Southern India by Rail

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Southern India by Rail FROM MUMBAI TO KOCHI Januar y 21 to Februar y 3, 2015 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 TILAKA POWDER FOR HINDU RITUALS In a country as vast as India, no single visit can capture the diversity of the subcontinent s myriad cultures, ethnicities and religions. Many tourists come to see the Taj Mahal and wander the aptly famous bazaars of Delhi. But Stanford travelers always seek to go beyond the ordinary, and it s with this in mind that we developed this stunning southern India itinerary. Our journey includes a four-night ride aboard the Golden Chariot, bedecked with marigold garlands and featuring private cabins that reflect a bygone era of rail travel with a few modern conveniences. Faculty leader Scott Pearson leads the way with discussions on India s history as well as the challenges India faces in the future. Join us to experience another beguiling side of this extraordinary country. BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights CAPTION JOURNEY from Mumbai to Kochi, including a fournight train ride aboard the comfortable Golden Chariot from Puducherry to Kochi. EXPLORE the 2,000- year-old caves at Ellora and wander around the Ajanta Caves that feature monasteries and temples hewn out of rock. MARVEL at the intricately carved temples of Madurai covered in vividly painted figures of deities, mythical creatures and monsters. CRUISE on a wooden rice boat through Kochi s maze of backwaters to observe village life along the shore. CHINESE FISHING NETS, KOCHI

3 Faculty Leader Scott Pearson educates and stimulates your curiosity and desire to know and understand more. J O Y DRINK E R, THE GANGES, 2014 SCOTT PEARSON has studied economic change in developing countries for four decades. From 1968 to 2002, Professor Pearson taught economic development and international trade at the Food Research Institute at Stanford. He has co-authored a dozen books, won several awards for his research and teaching, and advised governments on food and agricultural policy. He has also traveled and worked abroad in Africa, Asia and Europe. His lectures during this program will cover early South and North Indian empires, the Mughal Empire, the English East India Company, British crown rule and independent India. Our most versatile faculty leader, Professor Pearson has accompanied more than 40 Travel/Study trips throughout the world, including six trips to India. Professor, agricultural economics, Food Research Institute, , Stanford University; served five years as director Dean s Award for Teaching in Stanford s School of Humanities and Sciences, 1978 BA, American studies, University of Wisconsin MA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University PhD, economics, Harvard University S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form Southern India by Rail Januar y 21 to Februar y 3, 2015 MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS SIGN UP ONLINE! If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds Double Bed 2nd choice: Twin Beds Double Bed ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP HOME PHONE WORK PHONE Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s), plus $ ($200 per person) for the optional post-trip extension. Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express CELL PHONE CARD # EXPIRES ADDRESS AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?india2015. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account

4 Mumbai Ellora Caves Ajanta Caves Aurangabad MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, M n I a n e a O c d i I n Arabian Sea Itinerary WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 & 22 DEPART U.S. / MUMBAI, INDIA Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Mumbai, arriving on Thursday. Transfer to our hotel, located across from the iconic Gateway of India, and spend the afternoon at leisure. On Thursday evening gather for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWER (1/22: D) FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 MUMBAI This morning enjoy a ferry ride to nearby Elephanta Island, famous for its mysterious rock-hewn temples and its triple-headed sculpture of Shiva, thought to have been carved sometime in the 6th or 7th century. The island was given its name by Portuguese explorers who discovered a large stone elephant near the shore. Return to Mumbai for lunch and an afternoon city tour, including a stop at Mani Bhavan, the building in which Mahatma Gandhi resided during his stay in Bombay from 1917 to 1934 and which is now a museum. Finish the day at the Dhobi Ghat, touted as the world s I NDIA Tiruchirappalli Tanjavur Kochi Alleppey Madurai Thiruvananthapuram Puducherry Kanyakumari largest open-air laundromat, constructed of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWER (B,L,D) SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 MUMBAI / AURANGABAD Depart Mumbai early this morning and fly north to Aurangabad on the Deccan Plateau. Upon arrival, transfer directly to Ellora to visit its caves that house temples and monasteries that commemorate three Indian religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The caves, filled with sculptures and frescoes, are over 2,000 years old and have been compared to the pyramids for their amazing construction and wealth of artifacts. Be awed by the most marvelous of all the rock temples, the temple of Kailash. Return to Aurangabad and check in to our hotel. VIVANTA TAJ HOTEL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 AURANGABAD During our second day in Aurangabad, we visit the World Heritage site of Ajanta, which consists of 24 cave monasteries and five temples carved out of solid rock. Located on the side of a cliff overlooking the Wagura River, the caves are accessible SRI LANKA Bay of Bengal Chennai Mahabalipuram via a modern pathway, though originally they were reached by ladders placed on the floor of the gorge below. Ajanta was a key north-south trade route in India, and merchants and local kings donated funds to sponsor Ajanta s artists. Today the site forms the largest body of early Indian wall painting in the country and also includes very rare, elaborate carvings. VIVANTA TAJ HOTEL (B,L,D) MONDAY, JANUARY 26 AURANGABAD / CHENNAI This morning board a commercial flight to Chennai, connecting in Mumbai. Upon arrival in Chennai, transfer to our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. TAJ FISHERMAN S COVE (B,L,D) TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 CHENNAI Enjoy a full-day exploration of Chennai that introduces us to both its colonial history and the dynamic energy of modern life here. Visit the bronze collection at the National Art Gallery and Museum, San Thome Cathedral, the Kapaleeswarar Temple and the Fort St. George Museum. TAJ FISHERMAN S COVE (B,L,D) n d i a n O c e a n WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 MAHABALIPURAM / PUDUCHERRY / EMBARK GOLDEN CHARIOT Depart Chennai and make our way along the coast to Mahabalipuram, an important port town in ancient times and the site of an impressive collection of sanctuaries dating from the 7th and 8th centuries. Admire the rock-hewn structures, some of which are located at the sea s edge. Continue to Puducherry where we board the Golden Chariot, our home on the rails for the next four nights. Savor our first dinner onboard, after which our train departs for an overnight journey to Tiruchirappalli. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 TIRUCHIRAPPALLI / TANJAVUR Our train arrives in the town of Tiruchirappalli, where we disembark for a visit to Tanjavur and its Brihadisvara Temple. This impressive site is home to one of India s largest temples and most prized architectural gems. Built by the emperor Raja Chola I at the beginning of the 11th century, the temple stands amid fortified walls that were added most likely

5 ADURAI KATHAKALI PERFORMER in the 16th century. Its central tower stands over 200 feet high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. After lunch at a nearby hotel, visit a local artisan workshop and see a demonstration of traditional painting. Return to Tiruchirappalli and reboard our train as it makes its way overnight toward Madurai. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 MADURAI Arrive this morning in Madurai and disembark for a full-day exploration of this fascinating city, which is built around the enormous temple complex of Meenakshi Amman. Dedicated to Shiva and his consort, Meenakshi, the temple stands within a highwalled enclosure at the core of which are two sanctums surrounded by small shrines and pillared halls. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases and are covered in stucco figures that are a bewildering combination of deities, mythical creatures and monsters, all painted in vividly bright colors. Return to our train for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. In the evening head back into Madurai for a sound-and-light show at the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th century and a classic fusion of both Dravidian and Islamic styles. After the show enjoy dinner with traditional musical entertainment at the deluxe Heritage Madurai resort before reboarding our train. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 KANYAKUMARI / THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM) Early this morning disembark the train for an optional sunrise excursion to Kanyakumari, an important Hindu pilgrimage site located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. Reboard the train for breakfast, then venture out again to visit Padmanabhapuram Palace. This impressive complex dates back to the early 1600s and is one of the best examples of traditional Kerala-style architecture. Return to the train and enjoy lunch onboard as the Golden Chariot makes its way to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Upon arrival in the late afternoon, disembark and drive to nearby Kovalam Beach where we enjoy leisure time and dinner at a local hotel. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 DISEMBARK / ALLEPPEY / KOCHI Savor our last breakfast onboard the train as the Golden Chariot makes its way north. Disembark and drive to the coastal town of 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, continue to Kochi and check in to our hotel. TAJ MALABAR (B,L,D) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 KOCHI Begin this morning at Fort Cochin and admire the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that grace the beaches here. Continue on to the Anglican St. Francis Church, India s oldest European-built church. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568 and the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Spend time walking through the Jewish quarter of Kochi before returning to our hotel for this evening s Kathakali dance performance and our farewell reception and dinner. TAJ MALABAR (B,L,D) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 KOCHI / U.S. Following breakfast at our hotel, transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. (B) Golden Chariot The Golden Chariot has a total of 44 comfortable passenger cabins with either one double or two twin beds. Every cabin is equipped with wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and private bathroom. The furniture is inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture, and the ceilings have intricate carvings. Diners can enjoy a menu of Indian cuisine in the train s two dining cars or relax in the Lounge Bar that features plush interiors. A small business center provides two computers for guests to access the Internet (satellite permitting). The train also features a small gym and an ayurveda-focused spa with two massage rooms. Please note that the train travels overnight during the rail portion of our itinerary.

6 SADHUS (HINDU HOLY MEN) BACKWATERS, ALLEPEY Sri Lanka Post-trip Extension FEBRUARY 3 TO 9 (6 ADDITIONAL DAYS) Continue the journey with an in-depth exploration of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. POLONNARUWA INDIA Gulf of Mannar Anuradhapura Colombo SRI LANKA Dambulla Habarana Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Kandy Bay of Bengal I n d i a n O c e a n TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 KOCHI / COLOMBO, SRI LANKA / HABARANA Bid farewell to our main group in Kochi and fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka s bustling capital. Transfer directly to the town of Habarana (an approximately 6-hour drive). Located at the center of the cultural triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, Habarana is the perfect home base for our exploration of Sri Lanka s northern region. CINNAMON LODGE (L,D) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 SIGIRIYA / HABARANA Visit the World Heritage site of Sigiriya and its spectacular rock fortress. Built in the late 5th century, the complex is housed in a towering column of rock that stands over 650 feet above the surrounding forest and features 19 world-renowned frescoes. CINNAMON LODGE (L,D) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 ANURADHAPURA / HABARANA Spend the day at Anuradhapura, site of Sri Lanka s first capital city from the 5th to the 9th centuries and home to the island s oldest Buddhist shrines. Explore the Brazen Palace with its 1,600 stone columns, the Samadhi sculpture depicting Buddha in a state of deep meditation and the Isurumuniya rock temple. CINNAMON LODGE (B,L,D) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 POLONNARUWA / HABARANA Polonnaruwa rose to power as Sri Lanka s capital from the 10th to 12th centuries. Visit Prakrama Samudra, the most famous of the many manmade reservoirs surrounding the city. Explore the Royal Palace complex and the spectacular Gal Vihara with its four massive images of Buddha, carved from one slab of granite. CINNAMON LODGE (B,L,D) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 DAMBULLA / KANDY Drive south toward Kandy, stopping at the site of Dambulla to discover its fascinating cave temple complex. Paintings and carvings found here have been dated to as early as the 1st century B.C.E. In Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, stop at the bazaar and arts-and-crafts center before enjoying an evening visit to the town s most important site: the Temple of the Tooth. Originally built as part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, the temple is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world as it is said to house a tooth of Buddha. CINNAMON CITADEL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 KANDY / COLOMBO This morning explore Kandy s Royal Botanical Gardens, built as royal pleasure grounds and considered one of southern Asia s most beautiful public gardens. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where we learn about efforts to preserve and protect Sri Lanka s Asian elephant population. The orphanage is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Continue to Colombo where we enjoy a brief city tour. This evening toast the end of our journey at a farewell reception and dinner. CINNAMON GRAND (B,L,D) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 COLOMBO / U.S. Following breakfast at our hotel, transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. (B) Extension Cost* $2,295 per person, double occupancy $3,095 per person, single occupancy *Additional details on what s included in the extension cost will be sent to confirmed participants.

7 Information Dates January 21 to February 3, 2015 (14 days) Size Limited to 30 participants Please note that the Golden Chariot has a total capacity of 88 passengers, and Stanford Travel/Study will occupy a portion of the cabins onboard. All excursions, lectures and special programming described in this brochure will be exclusive to Stanford participants. Cost* $10,995 per person, double occupancy $13,595 per person, single occupancy *Association nonmembers add $200 per person Included 8 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 4-night train journey aboard the Golden Chariot 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to guides, drivers and train crew for all group activities All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary Domestic flights within India Transfers and baggage handling Indian visa for U.S. citizens Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program Not Included International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excessbaggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services Air Arrangements International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from San Francisco to Mumbai and return from Kochi is approximately $1,850 as of March 2014 and is subject to change without notice. What To Expect We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy, with a few early-morning departures and long travel days. Participants should be able to walk unassisted on extended excursions (typically lasting two to three hours) over uneven, unpaved surfaces and up and down narrow staircases in conditions of high heat and humidity. Some of the hotels we use do not have elevators. In many instances, such as at temples and archaeological ruins, stairs are uneven or do not have handrails, and shoes must be removed before entering some sites. Although all of our hotels and buses, as well as the train, are air-conditioned, other traditional means of conveyance and most of the museums, temples and sites we visit are not air-conditioned. Embarking and disembarking the train will require stepping up and down several steep steps, and participants should feel comfortable walking through and between rocking rail cars while the train is in motion. The train will be in motion throughout the night and can be very bumpy and noisy. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the program. An additional $200-per-person deposit is required to hold space for the optional post-trip extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and tripcancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within a specified window: 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for Any Reason benefit. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford. edu/goto/membership or call (650) California Seller of Travel Program Registration # Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in March 2014 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2014 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S. GOLDEN CHARIOT PHOTO BY JOELSIMONIMAGES.COM.

8 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association FROM MUMBAI TO KOCHI Januar y 21 to Februar y 3, 2015 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy This trip did not disappoint! Thank you for the opportunity to experience India with the confidence that Stanford would take care of every detail. MARCY SWAIN, SOUTH E R N INDIA BY R A IL, 2012 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y