Incredible India — A Learning Adventure  
Greetings,  Rajasthan, India
"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."
-Henry Miller During the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure to travel to India on many occasions - twice leading WTAMU student groups and three times leading terrific groups of individuals in our community. I’m eager to return to India and share the incredible experience with curious and enthusiastic fellow travelers. The Office of Continuing Education at West Texas A&M University is offering the community an exciting opportunity to study and travel through a noncredit course entitled: Incredible India, Nepal and Bhutan - A Learning Adventure. During the fall, participants will meet on four occasions at our WTAMU Amarillo Center located in the Chase Tower to discuss important aspects of our adventure including religion, culture, history, art, and architecture. Participants will be encouraged to read recommended books which we will discuss at our meetings in preparation for our travels. The adventure continues in New Delhi, India, on February 24, 2012 (requiring your departure from the USA on February 23, 2012). The 2012 adventure is composed of two segments: - The first segment Incredible India (February 24-March 10: 16 nights) begins in New Delhi and continues to the most exotic destinations in India – Agra, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Samode, and the holy city of Varanasi. The first segment ends with the option of returning to New Delhi for onward journey to the USA arriving on March 11 … or continuing with the second segment of the adventure.
- The second segment of the journey Incredible Nepal and Bhutan (March 11–March 18: 7 nights) continues to Kathmandu, Nepal, and the Kingdom of Bhutan – the last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas known as the Kingdom in the Clouds. Travelers return to the USA arriving on March 18.
In addition to the expert local guides that we will employ along the way, I will shepherd you on each step of the journey and serve as your host and captain. The weather will be delightful – cool at night and spring-like during the day. The complete itineraries are outlined below. Our adventure is a “5-Star” experience. We will enjoy the top hotels in the world including two royal palaces and luxury tents in the Great Indian Desert. Most hotels offer outstanding spa facilities. Ground transportation will be by private, air conditioned motor coach. The adventure will include a number of experiences not usually included in the typical tourist itinerary – experiences designed to enhance your learning and your enjoyment. Some of these experiences are not readily available to western tourists. For example, while in the quaint village of Samode, we will volunteer in the local village school assisting students who are learning English. In the holy city of Varanasi, we will spend an afternoon assisting at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute. You will not soon forget these life changing experiences. And we will celebrate the joyous festival of Holi during our visit to Varanasi! Throughout the itinerary, I will make every effort to accommodate any specific interests that you have that are not already included. Although many opportunities for personal shopping will present themselves, the focus of the adventure is not shopping. The pace of the trip and the itinerary are designed for your pleasure and comfort. The size of the group is strictly limited to no more than 12 travelers.  Rajasthan - the largest state in the
Republic of India Each segment of the adventure is priced separately as follows: Incredible India: February 24-March 10: The per person cost of the adventure is $5,800, excluding international airfare (to India from USA/from India to USA). The cost includes lodging (double occupancy), daily breakfast, ground transportation, English-speaking guides, admission to all listed sites, domestic airfare, and the WTAMU Continuing Education registration fee. Single occupancy accommodations are available for an additional charge of $3,030. (You might be interested to note that a similar itinerary currently offered by National Geographic but with 4 less nights and lower level of accommodation is $7,160.) [Please note: As domestic airfare in India cannot be purchased until each passenger is identified, it is possible that the cost of the domestic airfare could increase slightly. Currently, it is $400 per person (included in the above per person cost). In the event the domestic airfare increases prior to ticketing (although I’ve never had this happen), each traveler will be responsible for paying the increase.] Incredible Nepal and Bhutan: March 10-March 18: The per person cost of the adventure is $4,200, excluding international airfare (to India from USA/from India to USA – same airfare as in segment one above). The cost includes lodging (double occupancy), daily breakfast, ground transportation, English-speaking guides, admission to all listed sites, domestic airfare, and the WTAMU Continuing Education registration fee. Single occupancy accommodations are available for an additional charge of $1,435. [Please note: As domestic airfare in Nepal and Bhutan cannot be purchased until each passenger is identified, it is possible that the cost of the domestic airfare could increase slightly. Currently, it is $700 per person (included in the above per person cost). In the event the domestic airfare increases prior to ticketing (although I’ve never had this happen), each traveler will be responsible for paying the increase.] We have learned that it is difficult to arrange international airfare for community participants. Some wish to utilize airline miles and awards; most have specific seating and other preferences. As a result, we request that you arrange your international airfare from your home to and from India. Travelers often coordinate travel schedules to facilitate travel together. The per person cost does not include lunches and dinners, gratuities, personal shopping expenditures, spa, or the cost of your US passport nor Indian and Nepalese visas. A nonrefundable deposit of $1,500 per person is required on or before September 1, 2012. The remaining balance is due on or before November 1. The cost may be paid by credit card or personal check payable to WTAMU. I will be pleased to visit with you in detail concerning the adventure. Likewise, I’ll be pleased to provide you the names of individuals who participated in previous opportunities. I hope that you will consider joining us on this exciting journey to Incredible India, Nepal and Bhutan. To reserve your place on the adventure, please telephone me at 806-651-2603 or email me at ehenderson@wtamu.edu. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please feel free to share this information with your friends and associates. Thank you for your support of West Texas A&M University. 
Best regards and Namaste! Eddie W. Henderson
Professor and Dean Playing Holi in Varanasi, India - 2009
Thursday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.* – WTAMU Amarillo Center* Informational Meeting – Review Itinerary and Logistics Related to Travel Thursday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.* - WTAMU Amarillo Center* Overview and Travel Orientation Discussion of India (Fourth Edition) by Stanley Wolpert Thursday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.* – Amarillo Museum of Art (AC Campus)* Religions of India with emphasis on Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam Discussion of Meeting God by Stephen Huyler and
Darshan: Seeking the Divine Image in India by Diana L. Eck Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.* - WTAMU Amarillo Center* Social Issues in India and Travel Orientation Discussion of May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumillier [For those who may be repeating the course, an alternative book will be recommended.] *A light lunch will be provided at cost. Back to Top “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain 3 February 2012 – Depart USA (International travel to be arranged by participant).
24 Feb 2012 New Delhi, India – Welcome at Indira Ghandi International Airport and transfer to the Claridge’s Hotel (www.claridges.com); overnight at the Claridge’s.
25 Feb 2012 New Delhi - Morning at leisure. Welcome Lunch at “Dhaba” in the Claridge’s Hotel (lunch on direct payment basis). Afternoon tour of Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India followed by an unforgettable cycle rickshaw shopping tour through the market streets of Old Delhi; witness the evening worship at the Laxminarayan Temple – a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu; overnight at the hotel.  The Jama Masjid - Old Delhi 26 Feb 2012 New Delhi - Morning tour of New Delhi visiting Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199 and Humayun's Tomb; dinner at The Spice Route in the Imperial Hotel (consistently rated one of the top restaurants in the world)(dinner on direct payment basis); overnight at the Taj Palace.
27 Feb 2012 Jaisalmer - Flight to Jaisalmer-the “Golden City” of Rajasthan - deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. On arrival check in to Suragarh Hotel (www.suryagarh.com).  Jaisalmer - The Golden City of Rajasthan
28 Feb 2012 Jaisalmer - Morning half day sightseeing tour to visit this city of gilded magic. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal and where a fourth of the population lives and Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries followed by a tour of the famous havelis (mansions) of Jailsalmer. Afternoon visit the remote village of Khuri – a fascinating village where the mud huts are painted with fabulous designs.
29 Feb 2012 Osian - Leave Jaisalmer by surface to Osian and a luxury tented camp. Overnight in Thar Desert – the Great Indian Desert.
 Jodhpur -The Blue City of Rajasthan 1 March 2012 Jodphur - Morning leave by surface for Jodhpur-The Blue City of Rajasthan. On arrival check into Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (you’ll never forget this hotel) ( www.tajhotels.com); overnight at the Palace.
2 March 2012 Jodhpur - Morning half day tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a sandstone hilltop, including Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble memorium built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Afternoon free for independent activities. Overnight at the Palace. 3 March 2012 Samode - Morning leave by surface for the village of Samode. On arrival check into the Samode Palace ( www.samode.com); afternoon visit areas in and around Samode; evening private dinner in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors (dinner on direct payment basis). Overnight at the Palace. 4 March 2012 Samode – Morning Camel Ride in the village of Samode. In the afternoon, we will volunteer in the village school assisting young children in improving English Language Skills. Overnight at the Palace. 5 March 2012 Agra -Morning leave by surface for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri built by Moghul Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years; visit the Jama Masjid including the tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Moghul palaces. On arrival check into Hotel Oberoi Amar Vilas (consistently rated as the top hotel in Asia) ( www.oberoihotels.com). 6 March 2012 Agra -City sightseeing tour of Agra including visiting the Itmad-ud-Daulah built between 1622–28 by empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father, visiting the Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her remains; visit to the Agra Fort containing the halls of private and public audience and other palaces. 7 March 2012 Varanasi -On time transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi–the holiest city in India located on the banks of the Ganges River. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. 8 March 2012 Varanasi – Morning at Leisure as today is the festival of Holi – a joyful celebration of spring - how lucky you are to be in northern India on this most festive of days – join me in the street for “playing Holi”. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century A.D.; visit the Ruins, the Stupa, the Buddhist Temple and the Museum. Sunset boat ride on the Ganges. Evening witness the Ganga Aati at Dasaswamedh Ghat. 9 March 2012 Varanasi - Early morning boat excursion on the holy River Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathing and worshipping at the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Visit Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute. At the Home, we will participate in afternoon activities with the residents.
10 March 2012 – The adventure continues with two options: - Option One - Those wishing to conclude their adventure will fly to New Delhi. On arrival, check-in to Radisson Hotel for afternoon with late evening/early morning on-time departure to the USA. Arrival in USA on 11 March.
- Option Two - Those wishing to continue their adventure will have the option of flying on to Kathmandua and the Kingdom of Bhutan. On time transfer to airport to connect flight to Kathmandu. On Arrival check in to Hotel Dwarika (www.Dwarikas.com).
11 March 2012 Kathmandu - Morning half day city tour visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, theancient Royal Residential Quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl-Holy Place for the Buddhists and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Afternoon half day excursion to Patan visiting the Old Newar City, the Historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the Sky Piercing Temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples, old carved windows and balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. On return , visit Swayambhunath, the 2500 years old Buddhist Temple
Morning full day excursion to Bhadgaon - a newar city of 9th century. Visit the ancient Gateway, Durbar Square, Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, Temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style and other temples. Later, visit Bodhnath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa; a holy place for Tibetian Buddhists. Visit Pashupatinath Temple with its erotic wooden carvings. 12 March 2012 Kathmandu – Optional flight (direct payment basis) over Mt. Everest followed by excursion to Bhadgaon - a newar city of 9th century. Visit the ancient Gateway, Durbar Square, Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, Temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style and other temples. Later, visit Bodhnath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa; a holy place for Tibetian Buddhists. Visit Pashupatinath Temple with its erotic wooden carvings.
13 March 2012 Kathmandu and Bhutan - The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan.
After lunch, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity.
Then visit to Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
14 March 2010 Bhutan - After breakfast, excursion to Tango Goemba. This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.
Afternoon, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
15 March 2012 Bhutan -After breakfast, drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum . The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
16 March 2010 Bhutan -After breakfast, take a beautiful hike to famous Taktsang Monastery. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Later in the evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
17 March 2012 Bhutan -On time transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel Radisson Later transfer to airport to connect flight to onward destination arriving USA on 18 March, 2012. And along the trail … we’ll take in a Bollywood movie, eat too much delicious food, shop ‘til you drop, meet colorful characters you will never forget and enjoy a lot of laughs! ___________________________ A closing comment – our adventure is designed to provide you with unforgettable opportunities to engage with the people of India, Nepal and Bhutan (some of the most hospitable and friendly in the world) and experience the customs of the subcontinent (the most fascinating you’ll ever encounter - anywhere). The author James A. Michener gave good advice when he warned, “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people,
you might better stay at home!” | |
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