, a company owned by • Lectures and site presentations Warwick and Sue Forge. We work closely with Specialist In- • Entrance fees to all scheduled museums, galleries and Ground agents and for international flights, with Connelly properties, etc.

& Turner Travel Associates (C&T). 5. Tour Exclusions 2. International Flights to and from India • Flights not included in the tour (see below). Flight dates, times and costs are provided by us for your • Personal spending money. convenience and subject to airline changes and human error. • Any excess luggage charges. Luggage allowance is Once you have considered your options, we suggest you normally only 15kg for internal flights however, surplus contact C&T and obtain professional advice. items can be stored at our Delhi hotel. We recommend you book through C&T who often obtain • Comprehensive travel insurance. fare savings and assist with coordination and advice on • Visas, arrival and departure taxes where applicable. routes, prices and conditions. They enable use of frequent flyer points, provide valuable 6. Reservations advice regarding routes, carriers and costs and if they cannot Applications are made on our relevant Reservation match a price you may book elsewhere. Forms and sent with accompanying documents to Flights booked via C&T ensures that flight arrivals to and Warwick Forge, ALC Garden Tours, 2 Kilsyth Ave., from India are coordinated with arranged gratis hotel Toorak, Vic., 3142. transfers and where possible, with other group members. On approval, you will receive booking confirmation with Our travellers arrive from various cities and flights are travel details. Payment details are prescribed below and in sometimes cancelled so that it is a huge advantage to have a the Reservation Forms. single agent coordinate our flights. It helps avoid errors and Please provide good copies of scanned documents, use a we gain from opportunities. In challenging environments black biro if possible and print in CAPITAL LETTERS. we aim for comfortable, seamless and cost effective experiences. 7. Tour Prices (in Australian dollars) We encourage you to consider arriving early for relaxation, Prices are subject to variations below. shopping and orientation. Hotel bookings are available through our special rates and C&T can arrange an earlier * INDIA TOUR 18 March –2 April, 2017 (16 days) flight for you. For shared room (twin or double) $8,250 You may also choose to stay on at the end of your tour Includes all coach transport and flights: and visit other destinations although the weather will be Delhi-Ahmedabad; Ahmedabad-Delhi; heating up for most of India. Agra-Khajuraho; Khajuraho-Varanasi; Varanasi-Delhi.

3. Internal flights in India Tour flights are included in the tour cost. * Single Supplement $1,900

4. Extension Tours * KASHMIR TOUR (Optional extension) Terms and conditions may be arranged separately. 2 April – 6 April (5 days) $2,400 For shared room (twin or double) 5. Tour Inclusions Includes all coach/Mini-bus transport and • Accommodation in a double or twin-share room or single flights: Delhi-Srinagar; Srinagar-Delhi. supplement in 4 to 5 star hotels. • Both tours include daily breakfasts and one substantial * Single supplement $770 meal daily on average. * Sub-total $ • Generally, water, beer and soft drink are available for our meals. Special drinks such as wine can be ordered and paid * Less, Early Bird India Tour booking for by travellers if desired. Details are confirmed. before 1 July, 2016 $300 • All tips for coach drivers, guides, designers, restaurants, * Less, Extra Kashmir Tour, Booking discount $300 hotels, etc. for tour listed activities. These are significant costs. However, we do provide an opportunity for you to TOTAL $ contribute to some outstanding guides where you wish. • Flights as listed below.

• Transport via air-conditioned coaches and smaller mini- ______coaches as appropriate with bottled water.

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8. Tour Payments Cancellations must be in writing and the date of cancellation (a) $300 deposit at the time of booking per person per tour. is the date of receipt. This is refunded if the tour is cancelled.

(b) Second payment by 1 July, 2016, for 25% of your tour 13. Liability for Loss or Damage costs to confirm your hotels, flights, etc. It is an express condition of travel for all tour participants that you accept and acknowledge that:- (c) The balance is invoiced 1 September, 2016, payable on 1. ALC Garden Tours (ALC) in their own capacity and as 1 October, 2016. We strongly recommend prompt payment agent for tour operators, land agents, airlines, hotels, coach since late payments can lead to room or flight cancellations. companies, museums etc., will not be liable for any claim Indian hotels can be very strict with booking requirements. (provided they act bona fide), for loss due to accident, delay, personal injury, inadequate or failed accommodation, travel 9. Payments arrangements, baggage or other losses, illness, travel may be via - EFT: Australian Landscape Conference sickness, industrial or civil unrest, terrorist attack, military or BSB 013 332 ACC 111093967 political disturbances, hijacking, kidnapping, thefts, assaults, By cheque to ‘Australian Landscape Conference’, volcanic or other geological event, pain and suffering, loss of 2 Kilsyth Ave., Toorak, Vic. 3142. future earnings or any other injury to person or property of Mastercard and Visa incur a 2% surcharge. whatever kind. 2. It is a condition of travel that you take out adequate 10. Booking Conditions comprehensive insurance in order to cover all potential When we receive your Reservation form(s) and confirm a travel risks and this must include repatriation plus place(s) for you, a contract then exists in accordance with accompanying medical staff if required. A copy of the the terms and conditions in this and other documents sent insurance certificate must be provided to ALC. to you. If a place is not available we will return your deposit 3. You must provide full disclosure of any relevant medical in full. conditions as requested on the Reservation Form. 11. Tour Cost Variations 4. The Tour Leader has full discretion to request a participant to refrain or modify certain activities if in his/her 1. Early Bird Offer of A$300 for the India Tour where the opinion, such activities are disruptive or may cause deposit and Second payment are made prior to 1 July, 2016. discomfort to others. 2. Those taking both Tours, obtain an extra A$300 discount. The Tour Leader shall have full discretion to cancel any 3. Single travellers may share a twin room and we can person’s further involvement in the tour where he/she sometimes assist regarding a potential share arrangement. deems such action warranted. 4. Tour prices are based on ground costs, fuel prices, ALC’s responsibility for that person will then cease airfares, airport charges, ground operator fees and other immediately and we will not be responsible for any claimed assumptions. At all stages, we seek to fix prices and resist loss or damage. Where a Tour Leader is unavailable through increases. However, we reserve the right to do so in cases illness or other cause, he/she may appoint a Deputy with where events occur outside our control including for complete power to act as the Tour Leader. significant exchange rate increases. ______We have recently been advised that internal flights may be subject to tax variations, however, they should be minimal. 5. Both tours are costed for a minimum group size of 14. Warwick and Sue Forge Should the group be smaller, group price arrangements can 27th March, 2016 be endangered and ALC Tours may contact participants and E&OE (Errors and omisions excepted) discuss whether a supplement should be payable or the tour cancelled. FOR ALL TOUR ENQUIRIES: 6. For additional tour arrangements, variations, hotel Warwick Forge bookings and luggage drop-offs, etc., an administrative fee Director of $50.00 is payable. ALC Garden Tours 2 Kilsyth Ave., Toorak Vic 3142 12. Cancellations [email protected] Subject to the above, your deposit(s) will be refunded less T: (03) 9804 8915 AH 043 818 2801 $200 service fee per person if cancelled prior to 1 July, 2016 For any tour updates and further information, visit - but is not refundable thereafter. www.landscapeconference.com/alctours Cancellation charges apply after the following dates: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ENQUIRIES: Date Cancellation fee Brigid Kelly 1 July 2016 Deposit not recoverable Freecall 1800 655 368 T: 03 9948 4300 10% of your tour payments 120 days prior to travel 30% of your tour payments 90 days prior to travel [email protected] 75% of your tour payments 60 days prior to travel Connelly & Turner Travel Associates 100 % of your tour payments 30 days prior to travel 21 Claremont Avenue, Malvern VIC 3144

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The former Mughal pavilion which once stood at the entrance Babur 1483–1530, descended from Genghis Khan and Timur to Nishat Bagh providing superb views across Dal Lake. (Tamarlane), at age 14, conquered Samarkand. After repeated This watercolour was painted by Constance Villiers-Stuart, struggles he conquered Kabul and then travelled east to India (Gardens of the Great Mughals, 1913), who described how and established the Mughal Empire. He had long imbibed she would have loved to have sat there painting the Persian culture and it now provided the basis for the new magic landscapes of mountains, lakes and gardens. empire. For nearly 200 years, ‘the court culture of the

Mughals – painting, literature and landscape architecture as well as buildings – testifies to an aesthetic sensibility within which they strove to harmonize all aspects of life’. A man of many talents, he left us the Babur-Nama – his remarkable and extensive Memoirs.

Ganga Aart, Benares

Glossary char-bagh: A garden (bagh) laid out into geometric plots. jal mahal: water pavilion Mughal: derived originally from Mongol or Moghul, it came to apply to the Mughal Empire in India. The Empire reigned from 1526 until finally expiring in the 1850’s. 16