Black Swan - Travel and Beyond: Workshop on Gondh Art on 9th, 10th and 11th June...

Black Swan - Travel and Beyond:

Workshop on Gondh Art on 9th, 10th and 11th June...: Workshop on Gondh Art on 9th, 10th and 11th June 2012 at Bandhavgarh, MP

Workshop on Gondh Art on 9th, 10th and 11th June 2012 at Bandhavgarh, MP

Summer Holidays! Your Cubicle needs a break!

Its that time of the year again! summer vacations. this is the time you need your time off the most. you need to travel, get out of the heat in the city and make it to the hills, the lakes, the beaches or the quieter plains.

we at black-swan specialize at just that. holidays. vacations, travel. we endeavor to make sure, that your summer is not spent wishing you were someplace else. let us plan your vacations so when you get back, you never completely get back!

Some offbeat trips for you - 

Tapping the veins of gold' - 3 day excursion through the honey hunting reserves & bee keepers of the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu)

Everyone knows of the biodiversity hotspot that is the western ghats. What we don't know or rarely acknowledge, is that it is also one of the few places where indigenous honey hunting tribes also live and flourish. The Kurumbas, the Irulas & the Todas are connected to honey in one way or the other.Black-Swan, along with the Nilgiri Natural History Society presents, the veins of gold, a 3 day insight, into the honey trails of the Nilgiris. When - May & June 2012. (Minimum group size - 6 pax)

 

Explore the Life and times in the land of High Passes – La-Dakh

Spend a day as a Ladakhi with a Ladakhi family, participating in farming, herding, water managment and other daily chores.Participate in a cooking session with a ladakhi family to learn the local cuisine (and impress your folks back home !! )

See passive solar heating at work in SECMOL, and learn about educational reforms led by the youth.
When - May, June, July & Aug 2012. 

Monpa Cultural Circuit  (Arunachal Pradesh) -
Nowhere in India would one find such a unique diversity of tribes with the most peculiar and intriguing traditions. And we invite you to experience this very diversity first hand. A trip to the very heart of Monyal to experience the lifestyle of Monpas, a benevolent Buddhist tribe.

When - May 2012. (Minimum group size - 8 pax)

Independent India’s oldest (arguably) homestay (Uttarakhand)- 
A 19th century colonial bungalow set in an oak, pine and deodar forest estate in the Lake District of Kumaon. The house, built in the 1860's, with period furniture, preserves its original character. The warm and welcoming Indo-German family  share their home, lifestyle and the fascinating histories of the place and its people- first the British, then the grandparents - the German grandfather who escaped the Nazis, indian princess grandmother, descended from Tipu Sultan and Mughals.

When - May & June 2012.

Silk Looms, Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh) - 
Visit the village of the world famous Chanderi saris and let the looms create magic for your eyes and ears while you interact with weavers and design your own drape. The more adventurous could try their hand at weaving. Watch village life or visit the historic city of Chanderi while its past is unravelled brick by brick. Enjoy the folk tales hidden in the heart of Bundelkhand and surrender to folk music and lively dances

When - May & June 2012. 

 

 

(plan now, so you can get into vacation mode <in your boss's voice'> ASAP!)

To plan the holidays listed above and others write to us at knock@black-swan.in or call Shishir on +91 9822132092.

Black Swan - ArtHub

Black Swan - ArtHub: A photography exhibition conducted at Grubshup ArtHub from the 11th - 20th September 2011.

The Black Swan Traveler!

Travel along with respecting & benefiting local people & the environment - For those who've had enough of mass tourism.

It's about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment – but it's about far more than that. 

If you travel for relaxation, fulfillment, discovery, adventure and to learn – rather than simply to tick off 'places and things' – then Black Swan is the right partner for you.

Getting more out of your holiday! 
Our travel philosophy is about bringing you closer to local cultures and environments by involving local people in tourism. It's about doing this in a fair way that helps ensure that they will give you an even warmer welcome. For example, a local guide from the destination will open your eyes to their cultures and ways of life far better than an expat guide could ever do – they will also earn a much needed income from you. 

The Black Swan traveler prefers smaller groups, and to meet some local people (as well as fellow travelers) rather than be surrounded by 1000's of people from back home. They don't like being herded about in a large crowd like nameless faces and understand that traveling in smaller groups makes local people and cultures more accessible. 

The Black Swan traveler values authenticity – experiences integral to local people's traditions, cultures and rituals - rather than those created for tourism, or those whose existing meanings and uses have become lost as they have been packaged up for tourism.

At the same time the traveler understands that some cultural experiences are best kept private, and that their visit would be an intrusion. They believe that traveling with respect earns them respect.  

Rediscovering nature 
Black Swan travel is about re-discovering how to experience nature and to be in it, feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it. The Black Swan traveler would rather get out on foot than sit in a big bus, and are determined to leave no physical evidence of their visit but their footprints. 

The Black Swan traveler understands local peoples relationship with environments, and that income from tourism can be a powerful incentive for conservation. The Black Swan traveler values diversity – diversity of people, cultures and environments. 

Above all else the Black Swan traveler wants to cut loose and experience their world. The experienced responsible traveler knows how difficult it can be to do the right thing – and is humble and learns from their mistakes. 

Art and Heritage Tour – Wai - krishnabai utsav

Art and Heritage Tour – Wai - krishnabai utsav

black-swan, along with renowned archeologist, historian and miniature artist Dr Shrikant Pradhan, had organized a one day trip to the temple town of Wai, visiting its heritage buildings, temples and witnessing the proceedings of the festival that is Krishnabai Utsav. 

Wai is also known for its collection of 150 odd year old miniatuare paintings, each one detailed better than the next, we wanted to make sure you get to see the paintings thru the eyes of an artist, a historian and your own thunderstruck eyes when they come out on display once a year. Wai is also known as 'a town of temples', with 7 ghats and brilliant temples on each of them. Some of them in ruins, but most of them intact and tell the long and inspiring tales of a great kingdom. 

"krishnabai utsav" is the main festival in Wai. When Afzal Khan set out from Wai to kill Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shende Shāstri from wai had prayed to the Krishna river for Shivaji's victory. 

The festival is a tribute to the blessings of the river goddess and the victory!

Date: Sunday, 5^th Feb 2012

Art and Heritage Tour – Rockstars - Ajanta - Ellora - Pitalkhora

Art and Heritage Tour – Rockstars - Ajanta - Ellora - Pitalkhora

more like cavestars. 

Ajanta - Ellora - Pitalkhora

as three of the best examples of rock cut architecture and art, Ajanta, Ellora and Pitalkhora stand tall deep and beautiful in our neighborhood. 

as promised, black-swan yet again, to bring you to the stories from the proverbial horses mouth, along with Dr. Pradhan, noted artist and archeologist and an expert on Ajanta paintings, we took you on a journey like none before.

these caves, cut and detailed within the rock that forms them, are truly level onerockstars!

on the 10/11/12 february 2012, we traveled, to learn, absorb and frankly, ogle at these massive testimonials to human endeavor and dedication. 

Brunchcast - Riding Solo

Film - Riding Solo... a film about filmmaker Gaurav Jani's solo motorcycle journey from Mumbai to one of the remotest places in the world, the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh, bordering China. As a one-man film unit, he astonishes you, filming the landscape he passes by and the people he interacts with, capturing moments of beauty, pain, love, hardship, self-doubt and spiritual triumphs.

Talk - Sujatha Padmanabhan has been a member of Kalpavriksh since 1984. She is a trained special educator, her main engagement at Kalpavriksh has been in the field of environment education for children. Sujatha has been collaborating with the Snow Leopard Conservancy-India Trust, Leh for the last few years to help develop an environment education programme focused on Ladakh’s wildlife for children. A resource kit for teachers titled “Ri Gyancha” was recently published based on the work that she was involved in. This was released by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in July 2010 in Sumur village in Nubra valley. Sujatha has also authored two story books for children which includes “Ghost of the Mountains” published by Kalpavriksh.

Cause - The money raised during and after screening was used to disseminate the programme to newer areas through teacher training. This was undertaken in both Kargil and Leh districts of Ladakh with an effort to reach out to government school teachers as well as teachers of private schools. It is our desire to be able to extend this to as many children in high cold desert regions in our country.

Date: 6th Feb 2011

Weekend Walk - The Bengaluru pete walk

The Bengaluru pete walk

Kempegowda was the founder of modern Bangalore. Which Kempegowda – first, second or third? How did he look like? If he was Yelahanka Nada Prabhu, why did he create Bengaluru? How was Bengaluru back then? What were the city limits? What kind of people lived there? If it was a trading town, who traded with them? How can a city in the 15th century sustain without agriculture?

We learnt more about this medieval fort city built by Kempegowda, one of the vassals of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Learn more about him and the city of his times that passed through several hands before the British made it their home.

The walk ended with a sumptuous breakfast!

This walk was organised under the guidance of Poornima Dasharathi - a writer, blogger and a travel enthusiast.

Date: Saturday, 20th August 2011

FestiHoliday - Muharram - Hampi and Anegundi

Some of the best days of Anegundi and Hampi! ?

Anegundi is believed to be Kishkinda, the vanar (monkey) kingdom of Ramayana. Anegundi was the capital of the Vijayanagar kingdom before it was shifted to Hampi. A place where it is difficult to tell where the legend ends and the history begins!

The week of Muharram, Anegundi turns into this magical place, where people of all walks and religion come together in a procession that is a travellers treat. Come visit Anegundi, the ancient land of Vali & Sugreev. Visit this historic village during Muharram, where the entire village comes together to celebrate this festival in a unique way - all-night bonfires, fire-walkers, drums, dance and a mix of Muslim & Hindu traditions.

Engage with the local community to get a glimpse into their lives. Witness folk dance performances - watch, learn & dance along! Cycle. Shop. Meander down the Tungabhadra river in a coracle. Dinner on the river banks under the starry skies. Trek to the top of the Anjaneyadri Hill and watch the setting sun paint the sky with glorious resplendent colours. Visit pre-historic rock painting & burial sites.

Visit the fascinating ruins of the 15th-century city of Vijayanagar/Hampi and explore the rich mélange of temples, architectural splendours of its glorious past. The ruins – stark and silent reminders of a once great kingdom!

Brunchcast - Ajanta Talk

Slide-show and story behind Ajanta paintings and sculptures by the renowned archaeologist Dr. Shrikant Pradhan. 

The Ajanta Caves (Ajiṇṭhā leni; Marathi: अजिंठा लेणी) are 29 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE. The caves include paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Indian art (which depict the Jataka tales) . The caves were built in two phases starting around 200 BCE, with the second group of caves built around 600 CE.

Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As promised, black swan ventures yet again, brought to you to the proverbial horses mouth for the jataka tales. 

Dr. Shrikant Pradhan, who has done his Ph.D in Ajanta paintings, is an expert in the stories that these caves have to tell. A specialist in ancient Indian paintings, sculptures, illustrations, drawings and rockcut architecture, he also imparted his knowledge as a teacher at post graduate level.

Brunchcast - Nero's Guest

"brunchcast". an open forum that nurtures dialogue on social issues, through interaction and films, and ofcourse, food.                  

In this series, we presented "nero's guest" : a story about india’s agrarian crisis and the growing inequality seen through the work of the rural affairs editor of hindu newspaper, p sainath. through sustained coverage of the farm crisis, sainath and his colleagues created the national agenda, compelling a government in denial to take notice and act.

We were fortunate to have a very educated and enlightened farmer with us to discuss these issues further and answer all our questions.  Dr. Seemantini Pathare, is a highly accomplished gynecologist by training.  Having practiced medicine in both India and UK, she returned to her roots and gave it all up to follow her true passion: farming!  For the last few years, she has been doing modern farming and horticulture at her farm in Talegaon and is also pursuing traditional organic farming on her virgin forested land in Dapoli. In her own words "took refuge from medicine and settled in with nature", she provided us with insights to ground reality, while taking us through her stories as a farmer. 

Brunchcast - CHILDREN OF THE FOREST

blackswan + grubshup present, "brunchcast" an ongoing series of film screenings followed by lively discussions there after.

Film - For 35 years Dr. Prakash Amte and his family have worked to provide a better life for the backward Madia by providing them medical care, education and teaching this hunter-gatherer tribe to farm. Dr. Amte began taking in animal babies that were orphaned when the Madia hunted the parents for food. The orphanage has grown to include a huge variety of animals who live in absolute harmony.

Talk - Dr. Mayuri Panse is a dentist and a filmmaker. She here shares her experiences about the making of the film and her work with the Amte family. 

Cause - The money raised during and after screening would be used to help the animal orphanage grow its ability to support and nurture.

Art & Heritage Tour - Shri Bhavani Museum

Continuing with our tradition of weekend trips, Art2Day Gallery along with Black Swan had organized a one day art tour to Shri Bhavani Museum, or the Aundh museum, located on the slopes of the picturesque small town of Aundh 43 kms from Satara. The museum treasures include about 8,000 articles & 16,000 texts of numerous books, and about 3500 handwritten holy books. on display are the renowned paintings of Raja Ravi Verma, Oleti of Thakursing, and celebrated western artists such as Karnil, Andridil, Sortobardana, & Francis Goya. The museum also has a large section of marble structures including the famous 'Mother and Child' by Henry Moore. A unique collection of miniature painting series is also on display.
We spend time gazing at the works of famous artists, go back in time through the intricate sandalwood carvings depicting the Ramayana and the Shivcharitra, got insights into the statues of 6 Indian seasons, and more…and ofcourse the lip smacking lunch, specially made in the true to nature local flavor, just to complete the experience!

Chaul - a sleepy village

A once great harbour town, replete with dying fragments of a rish history, Chaul is what happens when nature takes its own course with a ruthless disregard to all things manmade.

Blackswan along with Dr. Shriikant Pradhaan, a leading expert in art, history & Archeology, present a 'tour of Chaul', in the region's history, mythology, culture, tradition and cuisine.

Brunchcast - Friends of Raghu. unite!

Our guide/friend/mentor in anegundi, Raghu, was bit by an insect which has infected his hand. in his hour of need, black-swan raised some funds to help him & family out. 

Click! a workshop on outdoor photography

Click! - black-swan and western ghats eco escapes conducted a workshop on outdoor photography by award winning photographer, H.Satish in one of the most scenic places in india.

a locale plush with backwaters, waterfalls and a rich tradition of a vibrant life, Nandigodu is one of the best places

Dates: 20th to 22nd august 2010 Workshop

What is Black Swan?

What is the best job in the world? If you ask us – we’d say “That’s a no-brainer”. For us – it is travelling, meeting people and the unique experiences it brings, and if we are being paid for it, who are we to complain! Reading travel books and magazines and watching travel shows on TV was as far as we got to our dream job. Stuck in our 4 x 4 cubicles staring at the moronic monitor day-in and day-out, we contended ourselves by looking out into the world through the internet and wafting in an out of dreams. Two-week breaks just didn’t seem enough, but what could be done? Winning the lottery was, well, never going to happen. All we could do was read and surf.

During our dream salvaging days (by that we mean our internet explorations on travel and culture) we stumbled across the knowledge that of the 6000 languages spoken on earth right now, 3000 are not spoken by their children. Practically that means that in one generation we are going to have our cultural diversity halved. Each time an elder goes to the grave carrying the last spoken word of that culture our entire philosophy, a body of knowledge about the natural world bettered over centuries goes away. This added depth to our perception about the kinship of travel and culture.

And with that came the realization that maybe one day we could stop dreaming and do something about it. Procrastination followed and then came little baby steps. Now, we are proud to offer you Black Swan – an attempt to connect tourists with local communities and their history, way of life, and culture. Black Swan is a development & conservation oriented travel idea… One that is educational, responsible and provides a rich, shared cultural experience, a conservation tool, a platform for local produce and markets.

Can we combine tourism with conservation? Can tourism sustain and nurture local culture, art forms, forests, wildlife and the age-old wisdom passed on through generations? We hope to find a few answers along the way.

Curious to know how we named our enterprise Black Swan? One would wonder what’s so special about a ‘Black Swan’. The book Black Swan by Nassim Taleb espouses that Black Swan events are high-impact, hard-to-predict, and rare beyond the realm of normal expectations. For centuries, people thought that all swans were white. A black swan was a symbol for something that was impossible or could not exist. With the discovery of black swans in Australia in the 18th century, this theory metamorphosed the term to connote that a perceived impossibility may actually come to pass. Can this be true of tourism too? We believe so. It has the power to change one’ world view through the unimaginable and unexpected experiences it throws up…

Right from the day we conceptualized our venture, the goal was to strive and offer our customers an experience which would either be difficult to predict, or rare or have an everlasting impact, or in an ideal scenario, all of the above.

With Black Swan as our mascot, we hope to unravel to travelers the mysticism of leaving behind familiar ground and exploring new territories – en route experiencing new people – is nothing short of tracing back the footprints of our lives!www.black-swan.in