2018 Trip Itinerary
TWO DESERTS, ONE SKY
ART-BASED GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
ART-BASED GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The project will be conducted in two phases:
• Phase I_WANT Expedition - Eco Tour of central India
• Phase II_Shri Jasnath Asan Educational Outreach/ TWO DESERTS,ONE SKY Project
Phase I_WANT Expedition Eco Tour
Jan 26 - Feb 8
Schafer wil accompany WANT Expedition’s eco-tour "JUNGLE BOOK OF INDIA" as wildlife photographer and artist-in-residence. The eco tour will travel from Delhi to Kanha, Pench and Satpura National Parks and the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi. During this trip, as internet connections allow, Schafer will correspond with students on both continents, answering questions, posting photographs and recording observations of the unique ecosystems of central India.
PHASE I
DETAILED ITINERARY
(From WANT EXPEDITION website)
Jan 26
Arrival/New Delhi
On your arrival to the international airport in Delhi, and after clearing customs and immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Due to flight duration and international flight arrival schedules, no formal activities are scheduled for today. Meals today are not included in your package.
Jan 27
New Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, this morning we invite you to join our expert guide on an exploration trip to Delhi. Unlike a regular sightseeing tour, this trip offers you an opportunity to experience the soul of Delhi with its noises, smells, tastes. As A City Wakes up, we'll head to one of Delhi's most iconic buildings where we will be transported to the time grandeur, and subsequent ruin, of the Mughal empire. Colourful, vibrant, noisy and chaotic are words that best describe what many call Old Delhi, the 7th city of Delhi, which was built by the mighty Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. From here we visit India's second largest & most aesthetically designed Mosque, the Jama Masjid. Then we walk through streets and markets of this 17th century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire where royalty once resided, and today where you savor fragrances in one of Asia's largest spice markets, be dazzled by the glitter of India's largest Jewelry markets, and get a glimpse of the once-glorious Havelis (Royal Mansions) of Old Delhi. With a mix of walking and rickshaw rides, you discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-yr old markets of the city built at the acme of Mughal Empire, India's most glorious monarchy.
Jan 28
Kanha National Park
India is vast, as it is beautiful, and we WANT you to get the most out of your trip, so following an early breakfast, we'll board a plane and head to Raipur where we will be greeted by our driver, and transferred to our incredible lodge located just outside the gates of Kanha National Park. Kanha National Park is set on The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha provides breath taking vistas of grassy plains and strands Sal forests. This 366 sq mile preserve was set to save two endangered species, Tiger and Barasingha, also known as Swamp Deer. The park offers a variety of species including Tigers, Leopards, Cheetal, Gaur, Barking Deer, and Sambhar Deer. After check-in, lunch, and a brief rest, we'll enjoy our first wildlife safari in the park, then gather for the first of many dinners where we will discuss what we've seen, where we've been, and what is still to come!
Jan 29
Kanha National Park
One of the most ethereal experiences on our trip is waking up to a cool morning with piping hot coffee (or tea) in hand, and knowing you're about to cross into a wilderness to see Shere Khan appear like an apparition from the misty jungle. Tigers always remain top on our list of things to see, but Kanha also boasts magnificent herds of Barasingha (Swamp Deer). The sight of their massive horns perfectly silhouetted in the morning lights is an image not soon forgotten. We have two safaris scheduled today in the park to explore and experience all that Kanha has to offer, and following our morning safari, there will be a chance to go on a nature walk, visit a nearby village/school, or participate in a cooking class featuring some of India's most aromatic and sought after spices. This evening, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner and afterwards we can opt for stargazing, or retire to bed in order save energy for the rest of the trip.
Jan 30
Kanha National Park
Today will follow much like yesterday with an early morning wake-up and safari. Then, before lunch, there will be time for visiting the school, a nature walk, or another cooking class. After lunch, we'll head back into the park for an afternoon safari.
Jan 31
Kanha/Pench National Park
This morning offers one more opportunity to explore Kanha, and each day greets us different light conditions and opportunity to see more wildlife. After lunch, we will hop in our 4x4's and head towards Pench National Park. Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, our gorgeous lodge boasts tented rooms overlooking the forest which is a perfect back ground for our jungle experience.
Each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying the privacy of your own room. *Although, these are tented rooms, the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for your comfort.
Since we also believe in supporting the community of our lodge, a “Machaan” night can be booked while generating revenue for the farmers. Here the concept is sleeping under the stars, just like the villagers. These Machaans are built on the land of the farmers and an amount of the night’s rate will be paid to the farmer. Sleeping up high on stilts will allow you to watch the sky and everything below.
Feb 1
Pench National Park
Pench National Park, located in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve, and has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and dazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. The backdrop for its precious inhabitants is dominated by a canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, and open grassy patches. With its undulating land, the park boasts the highest density of herbivores Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar than any other Indian park. In addition, we are likely to see Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, and Gaur -a massive, but beautiful, beast of burden resembling an ox. We will enjoy a morning and an afternoon safari to explore the park.
Feb 2
Pench National Park
One of the most affable and endangered animals in Pench, that few in the world get to see, let alone are aware of, is one of the adorable canines on Earth -the Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), and Pench is the best place to see this charismatic and intriguing animal up close and personal. If we are lucky, we'll have the chance to see an entire litter of pups playing while the parents look patiently on. Pench, has the distinction of being the one natural area that left the greatest impact on Kipling and his characters in the Jungle Book. Like yesterday, we have two safari drives scheduled in the park.
Feb 3
Satpura National Park
Once again we wake to the call of the birds, hot coffee, and our safari vehicles ready and waiting to take us into the jungles of Pench National Park for one last safari drive amongst Kipling's muse. After this incredible morning, we head to Satpura National Park. Satpura is located in south Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh. The 524 Sq km Park is the core area of the Panchmarchi Biosphere Reserve that includes Bori wildlife sanctuary to its south-west and Panchmarhi wildlife sanctuary to its north-east. With tall sandstone mountains, narrow gorges, ravines, waterfalls, streams and dense forests near the Mahadev hills in the Pachmarhi plateau, the park also boasts a massive river that when flooded resembles a vast lake. While the majority of wildlife is concentrated in the park, Reni Pani’s seasonal nallah, stretch of teak, rugged hillocks and gauges are an accurate representation of terrain one should expect in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. Its true forest environment coupled with neighbouring patches of agricultural land make our lodge and its surrounding areas a hot bed for animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Black Buck and occasionally for their cunning predator the Leopard. The abundance of Reni Trees (a type of berry after which the lodge and village are named after) and other berry trees, also attract a number of Sloth Bears to Reni Pani. The lodge is also rich with bird life. The ideal conditions Reni Pani offers as a result of the maintenance of a completely natural habitat, attracts several bird species that are native to the locality.
Feb 4
Satpura National Park
In true travel fashion, we have saved the best park for last. Satpura is by far the most beautiful and exciting parks to visit in India. Sloth Bears (Baloo) and their cubs are regularly moving through the park. If we are lucky, we can spot them clinging to their mothers as they move about, or simply following behind in true family fashion. Satpura is also a highlight for observing Leopards (Bagheera) regularly moving about the forest, independently stalking, or teaching their cubs the ins and outs of hunting or hiding from predators. We have two safaris scheduled for today, and can take them via 4x4, canoe, or on elephant.
Feb 5
Satpura National Park
Depending on wildlife movements, we'll have the opportunity for several different safari options in both the morning and afternoon.
Jeep Safaris: This is the best way to explore large areas looking for wildlife.
Boat Safaris: The Park offers exploring the areas along the river by using boats. Again one has the option of using either a canoe or a motor boat. Boat safaris are excellent if one wants to get close to aquatic birds or sometimes even crocodiles.
Elephant Safaris: Exploring the jungles on elephant backs is amazing fun. One gets to actually see areas where there are no man-made or motor tracks. One might also get closer to various animals that don’t feel threatened by elephants. There is also an added advantage of tracking animals through any part of the jungle as one is not limited by jeep tracks or roads.
Walking Safari: Exploring the forest on foot too is an interesting experience especially if you have a highly skilled naturalist that could really bring alive the lesser fauna such as geckos, butterflies, frogs and birds that one sometimes misses during other safaris.
Feb 6
Satpura/Bhopal/Agra
From Satpura, we have a full day transfer to Agra. Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.
Feb 7
Agra /Taj Fort/Taj Mahal
Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.The most unusual story about the Taj, is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. It is said that Shah Jahan's dying wish was to watch the sun set upon the Taj Mahal, and in true romantic fashion, we'll capture the falling lights on the Taj, before retiring to our hotel and reflecting on our incredible journey during tonight's farewell dinner.
Feb 8
Agra/Delhi/Departure
Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Always the soul is compelled to linger at this surreal structure, and there is something beyond moving to see it at sunrise, so in testament to its legacy, the rising sun brings a new day, a new wish, and a new life, much like our journey. As day breaks, the lights on the Taj shift and reflect life's constant flow, and there is no more spectacular sight than the legendary Taj Mahal. It is often said that Taj Mahal changes its colors by every minute depending upon angle of sun-rays and sunrise is best timing for taking pictures of this monument under mild sun light. After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we will then head to Delhi for our departing flights.
Phase II_Shri Jasnath Asan, Panchla Siddha,Rajastan
Feb 9 - Mar 1
Schafer will fly from Delhi to Jodhpur and travel by car to Shri Jasnath Asan in Panchla Siddha, Rajasthan, India. There she will work with with students on the TWO DESERTS, ONE SKY project. At the ashram, Schafer will connect with Adelson Educational Center instructor, Paula Garrett, and other partners back in southern Nevada to will help students from Rajasthan connect with students in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. The project's primary goal is to connect children in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada with their peers in the Thar desert of Rajasthan, India. Students will be able to experience project-based-learning on a global scale and gain an understanding of, not just the issues being faced in their community, but also of similar issues and concerns around the world.
Schafer will be blogging, answering questions, and posting photographs as internet connections permit.
• Phase I_WANT Expedition - Eco Tour of central India
• Phase II_Shri Jasnath Asan Educational Outreach/ TWO DESERTS,ONE SKY Project
Phase I_WANT Expedition Eco Tour
Jan 26 - Feb 8
Schafer wil accompany WANT Expedition’s eco-tour "JUNGLE BOOK OF INDIA" as wildlife photographer and artist-in-residence. The eco tour will travel from Delhi to Kanha, Pench and Satpura National Parks and the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi. During this trip, as internet connections allow, Schafer will correspond with students on both continents, answering questions, posting photographs and recording observations of the unique ecosystems of central India.
PHASE I
DETAILED ITINERARY
(From WANT EXPEDITION website)
Jan 26
Arrival/New Delhi
On your arrival to the international airport in Delhi, and after clearing customs and immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Due to flight duration and international flight arrival schedules, no formal activities are scheduled for today. Meals today are not included in your package.
Jan 27
New Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, this morning we invite you to join our expert guide on an exploration trip to Delhi. Unlike a regular sightseeing tour, this trip offers you an opportunity to experience the soul of Delhi with its noises, smells, tastes. As A City Wakes up, we'll head to one of Delhi's most iconic buildings where we will be transported to the time grandeur, and subsequent ruin, of the Mughal empire. Colourful, vibrant, noisy and chaotic are words that best describe what many call Old Delhi, the 7th city of Delhi, which was built by the mighty Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. From here we visit India's second largest & most aesthetically designed Mosque, the Jama Masjid. Then we walk through streets and markets of this 17th century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire where royalty once resided, and today where you savor fragrances in one of Asia's largest spice markets, be dazzled by the glitter of India's largest Jewelry markets, and get a glimpse of the once-glorious Havelis (Royal Mansions) of Old Delhi. With a mix of walking and rickshaw rides, you discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-yr old markets of the city built at the acme of Mughal Empire, India's most glorious monarchy.
Jan 28
Kanha National Park
India is vast, as it is beautiful, and we WANT you to get the most out of your trip, so following an early breakfast, we'll board a plane and head to Raipur where we will be greeted by our driver, and transferred to our incredible lodge located just outside the gates of Kanha National Park. Kanha National Park is set on The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha provides breath taking vistas of grassy plains and strands Sal forests. This 366 sq mile preserve was set to save two endangered species, Tiger and Barasingha, also known as Swamp Deer. The park offers a variety of species including Tigers, Leopards, Cheetal, Gaur, Barking Deer, and Sambhar Deer. After check-in, lunch, and a brief rest, we'll enjoy our first wildlife safari in the park, then gather for the first of many dinners where we will discuss what we've seen, where we've been, and what is still to come!
Jan 29
Kanha National Park
One of the most ethereal experiences on our trip is waking up to a cool morning with piping hot coffee (or tea) in hand, and knowing you're about to cross into a wilderness to see Shere Khan appear like an apparition from the misty jungle. Tigers always remain top on our list of things to see, but Kanha also boasts magnificent herds of Barasingha (Swamp Deer). The sight of their massive horns perfectly silhouetted in the morning lights is an image not soon forgotten. We have two safaris scheduled today in the park to explore and experience all that Kanha has to offer, and following our morning safari, there will be a chance to go on a nature walk, visit a nearby village/school, or participate in a cooking class featuring some of India's most aromatic and sought after spices. This evening, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner and afterwards we can opt for stargazing, or retire to bed in order save energy for the rest of the trip.
Jan 30
Kanha National Park
Today will follow much like yesterday with an early morning wake-up and safari. Then, before lunch, there will be time for visiting the school, a nature walk, or another cooking class. After lunch, we'll head back into the park for an afternoon safari.
Jan 31
Kanha/Pench National Park
This morning offers one more opportunity to explore Kanha, and each day greets us different light conditions and opportunity to see more wildlife. After lunch, we will hop in our 4x4's and head towards Pench National Park. Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, our gorgeous lodge boasts tented rooms overlooking the forest which is a perfect back ground for our jungle experience.
Each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying the privacy of your own room. *Although, these are tented rooms, the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for your comfort.
Since we also believe in supporting the community of our lodge, a “Machaan” night can be booked while generating revenue for the farmers. Here the concept is sleeping under the stars, just like the villagers. These Machaans are built on the land of the farmers and an amount of the night’s rate will be paid to the farmer. Sleeping up high on stilts will allow you to watch the sky and everything below.
Feb 1
Pench National Park
Pench National Park, located in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve, and has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and dazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. The backdrop for its precious inhabitants is dominated by a canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, and open grassy patches. With its undulating land, the park boasts the highest density of herbivores Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar than any other Indian park. In addition, we are likely to see Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, and Gaur -a massive, but beautiful, beast of burden resembling an ox. We will enjoy a morning and an afternoon safari to explore the park.
Feb 2
Pench National Park
One of the most affable and endangered animals in Pench, that few in the world get to see, let alone are aware of, is one of the adorable canines on Earth -the Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), and Pench is the best place to see this charismatic and intriguing animal up close and personal. If we are lucky, we'll have the chance to see an entire litter of pups playing while the parents look patiently on. Pench, has the distinction of being the one natural area that left the greatest impact on Kipling and his characters in the Jungle Book. Like yesterday, we have two safari drives scheduled in the park.
Feb 3
Satpura National Park
Once again we wake to the call of the birds, hot coffee, and our safari vehicles ready and waiting to take us into the jungles of Pench National Park for one last safari drive amongst Kipling's muse. After this incredible morning, we head to Satpura National Park. Satpura is located in south Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh. The 524 Sq km Park is the core area of the Panchmarchi Biosphere Reserve that includes Bori wildlife sanctuary to its south-west and Panchmarhi wildlife sanctuary to its north-east. With tall sandstone mountains, narrow gorges, ravines, waterfalls, streams and dense forests near the Mahadev hills in the Pachmarhi plateau, the park also boasts a massive river that when flooded resembles a vast lake. While the majority of wildlife is concentrated in the park, Reni Pani’s seasonal nallah, stretch of teak, rugged hillocks and gauges are an accurate representation of terrain one should expect in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. Its true forest environment coupled with neighbouring patches of agricultural land make our lodge and its surrounding areas a hot bed for animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Black Buck and occasionally for their cunning predator the Leopard. The abundance of Reni Trees (a type of berry after which the lodge and village are named after) and other berry trees, also attract a number of Sloth Bears to Reni Pani. The lodge is also rich with bird life. The ideal conditions Reni Pani offers as a result of the maintenance of a completely natural habitat, attracts several bird species that are native to the locality.
Feb 4
Satpura National Park
In true travel fashion, we have saved the best park for last. Satpura is by far the most beautiful and exciting parks to visit in India. Sloth Bears (Baloo) and their cubs are regularly moving through the park. If we are lucky, we can spot them clinging to their mothers as they move about, or simply following behind in true family fashion. Satpura is also a highlight for observing Leopards (Bagheera) regularly moving about the forest, independently stalking, or teaching their cubs the ins and outs of hunting or hiding from predators. We have two safaris scheduled for today, and can take them via 4x4, canoe, or on elephant.
Feb 5
Satpura National Park
Depending on wildlife movements, we'll have the opportunity for several different safari options in both the morning and afternoon.
Jeep Safaris: This is the best way to explore large areas looking for wildlife.
Boat Safaris: The Park offers exploring the areas along the river by using boats. Again one has the option of using either a canoe or a motor boat. Boat safaris are excellent if one wants to get close to aquatic birds or sometimes even crocodiles.
Elephant Safaris: Exploring the jungles on elephant backs is amazing fun. One gets to actually see areas where there are no man-made or motor tracks. One might also get closer to various animals that don’t feel threatened by elephants. There is also an added advantage of tracking animals through any part of the jungle as one is not limited by jeep tracks or roads.
Walking Safari: Exploring the forest on foot too is an interesting experience especially if you have a highly skilled naturalist that could really bring alive the lesser fauna such as geckos, butterflies, frogs and birds that one sometimes misses during other safaris.
Feb 6
Satpura/Bhopal/Agra
From Satpura, we have a full day transfer to Agra. Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.
Feb 7
Agra /Taj Fort/Taj Mahal
Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.The most unusual story about the Taj, is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. It is said that Shah Jahan's dying wish was to watch the sun set upon the Taj Mahal, and in true romantic fashion, we'll capture the falling lights on the Taj, before retiring to our hotel and reflecting on our incredible journey during tonight's farewell dinner.
Feb 8
Agra/Delhi/Departure
Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Always the soul is compelled to linger at this surreal structure, and there is something beyond moving to see it at sunrise, so in testament to its legacy, the rising sun brings a new day, a new wish, and a new life, much like our journey. As day breaks, the lights on the Taj shift and reflect life's constant flow, and there is no more spectacular sight than the legendary Taj Mahal. It is often said that Taj Mahal changes its colors by every minute depending upon angle of sun-rays and sunrise is best timing for taking pictures of this monument under mild sun light. After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we will then head to Delhi for our departing flights.
Phase II_Shri Jasnath Asan, Panchla Siddha,Rajastan
Feb 9 - Mar 1
Schafer will fly from Delhi to Jodhpur and travel by car to Shri Jasnath Asan in Panchla Siddha, Rajasthan, India. There she will work with with students on the TWO DESERTS, ONE SKY project. At the ashram, Schafer will connect with Adelson Educational Center instructor, Paula Garrett, and other partners back in southern Nevada to will help students from Rajasthan connect with students in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. The project's primary goal is to connect children in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada with their peers in the Thar desert of Rajasthan, India. Students will be able to experience project-based-learning on a global scale and gain an understanding of, not just the issues being faced in their community, but also of similar issues and concerns around the world.
Schafer will be blogging, answering questions, and posting photographs as internet connections permit.
Location India
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