The Gods, Temples and Archaeology of Ancient India
with Professor Gerald Larson
January 9 – 23, 2011
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. Its 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.
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Fly from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on American Airlines non-stop flight over the North Pole to Delhi.
Day 2: Arrive in the evening into India’s capital, New Delhi, a captivating blend of the ancient and modern. Overnight for two nights at the five-star boutique Park Hotel.
Day 3: Today’s exploration takes us to the Jama Masjid (Mosque), built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, and the Qutab Minar, a 13th century tower built by the first Muslim sultan of Delhi to celebrate his victory over the Hindu kings. We will traverse the narrow streets of Old Delhi in an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride , passing food vendors, sacred cows, and the shops of local merchants along the way. Spend the afternoon in the National Museum to gain an overview of Indian culture and history. Gather this evening for our gala welcome dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Fly to Aurangabad and drive to Ellora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains 34 caves carved out of the slope of a hill, many ornamented with intricate carved facades and a sculpture. Located on a busy caravan route, this spot became the focus of intense religious and artistic activity in the 6th century. Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism are represented here. The Hindu cave architecture culminated in the 10th century with splendid Kailash Temple, Ellora’s masterpiece. Carved from the living rock and completely freestanding, it is a giant replica of the Sacred Mountain. Overnight for two nights at the Taj Residency. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Today we will journey to Ajanta, where the near-vertical sides of a horseshoe-shaped ravine reveal caves full of dazzling artwork. Less than two centuries ago this remote spot was practically unknown. The shadowy entrances had been abandoned under a thick blanket of rainforest, but in 1819 a small group of British troops found the façade of a cave protruding through the dense foliage. Ultimately, a total of 28 cavern shrines were found, many with interiors adorned with vibrant multicolored murals that rank among India’s most beautiful treasures. These caves predate Ellora and span a period of 800 years. (B/L/D)
Day 6: An early flight takes us to Bombay, today called Mumbai. Our day begins at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1888, the Victorian Gothic building boasts a stunning stone dome, turrets, and pointed arches. It is undoubtedly the Raj's pièce de resistance. We will stop to observe Mumbai’s famous stone steps, or 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! Travel by boat to the tranquil, forested island of Elephanta and its unique cave temple containing a massive Trimurti, or three-faced Shiva. A glorious example of Hindu architecture, the 8th century cave is reached by climbing more than 100 steps to the top of the hill. Dinner will be in one of Mumbai’s wonderful restaurants. Overnight in the boutique five-star Marine Plaza Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Fly to Varanasi and drive to Sarnath, where, in the 6th 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)
Day 8: An early departure takes us to Chunar, a fort built high on a hillside guarding the surrounding countryside with fine Mughal tombs that are still visible. Enjoy lunch from the top of the fort, overlooking the Ganges. We then drift downstream by private boat en route to Varanasi. This peaceful journey gives us an opportunity to observe the ritual of daily life along the banks of this sacred river. We stop at the small village of Shul Tankeshwar to visit Sheetla Mata Temple, which was created to ward off smallpox. We will also see Ramnagar Fort, built in the 17th century for the Maharaja of Kashi and still used today. The shores of the river come alive at dusk as worshippers join together in the final prayer ceremonies of the day. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 9: The great city of Varanasi stretches along a crescent of the river Ganges and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located 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 and watch the sunrise over the city. Along the river banks are 18th and 19th century pavilions, palaces, temples, terraces, and ghats, where thousands of pilgrims and residents come for their daily ritual ablutions. After leaving our boat, walk down the narrow winding alleys and return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer to the airport for our 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 we will visit the Southern Temples. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Chandela. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Spend this morning exploring the Eastern and Western Temples 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 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. Our dinner will be vegetarian Indian cuisine. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Much of Orchha’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 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 our train to Agra. Overnight for two nights in the five-star Taj View Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Rise early to view the Taj Mahal emerge out of the dawn mist as the sun rises. The tomb was built by Shah Jahan to enshrine the body of his favorite wife, Arjumand Bann Begum who died in 1631 shortly after giving birth to her 14th child. Twenty thousand workmen took twenty-two 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 that was designed by the favorite queen of the Moghul King Jahangir. 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 is encircled by ramparts and entered through massive, decorated gates. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 13: Depart this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, capital of the Mughal Empire for ten years. Built during the second half of the 16th century, this superb red sandstone city contains elaborate palaces, formal courtyards, reflecting pools, harems, tombs and a great mosque. In the afternoon, continue to Jaipur. Overnight for two nights in the five-star Trident Hotel with breathtaking views of Mansagar Lake and the striking Aravalli Mountains beyond. (B/L/D)
Day 14: 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 Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. We will ascend to the fortress in royal fashion — 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 covered with intricate mosaics of mirrors and colored glass. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, and in building Jaipur, 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. We will visit the City Palace, a 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 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. This evening, we observe a prayer service at Govind Devi 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)
Day 15: This morning we tour Jantar Mantar, the open-air royal observatory with its gigantic, astronomical instruments. Jantar Mantar is the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Then it’s on to the 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. Lunch will be at the Samode Haveli, a suburban palace built for the royal family more than 150 years ago. Then, we will drive to the village of Samode and overnight in the elegant Samode Palace, one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. The hotel offers a quiet, elegant atmosphere that has been the winner of India’s best Heritage Hotel for the past five years. It is a perfect example of Rajput-Moghul architecture, built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)
Day 16: 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 where a day room awaits. 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 17: Fly back to the U.S.A.
Gerald Larson received his PhD in History of Religions from Columbia University. He is Professor Emeritus, History of Religions, University of California, Santa Barbara, and recipient of Distinguished Teaching Award, UCSB Alumni Association and Academic Senate at the same institution. Dr. Larson was Director of the Indian Studies Program from 1993-2003 and is presently Rabindranath Tagore Professor Emeritus of Indian Cultures and Civilizations, Indiana University. He has been an invited speaker or lecturer in many countries including England, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, India, Germany, Italy and South Africa, and has published extensively including India’s Agony Over Religion, Religion and Personal Law in Secular India: A Call to Judgment, and Yoga: India’s Philosophy of Meditation. Professor Larson has been a frequent visitor to India for more than 25 years. He has a broad knowledge of the history of the various religions there, and reads and writes several ancient languages of that country.
Trip Dates January 9 – 23, 2011
$8,595.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes international flights from Chicago to Delhi; four domestic flights within India; all ground transportation; all hotels; most meals (as noted in brochure); and entry fees.
Cost Does Not Include: A donation as outlined below; gratuities to guides and drivers; passport or visa fees; airport and or departure taxes; food, alcoholic beverages and other drinks not on the regular menu; excess baggage charges; laundry, telephone, fax or email charges; and other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $1,195.00. 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 when additional fuel charges are levied.
Donation Checks: The cost of the trip does not include the separate check for $150.00 (per person) to INTACH USA (Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage). You may visit their web site at http://www.intach.org/home.htm. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects and museums in each of our destinations. The donation is required as part of your registration and is non-refundable.
A deposit of $500.00 and the separate donation check for $150.00 (made out to the designated project) are required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations and RefundsCancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00 per person. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If forany reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
Limited to 17 Participants
