Travel-Learn Program

When: February 15, 2011, 10:37 am - February 26, 2011, 12:37 pm (iCal)

Description

India is a land where tradition and technological progress are embedded in daily life. Simultaneously a young nation and an ancient country, a land with immense regional variations, India offers an intriguing tapestry of experiences. Our main program takes us to the triangular peninsula of the south: to the western coast on the Arabian Sea, and the eastern coast on the Bay of Bengal. We expect to explore four southern states: Karnataka, Kerala Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. Arab merchants arrived here to trade long before the Europeans left their mark, contributing to rich variations in religion, language, cuisine, culture, art, and architecture. We will visit vibrant cities and also observe the countryside and its rural life. Meetings with local professionals, special events, guided excursions, amazing architecture, varied topography, and much more await us. Our optional excursion to northern India will include a visit to the World Heritage sites of the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and more.

RSVP

This program has been postponed, with a new departure date to be announced.

Cost

From $4,172 per person, based on double occupancy, book before November 27, 2010 and save $200.

Contact

For more information,contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323..

Itinerary

Tuesday, February 15 - Arrive Chennai (formerly known as Madras), State of Tamil Nadu

Our tour operator representative will meet our travelers as we exit the customs and immigration area of Chennai international airport, and transfer us to our hotel. Our time of arrival will depend on the airline we have selected.

Overnight: The Courtyard by Marriott - www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/maacy/courtyard/chennai-india/.

Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu (major language: Tamil) is a bustling cosmopolitan city, located in the southeastern coastal stretch of India. Famous for its temples, coconut fringed beaches, and silk saris, it was formerly known as Madras. The city has a long history of European seafarers who established settlements beginning in the 16th century, with the British eventually taking over with the chartered East India Company. Subsequently, the city rose to prominence in the 19th century and became the seat of Madras Presidency.

Wednesday, February 16 - Chennai & Excursion to Kanchipuram, State of Tamil Nadu

After an early breakfast, we will travel by motorcoach to a local school, Kalashetra Foundation, and begin our glimpse into the southern performing arts. Inaugurated in the early 20th century, Kalashetra’s purpose was to reclaim the vanishing priceless artistic traditions of the country including; its performing arts, traditional crafts, and textile traditions. Here we will attend a lecture demonstration of Bharat Natyam, an iconic South Indian dance style. Originally performed by dancing temple girls as part of their devotional duties in Tamil Nadu shrines, it has gone through an interesting transformation and is now a popular secular art form, female dancers remain the only dancers to perform this dance. Starting at 9:00 AM our program will conclude at 12 noon. (www.kalakshetra.net)

Following this visit we will take a motor coach tour of Chennai city. On the tour, we will pass a number of sites, including Fort St. George (with Lord Cornwallis statue), and its museum and banqueting hall, St. Mary’s Church, as well as Robert Clive’s house.

Fort St. George, the first British fort built by the British East India Company is an iconic example of 17th century British military architecture, and housed the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly until recently. Old uniforms, coins, padlocks, prints and palanquins are displayed, and an upstairs banquet hall has a collection of paintings of the governors and officials from the British period. An adjoining museum complex is noted for its collection of Indian bronzes and marbles. We will continue on a one and half hour motorcoach excursion to Kanchipuram. This drive captures the southern local scenery, and time-permitting we will stop at San Thomas Cathedral. The city of Kanchipuram is fabled for its thousand temples, reflecting the devotion of a number of ancient princely dynasties. The temples are noted for their grandeur and ornamental excess.

The city of Kanchipuram is also the home of the prized “Kanchipuram Sarees” made of silk and woven in small weaves as a cottage industry. If time allows en-route back to Chennai, we will visit a local weaver and observe the ancient method of a computer “punch-card”! Tonight we will meet for dinner in our Chennai hotel.

Thursday, February 17 - Chennai / Puducherry, (formerly known as Pondicherry), Union Territory

We will depart after an early breakfast on a 3-4 hour drive, observing the rural rhythm of life, to historic Pondicherry. One of the four southern union territories, its common language is Tamil. A sea-side town and a former French dominion until 1954, in Pondicherry we can still see a demarcation of the town, one closer to sea reserved for the French, while the other inland side for the Indians. This was the French’s way to restrict where the Indians could live.

We will visit Auroville (http://www.auroville.org), a Utopian village founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, who became known as “The Mother” since her definitive settling in India. This UNESCO-backed village should make for interesting discussions about its ideals, practicality, sustainability and replication in other areas. Overnight: Superior room at Hotel Atithi, Pondicherry, www.atithipondicherry.com.

Friday, February 18 – Pondicherry / Mammalapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) State of Tamil Nadu

After breakfast, we will depart by motorcoach for Mahabalipuram, a journey time of two and half hours. Mahabalipuram, known as the “city of seven pagodas”, was once the main harbor and naval base of a southern king. Noted for its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon, in addition to its Shore Temple, this is a place where serenity and solitude prevails. Shore Temple exemplifies a unique school of temple carvings with a series of much admired rathas (pagodas) and a spectacular carved relief. Built in the seventh century, it houses the shrines of two gods, Shiva and Vishnu as well as scenes of kings and queens. With jet lag behind us, we will meet for a welcome reception and dinner in our tranquil surroundings.

Overnight: Standard room at the Chariot Beach Resort, Mammalapuram, www.chariotbeachresorts.com.

Saturday, February 19– Mammalapuram / Chennai airport / Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore (State of Karnataka)

After an early breakfast, we will depart on a one and half drive to Chennai airport for our flight to Bangalore, with expected arrival in Bangalore before noon. In the afternoon, we expect to visit a small art museum or a local corporation.

This evening, we will attend a private reception and dinner at a family member’s home and have an opportunity to chat with Bangalore relatives.

Overnight: Deluxe room at The Pride Hotel, Bangalore, http://www.pridehotel.com/bangalore-hotels/index.aspx.

Sunday, February 20 - Bangalore/ Mysore State of Karnataka

Today, we will visit a small private hospital (locally called a “Nursing Home”) for a private tour accompanied by the hospital staff. Our afternoon excursion will introduce us to India’s most used mode of transportation. One that efficiently moves masses of India’s population. An ordinary Indian train journey is a must do experience, but often missed by international visitors. We will have an opportunity to observe and perhaps talk to the local travelers, and gain intimate insights into the India’s train system- its unique character and chaotic but workable style. One cannot but be awe-struck by the amazing agility of the porters who will transport our luggage. We will depart for Mysore city on a two and half hour train journey, arriving just before evening and dinner.

Overnight: Heritage room at the Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel, Mysore, http://www.royalorchidhotels.com/royal-orchid-metropole-mysore/overview.asp.

Monday, February 21– Mysore/ Srirangapatnam /Bangalore

The State of Karnataka Mysore is known as the City of Palaces and Oriental splendor. It is now the principal residence of the royal family. We will visit a number of sites, including: the Maharajah’s Palace - a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles; an ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi (Shiva’s bull) carved out of a single huge boulder. We will also hear a brief discussion by a local scholar on the history of Mysore.

We will return to Bangalore by motor coach, a journey of three and half hours, briefly stopping en-route at Srirangapatnam, where the intermingling of cultures is evidenced by the Hindu temple and fort, the seventeen year Muslim reign and power, and the domination of the British. We will have a chance to see remains of the Muslim reign (much of it destroyed by the British) and the dome and minarets of Jami Masjid mosque. We continue our drive to Bangalore.

Overnight: Deluxe room at The Pride Hotel, Bangalore, http://www.pridehotel.com/bangalore-hotels/index.aspx.

Tuesday, February 22 - Bangalore / Cochin / Mundakkal/Munnar State of Kerala

After breakfast, we will board a flight to Cochin arriving before noon, and immediately depart by motorcoach for a five hour road journey to Munnar. En-route we will stop for lunch and a private guided visit to a spice plantation. Here we will discover how spices are grown and harvested in Kerala. Spices were among the most important goods for European and other traders and a major reason for their presence in the south coast of India. The ancient traders’ influence on the landscape and culture of the country endures today. Among the spices grown in this region are black pepper (often called black gold), cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla. After our stop in Mundakkal we will continue on to Munnar, and spend the remaining hours at leisure. The drive to our destination is spectacular as we travel along a landscape of forests, waterfalls, mountains and a narrow winding road.

Munnar was previously a quaint hill station resort, where the colonial British and wealthy of yesteryear spent summers away from the heat. Today the town is a typical Indian town, a colonial look in its buildings and vestiges of British bungalows are the only remnants of the colonial era. However it boasts a spectacular setting, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, surrounded by mountains and sprawling tea plantations. It remains a popular destination for Indians’ holiday visits.

Overnight: Deluxe Cottage at the Windermere Estates Munnar, www.windermeremunnar.com.

Wednesday, February 23 - Munnar

Today we will take in the local scenery, visit the Tea Museum, and take private guided walks in a tea and a coffee plantation. Depending on time remaining, a visit to the Eravikulam National Park might be a possibility.

Overnight: Deluxe Cottage at the Tall Tree Hotel, Munnar, www.ttr.in.

Thursday, February 24 - Munnar / Kochi (formerly known as Cochin)

After an early breakfast, we will make a five-hour motorcoach return journey to Kochi. Kochi has one of the finest harbors on the Arabian Sea coast and has been a port of call for centuries. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing Chinese, Jewish, Portuguese, Dutch and English architectural styles as a result of the settlement of different nationalities.

In the afternoon, we will do sightseeing and visit: the Jew Town, including the Pardesi Synagogue (the first Jews came to Kerala about 600 BC.); the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch; Fort Cochin, reminiscent of European streets and houses; and St Francis Church, near a typical English village green. A highlight is watching the fishermen working the Chinese Fishing nets and trying a hand at it (which operate on a weight system) as the sun is setting.

Overnight: Deluxe room at Hotel Dream, Cochin, www.dreamcochin.com.

Friday, February 25– Cochin / Alleppey, Backwaters Cruise/ Cochin

After breakfast, we will take a one and half hour journey to Alleppey. Here we will embark on our own spacious boat for a four hour cruise along Kerala’s backwaters through canals lined with paddy fields and coconut groves. We will have the opportunity to observe the scenery and life along the waterways that meander from town to town, revealing local history and religion of villages. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the local economy as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. Our boat will have a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare an authentic Kerala lunch with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. We will disembark in the late afternoon for our return drive to Cochin.

We will conclude our day with another glimpse into the performing art form of the region; this time at a lecture demonstration of Kathakali dance and Kalarippayet (a martial arts demonstration) in a local theatre. Kathakali, a “story-play” dance, depicts the world of gods and demons. Magnificently costumed dancers use extraordinary make-up and a gold crown as trademarks of this dance style where both male and female roles are played by men. Traditionally the dance is performed outside a temple, viewed well after dusk and lasting through dawn while seated on the temple grounds. The south Indian style of Kalarippayet, the martial arts that originated in the 13th century, uses hand to hand combat and weapons. It is believed to have been developed by the bodyguards of war lords and chieftains although there are many differing and intriguing theories of its origin. Because of its ferocity, this form of marshal arts was banned by the British in the 18th century but it has since made a comeback as a popular form of local entertainment. Tonight is our farewell dinner at Hotel Le Meridien in Cochin.

Overnight: Deluxe room at Hotel Dream, Cochin, www.dreamcochin.com.

Saturday, February 26 Cochin / Chennai / Departure

We will spend today at leisure before boarding a one and half hour flight to Chennai around 7 PM. As necessary we will have access to group day rooms after our regular hotel check-out. Upon arrival at Chennai airport we will transfer from the domestic terminal to the international terminal for return flight.

Overnight: On board your flight.

Itinerary and costs are tentative and subject to change.

Inclusions:

Accommodation on twin sharing room with breakfast basis,

Meals as specified on the itinerary

All arrival/departure transfers by private vehicle

All prevailing taxes such as Luxury tax in all hotels and Expenditure tax wherever applicable

Porterage at airports and hotels

Train fare between Delhi/ Agra in Shatabdi Express

English speaking Escort throughout the journey

Complimentary mineral water in bus

All excursions and monument fees

Domestic air fare in economy class

All gratuities

All applicable taxes including mandatory government service tax.

Not Included:

Beverages, mineral water (except in vehicle while traveling), alcohol, laundry, telephone calls; or other items of personal nature,

Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes or entrance fees,

Services not specifically stated in the itinerary,

Personal or travel insurance,

Departure taxes (currently none) or visa handling fees,

VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA,

Any changes you may choose to make during your journey

International Air.

Optional Extension Program to North India: (February 26-March 1, 2011)

Saturday, February 26 - Cochin / Delhi (capital of India, and a Union Territory)

After an early breakfast, depart for a three hour flight from Cochin to New Delhi, arriving at 10:30 AM. We will spend a few hours sightseeing including a visit to the National Gallery of Art and Humayunn’s tomb, before arriving at our hotel to check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure. We can use the time to enjoy the amenities of the centrally located and beautiful British Colonial style hotel, take a two minute walk across to the Central Cottage Emporium for fixed price shopping, or for those interested in negotiating and bargaining, there is a row of many interesting “stall” shops with an array of goods only a minute’s walk from the hotel.

Overnight: Imperial Room at the Imperial Hotel, Delhi, http://www.theimperialindia.com.

Sunday, February 27 - Delhi

For early risers and walkers, an early morning walk to near-by Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by a Hindu Maharaja, (depending on opening hours), should make for an interesting start. A full day of sightseeing in both Old and New Delhi will follow. Our visits will include the Mughal 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 feet (one of the oldest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture); the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture; a brief visit to the imposing Lakshmi Narayan temple, also known as Birla Mandir (where father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi died); Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (a Sikh temple), and the imposing Mughal built Red Fort. Time-permitting, we may stop at Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi). We will also pass a number of well known sites, including India Gate (war memorial for the India soldiers), the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Indian president’s residence, and formerly the viceroy's residence), the Parliament House, Chandni Chowk (a crowded bazaar) and the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India).

We will return to the hotel for time at leisure. An unusually early morning departure tomorrow should be considered in this evening’s plans.

Overnight: Imperial Room at the Imperial Hotel, Delhi, http://www.theimperialindia.com.

Monday, February 28 – Delhi / Agra

We will take an early morning two hour train ride departing at 6:15 AM. This is the fastest train between Delhi and Agra, with one stop en-route. We will visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Dulha, known as the “Baby Taj”, the first Mughal structure totally built from marble with extensive use of the pietra dura technique that was first used by the Romans. We will later visit the Taj Mahal at dusk. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan, Taj Mahal is a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz. Both Shah Jehan and his wife are buried here. Return to hotel.

Overnight: Chamber of Emperors room at the ITC Mughal, Agra, http://www.itcwelcomgroup.in/Hotels/itcmughal.aspx.

Tuesday, March 1 – Agra / Fathepur Sikri / Delhi Airport

Because the Taj Mahal is considered to be a foremost architectural wonder, and every visitor wishes for a return trip, we will make another visit, this time at dawn. We will again marvel at a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of the 20,000 craftsmen brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy. It took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble', and for which Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son. We will return to our hotel for breakfast.

Later, en-route to New Delhi’s international airport, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO designated site. Fatehpur Sikri was a 16th century capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar, built as a sandstone complex of forts, palaces (three, one each for his Hindu, Muslim and Christian wives) and mosques. Eventually the city had to be deserted because of lack of water. As we will observe, the white marble Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar's spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot by the Muslim visitors.

We will continue our drive to New Delhi’s international airport (journey time 5-6 hours) for the onward flight.

Extension Cost:

From $2,309 per person based on double occupancy. Single room suppl. at $553

Itinerary and costs are tentative and subject to change.

Inclusions:

Accommodation on twin sharing room with breakfast basis

Breakfast only everyday

All arrival/departure transfers will be by a private vehicle

Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, toll tax, driver’s allowance, parking,

All prevailing taxes such as Luxury tax in all hotels and Expenditure tax wherever applicable

Porterage at airport/train/hotels

Train ticket fare between Delhi/ Agra in Shatabdi Express

An eloquent and knowledgeable English speaking Escort or Group Leader who will join the group in Delhi and be with them till they depart from Delhi

Complimentary mineral water in motorcoach daily during sightseeing tours or transfers

All monument fees

Domestic air fare in economy class for the sector: Cochin/Delhi

All gratuities for guide, driver, porter, restaurant, bell boys, airport reps.

Following for two Tufts University staff who will accompany this tour: (a) tour as laid out herein, and, (b) domestic flight in economy class, and all applicable taxes including mandatory government service tax.

NOT INCLUDED:

Beverages, mineral water (except in motorcoach while traveling), alcohol, laundry, telephone calls; or other items of personal nature

Lunches and dinners

Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes or entrance fees

Services not specifically stated in the itinerary

Personal or travel insurance

Departure taxes (currently nil) or visa handling fees

VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA

Any changes you may choose to make during your tour

Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change

617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu