India

Silk, known as "Paat" in Eastern India, Pattu in southern parts of India and Resham in Hindi/Urdu, has a long history in India. Recent archaeological discoveries in Harappa and Chanhu-daro suggest that sericulture, employing wild silk threads from native silkworm species, existed in South Asia during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization, roughly contemporaneous with the earliest known silk use in China.^[7] Silk is widely produced today. India is the second largest producer of Silk after China. A majority of the silk in India is produced in Karnataka State, particularly in Mysore and the North Bangalore regions of Muddenahalli, Kanivenarayanapura, and Doddaballapur.^[8] India is also the largest consumer of silk in the world. The tradition of wearing silk sarees in marriages by the brides is followed in southern parts of India. Silk is worn by people as a symbol of royalty while attending functions and during festivals. Historically silk was used by the upper classes, while cotton was used by the poorer classes. Today silk is mainly produced in Bhoodhan Pochampally (also known as Silk City), Kanchipuram, Dharmavaram, Mysore, etc. in South India and Banaras in the North for manufacturing garments and sarees. "Murshidabad silk", famous from historical times, is mainly produced in Malda and Murshidabad district of West Bengal and woven with hand looms in Birbhum and Murshidabad district. Another place famous for production of silk is Bhagalpur. The silk from Kanchi is particularly well-known for its classic designs and enduring quality. The silk is traditionally hand-woven and hand-dyed and usually also has silver threads woven into the cloth. Most of this silk is used to make sarees. The sarees usually are very expensive and vibrant in color. Garments made from silk form an integral part of Indian weddings and other celebrations. In the northeastern state of Assam,discount nike shoes, three different types of silk are produced, collectively called Assam silk: Muga, Eri and Pat silk. Muga, the golden silk, and Eri are produced by silkworms that are native only to Assam. The heritage of silk rearing and weaving is very old and continues today especially with the production of Muga and Pat riha and mekhela chador, the three-piece silk sarees woven with traditional motifs. Mysore Silk Sarees, which are known for their soft texture, last many years if carefully maintained.

WALVISBAAI

 

     The special attraction of Walvisbaai (meaning Whale Bay) situated on the Skeleton Coast is the huge natural lagoon with its overwhelming abundance of seabirds including cormorants and flamingos and is perhaps the most important coastal wetland in Southern Africa.

 

  

Situated on the Atlantic Coast, we approach Swakopmund through the Namib Desert and is an excellent preserved example of German colonial architecture. There will be an option to take a flight over the Skeleton Coast,Fantastic silk scarves, named for all the shipwrecks that are beached on these inaccessible and remote shores. This coastline is one of the most inhospitable and least visited places on earth.

TRIVANDRUM & KANANYAKUMARIi

 

    The Deccan Odyssey arrives in Trivandrum in the early morning. After breakfast we visit the Napier Museum and the dominating Padmanabhaswamy Hindu Temple. Following lunch we head to Kanyakumari which is mainland India's southernmost point, where the three seas - Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal - meet and where the shore temple to the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari stands.

   The Temple City of Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kingdom but it was during the reign of the Nayaks that the magnificent Meenakshi Temple was constructed. In the evening we will witness a Hindu ritual, an Aarti Ceremony in Madurai

    Pondicherry is the former capital of the French territories in India. Landmarks include Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt Governor of Pondicherry - a handsome 200 year old building which faces Government Park with its paths and lawns,womens silk pajamas, fountains and sculptures. Tonight is our final night on board the Deccan Odyssey.

MADRAS - DELHI

 

    This afternoon we fly from Madras to Delhi where we are transferred to spend 3 nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Delhi. Sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi, the Capital of India, reflects the soul of the country. The city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues.

   Today we take a tour of Old Delhi. The walled city is crowded,Sexy silk dresses, full of activities and still has the influence of the great Mughals who once ruled India through the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. In Old Delhi we will visit Jama Mosque, built in the 17th Century and is the largest mosque in India; Chandni Chowk the typical Indian market always abuzz with activities and Raj Ghat a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

   

HISTORY

 

       These tours all have an historical element, whether it is travelling in Marco Polo’s footsteps along the ancient Silk Trading Route; discovering more about one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the Egyptians, and marvelling at the Pyramids at Giza; learning the fascinating history of Siberia,Sexy silk dresses, this infamous area of Russia; or visiting the Himalayan hill-station of Darjeeling and being served traditional British “afternoon tea” in the drawing room of the colonial style hotel.

CRUISE ON LAKE NASSER

 

 

     This morning we board the luxury cruise ship MS Eugenie which will be for our exclusive use for the next 3 nights as we cruise Lake Nasser, formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam. After lunch we visit the Kalabsha temple,womens silk pajamas, the rock cut temple at Beit El Wali and the Roman temple of Kertassi.

 

       Spend the morning to the temple of Wadi El Seboua and enjoy a cocktail while passing the Tropic of Cancer. Lunch is served on board. This afternoon we visit the Wadi El Seboua temple, the temple of Dakka and the temple of Meharakka.

 

   

A morning visit is made to the temples of Amada and Derr as well as the tomb of Penout, before we visit the citadel of Kasr Ibrim. (Note: the tour is conducted from the ship's sundeck as entrance to the site is not permitted). Continue to cruise to Abu Simbel as lunch served on board. In the afternoon we visit the Abu Simbel temples before we attend the Sound & Light show in the evening. A candlelight dinner is served on our final night on board.

CAIRO

 ,Silk Queen Quilt Cover

 

    Breakfast is on board before our disembarkation. We depart from Abu Simbel for a 1 hour scheduled flight to Cairo where we will be staying at the Four Seasons First Residence Hotel for 2 nights, with its views of both the Nile and the Great Pyramids. In the afternoon we visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

   

Today we have a morning tour of the amazing Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. After lunch we take an afternoon tour of Saqqara and Memphis. This evening we celebrate the end of our African Voyage of a Lifetime with a Farewell Dinner in the hotel.

 

    Transfer to the airport for departing flights as our epic journey reaches its conclusion.