THE
GODS, TEMPLES, AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF
ANCIENT INDIA
With Dr. Brian Black
India is a country that offers a feast to the senses with its smells of incense and spices wafting in the air, the cacophony of sounds, its varied peoples and modes of dress, intriguing and delicious cuisines, and the visual and historical wealth of its ancient architecture. The cornucopia of varied sceneries and profusion of convoluted cosmologies makes this country one of the most complex and rewarding on earth. Home to one sixth of the world's population and the world's largest democracy, India presents a full and diverse culture, and an intoxicatingly rich history.
India juxtaposes the old with the new - from the pre-historic Indus civilization to the British Raj to Bollywood and Chenai, the Silicon Valley of India. India's history goes back five thousand years to when Hinduism was first founded. India's history has seen the development of many religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Islam, all of which coexist within this huge country today.
Far Horizons invites you to join only 16 others on a 21-day odyssey through this remarkable country.
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breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner |
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Day 1: Fly from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on American Airlines non-stop flight over the pole to Delhi.
Day 2: Arrive in India’s capital, New Delhi, a captivating blend of the ancient and modern. Overnight for three nights at the five-star Taj Mahal Hotel. (B)
 Day 3: Today’s tour takes us to the Jama Masjid (Mosque) built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor in the year 1648 and situated in Old Delhi. Following our tour of Jama Masjid, take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the very narrow streets of Old Delhi, a feast for your eyes as you take in the food vendors, the passersby, the sacred cows, the merchants and much more. After plunging into Delhi headfirst we will take you the Raj Ghat Memorial, India’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on January 31, 1948. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon and evening to rest or explore on your own. (B/L)
Day 4: India's capital city, Delhi is a captivating combination of ancient and modern. The Qtab Minar is a high tower engraved with verses from the Koran; it was built in the 13th century by the first Muslim sultan of Delhi to celebrate his victory over the Hindu kings. After lunch, we will visit Humayum’s Tomb, a World Heritage Site, and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Spend the afternoon in the National Museum to gain an overview of Indian culture and history as we view the impressive artifacts housed within, including a carved Buddhist gateway from Sanchi. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Visit the Red Fort, or Lal Quila, that once housed the legendary Peacock Throne and Koh-i-noor diamond later stolen by Persian forces. This immense fortress, built out of red sandstone by a Mughal emperor in 1648, contains elaborate gardens, the harem, and the palace. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Aurangabad. Overnight for three nights at the Taj Residency. (B/L/D)
 Day 6: Leave for a full day excursion to Ajanta. Here, hewn from the near-vertical sides of a horseshoe-shaped ravine are caves carved from the rock containing spectacular artwork. Less than two centuries ago this remote spot was practically unknown. The shadowy entrances had been abandoned under a thick blanket of rainforest. In 1819 a small group of British troops were led to the spot, and upon closer inspection saw the façade of a cave protruding through the dense foliage. Ultimately a total of 28 cavern shrines were found, many with interiors adorned with a swirling profusion of vibrant multicolored murals – paintings that rank among India’s most beautiful treasures. These Buddhist caves predate Ellora and span a period of 800 years. Return to Aurangabad for dinner. (B/L/D)
 Day 7: Lying north of Aurangabad, the caves at Ellora are over ten centuries old and among the most important historical monuments in India. Here, thirty-four caves are carved out of the rock into the slope of a hill, many with intricately carved facades and containing a wealth of sculpture. Located on a busy caravan route, this spot became the focus of intense religious and artistic activity about the time that Ajanta was abandoned in the 6th century. Three religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jain – are represented here. The Buddhist caves filled with rows of Buddhas stand in contrast to the Hindu cave-temples throbbing with vitality. Huge bas-reliefs line the walls depicting dynamic scenes from the scriptures. The Hindu cave architecture culminated in the 10th century with magnificent Kailash Temple, Ellora’s masterpiece. Carved from the living rock to become completely freestanding, the temple is a giant replica of the Sacred Mountain and the divine axis between heaven and earth. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Transfer to the airport for our early morning flight to Bombay, today called Mumbai, with breakfast onboard. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Taj Mahal Hotel where we overnight for two nights. After lunch, we will visit the Prince of Wales Museum. Built in a confluence of Gothic and Moorish styles known as Indo-Saracenic, it was designed by the architect George Wittet in 1909 and is crowned by a sparkling white dome. The museum houses a collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, Tibetan and Nepali Art, Ragamala paintings, and much more. Following our museum visit we will stop to observe Mumbai’s famous laundry ghats from a bridge overlooking the open-air troughs where daily 5,000 men wash the clothes of the people of Mumbai and manage to get them back to their rightful owners! Tonight enjoy dinner on your own. (B/L)
 Day 9: Today we will begin with an exploration of the Crawford Market, a bustling bazaar filled with throngs of shoppers in search of various acquisitions ranging from pineapples to birds to silks and housewares. Following lunch, we will travel by boat to the tranquil, forested island of Elephanta, one of the most atmospheric spots in India. We will enter a unique cave temple to view a massive Trimurti, or three-faced Shiva. A glorious example of Hindu architecture, the 8th century cave is reached by climbing more than one hundred steps to the top of the hill. Inside, walk past massive columns carved from solid rock to inspect several extraordinary carved panels covered with scenes depicting Hindu sagas. Dinner this evening will be in one of Mumbai’s specialty restaurants. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
Day 10: Transfer to the airport for a very early morning flight to Varanasi. Following lunch at our hotel, we will drive to Sarnath. In a quiet grove here in the sixth century BC Siddhartha Gautama gave his first sermon that put into motion the Wheel of Law, the Dharmachakra. Siddhartha ultimately became known as the Buddha, the Awakened One, and he and his followers continued to return to Sarnath to rest from their rounds of teaching. Over the centuries, this became a place of pilgrimage, and the richness of the monasteries, temples, and shrines bear witness to the holiness of the site. Most impressive is the Dhamekh Stupa, composed of a cylindrical tower ornamented with decorative bas-reliefs. Overnight for two nights at the Hotel Taj Ganges in Varanasi. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
 Day 11: An early departure takes us to Chunar, a fort built high on a hillside guarding the surrounding countryside. Conquered by the emperor Humayun in 1537, there are fine Mughal tombs still visible in this stronghold. Enjoy lunch from the top of Chunar fort overlooking the Ganges. Following lunch we leisurely drift down the Ganges River by private boat to arrive back in Varanasi by dusk. This peaceful journey gives us an opportunity to observe the ritual of daily life along the banks of this sacred river. We stop at a small village, Shul Tankeshwar, to visit their Shitala Mata Temple. Shitala Mata was at one time particularly worshiped and invoked to ward off small pox and is still revered. Time permitting, we will also stop at the Ramnagar Fort, the construction of which began in the 17th century for the Maharaja of Kashi and is used to this day. Arriving in Varanasi, the shores of the river come alive as worshippers join together in the final prayer ceremonies of the day. (B/L) ...more
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Day 12: The great city of Varanasi stretches along a crescent of the holy river Ganges, and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located next to a ford on an ancient trade route, Varanasi is among the holiest of all tirthas, or crossing places, and stands at the center of the Hindu universe. Early this morning, board a private boat to ride on the Ganges River to watch the sunrise over the city. The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with 18th- and 19th-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps known as ghats, literally landings, where thousands of pilgrims and residents come for their daily ritual ablutions. Following the boat ride, we walk down the narrow winding alleys passing several ghats, temples, and shrines after which we return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Khajuraho, the religious and political capital of the Chandela dynasty during the 9th to 13th centuries. The Hindu and Jain temples we visit here are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This afternoon visit the Southern and Eastern Temples. Overnight at the Taj Chandela. (B/L/D)
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 Day 13: Spend this morning exploring the Western Temples. The resplendent Hindu temples here are famed for the delicate sensuality and eroticism of their sculpture. Much of the ornate carving that adorns the walls of the sanctuaries is almost three-dimensional, with shades of pink in the stone imbuing the figures with gentle flesh-like tones. Every square inch of these temples is covered with incised human and divine forms in every aspect of life. In the afternoon, drive to Orchha and overnight at the Orchha Resort where we will enjoy their vegetarian Indian cuisine. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
Day 14: Much of Orccha’s beauty is due to the illustrious ruler, Raja Bir Singh Deo. During his 22-year rule, he erected a total of 52 forts and palaces across the region, including the citadel at Jhansi, the rambling Narsing Dev at Datia, and many of Orchha's finest buildings. Our explorations of the city will take us to several magnificent palaces, including the opulent 18th century Sheesh Mahal, originally intended as an exclusive country retreat. In the afternoon, time permitting, visit Jhansi en route to board our fast train to Agra. Overnight for two nights in the five-star Jaypee Palace. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
 Day 15: Rise early to view the Taj Mahal emerge out of the early dawn mist as the sun rises. The tomb was built by Shah Jahan to enshrine the body of his favorite wife, Arjumand Bann Begum. Arjumand Bann Begum died in 1631 shortly after giving birth to her 14th child. 20,000 workmen took 22 years to complete the mausoleum, considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Visit Itmad-ud-daulah, also known as the “Baby Taj”, the exquisite tomb of an important member of the royal court. Designed by a woman, the favorite queen of the Moghul King Jahangir, this charming two-story mausoleum was constructed of marble and is feminine in its proportions. Visit Sikandra’s Tomb, the construction of which was begun by the third Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great around 1600. Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction between 1605-1613. After a delicious lunch of South Indian cuisine, spend the afternoon exploring Agra Fort, the majestic 16th-century citadel that was the stronghold of the Moghul Empire for generations. The red-sandstone fortress guards a bend in the Yamuna River and is encircled by ramparts and entered through massive, decorated gates. Clustered around a high terrace overlooking the waterway, the royal pavilions were designed to catch the cool breeze. The fort also contains the royal palaces. (B/L)
Day 16: Depart this morning for the World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, capital of the Mughal Empire for ten years. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, this magnificent red sandstone city contains elaborate palaces, formal courtyards, reflecting pools, harems, tombs and a great mosque. In the afternoon, continue to Jaipur and overnight for three nights in the Raj Palace, a haveli, or mansion, that has been lovingly restored and is now a Heritage Hotel. It was the first fully restored palace in Jaipur, and provides modern comfort with Old World charm and character. Each of its 38 suites is designed on a different theme. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
 Day 17: The pink city of Jaipur is the picturesque capital of Rajasthan and a colorful showcase of Rajasthani architecture. Glorious palaces and temples are scattered throughout the town in an assortment of styles that span the centuries. Begin the day at the Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. As though we were royalty, we will ascend to the fortress seated on the back of an elephant. Fortified by natural hills and high ramparts, Amber’s magnificent palace is distinctly Rajput. The walls of the royal apartments are completely covered with intricate mosaics of mirrors and colored glasses. After our exploration of the fortress, return to Jaipur. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, and a formidable general who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur,  Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty, for he gave India its first planned city. High walls enclose the old city, and the seven sections within are laid out in a planned pattern, as dictated by the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient architectural treatise. After lunch, we will visit the City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Now housing the Sawai Man Singh Museum, it is encircled by high walls and situated among lush gardens. The museum contains a select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armory of Mughal and Rajput weapons, and spectacular swords, some encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards. In the center of the compound with balconies and windows studding its seven-story façade, Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the royal family. Finally today we observe a prayer service at Govind Devi Temple, a temple devoted to Lord Krishna and enshrining an image of him which has been worshiped by the royal family of Jaipur ever since it was brought from Vinadavan to Jaipur in the 18th century. (B/L/D) ...more photos...
 Day 18: This morning we travel northeast of the city to Jaigarh or Victory Fort located on a hilltop known as Cheel ka Teela or Hill of Eagles. The fort overlooks Moata Lake and dates back to the 11th century. It houses the world’s biggest cannon referred to as “Jaivan”. The Jaigarh and Amber forts are located very near each other and are often considered a single complex as they are connected by secret passageways. Following our visit to the fort, we tour Jantar Mantar, the open-air royal observatory with its gigantic, astronomical instruments. Our observatory guide is specially trained to be able explain to us the function of each instrument. Jantar Mantar is the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. On the way back to our hotel we will stop by Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, to admire this edifice built in 1799 to enable the women of the court to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. This five-story façade contains 593 finely screened windows and balconies. Your afternoon is free for independent explorations and dinner is on our own tonight. (B/L)
Day 19: En route to Delhi, we stop for lunch at the Pataudi Palace. Built by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, in 1935, this striking white palace, now a getaway for Delhites, is set amongst cypress trees and boasts a lovely rose garden. After enjoying an al fresco lunch, weather permitting, we will continue our drive to Delhi and overnight in the Taj Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 20: On our final day in India we visit Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb located in the Nizamuddin Village section of Delhi. Accessed by an intricate maze of alleyways and narrow lanes, we are seemingly transported to another era. The tomb, a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims, commemorates the great Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who represented the Chisti order of Sufism in Delhi. We then visit the Craft Museum established in 1956 to showcase and promote the works of native artisans throughout India. The museum offers a rare opportunity to view the craftsmen and craftswomen demonstrating their particular art. Bangla Sahib, a Sikh gurdwara or temple, is dedicated to the memory of the child prophet, Guru Harkrishan who stayed here during his travels to Delhi in 1664. While Guru Harkrishan was in residence, smallpox and cholera broke out in the city. The Guru gave sanctified water from a nearby well to the sick and they were miraculously cured. A sarovar or pool comprises part of the Gurdwara complex and its waters are believed to have curative powers to this day. Our afternoon is free to prepare for our journey home or to further explore Delhi. We meet for a farewell dinner after which we drive to the airport for our flight home. (B/L/D)
Day 21: Fly back to the U.S.A.
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
 TRIP LEADER: Brian Black received his MA in Buddhist Studies and his PhD in the Study of Religions from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London where he is currently a researcher focusing on ancient Indian philosophy and religion. Dr. Black first went to India in 1991 as a year-abroad student with the University of California. For the past seventeen years he has continued his interest in India through his research, teaching, and love of cooking. He is the author of numerous publications including the book The Character of the Self in Ancient India: Priests, Kings, and Women in the Early Upanishads and co-editor of the book Gender and Narrative in the Mahabharata. He has taught numerous courses on Hinduism and Buddhism at SOAS and Birkbeck College, University of London. Dr. Black has been the chosen reviewer for several research publications, has organized and participated in various panels, conferences, and seminars, as well as being an invited speaker at conferences around the world, including places such as India, Scotland, England, Japan, and South Africa. A specialist on the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, Buddhist narrative, Dr. Black works with sources in both Sanskrit and Pali. His warm and accessible personality, as well as his excellent teaching skills, makes him an ideal scholar to lead this trip to India.
2009 TRIP DATES: January 3 – 23, 2009
2009 TRIP COST: $11,455.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes all international air from Chicago to Delhi, all hotels, most meals (as noted in brochure), entry fees, and four domestic flights within India. Cost does not include a donation as outlined below, passport or visa fees, airport taxes, gratuities to guides and drivers, beverages or food not included on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, personal tips, alcoholic drinks, or other items of a personal nature.
2009 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,395.00 Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
FUEL SURCHARGES: Far Horizons must pass on price increases for uncontrollable charges such as flights and other services due to additional fuel charges.
 NOTE ON DONATION: As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural projects and museums we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant write a check to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person and is made by check directly to the donation project. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable. We will be designating a donation project for this trip shortly.
REGISTRATION: A deposit of $500.00 is required along with your registration form. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and tour bulletin containing travel information. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest will be sent upon receipt of final payment.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the trip the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evaluation is strongly advised.
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