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Home , Mamallapuram

TREASURES OF THE SUBCONTINENT

February 22 to March 14, 2020

a program of the stanford alumni association CITY PALACE, In a country as vast as , 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 defnes India today. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an exceptional journey that is grand in every sense of the word.

BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights BEHOLD the dazzling EXPLORE the rock-hewn DELIGHT in a thrilling MARVEL 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, ’s holiest figures of deities, mythical maharajas and their families. religious art. and India’s oldest city. creatures and monsters.

COVER: , AGRA Stanford Faculty Leader

SCOTT PEARSON, 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 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, TERRYNEW ZEALAND SAUNDERS, BY MOROCCO,PRIVATE AIR, 2018 2011

SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?india2020 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA CHINA Delhi NEPAL PAKISTAN Jaipur Agra Varanasi I NDIA Ellora Ajanta THAILAND Mumbai Aurangabad

Arabian Bay of Sea Bengal Thanjavur I n d Kochi i a n O c e a n Tiruchirappalli Madurai

at the National Art Gallery and the local Raja’s home. Finally, visit SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Museum and the San Thome Pudukkotai to view the vibrantly MUMBAI Itinerary 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 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), from 18th century. Arriving in Madurai, beautiful art district, and view FEBRUARY 22 & 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 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 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. 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 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 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. 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 MONDAY, MARCH 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 . Back Mumbai’s world-renowned door- at our hotel, enjoy a welcome THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 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 Today travel from Thanjavur to TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 approximately ten tons of flowers more than 160,000 Mumbai CHENNAI / Madurai, first passing through are bought and sold each day. residents daily. After lunch, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI / the “land of the Chettiars” and After an early lunch, transfer to stop at Mani Bhavan, the THANJAVUR learning about the merchant the airport and board our flight building in which Mahatma Our exploration of Chennai caste’s trading throughout to Mumbai. TAJ MAHAL PALACE Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934. introduces us to its colonial the region and into Southeast HOTEL (B,L,D) Departing Mumbai, take a short history and reveals to us the Asia. Next, stop in the village flight to Aurangabad. VIVANTA dynamic energy of modern life 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

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 situated on the banks of the , built as a memorial to TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AURANGABAD / AJANTA Ganges River. After lunch, drive the Indian soldiers killed in World JAIPUR On our first full day in Aurangabad, to nearby , 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 SUNDAY, MARCH 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 , stop at Jama to-toe color. Our specially arranged Masjid, India’s largest mosque, merchants and local kings donated state emblem. TAJ GANGES 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 FRIDAY, MARCH 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 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 men) and pilgrims making offerings Gandhi died in 1948 and is today JAIPUR / FATEHPUR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 and cleansing themselves in the a national memorial and museum SIKRI / AGRA En route to Agra, visit the fabled AURANGABAD / ELLORA / sacred waters of the Ganges, on commemorating his legacy. THE 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 by Emperor Akbar as his capital in (steps). After breakfast back at our MONDAY, MARCH 9 monasteries that commemorate the late 16th century, the complex hotel, continue our day of touring DELHI / JAIPUR three Indian religions: Buddhism, displays a perfect blend of Hindu at the Sankat Mochan Temple, After an early breakfast, take a Hinduism and Jainism. The caves, and Muslim architectural styles. famous for its resident monkeys. short flight to Jaipur where we visit filled with and frescoes Check in to our hotel in Agra this This evening return to the Ganges Amber Fort, a fortified palace of that are over 2,000 years old, have evening. THE OBEROI AMARVILAS to witness the aarit ceremony (fire massive ramparts and elaborate 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 THURSDAY, MARCH 12 SATURDAY, MARCH 7 AGRA includes the most marvelous of VARANASI / DELHI the courtyards, gardens and Rise early for a pre-dawn visit all the rock temples, the temple of After a flight to Delhi, spend the palatial structures of Jaipur’s City to the Taj Mahal, one of India’s Kailasa. Fly back to Mumbai this day exploring this British colonial Palace. Also spend time at Jantar most enduring symbols. Built by afternoon, and check in to our city of wide boulevards and formal Mantar, a 19th-century, open-air Emperor Shah Jahan in memory hotel. LEELA PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D) parks. Stop at the Rashtrapati astronomical observatory with a of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Bhawan, once the awe-inspiring 90-foot-high sundial built by Jai this pure-white marble mausoleum THURSDAY, MARCH 5 residence of the British viceroys Singh in the 18th century and is arguably the finest example of MUMBAI / VARANASI / and now the Presidential Palace; today a World Heritage site. THE SARNATH OBEROI RAJVILAS (B,L,D) Mughal architecture, which After breakfast fly to Varanasi, the Parliament Building; and the

HOLI FESTIVAL, JAIPUR BACKWATERS, KERALA combines elements of Islamic, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, Persian, Ottoman and Indian MARCH 13 & 14 styles. After breakfast, explore AGRA / DELHI / U.S. Kochi Pre-trip Agra Fort, a Mughal-era military After breakfast, drive to Delhi complex. Return to the Taj Mahal and settle in to our hotel. Depart Extension this evening as the sun sets on late-night or early-morning FEBRUARY 19 TO 22 (4 DAYS) over one of the world’s great flights back to the U.S., arriving on architectural triumphs. Return to Saturday. THE OBEROI GURGAON (3/13: B, 3/14: B) WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 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)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 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)

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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 modations are extremely limited; please call for availability. Travel/Study at (650) 725-1093. injury, damage, loss, accident, Optional pre-trip extension details delay or irregularity in connection COST* will go out to confirmed participants. with the service of any automobile, $16,595 per person, double occupancy At that time, an additional extension motor coach, launch or any other 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 Cancellations & Refunds 18 lunches and 18 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail 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- to delay or changes in air or other activities All tours as described in the itineray Transfers and person cancellation fee, until 120 services, sickness, weather, strike, baggage handling Following flights: Chennai to Tiruchirappalli 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. if the program is sold out and on 3/2, Aurangabad to Mumbai on 3/4, Mumbai to Varanasi on All such losses or expenses will your place(s) can be resold, in 3/5, Varanasi to Delhi on 3/7, Delhi to Jaipur on 3/9 Minimal have to be borne by the passenger which case a $1,000-per-person medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational pro- 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 you throughout the program all travelers who are U.S. or be deemed necessary. The right Canadian citizens with minimal is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case NOT INCLUDED medical, accident and evacuation the entire payment will be refunded International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy without further obligation on our Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those is intended to provide minimal part. The right is also reserved 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 start location and from the end location of the program. These offered includes special benefits risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of any act, omission or event during 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 WHAT TO EXPECT 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 that is at times physically demanding and busy. There are seven is $300 more than the members’ incurred by the purchase of a price. A person traveling as a paid on-tour flights, some of which require extremely early morning nonrefundable ticket in connection 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 physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 EMAIL [email protected] 15 years of age and older on this program. 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TREASURES OF THE SUBCONTINENT

February 22 to March 14, 2020

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

“A fascinating tour, wonderfully organized and led, that attracted a delightful group of travelers.”

ALLAN FORSYTH, NORTHERN INDIA BY RAIL, 2015

KAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE, MAMALLAPURAM