Essence of India: A Global Perspective on Ecology & Culture - INDIA October 25 - November 6, 2021 - OSU Alumni Association
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S
G MA
U L
A L
RA G
N RO
TE UP
ED
INDIA
Essence of India: A Global
Perspective on Ecology & Culture
accompanied by Oregon State's Dr. Sunil Khanna
October 25 — November 6, 2021
Membership in
Dear OSUAA friends, the OSU Alumni
Association is
We invite you to join us in India for a learning adventure among its
required to travel
cultural and natural riches! with OSUAA Group
Travel. If you are
Our journey begins in Delhi, where we'll experience its one-of-a-kind
not a member,
cultural blend in historical palaces, mosques and monuments. From
please contact the
there, we'll head to Agra and the world-famous mausoleum for which it is
Membership Dept.
known: the Taj Mahal. Then, we venture into Ranthambore National Park at 877-678-2837
for a safari experience in search of India's famous wildlife. The journey to sign up today or
comes to an end in Jaipur during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. join online at
You'll see the city's sites bejeweled with twinkling decorations for this osualum.com.
treasured celebration. If you prefer to send
a check, please
You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience with fellow Beavers. include $60 for a
We expect our limited space will fill up quickly. Please make your single membership
reservation soon to guarantee your spot! and remit to: OSU
Alumni Association,
Note to the traveler: Itineraries may be subject to change due to protocols and CH2M Hill Alumni
adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest information regarding Center, Corvallis OR
Holbrook Travel's COVID-19 policies, please visit holbrooktravel.com/covid19 97331-6303.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
Essence of India: A Global Perspective on Ecology & Culture | October 25 — November 6, 2021
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500 per person) for ____ person/people on the tour listed below. I/we
understand the final payment is due at least 95 days prior to departure (July 22, 2021). Payment may be made by
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA or by personal check. Please make check payable to Holbrook Travel,
Inc. and mail deposit check to: Holbrook Travel, 3540 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609. Fax: 352-371-3710. For
questions please call 877-678-2837 or visit osualum.com/travel.
Full Passport Name______________________________________ DOB ____________ Gender ______
E-mail __________________________________________________________________________
Badge Name ____________________________________________________ Class year __________
Full Passport Name______________________________________ DOB ____________ Gender ______
E-mail __________________________________________________________________________
Badge Name ___________________________________________________ Class year ___________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________ State _____________ ZIP ______________
Home Ph. (________)_______________________ Cell Ph. (________)________________________
Please book my/our air from _____________________. I/we request an air upgrade to ________________.
I will share a room with _____________________________________.
I request a single room (limited availability).
Note: The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for the above-referenced tour, and agrees that their signature
below represents their acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions.
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date________________
Method of Payment Check American Express Discover MasterCard VISA
Account # ____________________________ Security Code ________ Exp. Date _________
Name of Cardholder _____________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________________________
Final invoicing will be sent by our tour operator, Holbrook Travel, Inc. The balance of the program price must be paid to Holbrook
Travel. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (July 22, 2021, check or credit card).
Please note: itineraries may be subject to change due to protocols and adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest information regarding our COVID-19 policies, please visit holbrooktravel.com/covid19 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please read this information carefully, as payment of a deposit represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions. Not Included in Your Tour Price International airfare from your departure city; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as 204 CH2M Hill Alumni Center beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communications charges; and trip cancellation insurance. Additional baggage fees levied directly by the airline(s) may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure. Corvallis, OR International Air Transportation Estimated airfare: $1,525 from Portland to Delhi. Holbrook Travel offers group airfare and ticketing. 97331-6303 Group transfers between the airport and hotel are included in your program cost. A note about online airfare: Occasionally, you may be able to find airfares online that are listed at a lower cost. In general, individual fares lack the flexibility of group airfare and often require immediate purchase. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignments on your international flight are usually done at airport check-in. Holbrook Travel is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and departure fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, booking the tour “Land Only” is available. We recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Oregon State University Alumni Association (OSUAA) and Holbrook Travel, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour. Cancellations, Changes and Refunds If you must cancel your tour, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification. All cancellations need to be submitted in writing to OSUAA. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: Cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge; Cancel 95-0 days before departure: no refund. Please note that we will not refund the cost of any unused portion of your tour package. We will not charge a fee for any changes made to your reservation outside of 95 days before departure. From 94 to 30 days before departure, if you make any changes to your reservation, a $100 per person administrative fee will apply, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by airlines, hotels, or other third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes to your reservation can be made within 30 days of departure. If due to unforeseen circumstances Holbrook Travel cancels your tour, you will receive a complete refund of all payments you have made to us. Health and Medical Issues We welcome all travelers, but request that you be in good health to participate on a Holbrook Travel tour. All of our tours involve a reasonable amount of walking (typically two to three miles per day). You must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that our itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical condition or behavior, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other tour members. In that event, OSUAA and Holbrook Travel assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour. For the convenience of the majority of our travelers, Holbrook Travel has a no smoking policy on all tour buses. We will arrange sufficient rest stops so those who wish to smoke may do so. Required Information Upon reservation, you must provide your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, and gender (for details, please visit tsa.gov). In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, or if you use a different passport than originally cited, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue. A passport valid for at least six months after the completion of your tour is required for U.S. citizens on this tour. Your passport must have at least three blank visa pages to accommodate entry/exit stamps and your visa. Responsibility The liability of OSUAA as sponsor, and Holbrook Travel Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. OSUAA and Holbrook Travel, Inc. purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. OSUAA and Holbrook Travel, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality and may change due to factors such as government regulations, water levels, or weather conditions. The services of any IATA and ATC carrier may be used in connection with these tours. The participant understands that if he/ she books special low cost airfares with penalties, and cancels the reservation, he/she is responsible for any penalties incurred from the airline.
DIWALI LANTERNS
WHY INDIA? India beckons travelers to explore its vibrant cities for a glimpse of its unique cultural
history, imparted from societies ancient and modern, through architecture, cuisine and the arts. India also
offers a wealth of natural wonders in its national parks, from the Bengal tiger to abundant avifauna.
India delights the imagination with layers • Interact with different communities as
you visit a non-profit organization in
of civilization that date back 7,000 years. Its Delhi, watch artisans at work at an NGO
historical influences manifest in a cultural near Ranthambore and attend an in-
blend of temples, royal palaces, forts and home cooking demonstration in Jaipur.
street bazaars. It is saturated with colors, • Embark on game drives accompanied by
entrancing music, rich cuisine and wild a local park naturalist in Ranthambore
National Park, one of the best places
habitats of amazing biodiversity. Discover in India to view wild Bengal tigers and
it all on this comprehensive journey that other wildlife in their natural habitat.
marries the iconic cities of the Golden • Watch the sun rise over India’s most
Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) with an iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal.
unforgettable safari in search of the elusive • Feed, bathe and take a wilderness
Bengal tiger in Ranthambore, one of India’s walk with rescued elephants while
premier national parks. Learn about the learning about these magnificent
creatures, capping the experience with a
country’s many cultural groups, the role of
traditional bush barbecue.
conservation within local communities, the
• Witness the unforgettable sight of
obstacles tigers face for survival and India’s Jaipur’s monuments and landmarks
changing role on the global stage. specially decorated in celebration of the
From its dynastic origins to the Mughal era Diwali Festival of Lights.
to the British Raj, explore India’s endless
transformations on this diverse expedition OSU LECTURER
with the OSU Alumni Association! Sunil Khanna is a
professor of the College
1 of Public Health and
2 3 4 11 Human Sciences and the
12
DELHI Robert & Sara Rothschild
Endowed Chair in Global Health at Oregon
9 10
JAIPUR AGRA 5 6 State University. Dr. Khanna received a doctoral
degree in Biological Anthropology and Human
Genetics from University of Delhi, India and a
RANTHAMBORE 7 8
doctoral degree in Cultural Anthropology from
Syracuse University. He is internationally known
as an expert in the areas of biocultural medical
ACTIVITY LEVEL: EASY TO MODERATE anthropology and anthropological demography.
This journey mainly entails walking in urban and rural areas His research broadly involves examining the
over mostly flat paths that also have some cobbled or uneven relationship between culture and health. His
surfaces and stairs. Safari drives may be bumpy. research is documented in his book "Family
Building Strategies in India," published in 2009.
BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER but is now recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site for its red sandstone buildings.
Arrive in Agra, check in, and have lunch. In
the afternoon, take a guided tour of Agra Fort,
another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built
by Emperor Akbar between 1567 and 1573,
the fort encompasses an enormous complex of
courtly buildings. Later, enjoy impressive views
overlooking the Taj Mahal during high tea at
Taj Khema. Dinner tonight is on your own at
a local restaurant; there are plenty to choose
JAMA MASJID OF DELHI
from. Overnight at Oberoi Trident. (BL)
OCTOBER 25 - IN FLIGHT OCTOBER 30 - AGRA
Early this morning, visit the Taj Mahal,
OCTOBER 26 - DELHI perhaps India’s most iconic site. The Taj is a
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred white marble mausoleum commissioned in
to your hotel. (Check-in begins at 2 p.m.) 1632 AD by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz
Delhi is a sprawling metropolis encompassing a Mahal. The Taj is noted for its stunning
blend of the past and present, said to have been design, from perfect symmetry to intricately
destroyed and rebuilt seven times during the carved screens and elegant domes. Return to
reign of different royal dynasties. Overnight at the hotel for breakfast, then visit the tomb of
The Imperial. Itmad-ud-Daulah. An exquisite example of
Mughal-era craftsmanship, it was the first of its
OCTOBER 27 - DELHI kind to be made of white inlaid marble. Next,
This morning is at leisure to rest following the
see a demonstration of pietra dura—artwork
late evening arrivals. After lunch and a program
made from small decorative stones—at a local
orientation at the hotel, venture into Old
workshop. In the evening, attend "Mohabbat
Delhi, with a focus on the magnificence of the
The Taj Show," a musical extravaganza that
Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques.
depicts the love story saga between Shah Jahan
View Delhi’s largest monument, the Red Fort,
and Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight at Oberoi
whose thick red sandstone walls and turrets rise
Trident. (BD)
above a wide, dry moat. Then take a pedi-cab
ride through the busy bazaars and narrow
streets of Chandni Chowk shopping area. Each
lane specializes in a commodity: spices, jewelers
and silversmiths, even sequins, buttons, lace
and wedding finery. Dinner is on your own
tonight. Overnight at The Imperial. (BL)
OCTOBER 28 - DELHI
This morning, continue exploring the capital, TAJ MAHAL
with stops at Vijay Chowk, a public square with
views of the surrounding colonial architecture;
OCTOBER 31 - RANTHAMBORE
Humayun's Tomb, a 16th century mausoleum;
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, one of the earliest
Ranthambore (approx. 5.5 hours). Check
Indian temples to have no caste restrictions;
in on arrival, with lunch at the hotel. Make
Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to the
an afternoon trek to the Ranthambore Fort,
life of Mahatma Gandhi; and Bangla Sahib, a
a forested Rajput fort over 1,000 years old.
prominent Sikh temple. Enjoy lunch on your
The base of the fort is a very good place for
own at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit
bird watching; you can see parakeets, doves,
a non-profit organization to experience a deep
flycatchers and peacocks, along with a large
cultural connection with some of the people of
troop of langur monkeys. This is also the best
Delhi. Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight at
place to see the painted spurfowl. A walk to
The Imperial. (BD)
the Ganesh temple on top offers great views of
OCTOBER 29 - AGRA the park's landscape. Return to the hotel for
After breakfast, board a comfortable, air- dinner. Overnight at Nahargarh Palace. (BLD)
conditioned coach for the drive to Agra
NOVEMBER 1 - RANTHAMBORE
(approx. 5.5 hours). En route, visit Fatehpur
Rise before dawn and set out on an early
Sikri (“City of Victory”). Built as a capital and
morning game drive in search of tigers and
palace by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the
other wildlife, accompanied by a local park
late 16th century, the city was later abandoned
naturalist. Ranthambore National Park spreads
On your way to lunch at a local restaurant,
stop and admire the picturesque 18th century
Jal Mahal, or "Water Palace" in the middle of
the Man Sagar Lake. Dinner is a traditional
bush barbecue at a camp on the outskirts of the
city, featuring “Rhythm with the Elephants”
(weather permitting). During this special
activity, you’ll have the chance to feed, bathe
BENGAL TIGER and walk in the wilderness with the property’s
resident rescued elephants. The walk comes to
over 150 square miles of dry deciduous an end at the camp, where you will be treated
forest in southeast Rajasthan. It is one of to a buffet dinner. Many of the vegetables are
the finest natural tiger habitats in the world. grown organically on the local farm. Today is
Watch for wildlife like sambar and chital the Diwali Festival of Lights, so be prepared for
deer, rhesus macaque and langur monkeys, joyful holiday celebrations throughout the city.
Indian wild boar, striped hyenas and marsh Jaipur’s Diwali festivities are considered among
crocodiles. Return to the hotel for breakfast. the best in the country, and many landmarks
This afternoon, embark on another game and monuments are decorated with lights for
drive, arriving back at the lodge after sunset. this major cultural event. Overnight at Oberoi
Overnight at Nahargarh Palace. (BLD) Trident. (BD)
NOVEMBER 2 - RANTHAMBORE NOVEMBER 5 - DELHI
After breakfast visit Dastkar Kendra, a Drive to Delhi (approx. 4.5 hours); enjoy the
grassroots NGO providing an alternate rest of the day at leisure to take advantage of
source of income to village women through the hotel amenities and spa. This evening,
the promotion of local crafts. You’ll have the celebrate with a farewell dinner banquet.
opportunity to see the artisans at work and Overnight at Oberoi Gurgaon. (BD)
also shop for local art and clothing. All profits
go directly to the local village women. Have NOVEMBER 6 - DEPART
lunch at the hotel. Embark on another game Transfer to the airport in time to board flights
drive this afternoon accompanied by local park back to the U.S. Many flights will depart
naturalist, returning to the hotel after sunset. Delhi in the early morning hours.
Overnight at Nahargarh Palace. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 3 - JAIPUR PRICING: $6,995 per person
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and
drive to the “Pink City,” Jaipur (approx. 3.5 Price is based on double occupancy with 12 participants.
hours). Your sightseeing today includes the Single supplement $1,275 per person
old walled city, labyrinthine bazaars, opulent Price includes:
palaces and historical sites. Observe the outside
of the Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds," • 11 nights in Superior and Deluxe accommodation
erected in 1799. In the heart of Jaipur is the • 23 meals (10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners)
huge City Palace complex, home also to formal • Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
gardens and the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh • Sightseeing and activities as described, including
entrance fees
II Museum, which contains a collection of his
• Holbrook Travel tour guide
personal possessions. End the day at Jantar
• Private motorcoach or minibus transportation
Mantar, a royal open-air observatory built throughout your trip
by 18th century astronomer King Jai Singh. • Luggage handling, one bag per person
The complex houses multiple structures, each • Bottled water on the bus
with a specialized function for astronomic • Travel protection providing coverage once trip has
calculations. Dinner tonight will involve a departed. Offers benefits for baggage/personal effects,
cooking demonstration in the home of Jaipuri accident & sickness medical expenses, emergency
residents. Overnight at Oberoi Trident. (BD) evacuation and more
• All tips and gratuities
NOVEMBER 4 - JAIPUR • Carbon offset
This morning, take a guided excursion to the • Departure tax
Amber Fort. Formerly the capital of the ruling
Price does not include: international airfare, trip
family of Jaipur, the fort's exterior reflects cancellation insurance, gratuities for hotel housekeeping
Indo-Islamic architecture. On the interior, staff, drinks purchased on own, items of a personal nature.
one of its most striking features is the Hall of
Holbrook Travel can assist with making your flight
Mirrors. When the palace was occupied by arrangements upon request (estimated at $1,525 from
royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single Portland to Delhi). Trip cancellation insurance is strongly
candle reflected in thousands of tiny mirrors. recommended (offered through Oregon State University
Alumni Association).You can also read
