Februar y 22 to March 14, 2020 - a program of the stanford alumni association
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TRE ASURES OF THE SUBCONTINENT
Febr ua r y 22 to M a rch 14, 2020
a p rogra m of the sta nford alum ni association
CITY PALACE, JAIPUR In a country as vast as India, no single visit can possibly capture the diversity of its myriad cultures, ethnicities and religions. Despite this challenge, our grand tour aims to offer a uniquely comprehensive look at the Subcontinent, giving travelers a chance to see a kaleidoscope of its cultural, historical, religious and natural riches all within one trip. Join long-time faculty favorite Scott Pearson on this deep dive into Hindu culture, Muslim monuments, Buddhist temples and colonial architecture—the long and vibrant history that defines India today. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an exceptional journey that is grand in every sense of the word. BRE T T S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL /STUDY Highlights B E H O L D the dazzling E X P L O R E the rock-hewn D E L I G H T in a thrilling M A R V E L at the intricately Palace of Mirrors in Jaipur’s monasteries and temple rickshaw ride and observe carved temples of Madurai, Amber Fort, once the royal caves of Ellora and Ajanta elaborate prayer rituals in covered in vividly painted residence of the Rajput featuring masterpieces of Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest figures of deities, mythical maharajas and their families. religious art. and India’s oldest city. creatures and monsters. COVER: AGRA FORT, AGRA
Stanford Faculty Leader
S C O T T P E A R S O N , who has studied economic change in developing countries for
five decades, taught economic development and international trade at the Food Research
Institute at Stanford for 34 years. He’s coauthored a dozen books, won several awards for his
research and teaching, and advised governments on food and agricultural policy. Scott has
worked and traveled abroad extensively in Asia, Africa and Europe.
“Scott’s lectures On of our most versatile faculty leaders, Scott has accompanied more than 60 Travel/
are insightful, Study trips on all seven continents, including seven trips to India. Scott’s lectures during
organized, and this program will cover early Indian cultures, South and North Indian kingdoms, the Mughal
extremely well- Empire, the English East India Company, British crown rule in India and independent India.
prepared and
— Professor, agricultural economics, Stanford University, 1968–2002
-delivered. He
— Director, Food Research Institute, Stanford University, 1991–1996
is one Stanford
— Dean’s Award for Teaching, Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences, 1978
faculty leader we — MA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University
always look for.” — PhD, economics, Harvard University
MARY FIEDLER,
TNEERWR YZ ESAALUANNDDE R BSY,
MPRO IRVO
ACTCE OA, I R
20, 1280 11
SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?india2020
OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
Delhi NEPAL
CHINA
PAKISTAN
Jaipur Agra
Varanasi
INDIA
Ellora
Ajanta BURMA
Mumbai Aurangabad
Arabian Bay of
Sea Bengal
Chennai
Indi Thanjavur
an Ocean
Kochi
Tiruchirappalli
Madurai
Itinerary
at the National Art Gallery and the local Raja’s home. Finally, visit S U N DAY, M A R C H 1
Museum and the San Thome Pudukkotai to view the vibrantly MUMBAI
Cathedral. After lunch, transfer painted clay horses and riders Start today with a bus tour
to the airport for our flight to of the Aiyanyar grove, built in the through Kala Ghoda, Mumbai’s
S AT U R DAY & S U N DAY, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), from 18th century. Arriving in Madurai, beautiful art district, and view
F E B R UA RY 2 2 & 23 where we drive on to Thanjavur. check in to our hotel. THE Mumbai University and its famous
U.S. / CHENNAI, INDIA HOTEL SAVTMA (B,L,D) GATEWAY HOTEL PASUMALAI (B,L,D) 19th-century clock tower. Next,
Depart the U.S. on overnight stop at the Chhatrapati Shivaji
flights, arriving in Chennai in the W E D N ES DAY, F E B R UA RY 26 F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 28 Terminus (Victoria Terminus) and
late afternoon or evening on THANJAVUR MADURAI admire its Indo-Saracenic
Sunday, and check in to our Spend a full day exploring Today we partake in a full-day architecture (emblematic of British
hotel. TAJ COROMANDEL Thanjavur, stopping first at the exploration of fascinating Madurai, rule in the late 19th century)
Brihadishwara Temple, one of which was built around the before we visit Crawford
M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 24 India’s largest temples. Built by enormous temple complex of Market. Enjoy lunch at a local
CHENNAI / the emperor Raja Raja Chola I Meenakshi Amman. The temple’s restaurant before touring the
MAMALLAPURAM
in the 11th century, the temple soaring towers are covered in striking Siddhivinayak Ganpati
After a welcome orientation and stands amid fortified walls likely elaborate stucco figures of deities, Temple, built to honor the god,
breakfast at our hotel, depart added in the 16th century. Its mythical creatures and monsters, Ganesha. TAJ MAHAL PALACE
Chennai for Mamallapuram central tower stands more than all painted in vividly bright colors. HOTEL (B,L,D)
(Mahabalipuram), an important 200 feet high and is among the In the afternoon visit the grand
port town in ancient times and the tallest of its kind in the world. 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak M O N DAY, M A R C H 2
site of an impressive collection After lunch, visit a bronze factory Palace. This evening optionally MUMBAI / AURANGABAD
of rock-hewn sanctuaries dating and the Saraswati Mahal Library, return to the Meenakshi Amman This morning, visit Mahalaxmi
from the 7th and 8th centuries. containing rare manuscripts made to observe a ritual particular to Dhobi Ghat, one of the world’s
Continue to the Kapaleeshwarar of palm leaves. HOTEL SVATMA the temple. THE GATEWAY HOTEL largest open-air laundromats.
Temple where we admire the (B,L,D) PASUMALAI (B,L,D) Witness and learn about
Dravidian architecture. Back Mumbai’s world-renowned door-
at our hotel, enjoy a welcome T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 27 S AT U R DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9 to-door lunch delivery system
cocktail reception before dinner. THANJAVUR / MADURAI / MUMBAI through which thousands of
TAJ COROMANDEL (B,L,D) KADIAPATTI / Take a cycle rickshaw to the dabbawalas (delivery personnel)
PUDUKKOTAI / MADURAI
Madurai Flower Market, where deliver homemade lunches to
T U ES DAY, F E B R UA RY 25 Today travel from Thanjavur to approximately ten tons of flowers more than 160,000 Mumbai
CHENNAI / Madurai, first passing through are bought and sold each day.
TIRUCHIRAPPALLI /
residents daily. After lunch,
the “land of the Chettiars” and After an early lunch, transfer to
THANJAVUR stop at Mani Bhavan, the
learning about the merchant the airport and board our flight
Our exploration of Chennai building in which Mahatma
caste’s trading throughout to Mumbai. TAJ MAHAL PALACE
introduces us to its colonial Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934.
the region and into Southeast
history and reveals to us the HOTEL (B,L,D) Departing Mumbai, take a short
Asia. Next, stop in the village
dynamic energy of modern life flight to Aurangabad. VIVANTA
of Kadiapatti and admire the AURANGABAD (B,L,D)
here. Visit the bronze collection famous carved wooden doors of
JAMA MASJID, DELHI BRIHADISHWARA TEMPLE, THANJAVUR
T U ES DAY, M A R C H 3 situated on the banks of the India Gate, built as a memorial to T U ES DAY, M A R C H 10
AURANGABAD / AJANTA Ganges River. After lunch, drive the Indian soldiers killed in World JAIPUR
On our first full day in Aurangabad, to nearby Sarnath, where we War I. THE OBEROI DELHI (B,L,D) Today we celebrate the most
visit the World Heritage site of explore the ruins of the Dhamek jubilant festival in the Hindu
Ajanta, its 24 cave monasteries Stupa, part of a monastery S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 calendar, Holi. This vibrant festival
and five temples located on the complex built more than 2,000 DELHI celebrates the end of winter and
side of a cliff overlooking the years ago. Also view the famous Embark on a tour of Old Delhi, the the arrival of spring, and involves
Wagura River and carved out of Ashoka Pillar of polished seat of power for Mughal India playfully throwing pigment powder
solid rock. Ajanta was a key sandstone, whose lion capital in the 12th century. After driving at one another, resulting in head-
northsouth trade route in India, and makes up the Republic of India’s past the Red Fort, stop at Jama to-toe color. Our specially arranged
merchants and local kings donated state emblem. TAJ GANGES Masjid, India’s largest mosque, guides will help us get into the
funds to sponsor Ajanta’s artists. VARANASI (B,L,D) and the bustling business center spirit of the custom. After washing
Today the site forms the largest of Chandni Chowk with its colorful up, take an optional walking tour
body of early Indian wall painting in F R I DAY, M A R C H 6 bazaars and narrow lanes. After of the local bazaar. THE OBEROI
the country and also includes very VARANASI lunch, visit the palatial Humayun’s RAJVILAS (B,L,D)
rare, elaborate carvings. VIVANTA This morning take a sunrise boat Tomb and Gandhi Smriti, the
AURANGABAD (B,L,D) ride. Witness sadhus (Hindu holy sacred site where Mahatma W E D N ES DAY, M A R C H 11
men) and pilgrims making offerings Gandhi died in 1948 and is today JAIPUR / FATEHPUR
SIKRI / AGRA
W E D N ES DAY, M A R C H 4 and cleansing themselves in the a national memorial and museum
AURANGABAD / ELLORA / commemorating his legacy. THE En route to Agra, visit the fabled
sacred waters of the Ganges, on
MUMBAI deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur
the banks of which bodies are OBEROI DELHI (B,L,D)
This morning visit Ellora with Sikri, a World Heritage site. Built
cremated at the base of the ghats
its caves housing temples and M O N DAY, M A R C H 9 by Emperor Akbar as his capital in
(steps). After breakfast back at our
monasteries that commemorate DELHI / JAIPUR the late 16th century, the complex
hotel, continue our day of touring
three Indian religions: Buddhism, After an early breakfast, take a displays a perfect blend of Hindu
at the Sankat Mochan Temple,
Hinduism and Jainism. The caves, short flight to Jaipur where we visit and Muslim architectural styles.
famous for its resident monkeys.
filled with sculptures and frescoes Amber Fort, a fortified palace of Check in to our hotel in Agra this
This evening return to the Ganges
that are over 2,000 years old, have massive ramparts and elaborate evening. THE OBEROI AMARVILAS
to witness the aarit ceremony (fire
been compared to the pyramids living quarters, including the (B,L,D)
ritual). TAJ GANGES VARANASI (B,L,D)
for their amazing construction dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Palace
and wealth of artifacts. Our visit of Mirrors). After lunch, explore T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 12
S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 7 AGRA
includes the most marvelous of VARANASI / DELHI the courtyards, gardens and
all the rock temples, the temple of palatial structures of Jaipur’s City Rise early for a pre-dawn visit
After a flight to Delhi, spend the
Kailasa. Fly back to Mumbai this Palace. Also spend time at Jantar to the Taj Mahal, one of India’s
day exploring this British colonial
afternoon, and check in to our Mantar, a 19th-century, open-air most enduring symbols. Built by
city of wide boulevards and formal
hotel. LEELA PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D) astronomical observatory with a Emperor Shah Jahan in memory
parks. Stop at the Rashtrapati
90-foot-high sundial built by Jai of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal,
Bhawan, once the awe-inspiring
T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 5 Singh in the 18th century and this pure-white marble mausoleum
residence of the British viceroys
MUMBAI / VARANASI /
today a World Heritage site. THE is arguably the finest example of
SARNATH
and now the Presidential Palace;
OBEROI RAJVILAS (B,L,D)
Mughal architecture, which
After breakfast fly to Varanasi, the Parliament Building; and the
HOLI FESTIVAL, JAIPUR BACKWATERS, KERALA
Kochi Pre-trip
combines elements of Islamic, F R I DAY & S AT U R DAY,
Persian, Ottoman and Indian M A R C H 13 & 14
AGRA / DELHI / U.S.
styles. After breakfast, explore
Extension
Agra Fort, a Mughal-era military After breakfast, drive to Delhi
complex. Return to the Taj Mahal and settle in to our hotel. Depart
this evening as the sun sets on late-night or early-morning
flights back to the U.S., arriving on F E B R UA RY 19 TO 2 2 (4 DAYS)
over one of the world’s great
architectural triumphs. Return to Saturday. THE OBEROI GURGAON
(3/13: B, 3/14: B) W E D N ES DAY & T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 19 & 20
our hotel for a farewell reception U.S. / KOCHI, INDIA
and dinner as our grand tour
Board overnight flights from the U.S., arriving in Kochi (Cochin),
comes to a close. THE OBEROI
located in the state of Kerala, on Thursday. Check in to our
AMARVILAS (B,L,D)
hotel upon arrival. TAJ MALABAR RESORT
F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 21
KOCHI / ALAPPUZHA
After breakfast, drive to the coastal town of Alappuzha
(Alleppey), where we board local houseboats for a relaxing
cruise through a maze of backwaters and small lakes.
Watch as locals bring their laundry to the water’s edge and
farmers tend to their fields. After lunch at a nearby resort,
return to Kochi for dinner and a traditional Kathakali dance
performance. TAJ MALABAR RESORT (B,L,D)
S AT U R DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 2
KOCHI / CHENNAI
Begin this morning at Fort Cochin, where cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets grace the beaches. Explore the city’s
religious diversity, stopping first at the Anglican St. Francis
Church, India’s oldest European-built church. Enjoy lunch at
a local restaurant before heading to the Pardesi Synagogue,
built in 1568 and the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth.
Spend time walking through the Jewish quarter of Kochi
before making our way to the airport for our flight to Chennai,
where we join the main group the following day. TAJ
COROMANDEL (B,L)
Details and pricing will be provided to confirmed participants.
Information Terms & Conditions
DATES Deposit & Final Payment operators act only as agents
February 22 to March 14, 2020 (22 days) A $1,000-per-person deposit is for the passenger with respect
required to reserve space for this to transportation and exercise every
SIZE program. Sign up online at alumni. care possible in doing so. However,
This program can accommodate 35 participants. Single accom- stanford.edu/trip?india2020 or call we can assume no liability for
Travel/Study at (650) 725-1093. injury, damage, loss, accident,
modations are extremely limited; please call for availability.
Optional pre-trip extension details delay or irregularity in connection
COST* will go out to confirmed participants. with the service of any automobile,
At that time, an additional extension motor coach, launch or any other
$16,595 per person, double occupancy
deposit is required. Final payment conveyance used in carrying
$20,995 per person, single occupancy is due 120 days prior to departure. out this program or for the acts
*Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person As a condition of participation, all or defaults of any company or
confirmed participants are required person engaged in conveying the
INCLUDED to sign a Release of Liability. passenger or in carrying out the
20 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 20 breakfasts, arrangements of the program. We
18 lunches and 18 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail Cancellations & Refunds
cannot accept any responsibility for
Deposits and any payments are
receptions Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group losses or additional expenses due
refundable, less a $500-per-
activities All tours as described in the itineray Transfers and to delay or changes in air or other
person cancellation fee, until 120
baggage handling Following flights: Chennai to Tiruchirappalli services, sickness, weather, strike,
days prior to departure. After that
war, quarantine, force majeure or
on 2/25, Madurai to Mumbai on 2/29, Mumbai to Aurangabad date, refunds can be made only
other causes beyond our control.
on 3/2, Aurangabad to Mumbai on 3/4, Mumbai to Varanasi on if the program is sold out and
All such losses or expenses will
3/5, Varanasi to Delhi on 3/7, Delhi to Jaipur on 3/9 Minimal your place(s) can be resold, in
have to be borne by the passenger
medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational pro- which case a $1,000-per-person
as tour rates provide arrangements
cancellation fee will apply.
gram with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including only for the time stated. We reserve
recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel in- Insurance the right to make such alterations
formation Services of our professional tour manager to assist Stanford Travel/Study provides to this published itinerary as may
all travelers who are U.S. or be deemed necessary. The right
you throughout the program
Canadian citizens with minimal is reserved to cancel any program
medical, accident and evacuation prior to departure in which case
NOT INCLUDED
coverage under our group-travel the entire payment will be refunded
International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees without further obligation on our
insurance policy. Our group policy
Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those part. The right is also reserved
is intended to provide minimal
specified as included Trip-cancellation/interruption and bag- levels of protection while you are to decline to accept or retain
gage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items traveling on this program. You may any person as a member of the
such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and choose to subscribe to optional program. No refund will be made
gratuities for nongroup services trip-cancellation and baggage for an unused portion of any tour
insurance. Information will be unless arrangements are made in
AIR ARRANGEMENTS provided to travelers with their sufficient time to avoid penalties.
You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the welcome materials. The product Baggage is carried at the owner’s
offered includes special benefits risk entirely. The airlines concerned
start location and from the end location of the program. These
if you purchase your policy within are not to be held responsible for
air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist any act, omission or event during
14 days of written confirmation of
you in making these independent arrangements, we will send your participation on the trip. the time that passengers are not
you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive on board their plane or conveyance.
and depart. Eligibility Neither the Stanford Alumni
We encourage membership in the Association, Stanford University
WH AT TO E XPECT Stanford Alumni Association as nor our operators accept liability for
We consider this program to be a moderately strenuous program the program cost for nonmembers any carrier’s cancellation penalty
is $300 more than the members’ incurred by the purchase of a
that is at times physically demanding and busy. There are seven
price. A person traveling as a paid nonrefundable ticket in connection
on-tour flights, some of which require extremely early morning guest of a current member will with the tour. Program price is
departures. Participants should be able to walk unassisted on not be charged the nonmember based on rates in effect in May
extended excursions (typically two to three hours) over uneven, fee. To purchase a membership, 2019 and is subject to change
unpaved surfaces during periods of high heat and humidity. visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ without notice to reflect fluctuations
When visiting archaeological ruins, forts and palaces, you must membership or call (650) 725-0692. in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel
be able to walk up and down dark, steep and narrow staircases Responsibility charges.
without handrails. Drive times range from one to seven hours over The Stanford Alumni Association,
bumpy, though paved, roads. Although all of the hotels and motor Stanford University and our
coaches included in this program are air-conditioned, other tradi-
tional means of conveyance and most of the museums, temples
and ruins we visit are not air-conditioned. Participants must be
TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093
physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers
EMAIL travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu
15 years of age and older on this program.
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(650) 725-1093 Association
TRE ASURES OF THE SUBCONTINENT
F e br u a r y 22 to M a rch 14, 2020
alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy
“A fascinating tour, wonderfully organized and led,
that attracted a delightful group of travelers.”
A LL A N FO R SY TH , N O R TH E R N I N D I A BY R A I L , 2015
K APALEESHWARAR TEMPLE, MAMALLAPURAM
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