India, a Women of the World (WOW) Trip Pay in Full Early Bird Savings!
With Co-Leaders Allison O'Sullivan and Carol Edgar
Featuring the Spice Coast of Kerala, Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom – Delhi
Tuesday, February 16 – Friday, February 26, 2010Extension to the Taj Mahal, Agra - Udaipur
Friday, February 26 – Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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We're back! Our fourth Women of the World trip is set, and we're returning to India by popular demand. A highlight, maybe THE highlight, of our India tour will be the opportunity to meet some of the nation's most outstanding women. WTC's managing director, Allison O'Sullivan, will be joined by our co-leader and women's advocate, Carol Edgar, for an unforgettable visit with some of India's most dynamic women leaders. Carol is highly regarded for organizing select groups of women travelers and treating them to evenings with foreign women in business, government and leading non-profit organizations. On the 2007 trip to Northern India, these events included a special dinner in Delhi at the Women's Press Club. In Cairo, the group was welcomed into the home of an outstanding activist -- a penthouse apartment overlooking the Nile -- to meet a dozen of Egypt's most amazing women leaders. In Amman, the group met with a half-dozen of Jordan's most vibrant women, including a leading urban planner who is married to the mayor. Most recently, in Morocco, we had the privilege of engaging in a mentoring session with a room full of talented young college students eager to make an impact on their nation and the world. We are looking forward to Exclusively for Women
Not Included:
India Entry Requirements: *** Valid passport and Visa Required. *** All foreign visitors need a valid passport and visa to enter and exit India. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the length of stay. A tourist visa must be obtained before arrival into India. For your convenience, we recommend the easy on-line application process through our preferred supplier, CIBT. Discounted processing fees for WTC members will range from $125 for normal processing (20+ business days) to $160 for rush service. Shipping is additional. If you live near a major city with an Indian Consulate, you may apply there. Inoculations are not necessary unless you are coming to India via Africa, South America or any other yellow fever infected areas. Then you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Day 2 - 17 Feb (Wednesday) - Arrival Mumbai
HOTEL: The Trident
Today, it can only be described with a combination of adjectives. It is the biggest metropolis of India, a city that virtually never sleeps, the city of dreams where life never appears dull or boring, especially due to the presence of its lively chaos and big city action. To say the least, it is the financial capital of India. Made famous by the Academy Award-winning movie, “Slumdog Millionaire,” Mumbai has a population of over 15 million Mumbaikars, including well-heeled industrialists, ravishing celebrities and eminent artists. Formerly called Bombay, the Island City is dotted with several beaches and a natural harbor. Mumbai is also known as the city of Bollywood, and draws thousands of aspiring actors and artists from all over the country. (Meal service on the plane) Day 3 - 18 Feb (Thursday) - In Mumbai
Mumbai’s Dabbawalla is an association of tiffin (lunch-box) suppliers with a world record. Their name is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for best time management. They have no technical back-up. In fact, most of the 5,000 member team have just an 8th grade education. Wearing white caps, the team collectively delivers 200,000 tiffins within a 60 km area. The time to load these tiffins, distribute them, recollect them, and unload them back at the warehouse takes just 3 hours!
Mani Bhavan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. The attractive, two-story structure now houses a reference library with over 2,000 books, a photo exhibition of Ghandi’s life, and well preserved memorabilia, including an old charkha (spinning wheel) that Gandhi used. This evening is our first WOW Dinner with Indian women. (B, D) Day 4 - 19 Feb (Friday) – Fly from Mumbai to Cochin This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Cochin with Shagun. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to the hotel.
HOTEL: Brunton’s Boatyard Moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour, Brunton’s Boatyard Hotel was built from the remains of an old Victorian shipyard. Today, it gives the modern traveler a unique opportunity to enjoy the colorful and romantic atmosphere that recalls its 19th century history.
Dining at the hotel is wonderful. Here is your chance to sample literally, a melting pot of cuisines. Every culture that came to the Malabar Coast over three centuries can be experienced from the tantalizing menu choices. This afternoon, we will enjoy a City Tour of Cochin beginning with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue. Then onto the historic Fort Cochin to visit St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets." These nets were introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th Century. Stroll along the narrow lanes lined with charming Dutch and Portuguese buildings, and take in the delightful sites of book-shops, art galleries, cafes. Many sections of this nearly 500-year-old city are still amazingly well preserved. Dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 5 - 20 Feb (Saturday) – In Cochin This morning we visit the Mattancherry area starting with the Dutch Palace. The Palace is a two story building built around a central courtyard. This traditional style of architecture is known as “nalukettus” in Kerala. The entrance of the palace is arch-shaped, which leads to the suite of public rooms. The rounded doors and windows and the masonry walls of Dutch Palace give it a European look. A series of beautifully executed and well-preserved murals decorate the walls of the rooms. These depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as those from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranic legends. The murals are extensive and among the best in India. They cover approximately 300 sq ft of wall. Among the more erotic paintings is a mural in the Ladies Bedchamber that Following our visit, there will be time to walk through the picturesque lanes of the spice and antique bazaars, and browse the curio shops that are lined along the way. This evening we will take in a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre and museum. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form, native to Kerala. The costumes and makeup are elaborate, and male dancers portray both male and female roles. Dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 6 - 21 Feb (Sunday) – Depart Cochin for Periyar We check-out after breakfast and remain in Cochin for a short stop to visit the Jewish Synagogue (it was closed on Saturday). Then we continue on to Periyar (190 km – 4.5 hrs). PERIYAR: Best known for its wildlife, Periyar is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala. The Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. Where else can one view the animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better still, come within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants and not be in danger! The majestic gaur, deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are often spotted along the lake as are beautiful water birds. On arrival in Periyar, we will check-in at the hotel, which is set in a spice garden. HOTEL: Spice Village The Spice Village is a charming collection of individual, tribal-styled, thatch-roof cottages with verandas (and, we hasten to add, with modern plumbing, solar-powered hot water and contemporary furnishings).
You will enjoy your stay in a cozy hut, tucked away between fruit trees, herb beds and 50 year-old timbers from the arborarium. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, badminton, billiards at the Woodhouse Bar, tennis, and Ayurveda treatments, plus a yoga and meditation center.
In the late afternoon, we Visit a Spice Plantation. Wear closed-toe shoes as it feels like a jungle walk. Spices growing here include vanilla, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and mace, surrounded by coconut palms, bananas and jackfruit. The aroma is incredible! Dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 7 - 22 Feb (Monday) – In Periyar
Afterwards we return to the hotel for breakfast. Optional Activity: A popular, and truly unforgettable activity, is a morning spent with the Elephants inside Periyar National Park. You can choose from one or all of the following
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Cost: $15 per person per each 30 minutes In the late afternoon/early evening, we will have a cooking demonstration with the hotel Chef who will teach us how to cook any of the dishes that you have liked from the menu. Afterwards, dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 8 - 23 Feb. (Tuesday) Depart Periyar for Kumarakom In the morning we leave for Kumarakom (140 km – 4 hrs). En route, we will break up the drive to Visit a Rubber Plantation.
HOTEL: Coconut Lagoon The architecture of Kerala is born of simplicity, emerging from nature and natural materials. It is this that makes it quite different from the grand opulence seen elsewhere in India. Since stone is scarce, mixed styles are dominant, with wood, timber, clay and palm leaves playing an important part. The Coconut Lagoon Hotel draws its inspiration from many of these traditional dwellings, like the traditional “Therawads” or feudal homes of Malabar.
This evening we will enjoy a traditional Martial Arts Show in the gardens of the hotel. Dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 9 - 24 Feb (Wednesday) - Kumarakom Optional Activity:Rise before dawn to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Spread across 14 acres, it is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds, like the Siberian stork that lives there in flocks, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. Afterwards, you return to the hotel for breakfast. Cost: $15 per person.
A Kettuvallam is built from the wood of the jackfruit tree. The boats are made from tying together numerous coil ropes. A waterproof coating, made from boiled cashew nut shells, is applied to protect it in the water. Interestingly, not a single nail is used to build the boat! Kettuvallams have been artistically converted into luxury houseboats and give a unique glimpse of this backwater world. During our cruise we will stop to visit and See the Coil Making Industry and the Village Life on the banks of the backwaters. Upon our return to the hotel, the rest of day is at leisure.
Optional Evening Activity: Experience and enjoy the gentle, yet deep healing of an Ayurvedic massage in its authentic form at the hotel’s Ayurvedic center. Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing, combines medicine, therapy and massage to produce wellness in the mind, body and spirit without the slightest side effects. Cost: range of $25 - $70 per treatment. Day 10 - 25 Feb (Thursday) – Depart Kumarakom for Cochin and Delhi After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we will check-out and drive to the Cochin airport (1.5 hrs approximately) for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi just after 6:00 pm, we will transfer to our hotel. HOTEL: Hyatt Regency Delhi Dinner is at leisure. (B, L) Day 11 - 26 Feb (Friday) – Arrive Home If you are returning to the states early this morning, you will arrive back at Newark at 12:40 pm eastern time on this same day. (Meal service on the plane) End of our main WOW tour. Safe home if you are leaving us. Extension to the Taj Mahal: Agra - UdaipurDay 11 - 26 Feb (Friday) –Depart Delhi for Agra Rise at your leisure and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Plan to pack a separate bag for Agra and travel lightly since we will be back here tomorrow night. When we check-out of the hotel, our ground agent will see that our bags are safely stored until we return. This morning we drive to Agra (220 km, 4 hr).
This afternoon we will visit Agra Fort. The foundation was laid by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and continued till the time of Shah Jahan. It is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort was the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. See first Taj Mahal Sunset – The Taj is closed on Fridays. The hotel is very close to the Fort so if anyone is wishing to go back, we will get you there. From the Fort’s vantage point, you can see the sunset on the Taj. Even from a distance, it will be mesmerizing. At 5:00 pm, those who want to go on the “photo op” will be taken to a photo-taking point outside of the monument, across the river. The view is good, however, the surrounding area is not well-kept (no manicured gardens or seating, etc) but we will be safe and our guide will be with us. There is no entrance fee here – only some small expenses to local people to open a gate for a better view. You will not be rushed to leave. Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a wonderful show called Mohabbat-the-Taj. The first of its kind in Agra, the show depicts the engrossing love saga of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, and his devotion to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This is the story that lead to the building of the magnificent Taj Mahal, a symbol of their love. The hour and a half dance/drama combines the wonders of technology with the beauty of classical dancing. Artists in traditional Mughal attire give an awe inspiring performance that virtually transports the audience into the center of the Emperor’s love story and of the days in the Mughal courts. Cost is $25 per person. Dinner is at leisure. (B) Hotel: THE TRIDENT – AGRA Day 12 - 27 Feb (Saturday) – Agra
Saturday at the Taj (option to see Taj sunrise AND sunset) – As originally planned, we will visit the monument to experience it at sunrise. In additional to Shagun, we will also have a local historical guide on the site for the sunrise visit. This allows us to divide up and take in as much as desired. Note that there is no food service allowed inside the monument. For those just visiting for sunrise, we will return to hotel for breakfast. The rest can stay all day with Shagun. Optional Activities: Afternoon Visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah - To the north of the fort, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna lies Itmad-ud-Daulah, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Jehangir’s wazir. Also known as the ‘baby Taj’, it was the first Mughal structure totally built from marble and first to make extensive use of pietra dura. It was a pre-runner to the Taj Mahal. OR Shopping at Kinari Bazaar – Visit to the local markets of Agra for excellent jewelry shopping (among many other bargains) and see the zardozi (embroidery) work. Our schedule for this evening’s departure following sunset at the Taj Mahal: 7:30 pm: Transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi. HOTEL: HYATT REGENCY DELHI Day 13 - 28 Feb (Sunday) – Depart Delhi for Udaipur Following an early breakfast at hotel, we will depart for our flight to Udaipur.
For lunch on your own, we suggest the Sunset View Terrace or poolside at the Shiv Niwas Palace. HOTEL: THE TRIDENT – UDAIPUR Afternoon Optional Activity: Visit one of the many miniature painting schools famous in Udaipur.
Dinner is at leisure. (B) Day 14 - 01 Mar (Monday) – Depart Udaipur for Delhi Breakfast is at leisure. You are free for your last morning in India, perhaps to shop for last minute souvenirs (the city is famous for its miniature paintings on silk or paper, its antique sculpture and gems of all kinds). Or relax and enjoy the beautiful hotel with its landscaped gardens and pool. We will also offer the following included tours: Morning Walking Tour: We will explore the Old City of Udaipur, starting at the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, and located within easy walking distance from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside. The old city is lined with heritage mansions, art shops and boutiques, and leads up to the old Bathing Ghats that fringe the banks of the Lake Pichola. Optional: Early Lunch at the Lal Bagh restaurant or at the Shiv Niwas Palace pools side. In the early afternoon, we will drive to the Udaipur Airport to board our flight which departs at 3:30 pm. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will be met and escorted to the Radisson Hotel, very close to the airport. We do not check-in as this is a short evening before our departure flight back to the USA. We will have about 2 hours to relax before dinner. Several hotel guest rooms will be set aside for our use. Your luggage will stay locked on the bus until your return to the airport. Plan to have easy access to a small bag with just the necessities needed to freshen up for dinner. Dinner will be held at 8:00 pm at the Indian specialty restaurant in the hotel, the Great Kebab Factory. (B, D) Day 15 - 02 Mar (Tueday) – Delhi to Newark Just after midnight on Monday, we will transfer to Delhi International Airport for our flight home. Included in the Program – Extension Tour INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Selected Hotels
Flight and Train Schedules:
Notes: (1) Jet Airways offers JFK departures on the same schedule as Newark; however you will change planes in Brussels to join the Newark plane; (2) Schedules for the internal India flights is subject to change. |
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*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy. To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form. The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
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another memorable program. We hope you can join us.
Shagun Mohan, a superb tour guide and escort extraordinaire from our 2007 tour, will meet us at the airport with a special welcome. She and her team will ensure a swift transfer to the hotel via air-conditioned deluxe coach and will have us quickly checked into the hotel and off to bed.
MUMBAI,
Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a morning Heritage City Tour of Mumbai, including a visit to see British Raj buildings, see the “Dabbawallas” at Churchgate Station, Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhavan – Gandhi’s museum.
Dhobi Ghat or washerman’s place has to be seen to be believed. Every day before sunrise, the work of cleaning, washing, anddrying of clothes (brought from all over the city) starts, and is carried on until early evening. The entire process is done by hand, and . . . by men! Wait until you see the sight 5,000 men, working amidst a sea of clothes waving in the cool breeze.
COCHIN: Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is believed to be the finest natural harbor in the world, and a ferry ride confirms it with one breathtaking view after another. Not to be outdone, its backwaters and beaches are exceptionally beautiful as well. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India, recording a long history of visitors who stayed for hundreds of years. Multiple influences - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese - have left their mark on the city and its environs. Cochin is also the business capital of Kerala. 
Amenities include Armoury Bar, where tea and cocktails are served, and the harbor view is intoxicating. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a billiards room, and an authentic Ayurveda spa.
The Dutch Palace of Kochi is more popularly known as Mattancherry Palace. The palace was constructed by the Portuguese and presented to the Rajah of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. The later Rajahs of Kerala made subsequent renovations to the palace, giving it a Hindu texture. In fact, it has become one of the best testimonies of Hindu Temple Art. 
depicts Krishna making love to all of eight “gopis” simultaneously! The Palace museum exhibits a rich collection of regal memorabilia including costumes, palanquins, turbans and weaponry from the days of the Cochin rajas.
Very early this morning, we will take a Boat Ride on Lake Periyar. This splendid artificial lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River, adds to the charm of the park. A wonderful palace that is located in the heart of the lake draws a lot of visitors. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close range from the safety of a boat on the lake.
KUMARAKOM:
At noon, we depart for a Day Cruise with lunch on a house boat – the perfect way to enjoy the backwater world of Kerala. This memorable trip is taken on a traditional houseboat called a “Kettuvallam.”
AGRA: On the right bank of the river Yamuna, Agra reigns over a glorious past created by warriors as skilled in art and architecture as they were on the battlefield. The city’s historical origins before the Mughal conquest are dim, so it’s considered to have been founded by the Mughal Emperor, Babur. To the lover of art and to the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is the goal of a pilgrimage, its shrines being the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
The quintessential way to see the Taj Mahal is at sunrise. We will arrive early to visit this seventh wonder of world, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Magnificently set by the banks of the river Yamuna, the “Taj” has been called the most extravagant monument ever built as a tribute to love. It took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum.
Directly from the airport we will visit the magnificent City Palace, an assemblage of not one, but four separate palaces. Covering four acres of land and built by different rulers spanning nearly 300 years, City Palace exceeds all other palaces for colossal grandeur. Considered a majestic architectural marvel, it towers over a lake on a hill, and is surrounded by crenulated walls with courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main part of the Palace is now a museum. See the Mor Chowk for the gorgeous peacock mosaics, the Chini Chitrashala for the striking blue and white ceramics, the Dutch inlaid tile work, the Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain figures, and the Krishna Vilas for miniature painting. We will visit the Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor), a small ornamental garden with fountains that was once the site for royal picnics, and we will see the impressive Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden). Included in our tour is a drive around the City Lakes – the Pichola, Fatehsagar, Doodh Talai and Swaroopsagar – and the scenery is just beautiful. 
Later in the day, we will enjoy a Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola with a stop to visit the legendary Jagmandir Island Palace. Set in the middle of lake, it commands a magnificent view of the City Palace, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Fort. The Fort is on its own island, and it is where Prince Khurram (later the Emperor Shah Jehan) was given refuge in the 17th century.