India

The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South

Program No. 18716RJ
Dive into the vibrant culture of India, discovering its grand cities, sacred monuments and exquisite gardens on this unique academic adventure.

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At a Glance

Traverse India on a comprehensive journey that takes you from the Golden Triangle capitals of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in the north to the frescoed fortress of the “Tiger of Mysore” and the bayou-like Kerala backwaters in the south, learning customs and traditions from locals and absorbing India’s history from experts who know it best.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
This is an active “Keep the Pace” program. Walking up to three miles at a time at a normal public walking pace over varied terrain. Standing at least three hours daily; climbing stairs (at times without handrails), getting on/off buses and boats, carrying own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport you are not fit enough to participate in this program. A few bus rides up to 5 hours long with stops along the way.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy home-hosted dinners with local Indian families.
  • Watch as the sun rises and sets over the marble domes of the Taj Mahal.
  • Explore and enjoy the tranquility of the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Jayanta Kar
Jayanta Kar was born and raised in Benares — the oldest living city — today known as Varanasi. He worked as a journalist for a leading newspaper and as a public relation executive before pursuing his childhood passion: joining the travel industry and leading groups all over India. He is fluent in Hindi, Bengali, and English. Jayanta lives in Varanasi with his wife and school-age daughter. He loves sharing Indian culture, customs, music, and food with travelers and enjoys sharing short stories in local schools.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jayanta Kar
Jayanta Kar View biography
Jayanta Kar was born and raised in Benares — the oldest living city — today known as Varanasi. He worked as a journalist for a leading newspaper and as a public relation executive before pursuing his childhood passion: joining the travel industry and leading groups all over India. He is fluent in Hindi, Bengali, and English. Jayanta lives in Varanasi with his wife and school-age daughter. He loves sharing Indian culture, customs, music, and food with travelers and enjoys sharing short stories in local schools.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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21 days
20 nights
48 meals
17 B 17 L 14 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
En route to program.
In Flight

Activity note: The first program hotel is available today for all participants who have early arrivals. Hotel check-in is from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: The first program hotel (The Suryaa Hotel New Delhi) is available today for early arrivals. Refer to the Arrivals and Ground Transportation sections in your Final Information Packet to learn about transfers and taxi services. Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. The program officially starts tomorrow (Day 3) with evening Orientation and Welcome Dinner.

DAY
3
Arrivals, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Delhi
D
The Suryaa New Delhi

Activity note: Hotel check-in. The program starts in the early evening with Orientation followed by our Welcome Dinner.

Afternoon: Orientation is at 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable by pursuing your personal interests. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner with a 'Welcome to India' drink at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

DAY
4
Lecture, Gandhi Smiriti, National Museum, Home Host Dinner
Delhi
B,L,D
The Suryaa New Delhi

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. Coffee, tea included.

Morning: At the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert to discuss "The relevance of Gandhi in today's world." We depart by motorcoach for a visit to Gandhi Smirti, where Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of the Nation" - spent his last 144 days from September 9, 1947 until he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It has been preserved as a museum that displays Gandhi's few personal effects as well as paintings, pictures, sculptures and other relics. The memorial perpetuates Gandhi's legacy, highlights his values and ideals, and offers guidance for those who wish to follow his path. Next we proceed to the National Museum which comprises of some 200,000 objects representing more than 5,000 years of Indian cultural heritage.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Our Group Leader takes us on a field trip exploring New Delhi via motorcoach. we travel past Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), home of the nation's supreme legislative body. We will also pass the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India, In addition, we view India Gate which commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I. Along the way, our Group Leader educates us about the Indian system of government and current politics in the world's largest parliamentary democracy. We return to our hotel and freshen up before setting out for dinner.

Dinner: At a local home. We divide into smaller groups of 6 - 8 for home-hosted dinners with local urban Indian families. Enjoy this opportunity to interact with family members and learn about their culture and traditions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Old Delhi, Jama Masjid, Sikh Temple
Delhi
B,L
The Suryaa New Delhi

Activity note: Shorts must not be worn today. Long pants are advised. When visiting Jama Mosque gowns are provided for females. Shoes must be removed. To get into the mosque there are 30 - 40 steep, wide steps with handrails. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty walking and climbing. At the Sikh Temple, shoes and socks are not allowed. It is obligatory for men and women to cover their heads. Scarves are provided by the temple. You are welcome to bring your own full-sized scarf instead.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. Coffee, tea included.

Morning: We board our motorcoach for a field trip into Old Delhi, driving past the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort. We gain an appreciation for this symbol of Mughal power and pomp. Arriving at Jama Masjid, we explore the largest Muslim mosque in India. Our adventure continues as we ride bicycle rickshaws around the heart of Chandini Chowk (named for the silver merchants) while the drivers navigate narrow alleyways crowded with people. We continue to Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We board our motorcoach to explore the living culture of India as we visit a Sikh temple in Old Delhi. We will spend time listening to the prayers and visit the soup kitchen that offers daily free meals for anyone in need of food. We will explore the kitchen and, for those interested, lend a helping hand by making some rotis with the women there. Sikh temples are special places where everything is run by volunteers. It is a requirement for all Sikhs to volunteer their time at the temples. We return to our hotel and have free time this evening.

Dinner: At own arrangements. Take the opportunity to sample some local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Pack and prepare for our journey to Agra tomorrow. Our bags will need to be out by 10:00 p.m. tonight as they will be transferred by coach to Agra while we travel on the train.

DAY
6
Train to Agra, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal at Sunset
Agra
B,L,D
Trident Hotel Agra

Activity note: The train from Delhi to Agra is approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes. The visit to Agra Fort involves long periods of standing, walking and a few small steps.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. Coffee, tea included.

Morning: We check out of the hotel and transfer to Delhi railway station where we board the train for our journey to Agra. Upon our arrival in Agra, we explore the Agra Fort. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort eventually acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.

Lunch: Buffet lunch at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch we check in to our hotel and have some time at leisure. In the late afternoon we transfer by coach to Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. Here a local expert will tell us about Mughal history and architecture as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Sunrise at Taj Mahal, Coach Transfer to Godoli
Gadoli
B,L,D
Dera Village - The Clement Retreats

Activity note: Early morning wake up call, to depart for sunrise at Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal visit involves long periods of standing, walking, and a few small steps. The drive from Agra to Gadoli is approximately 103 miles / 4 hours, with rest stops along the way. Walking around the retreat on flat, level paths.

Breakfast: We set out pre-dawn to watch the rising sun bathe the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal in warm hues of gold, ochre and orange (subject to weather conditions). As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention states, “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. We have some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated interior chamber. We return to the hotel for a buffet breakfast.

Morning: After breakfast, we check out of the hotel, board our motorcoach and depart for Gadoli, a small Indian village in Rajasthan. En route we enjoy an overview of the changing faces of Indian villages, led by our Group Leader. Mahatma Gandhi once wrote, "If you want to experience the soul of India, then you must go to her villages." Surrounded by forests in the Aravalli Hills, Gadoli is off the standard tourist path. This is a place where old customs and traditions are maintained with festivals throughout the year that celebrate events significant to communities such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Mahajans, Jains, and Kayasthas.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We continue our drive to the village. After check-in we have some free time to settle in to the Retreat.

Dinner: At the Retreat.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Villages of Rajasthan, Camel Cart Ride, Cultural Dance
Gadoli
B,L,D
Dera Village - The Clement Retreats

Activity note: Walking approximately half a mile today on mainly flat, level surfaces.

Breakfast: At the Retreat. Coffee and tea included.

Morning: This morning, the Group Leader will first give us an overview of the Indian caste system, its evolution and deep roots in Indian society. To understand life in an Indian village, we set out in small carts pulled by camels (subject to availability) to a nearby village belonging to the colorful Meena tribal group. The Bhil Meena are a tribal group found in the state of Rajasthan. According to some traditions, they are said to be descended from those Meenas and Rajputs who, in the wars between their own tribes or with Muslims, were compelled to quit their native home and seek refuge in the vastness of Rajputana. There they formed alliances with the aboriginal families. We visit the traditional mud huts, decorated with floral and animal designs on the walls and floors, and interact with villagers as they conduct daily activities in their homes. Afterwards, we visit a local school to interact with the students and learn about the education system in remote villages (subject to school holidays and exams).

Lunch: At the Retreat. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.

Afternoon: We have free time this afternoon. Participants are welcome to take part in a game of cricket on the grounds of the Retreat, and learn how to play. In the late afternoon, for the energetic, we have the opportunity to go on a challenging nature hike in the nearby hills.

Dinner: At the Retreat. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.

Evening: We enjoy an authentic, traditional Rajasthani folk dance and musical performance - perhaps try a few steps with the dancers. Rajasthan folk dances and accompanying music are lively and festive.

DAY
9
Abhaneri Stepwell, Depart for Jaipur, Dinner with Family
Jaipur
B,L,D
Trident Hotel Jaipur

Activity note: The drive from Gadoli to Jaipur is approximately 63 miles / 3 hours, with rest stops along the way. The afternoon walk through the crowded market is approximately half a mile on uneven ground with some small, stone steps.

Breakfast: At the Retreat. Coffee and tea included.

Morning: After checking out of the Retreat, we depart by motorcoach for Jaipur. En route, we explore the nearby village of Abhaneri. This small village is notable for one of Rajasthan’s least well known but most fascinating landmarks. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest stepwells. These unique steps were built in the 8th - 9th century as a water supply, as cool places of resort and for ritual cleansing before visiting the adjoining Harshita Mata temple. As we travel, our Group Leader will lead a discussion on India's place in the world.

Lunch: At the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We explore Jaipur and experience the essence of this amazing city as we take in the riot of colors and activities on a walk through the local market. After our walk we return to the hotel with time to freshen up before our dinner with local families this evening.

Dinner: Traditional dinner with a family at their home. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Jaipur
B,L
Trident Hotel Jaipur

Activity note: Participants will ride in Jeeps to access the main entrance of the Amber Fort. The fort is set up on a hill and has several flights of stairs with uneven walkways. Walking around the fort for approximately half a mile.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel. Coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Morning: We will be joined by a local expert for an overview of Contemporary Women's Issues in India. Afterwards, we board our motorcoach and set out to discover the 11th-century Amber Fort (pronounced Amer), situated about six miles north of Jaipur. The fort was established as the original capital of Rajasthan, six centuries before the construction of Jaipur. Amber Fort is an example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work, as well as exquisite wall paintings. We continue our field trip with a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), whose elaborate, honeycombed sandstone is a famous icon of the city. We then visit the City Palace. While it is still the Maharaja's residence it is now largely a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch, we visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1727 and 1734, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best-preserved in India. We return to the hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Dinner: At own arrangements. Take the opportunity to sample some local fare. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Fly to Bengaluru (Bangalore) and drive to Mysore
Mysore
B,L,D
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore

Activity note: Early morning wake up call. The flight from Jaipur to Bengaluru takes approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes. The drive from Bengaluru to Mysore is about 118 miles (approximately 5 hours) with rest stops along the way.

Breakfast: Early morning, cold breakfast (can be packed to take with you) at the hotel.

Morning: After an early morning check-out from the hotel, we depart for Jaipur airport with our packed breakfast to board our flight to Bengaluru. After our arrival in Bengaluru, we collect our luggage and board our private motorcoach to Mysore (also known as Mysuru).

Lunch: En route.

Afternoon: During our drive to Mysore, our Group Leader will present an introduction to Southern Indian history, culture, traditions and architecture. These all differ markedly from those of North India. We arrive at our hotel and check in.

Dinner: Buffet at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Palace, Home-Hosted Dinner
Mysore
B,L,D
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore

Activity note: Shoes need to be removed in Chamundeshwari Temple and Mysore Palace.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we join our Group Leader for an introduction to Indian mythology. Afterwards, we board our motorcoach and set out for the nearby Chamundi Hills where Chamundeshwari Temple is located. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family, also described as "Mahishasura Mardini" for having killed the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. Following this we visit Mysore Palace, official residence of the Wodeyars - the former royal family of Mysore from 1350 to 1950. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, it blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic features.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We have some free time after lunch this afternoon. In the late afternoon, we will be divided into smaller groups of 5 - 8 participants for a culinary treat. We begin by shopping at local flower, fruit and vegetable market with our guide, followed by a visit to the host’s kitchen for a cooking demonstration. This is a great opportunity to meet with the families of South India and learn about the southern cuisine.

Dinner: With a local family at their home. We will return to the hotel after dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Somnathpur, Srirangapatnam, Palace of Tip Sultan, Free Time
Mysore
B,L
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore

Activity note: Shoes need to be removed at the Temple.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We begin our exploration of the south of India in the towns of Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam. Somnathpur is a small village renowned for its splendid and grand Keshava temple, built on an elevated star-shaped platform in Hoyasala style, with elaborate and intricate sculpturing. The sides of the raised platform are decorated with richly carved friezes, portraying rows of cavalry, elephants, and scenes from the epics. The names of the sculptors are inscribed on their works. Srirangapatnam was the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary "Tiger of Mysore", who put up a valiant fight against British domination. High stone walls and moats enclose the palaces, temples, and a great mosque. Tipu's summer palace, with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, the Royal Mosque, Wellesley Bridge, and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its glorious past.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Free time. Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner: At own arrangements. Take the opportunity to sample some local fare. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
14
Drive to Vythiri, Spice Plantation Visit, Tea Factory Visit
Wayanad
B,L,D
Vythiri Village

Activity note: The drive from Mysore to Vythiri is approximately 93 miles / 7 - 8 hours, with lunch and rest stops along the way. En route we drive through Bandipur National Park and spice plantations.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we depart on a full-day drive by motorcoach to Vythiri, the Hill Station of Wayanad. The route has been described as one of the most picturesque drives in India. As the road winds through Bandipur National Park, look out for monkeys playing along the roadside and possibly a rare glimpse of the elephants that sometimes inhabit these forests. We cross from the state of Karnataka into the state of Kerala.

Lunch: At a spice plantation we enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch in banana leaves. Coffee, tea and water included.

Afternoon: After lunch we join a local spice and agriculture expert for a guided walk through the plantation to learn about the spices and crops that are grown in this area. We re-board our motorcoach and continue our drive to a local tea factory. Here we learn about tea growing and production in India. Afterwards, we continue our drive to Vythiri for a late-afternoon check-in at the hotel.

Dinner: Buffet at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
15
Drive to Calicut, Ayurveda, Kalaripayattu Performance
Calicut
B,L,D
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut

Activity note: The drive from Vythiri to Calicut is approximately 50 miles / 3.5 hours, with rest stops along the way.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After a restful morning, we depart for Calicut (also known as Kozhikode), near the Coast of Andaman Sea in the state of Kerala. En route we learn more about Kerala; a prosperous, progressive, communist state. On arrival in Calicut, we visit an Ayurveda center and meet with an Ayurveda expert. Ayurveda was developed in India over 3,000 years ago and is based on beliefs that mind, body and spirit need to be in balance for health and wellness.

Lunch: Buffet at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We check in to the hotel and take some time to relax after our long journey to southern India. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the early evening, we are invited to watch a special Kalaripayattu martial arts performance traditional to Kerala. Kalaripayattu is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system from which evolved almost all the present day martial art forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of Malabar - Kalaripayattu, the mother of all martial arts.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Calicut Discovery, City Walk, Free Time
Calicut
B,L,D
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut

Activity note: Walking around Calicut is an easy walk of approximately 1 mile.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will set out via tuk tuks with our Group Leader and explore the city to learn about its history and importance during the spice trade. We will explore the beaches, lighthouse, colonial buildings, and an ancient church built by the Portuguese. We will see areas occupied by the Dutch, French, German, Italian and Chinese. We shall view North Indian Gujarathi settlements, Arab settlements, old trading houses and local Muslim settlements.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Free time. Afternoon at leisure. In the early evening before dinner, our Group Leader will provide us with an overview of "The Lifeline of India: Indian Railways". This will give us perspective for our journey tomorrow as we travel by train to the Kerala backwaters region.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure. Pack and prepare for our journey tomorrow. Our bags will need to be out tonight as they will be transferred by coach to Alleppey while we travel on the train.

DAY
17
Train to Alleppey, Drive to Kerala Backwaters Region
Kerala Backwaters
B,L,D
Adventure Resorts & Cruises

Activity note: Early morning wake-up call. Our train ride begins at around 6am and takes approximately 6.5 hours, followed by a drive of approximately 1 hour to board the boats. Depending on the size of the group, different styles of traditional Keralan houseboats may be used. All will dock and travel together.

Breakfast: Cold breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: To fully experience India, one needs to take a long ride on a train. Today gives us that opportunity. We will depart early this morning on a 6.5-hour train ride south to Alleppey. After disembarking our train, we will board our motorcoach and take a one-hour drive to the backwaters of Kerala.

Lunch: On board the train.

Afternoon: We arrive in the mid-afternoon to the riverside meeting point where we board our privately-chartered, traditional Keralan houseboats. From here, we begin cruising the river.

Dinner: Just before sunset, our houseboats will tie up for the night with dinner served on board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
18
Kerala Backwaters Exploration
Kerala Backwaters
B,L,D
Adventure Resorts & Cruises

Activity note: Enjoy rural India at its most idyllic.

Breakfast: Aboard the houseboats.

Morning: We enjoy a full day of cruising today. The backwaters in the countryside take us along tranquil waterways and give us a view into rural life. Look out for skiff-fishermen in their cockleshell boats; large flotillas of ducks; thatched houses on the banks; women, neck-deep in water, searching for fish with their feet; cattle grazing in lush pasture-land. We will stop in waterside villages along the way and walk around the small houses to observe daily life.

Lunch: Aboard the houseboats.

Afternoon: As we continue cruising, observe more of life on the water. We are just as much of interest to the village residents as they are to us. An abundance of birdlife is also to found in the area. The houseboats will tie up at sunset, to overnight along the water’s edge.

Dinner: Aboard the houseboats.

Evening: At leisure. Pack and prepare to disembark the boats tomorrow morning.

DAY
19
Drive to Kochi, City Walking Exploration, St. Francis Church
Cochin
B,L,D
The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive Ernakulam

Activity note: The drive from Thottapally to Kochi is approximately 3 hours with rest stops along the way. Shoes need to be removed at St. Francis Church. Fort Kochi walking exploration is approximately 1 mile, mainly on flat surfaces.

Breakfast: Aboard the houseboats.

Morning: We disembark the houseboats and board our motorcoach for the drive to Kochi (also known as Cochin).

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We explore the Old Town of Kochi in the Fort Kochi area on a guided walk with our Group Leader. We discover the Chinese fishing nets, historical buildings and little markets along the way. The center of historic Kochi is easily walkable, with many small shops and market stalls interspersed with the colonial architecture of this coastal city. We pause to visit the Church of St. Francis, the original burial site of the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama who died in Kochi in 1524. We then transfer to our hotel and check in.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner with a 'Farewell to India' drink at the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Share your favorite experiences amid the camaraderie of your new Road Scholar friends. Prepare for departure after your final program activities tomorrow.

DAY
20
Folklore Museum, Mattancherry Palace, Free Time
Cochin
B,L
The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive Ernakulam

Activity note: Participants will leave around midnight tonight to transfer to the airport. The official program end is on Day 21 with departures at 12:30 a.m. to the airport for flights home early in the morning (typically departing for the US around 4:30 a.m.). Tonight is a free evening to rest up for flights home or, if desired, participants can choose to leave earlier this evening. For those leaving tomorrow, the hotel is booked for the full night; check out is not until tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We depart by motorcoach for our fieldtrip to the Folklore Museum. This unique museum is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture. Made of wood, stone and clay tiles, it houses up to 6,000 works of Kerala art. From here we set out for the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), built in the 1550s by the Portuguese and taken over by the Dutch, who later presented it to the Rajas of Cochin. The palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - that gives the effect of polished marble. Afterwards, we explore the Jewish synagogue. Built in 1568, it was considerably embellished in the mid-18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, who built a clock tower and paved the floor of the synagogue with hand-painted tiles brought all the way from Canton, China.

Lunch: At the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We have free time this afternoon to relax, explore Kochi, or prepare for our early-morning flights tomorrow. Check with the Group Leader to discuss transportation to the airport. If you are an independent traveler, see “Ground Transportation from Last Location" located in your Information Packets.

Dinner: At own arrangements. The hotel has several dining options to choose from.

Evening: Late night check-out for early morning flights tomorrow. The hotel is booked for the full night for those with later departures, check-out time is 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

DAY
21
Departures, Program Concludes
In Flight

Activity note: Early morning departures at around 12:30 a.m. for flights booked by Road Scholar, leaving at around 4:30 a.m. Departure transfers to the airport will be grouped. If leaving later on this day, hotel check out is at 11:00 a.m. Participants who book their own flights can choose to leave the night prior, but there are no Road Scholar airport transfers provided.

Morning: Depart at around 12:30 a.m. for Cochin airport (COK) to board flights returning to the U.S. (around 4:30 am). This concludes our program. Refer to the Departure Transfer section in the Final Information Packet for transfer information. Please note that departure transfers are grouped transfers and you may have to arrive at the Cochin Airport earlier than the time required time for your flight. For participants leaving later today, the hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join us on Facebook and Instagram to share photos of your program. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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