STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Southern by Rail November 2 to 14, 2012

Explore the fascinating subcontinent of India, a rich tapestry woven of countless cultures, ethnicities and religions over thousands of years. Begin in the “Venice of India,” Cochin, with its system of narrow canals. Fly north to and travel to the “garden city” of where we begin our four-night train ride aboard the deluxe Golden Chariot. Along our route, view the palaces and temples of Somnathpur and major Jain pilgrim centers at , then visit the World Heritage sites of and , first capital of the early Chalukyas. Disembark in the coastal city of and enjoy a visit at a private home. Conclude in Mumbai where we explore the famous elephant caves and the Crawford Market. Continue the journey with an optional post-trip extension to Ajanta and Ellora. FACULTY LEADER As a 6-year-old growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, Scott Pearson was fascinated by geography. After mastering the state capitals, he shifted his interest to foreign countries and eventually to the seven continents. He joined the Peace Corps in 1961 and served in Nigeria, which strengthened his commitment to understanding and improving the lives of others less fortunate. Thereafter, Scott realized his childhood dream of experiencing the world and studying its people; during his career, he focused on international trade and development and now, during his retirement, on the rise and fall of empires. Since retiring, he has lectured on more than 35 educational travel trips, and he is one of Stanford Travel/Study’s most popular lecturers. During this program, Scott will present a series of five lectures on the fascinating history of southern India, beginning with the rise and fall of the ancient South India kingdoms and continuing through to the modern period of rapid economic change.

ITINERARY

Friday & Saturday, November 2 & 3 U.S. / COCHIN, INDIA Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Cochin arriving on Saturday. Transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. VIVANTA BY TAJ MALABAR Sunday, November 4 COCHIN Begin this morning at Fort Cochin, opposite Yypeen Island, to admire the Chinese fishing nets. Continue on to St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European-built church. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and head to the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Spend time walking through the Jewish town before returning to our hotel for an evening Kathakali dance performance, welcome reception and dinner. VIVANTA BY TAJ MALABAR (B,L,D)

A Program of the Stanford Alumni Association

Monday, November 5 COCHIN / BANGALORE / MYSORE After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangalore, where we visit the nearby Srirangapatana, a beautiful palace filled with paintings from the time of Hyder Ali. Continue to the Summer Palace of Ali’s son, Sultan Fateh Ali Tipu, built in 1784. This Indo-Sarcenic structure, made of teak and decorated with ornate and beautiful frescos, is now a museum that eloquently preserves the tale of Tipu’s valor and his losing battle against the British. Transfer to Mysore and check in to our hotel for the next two nights. LALITHA MAHAL PALACE (B,L,D)

Tuesday, November 6 MYSORE Today enjoy a full day in Mysore. This “garden city,” situated by a rocky hill named after the goddess Chamundi, is a city of palaces and fine museums. First explore the spectacular Mysore Palace and view artifacts from the Wodeyar family’s long tenure during imperial British rule. This afternoon visit the colorful fruit and vegetable markets. LALITHA MAHAL PALACE (B,L,D)

Wednesday, November 7 MYSORE / SOMNATHPUR / EMBARK THE GOLDEN CHARIOT Start this morning with a visit to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, set on the banks of the Kaveri River, an important Asian nesting and breeding ground for long-range migratory birds. Some common species include the spoonbill, openbill stork, egret and heron. Return to our hotel for lunch followed by an afternoon in Somnathpur to visit the well-preserved 13th-century Chennakesava Temple, built during the heyday of the Hoysala Kings. The stone sculptures on the walls depict scenes from classic Indian texts, including the Bhagavad Gita. Continue on to the railway station to board our home for the next four nights. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) Thursday, November 8 HASSAN / SHRAVANABELAGOLA / BELUR / HALEBID Wake up this morning in Hassan and disembark the train to visit Shravanabelagola, the most important Jain pilgrimage center that contains over 500 inscriptions. Head back to our train to enjoy lunch followed by a tour of Belur and Halebid. Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple complex, completed in 1116 to commemorate Hoysala Vishnuvardhana’s victory over the Cholas. The temple took over 103 years to complete and is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes. Halebid was the 12th-century capital of the Hoysala kings. Return to our train for dinner and continue by rail toward Hospet. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D) Friday, November 9 HAMPI Today explore the World Heritage site of Hampi, located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the . Hampi continues to be an important religious center, housing the Virupaksha Temple. The temple, the most sacred of the temples, contains the shrines of Lord Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneshwari. After lunch continue our exploration of Hampi’s sites. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D)

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

Saturday, November 10 / / AIHOLE Begin today in Badami, the Chalukyan capital from 540 C.E. to 757 C.E. Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine and the surrounding hills are dotted with temples, fortifications, carvings and inscriptions. Continue on to Pattadakal, a World Heritage site, famous as the second capital of the Chalukyas and situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Its sole purpose was for the coronation of the Chalukyan kings and comprises some of the best Chalukyan architecture. Finish the day at the first capita,l the Chalukyas, Aihole, where there are 125 temples in various styles and said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock-cut architecture. GOLDEN CHARIOT (B,L,D)

Sunday, November 11 DISEMBARK THE GOLDEN CHARIOT / GOA This morning disembark our train in picturesque Goa, a former Portuguese colony. Visit its historic forts, elaborately ornate churches and temples and palm-fringed pearly white beaches that leave visitors spellbound. In old Goa, where most of Goa’s famous churches are located, view the sacred remains of the patron of the East, St. Francis Xavier, that lie enshrined in a silver casket in the basilica of Bom Jesus and have made Goa famous as the “Rome of the East.” Visit some of the most famous beaches along Goa’s 62-mile-long coastline, among them Gasper Dais, Calangute, Colva, Bogmalo and Vagator. Explore the capital of Goa, Panjim, a small, charming city on the banks of the river Mandovi with architectural grandeur of its own. VIVANTA BY TAJ AGUADA (B,L,D)

Monday, November 12 GOA Today visit a traditional Goan home and get a glimpse of life in this sunny Indian state on the Arabian Sea. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of Goa. Tonight enjoy a festive farewell reception and dinner. VIVANTA BY TAJ AGUADA (B,L,D) Tuesday, November 13 GOA / MUMBAI Transfer this morning for an internal flight to Mumbai, the most populous city in India and the capital of Maharshtra State. Explore the Crawford Market, nestled between the British Fort and the town, and marvel at its grand architecture. Continue to Mani Bhavan, the building in which Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visit to Bombay from 1917 to 1934 and which is now a museum. Finish the day at the Dhobi Ghat, touted as the world’s largest open-air laundromat constructed of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWERS (B,L,D)

Wednesday, November 14 MUMBAI / U.S. This morning enjoy a ferry ride to Elephanta Island, famous for its mysterious rock-cut 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. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before our late-night flights back to the U.S. Taj Mahal Palace & Towers—day rooms until 9 p.m. (B,L)

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO AJANTA AND ELLORA November 14 to 16, 2012

Fly north to Aurangabad, in the Deccan Plateau, to explore the Ajanta Caves that consist of 24 monasteries and five temples hewn out of solid rock. Ajanta was a key north-south trade route in India and merchants and local kings donated funds to Ajanta’s artists. Continue on to Ellora to visit its caves that house temples and monasteries that commemorate three Indian religions - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The caves are over 2,000 years old and have been compared to the pyramids for their amazing construction and wealth of sculptures and frescos. Be awed by the most marvelous of all the rock temples, the temple of Kailash. Then fly back to Mumbai for international flights back to the U.S.

Additional details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants.

INFORMATION

WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Participants should be able to walk unassisted on extended excursions (typically two to three hours) over uneven, unpaved surfaces and up and down narrow staircases during periods of high heat and humidity. In some instances, such as ruins, stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails. Although all of the hotels and motorcoaches included in this program are air- conditioned, other traditional means of conveyance and most of the museums, temples and ruins we visit are not air-conditioned. Participants must be physically fit and in active good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN CHARIOT The Golden Chariot has a total of 44 air-conditioned cabins with twin/double beds. Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television with six satellite channels, DVD player, wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and luxurious private bathroom. Ceilings have intricate carvings and the furniture is inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture. The train is equipped with two restaurants, Nala and Ruchi. Nala is named after a king and legendary chef from the times of the Mahabharata; Ruchi is a name that means “fine taste” in Sanskrit. The two restaurants offer a menu of vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights. The Lounge Bar has plush interiors inspired by the Mysore Palace. The Golden Chariot also has a conference coach with an LCD television and internet surfing area, a fully equipped gym and an ayurveda-focused spa with two massage rooms.

SIZE Limited to 30 participants

COST* $9,975 per person, double occupancy $13,270 per person, single occupancy * Association nonmembers add $200 per person

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

INCLUDED • 7 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations, day rooms on 11/14 • 4 nights aboard the Golden Chariot • 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners • Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions • Bottled water on excursions • Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and train crew for all group activities • All tours as described in the itinerary • Domestic flights within Southern India • Transfers and baggage handling • 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 • Immunization costs • Visa and passport fees • Meals and beverages other than those specified as included • Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance • Excess-baggage charges • Personal items such as e-mail, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold your space on this Travel/Study programs. An additional $200 deposit is required to hold space for the Optional Post-trip Extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?india2012. 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 AND REFUNDS Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person 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.

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.

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692.

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. We strongly encourage that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

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 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 non-refundable ticket connected with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in November 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

Stanford Travel/Study • Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center • 326 Galvez Street • Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-1093 • [email protected] • www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

Stanford Travel/Study Reservation Form Southern India by Rail November 2 to 14, 2012

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Miss / Dr. / Prof. age Stanford class Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Miss / Dr. / Prof. age Stanford class

address

city / state / zip

home phone work phone CELL phone

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I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them.

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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.

Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for place(s) and $ ($200 per person) for optional post-trip extension.

Enclosed is my check (payable to “Stanford Alumni Association”). or Charge my deposit to my Visa MasterCard American Express

card # EXPIRation DatE authorized cardholder signature DaTE

Mail completed form to Stanford Travel/Study, 326 Galvez Street, Stanford, CA 94305-6105 or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your desposit online at www.stanfordalumni.org/trip?india2012. Please submit your payment only once to avoid mulitple charges to your account. 7501