The Architecture of India, February 19th-March 10th, 2010
The Architecture of India
A Journey Through The Sacred
A unique opportunity is being offered to experience first hand the sacred worlds of India. This journey is designed, and will be led, by Mr. Bert Chase, who has visited India on many occasions. He is an architect and anthroposophist, who has devoted his career to integrating Rudolf Steiner's important indications for architecture and the arts into his professional practice. Bert serves Waldorf schools and anthroposophical initiatives throughout North America and Hawaii. As a major proponent for an anthroposophical approach to architecture, he is widely known both for his architectural work and for his writing, lectures, and teaching on the subject. Bert also represented North American architects in the International Symposium of Transformative Architecture held at the Goetheanum. For over thirty years he has cultivated a deep interest in the relationship between sacred architecture and the religious philosophies out of which it arises. His extensive travels have deepened his understanding of how sacred architecture provides a unique opportunity to experience something essential about ourselves, and our society.
At the foundation of our contemporary consciousness is the mystery that is India. It is here that the roots of western civilization and spiritual life have their beginnings. Through countless ages, at a deep and profound level, the manifold cultures and spiritual streams of the sub-Himalayan continent have called out to something hidden in the experience of our common humanity. Throughout this journey, Bert will enliven our experience of each site, elucidating its philosophical and spiritual origins. An Indian guide will also escort us for our entire journey. Ample time is allowed for in-depth conversation, and personal exploration, of each location. Bert will enrich our experience by sharing parallel impulses and developments arising in other parts of the world at the same time. His intention is that through our experience of the richness and wonder of India, we have an opportunity to explore some essential element in ourselves that is lost to us in our intellectual, fast- paced, every day lives.
In our time, when sectarian violence and cultural misunderstanding is ever escalating, Bert feels one of the greatest tools for going beyond these divisive tendencies is to actively cultivate an acute interest in how religious thought and experience gives expression to cultures and their sacred places. He has increasingly felt it is critical to open ourselves to the essence of unfamiliar cultures, thus developing a love and respect for the manifold traditions that enrich human civilization and spiritual life. Only then can we gradually begin to experience the wonder of what lies behind all traditions, the essential nature of our common humanity.
We look forward to sharing this journey into the sacred with you.
FRI 19 February Delhi.
You will be received upon arrival and transferred to the Radisson Hotel, near the airport complex. Due to flight schedules, you may arrive after midnight on Saturday, 20 February.
Overnight: RADISSON HOTEL
SAT 20 February Delhi - Varanasi.
The group gathers this morning, and we will then transfer for our flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival in Varanasi we will check into our hotel.
Varanasi - the holiest city of the Hindus and one of the oldest living cities in the world, was already old when Rome was founded and a flourishing trade center when the Buddha came to preach his first sermon at Sarnath.
In the evening we will view, by boat, the Aarti Ceremony. Held on the banks of the Ganges, this includes the lighting of diyas, or candles, that are set afloat on the river.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ GANGES
SUN 21 February Varanasi.
At sunrise we will take a boat excursion on the River Ganges to view the bathing ghats, the cremation sites, and experience the morning prayers of the devout. For Hindus, bathing in the Ganges is a process of renewal and purification. To die in Kashi (Varanasi), and to be cremated on the banks of River Ganges, leads to Nirvana - the release from the cycle of birth and death.
We will breakfast at the Ghat Restaurant near to Hotel Ganges View. The rest of this morning is free.
In the afternoon we will visit the Bharat Mata Temple, the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University and its art gallery, and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ GANGES
MON 22 February Varanasi.
This morning we will visit Sarnath where, after enlightenment, the Buddha gave his first sermon in the 4th century BC. Sarnath was a major center of learning from the 4th century BC to the 9th century AD. We will visit the ruins, the Dhamekh Stupa, and the museum, which includes the famous Ashoka Chakra.
The balance of the day will be free.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ GANGES
TUE 23 February Varanasi - Bodhgaya.
After an early breakfast we will be driven to Bodhgaya. It was here that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Bodhgaya is the most revered of all Buddhist sites.
In the afternoon we will visit some of the many monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities here.
In the evening we will have the opportunity to participate in the Mahabodhi Temple ceremony.
Overnight: THE MAHANAYANA GUEST HOUSE
WED 24 February Bodhgaya
Today we will continue our exploration of the temple complexes of Bodhgaya. Free time is allowed for personal pursuits and exploration.
Overnight: THE MAHANAYANA GUEST HOUSE
THU 25 February Bodhgaya- Varanasi- Khajuraho
Early this morning we will be driven to the Varanasi Airport for our flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we will check into Hotel Taj Chandela and have the afternoon free for an initial exploration of this vast temple complex.
This evening we attend the opening ceremonies of the renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival that brings together the finest traditional dance troupes from all of India. This festival takes place within the temple complex.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ CHANDELA
FRI 26 February Khajuraho.
Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in all of India. Built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050, this group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning we will visit the Western Group of temples, and after lunch, the Eastern Group.
This evening we will watch the Dance Festival performance at the temple site.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ CHANDELA
SAT 27 February Khajuraho -Jhansi- Bhopal
This morning we will be driven to the Jhansi Railway Station for our train to Bhopal. Upon arrival we will transfer to the Hotel Jahan Numa Palace and have the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: HOTEL JAHAN NUMA PALACE
SUN 28 February Bhopal-Sanchi
We drive to the Sanchi World Heritage Site. Rich in Buddhist heritage, the monuments and Buddhist ruins a testament to Gupta Architecture.
Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka Pillar, marked by its aesthetic beauty and unique structural balance, carries the famous edict of Ashoka warning against schism in the Buddhist community.
The Great Bowl: Excavation has revealed this mammoth bowl carved out of a single piece of stone. Food used to be distributed from this bowl to the Buddhist monks living at Sanchi.
Gupta Temple: Is one of the earliest known examples of Indian temple architecture.
Overnight: HOTEL GATEWAY LODGE
MON 01 March Sanchi- Bhopal - Agra
We drive to Bhopal in time for the train to Agra. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our lovely hotel.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ VIEW
TUE 02 March Agra
We have a full day of sightseeing today - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah.
The Taj Mahal
We will visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise and return to the hotel for breakfast. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal is a monument of love and beauty, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. For twenty-two years 20,000 men laboured to build this masterpiece.
Red Fort,
It was in this magnificent fort that his son imprisoned Shah Jahan. Here we will see the art of crafting white marble that has made the area so famous. We will also visit the Pearl Mosque and Public and Private Audience Halls
Itmad-ud-Daulah
On the opposite bank of the Yamuna lies the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Also known as the 'baby Taj', it was the first Mughal structure built of marble using the pietra durra technique of inlaid semi-precious stones.
Overnight: HOTEL TAJ VIEW
WED 03 March Agra - Delhi -Udaipur
Leaving early, we will be driven to Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably visionary for his time, this Muslim king envisioned a state where all people could live harmoniously. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of the synthesis of these cultures.
From Fatehpur Sikri we will travel to Delhi for lunch and then transfer to our flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur we will be transferred to the Hotel Udai Koth
Overnight: HOTEL UDAI KOTH
THU 04 March Udaipur
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white above the waters of its many lakes. The City Palace, completed in 1725, encompasses many earlier palaces; the Dilkush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the Palace of Krishna. All are ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari - this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden that contains an elegant lotus pool and gushing fountain.
In the afternoon we will visit to the temples of Nagda & Eklingji
Overnight: HOTEL UDAI KOTHI
FRI 05 March Ranakpur - Devigarh
This morning we will visit the temples of Ranakpur. Set in a remote and peaceful valley, Ranakpur is one of the largest and the most important Jain temple complexes in India. The main temple is the Chamukha Temple, dedicated to Adinath. Completed in 1439, this extremely beautifully crafted temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, with no two alike. Within the complex are two other Jain temples, Neminath and Parasnath. The former contains a black image of Parsvanatha in the sanctuary and erotic carving outside. The star shaped Surya Narayan Temple is nearby.
We then drive to Devi Garh and have lunch at the Fort Hotel. Located 28 Kms northeast of Udaipur, Devi Garh is a convenient and scenic 45 minutes drive from the city. The Fort, surrounded by lush green fields and mountains, overlooks the village of Delwara.
Overnight: HOTEL UDAI KOTHI
SAT 06 March Udaipur - Delhi - Amritsar
This morning we will fly to Delhi where we will transfer to a nearby hotel for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. We will then be transferred to our flight to Amritsar. Upon arrival at Amritsar we will transfer to our hotel the Ranjit Savaasa for an early dinner.
After dinner we will visit the Golden Temple, the center for Sikhs worldwide. Here we will view the ceremonies for the return of the Holy Book.
Overnight: RANJIT SAVAASA
SUN 07 March Amritsar
After breakfast, we will again visit the Golden Temple for the commencement of morning prayers, and then visit other sites of interest in Amritsar.
Overnight: RANJIT SAVAASA
MON 08 March Amritsar - Delhi
This morning we will travel by rail to Delhi. In the afternoon we will tour New Delhi visiting Humayun's Tomb. Built in the 16th century, this tomb is the forerunner of the Taj Mahal; it has Mughal Architecture at its most graceful. We will then visit the Qutab Minar, a 239 ft sandstone tower that is an Indo Islamic architectural wonder.
Overnight: TAJ AMBASSADOR
TUE 09 March Delhi
This morning we will visit the Lotus Temple, a stunning monument of the Ba'hai Faith. This afternoon is free.
A Gala Farewell dinner is in store for us this evening!
Overnight: TAJ AMBASSADOR
WED 10 March Delhi
This morning we will visit Old Delhi and walk through the maze of hustle and bustle of roads and later take a rickshaw ride to see how 3 religions co exist in perfect harmony. We will see one of the oldest mosques called Jama Masjid; a Sikh Temple called the Gurudwara and finally an old church in the same area.
From here drive to Birla Mandir an old family temple of the Birla family.
This afternoon is at leisure, and we do not have to checkout of our rooms until 7pm...
Evening transfer to the International Airport for our onward flights.
TRIP COST
The prices for this tour are based on a group of 10 participants. Please note that all prices are quoted in US dollars and are based on the conversion rate of the Indian Rupee as of 12 May 2009, and are subject to change.
Land Tour Internal India Airfares:
Sharing double/twin room: US $5,295 per person All flights per itinerary $790 per person
Single supplement US $1,327 per person (as of May 12, 2009)
**Note: If group size decreases to less than 10 participants, the cost will need to be increased by approximately US$400 per person.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TRIP COST INCLUDES: All transportation, all breakfasts and other meals as stated in this flyer; entrance fees, services of an Indian licensed guide throughout the tour, and all activities described in the itinerary
TRIP COST EXCLUDES: International airfare from your city of departure to New Delhi, India; travel insurance; meals not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone/fax charges; excess baggage fees, ;or India visa fees.
DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is payable by check to WALDORF TRAVEL SERVICE. The final balance is due by December 10, 2009.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations must be received in writing by WALDORF TRAVEL SERVICE via fax, email or mail no later than Friday, December 18, 2009.
INSURANCE: Purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended; information on insurance options will be shared with all registrants.
UNDERSTANDINGS & RESPONSIBILITIES: Waldorf Travel Service reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary when conditions warrant, and to cancel the trip with 60 days notice. Waldorf Travel Service and Bert Chase also reserve the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour and also to require any participant to withdraw from the tour, at any time, if such action is determined by Waldorf Travel Service or Bert Chase to be in the best interests of the welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. Under such circumstances, no refund will be made. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. Dates, schedules and program details are subject to change and revision.
REGISTRATION FORM
Please send your deposit check or money order payable to Waldorf Travel Service with this form to:
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Enclosed is a non-refundable deposit of $_________ ($500 per person), to reserve ______ space(s) in
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SACRED---THE ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA.
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Waldorf Travel Service's A Journey Through The Sacred-The Architecture of India, and recognize and accept all risks thereof. I understand and agree on behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth under "Understandings & Responsibilities" and to release and hold harmless Waldorf Travel Service and Bert Chase and any of their officers, employees, agents, or representatives, from any and all liability for delays, injuries or death, or for the loss of property in relation to the program A Journey Through The Sacred---The Architecture of India, February 19-March 10, 2010.. By signing this, I also certify that I do not have any mental or physical condition that would create a hazard for myself or other participants in the program.