India: The Wonders of the Past and Present

Transcription

1 Agra, India India: The Wonders of the Past and Present November 1 22, 2009 With Dr. Valery Efimenko This three-week trip will acquaint you with various facets of Indian history, society and culture. The itinerary covers at least a dozen important places: Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Sarnath, Mahaballipuram, Chennai, Bangalor, Mysore and Mumbai. We will explore Indian culture and arts by visiting major museums, temples and palaces, attending artistic performances, and other scheduled and impromptu activities. All major periods of Indian civilization Ancient, Medieval, Colonial and Modern will be fields for investigation and discussion. Special attention will be given to Indian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and animistic beliefs. We ll also take a close look at traditional handicrafts, and taste the cuisine of different regions. Orientation The orientation course will consist of four Wednesday evenings, September 30, October 7, 14, and 21, 2009, 7 9 pm, and one Saturday, October 24, 9:30 am 3:30 pm, held at the University of Calgary. These classes will provide an overview of the program with lectures on Indian culture, history and society. The itinerary, travel arrangements, health matters, and insurance coverage will be discussed in detail. Itinerary Three meals daily are included throughout this trip. November 1 2 Travel from Calgary to Delhi. 19

2 November 3 This full-day tour of New Delhi includes a visit to Humayun s Tomb, a drive along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath ( King s Way ), the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President s Residence, the biggest residence of any president in the world. November 4 Today, we explore Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India that can hold up to 25,000 worshippers; Chandni Chowk, one of the country s best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches; and the Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. We also visit the National Museum s collection of exquisite art covering more than 5,000 years of national heritage. November 5 This morning, we visit the Qutub Minar Complex in South Delhi, a glorious example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, Quwwatul-Islam, India s first mosque, and the gateway to the complex Alai Darwaza. We go on to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. November 6 In Jaipur, we tour the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, and Jantar Mantar ( Magical Device ), an astronomical observatory. November 7 Traveling on elephants, we will ride to the top of the hill and visit the Amber Fort, one of the most fascinating of Indian forts. November 8 After breakfast we drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. This complex of monuments and temples includes the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal (Palace of Five Storeys), and a life-size chessboard. November 9 We make an early morning visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort. November 10 Depart Agra and travel by train to Jhansi, then we drive to the Medieval town of Orchha. We tour the magnificent temples and monuments of this historical site. A special attraction is the painted murals which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Overnight will be at Khajuraho. November 11 Khajuraho has a large group of Medieval Hindu and Jain temples, richly carved with excellent sculptures that are frequently sensual and, at times, sexually explicit. November 12 After breakfast we fly to Varanasi, which revolves around its more than 100 Ghats (river landings). There, we visit some of the Hindu temples and the Aurangazeb s Mosque, and Ghats. We also attend Aarti (ceremony of lights) on the Ghats. November 13 At sunrise, enjoy a boat cruise on the river Ganges and observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Then, we take an excursion to Sarnath, a major Buddhist centre of India, 10 km east of Varanasi. The main attractions include the Deer Park, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Archaeological Museum. November 14 We fly to Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu (also known as Madras), and drive to Mahabalipuram, the 7th century port of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. The afternoon is free. November 15 Mahabalipuram is best known for its wind and sea ravaged beautiful shore temples, representing the early stages of Dravidian architecture. The rock-cut temples, monolithic structures and rock carvings are burning examples of the skill of the artisans of the age. One of the major attractions is the largest bas-relief in the world called Arjuna s Penance. 20

3 November Depart Mysore for Mumbai. In the afternoon we will tour Mumbai, the gateway of India. With its beautiful natural harbour, it is one of the finest waterfronts. Highlights of the city include Hanging gardens, the Flora Fountain, the bustling Crawford Market, and the Dhobi Ghats a vast outdoor laundry. On our second day we will take a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves. The main attraction is the Trimurti the Triad of chief Hindu gods Shiva,Vishnu and Brahma. You have a free afternoon before our farewell dinner. November 22 Return to Calgary. India November 16 We return to Chennai to see Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world; Fort St. George; St.Thomas Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and the National Art Gallery and Museum. Then we fly to Bangalor. November 17 In Bangalor, we will visit the Tipu Sultan s Palace, the Botanical Garden, and the Visveswariah Museum. November 18 We take a morning drive to Mysore through betel nut and pepper plantations. The city tour will include Maharaja s Palace, St Philomena s Church, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. In the evening we visit the City Palace and the Vrindavan Gardens, famous for their musical fountains. November 19 A morning trip to the Chamundi Hill, where we see the Chamundi temple and a high sculpture of Nandi Bull (the vehicle of Shiva), carved from a single rock in We also visit a local school of Yoga, to learn basics of Yoga philosophy and see amazing asanas (postures). Accompanying Resource Person Professor Valery Efimenko graduated from the Oriental Department of St.Petersburg State University where he studied Indian languages (Hindi, Marathi, and Sanskrit), Indian literature, history and culture. He has taught at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, and at the Moscow University Touro, the first American university in Russia. In he was an exchange professor in Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. For over 20 years, he has focused on Indian studies, including publications that deal with Indian culture, philosophy, and religion. Valery lived in India and widely traveled the Indian subcontinent. He teaches in Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. Cost International Airfare $2,000 Domestic Airfare 900 Land, tuition and other cost 7,000 GST 60 Total 9,960 Single Supplement 2,600 Cost includes: tuition and four-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. The tuition portion of $1,200 will be shown as a tax deduction on the final payment receipt. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due May 15, Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy. 21

4 General Information Fees Cost includes: tuition, orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. The tuition portion will be shown as a tax deduction on the final payment receipt. A deposit is required with the registration form. There is a withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy. Fees in all programs exclude airport taxes, passport and visa fees, luggage, cancellation, medical and other personal insurance, gratuities for local guides, wine, liquors, and other items not specifically mentioned as included and other personal services. Single Supplement The single supplement fee is listed in each program description. Every effort is made to find a suitable roommate for those who wish to share, however, if this is not possible, a single supplement charge will be applied. Refund Policy Please call or write to Lois Kokoski at the address on this page. Up to the final payment date, a cancellation fee of $200 will apply. After the final payment date, the amount of refund will depend on the amount recoverable from the tour operators. We highly recommend insurance. Insurance We highly recommend cancellation and medical insurance. Information will be sent out at the time of final payment. Liability and Responsibility University of Calgary and their travel agents will exercise all reasonable care in making arrangements for conducting the tour. They are, however, acting only in the capacity of an agent and do not assume liability for any damage to persons or property resulting from or arising out of any act or inadvertence of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, or other company or persons rendering any of the services included in the tour or for any damage caused by other factors beyond their control. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and passengers. All prices are based on current international exchange rates and airfare prices at the time of planning the tours, and are subject to change. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable to alter the itinerary or arrangements for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants; conversely refunds will be made to participants if any savings are affected thereby. The right is reserved to decline, accept, or retain any participant or tour member at any time. Contact Information For further information please contact Lois Kokoski, Program Director Educational Travel Study Program Phone Fax kokoski@ucalgary.ca conted.ucalgary.ca/travelprograms Mailing Address Educational Travel Study Program Continuing Education University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Education Tower, Room 220 Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Registration Please complete the registration form on page 27 and mail it with your deposit. 26

5 Registration Form Indicate the Travel Study Program(s) for which you are registering Winter 2009 London-Brussels-Paris: Eurostar Tour Cuba: 25th Havana International Jazz Plaza Festival Spring 2009 Ireland: Myth, History, Culture China: Culture and Nature An Archaeological Adventure Through Western Turkey Fall 2009 Roman and Medieval Provence: An Historical Journey India: The Wonders of the Past and Present New York City Broadway, Opera, and Museums Winter 2010 Thailand and Cambodia Summer 2009 Southern Africa Name Home Phone Work Cell Address Fax Official name (as it appears on your passport) Will you be travelling with another person? Yes No Name Would you like to have a roommate? Yes No Please note that if you wish to share, every effort will be made to find you a suitable roommate. However, if this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied. If you are registering for a trip, your deposit of $500 must accompany this registration. Remit by cheque or money order in Canadian funds payable to University of Calgary. Cheque enclosed, or Credit Card Payment Visa MasterCard Card Number Expiry Date Signature This information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is required to register you in the program, forms part of the permanent student record, and will be used to notify you of other courses and programs. If you have questions about the collection or use of this information, or, if you want your name removed from our mailing data base, call