India and the Himalayas Tours

Sri Lanka
Among the world’s first Buddhist kingdoms, the island of Sri Lanka offers wonders far exceeding its small size. As we visit this mystical place, we will have a glimpse of life under kings who created sophisticated irrigation systems, built magnificent temples and huge dagobas, carved 40-foot-tall Buddhas and one who chose to build his royal residence, gardens and pools on the top of a 600-foot rock outcropping. Our journey will take us to six World Heritage Sites, as well as wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, hill stations and monasteries. Colorful rituals and festivals occurring during our visit will add to our understanding of Sri Lankan culture and history.

Dec. 30, 2012 -

Jan. 15, 2013

Led by Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne
University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka

17 DAYS

Gujarat India

Our tour to India’s westernmost state visits some of its most beautiful and least visited monuments. We will be introduced to the ancient Indus Valley civilization at Lothal and Dholavira and the modern city of Ahmedabad, renowned for its textiles, museums and traditional step-wells. We will climb to the 863 magnificent marble Jain temples at Palitana and visit one of the four most holy Hindu shrines at Dwarka, as well as the Mughal palaces and pavilions scattered throughout the region. There will be evenings of traditional music and dance, and a relaxing break at the Sasan-Gir Lion Sanctuary. The tour ends in Kutch, the most remote and charming area of Gujarat. We will explore the colorful villages of the Rann of Kutch and the narrow alleys, old palaces and exotic bazaars of the walled city of Bhuj.

Dec. 30, 2012 -
Jan. 18, 2013

Led by Professor Jonathan Mark Kenoyer
University of Wisconsin

19 DAYS

Northern India

This amazing tour takes us to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explores important sites relating to the 4 major religions of India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Jainism. We will travel from the palaces and fortresses of the wonderful Rajasthani cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur, and the breathtaking Taj Mahal, to the sacred ghats and temples in Varanasi, India’s holiest Hindu city. Additional highlights of this special tour include visits to the lovely Hindu temples in Khajuraho, renowned for their voluptuous sculptures, the magnificent Buddhist temples spanning the whole range of Indian Buddhist art at Sanchi as well as the wonderful museums and Neolithic cave paintings near Bhopal. Our experience will be enhanced by several classical music and dance performances as well as deluxe accommodations in many palace hotels including the famous Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur.

February 23 – March 14, 2013

Led by Professor J. Daniel White
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

20 DAYS