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Case Western Reserve University -
COLORS OF INDIA
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COLORS OF INDIA
January 21 - February 3, 2023
Join us on an enchanting discovery of India, one of the oldest and most diverse civilizations in the world. Led by our own Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishna, Dean of the Case School of Engineering, visit awe-inspiring monuments, explore bustling cities, and get lost in local towns and markets. Immerse yourself in the markets and historic monuments Jaipur and marvel at two of India’s most famous architectural jewels, the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. In the temple towns of Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram you will see 8th century temples and visit weavers and print makers who continue to produce exquisite sarees and other textiles; Puducherry will showcase the French influence still very present. And in the southern city of Kochi experience the melting pot of European, Chinese and Persian influences. Wander through the narrow roads and spice shops, try your hand at fishing using the age-old Chinese fishing techniques or buy fresh seafood that will be cooked to your taste almost immediately.
Trip Highlights:
- A warm welcome by 1.3 billion hosts. Enjoy their warm hospitality and ready smiles.
- Bask in a monument to everlasting love with a visit to the Taj Mahal- a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Experience a slice of Delhi, the former seat of the British Raj in India and current capital of India.
- Wander around centuries old temple complexes depicting the Mahabharat mythology.
- Immerse yourself in the confluence of European, Persian and Chinese culture and religion in Kochi.
January 19/20, 2023 - Depart U.S.A.
Suggested departure for New Delhi. If you wish to spend a few extra days in New Delhi and wish to depart early, please contact Immersion Journeys.
January 21, 2023 - Arrive Delhi
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. India’s capital Delhi is one of the most vibrant cities and leads the country in terms of art, culture, culinary experiences, shopping, entertainment and overall standard of living.
Overnight: The Connaught- IHCL SelecQtions (No Meals)
January 22, 2023 - Delhi City Tour
The historic tour begins at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
The 12th century Qutab Minar is a gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 ft– a engineering marvel back in the day. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun which was a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. The tour will also stop at India Gate, the President’s Residence, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.
Welcome dinner with limited bar.
Overnight: The Connaught- IHCL SelecQtions (B, L, D)
January 23, 2023 - Delhi |Agra
Visit the Agra Fort. This fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and notable for its blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles.
Sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This monument is an amazing feat of human industry and a perfect example of beauty, symmetry and aesthetics. Only when one enters the main gates and gaze upon the Taj, does the enormity of the task of building this mammoth structure hit the visitor.
Taj View Agra- IHCL SelecQtions (B, L)
January 24, 2023 - Agra | Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur with a stop at Abhaneri Stepwell- one of India's largest and deepest wells and a key water source. Step wells were a prominent feature in arid, desert environments and the main source of water for travellers and local villages for miles around. Jaipur is considered India’s first planned city where there is a clear segregation between residential and commercial areas
Jai Mahal Palace (B, L)
January 25, 2023 - Tour of Jaipur
Visit the Amber Fort which is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time- ravaged walls and fascinating palaces inside. Walk the ramparts of this imposing structure. Once you reach the top, you will get unobstructed views of the city below and the hills in the distance.
Visit City Palace is the former residence of the royal family and now a museum. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the old city.
Jai Mahal Palace (B, L)
January 26, 2023 - Jaipur | Chennai | Mamallapuram
Flight to Chennai. Met on arrival and travel by road to Mamallapuram.
This historic town of Mamallapuram (formerly known as Mahabalipuram) has various monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, an open-air bas-relief sculpture is built on a massive scale and depicts an episode from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharat and the Shore Temple, which is built close to the shore along the Bay of Bengal.
Radisson Blu Temple Bay (B, L)
January 27, 2023 - Day Trip to Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is also known as the Golden City of 1,000 Temples and one of the seven holy pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Explore several 7th and 8th century temples that depict the Dravidian style of architecture. It is a city that is known for its silk weavers where you see exquisite saris come to life.
Radisson Blu Temple Bay (B, L)
January 28, 2023 - Day trip to Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, this important trading port gained prominence as a French colony (1664 – 1962) and it’s influence can be seen in the city planning, houses, language, traditions and of course food.
Radisson Blu Temple Bay (B, L)
January 29, 2023 - Chennai
Go on a walking tour of Chennai through a wholesale market teeming with life, color, cacophony exuberance. A visit to the heart of George Town is an experience as you navigate this neighbourhood and learn about its history, mythology and folklore giving you a glimpse of a “living” India.
Taj Coromandel (B, L)
January 30, 2023 - Chennai |Kochi | Kumarakom
Flight to the coastal port city of Kochi. Met on arrival and travel by road to Kumarakom. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on Lake Vembanad and an enchanting backwater destination for is a perfect leisure getaway.
Taj Kumarakom (B,L)
January 31, 2023 - Kumarakom
Early morning visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for a guided nature walk to see indigenous and migratory birds and a visit to an organic farm that follows the traditional rules of farming passed on over generations.
Taj Kumarakom (B, L)
February 1, 2023 - Kumarakom | Allepy | Kochi
Board your very own kettuvallam or houseboat that will take you through the famous Kerala backwaters traversing through paddy fields and villages and finally into the magnificent Vembanad Lake.
Drive in Kochi. The allure of a small seaport, the swaying of coconut palms, old buildings, and quaint streets all come together to make Kochi a lovely city. Kochi is also a natural harbor and because of this, people from around the world came here to trade, work and live and the influence of the Chinese, Dutch, French, Portuguese and British can be seen here. A great city to walk in, Kochi surprises you at every turn, greeting you with heritage buildings, old churches and temples, beaches dotted with Chinese fishing nets, small village schools, tiny restaurants and much more.
Taj Malabar (B, L)
February 2, 2023 - Tour of Kochi
Historic tour of Kochi with stops at the Dutch Palace, the Jewish, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Try your hand at the famous Chinese fishing nets which dot the harbor front; stop at Fort Kochi which was one of the original settlements built by the Dutch and Portuguese traders.
Farewell dinner with limited bar to close out this memorable trip.
Taj Malabar (B, L, D)
February 3, 2023 - Depart Kochi
Check out and transfer to the airport to connect your International flight back home or extension (see options below).
$6,499 per person (double occ.)
Single Room Supplement: $2,299
THE ABOVE COST INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
- Accommodation as per the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast, 12 lunches including 1 mineral water bottle.
- Welcome dinner (Delhi) and farewell dinner (Kochi) at a local restaurant with 2 glasses house wine, local beer & soft drinks.
- All the airport meet and greet and transfers.
- English-speaking Guide/Escort
- Entrances at the monuments (single visit), as per the itinerary and camera fees.
- All currently applicable taxes
- Domestic flights (economy)
- RT-PCR test to exit India.
THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights to/ from India.
- Expenses of personal nature like tipping to driver, guide, naturalist, alcoholic beverages and other table drinks, medical expenses, laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, fax or any other items not mentioned above.
- Any other meals not mentioned above.
- India visas and passport services.
- Travel insurance.
- RT-PCR Test to enter India.
- Any services other than the ones mentioned above.
Level of difficulty: Due to the nature of the areas we will be visiting, this program involves some walking on uneven terrain or up and down stairs that may be steep or without handrails. On some days, it also covers long distances by bus. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort; however, all participants are expected to be physically active and not be an impediment to others on excursions. Participants who are not able to walk unassisted for extended periods are kindly advised not to join this tour unless accompanied by an able-bodied companion who will be able to assist you at all times. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, we suggest that you visit your personal physician with this brochure in hand, and discuss whether or not this program is appropriate for you.
Option 1 - The Golden Temple of Amritsar
(Note: this itinerary is only offered as a pre-tour)
Located at the border of India, Amritsar is known as the home of Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, one of the holiest of Sikh temples and visited by thousands from around the world.
This famous temple is covered in more than 100 kilos of gold and is a stunning sight to see against the backdrop of the setting sun.
ITINERARY:
January 18 – Arrive New Delhi. Pullman (B)
January 19 – Flight to Amritsar and evening visit to the Golden Temple. Taj Swarna (B)
January 20 – Tour of Partition Museum (subject to it being open), Jallianwala Bagh and Wagh Border (to watch the daily rituals of the closing of the border between India and Pakistan). Taj Swarna (B)
January 21– Return to Delhi and join the main trip.
GROUND COST:
$995 per person(sharing) $450 single room supplement.
Includes: Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi flights, hotels and meal plan as indicated above, entry fees to Sunderbans, daily safari in the Sunderbans, guided tour of Kolkata.
Excludes: Gratuities, beverages, other meals not included, personal expenses.
*This itinerary also be experienced before the main trip.
Option 2 - The Ancient Caves of Ajanta and Ellora
Visit one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ajanta and Ellora consists
of ancient Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples and rock carvings which will leave you in awe.
ITINERARY:
February 3 – Fly from Kochi to Aurangabad. Vivanta by Taj (B)
February 4 – Tour of Ellora Caves. Vivanta by Taj (B)
February 5 – Tour of Ajanta Caves. Vivanta by Taj (B)
February 6 – Aurangabad-Mumbai and depart.
GROUND COST:
$1,445 per person(sharing) $450 single room supplement.
Includes: Kochi-Aurangabad-Mumbai flights, hotels and meal plan as indicated above, entry fees to monuments and guided tours.
Excludes: Gratuities, beverages, other meals not included, personal expenses.
*This itinerary also be experienced before the main trip.
Option 3 - The Tigers of the Sunderbans
The large expanse of the mystical mangrove swamps formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers are also home to the endangered Bengal tiger.
ITINERARY:
February 3 – Fly from Kochi to Kolkata; boat to Sunderbans. Sunderbans Tiger Camp (B,L,D)
February 4 & 5 – Safari in the Sunderbans Sunderbans Tiger Camp (B,L,D)
February 6 – Return to Kolkata. Oberoi Grand (B,L)
February 7 – Heritage Tour of Kolkata. Oberoi Grand (B)
February 8 – Depart.
GROUND COST:
$2,085 per person(sharing) $1450 single room supplement.
Includes: Kochi-Kolkata flights, hotels and meal plan as indicated above, entry fees to Sunderbans, daily safari in the Sunderbans, guided tour of Kolkata.
Excludes: Gratuities, beverages, other meals not included, personal expenses.
*This itinerary also be experienced before the main trip.
TOUR RESERVATION FORM- COLORS OF INDIA
To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620 (info@immersionjourneys.com) if you have any questions about the registration process.