M. GLEN JOHNSON

Dr. M. Glen Johnson is professor emeritus of political science at Vassar College. Professor Johnson has been a Fulbright scholar in India twice, and had an appointment as Director of the American Studies Research Centre in Hyderabad from 1990 to 1993. From Hyderabad, he worked closely with universities throughout India, and several other parts of Asia, as well as with a number of umbrella organizations in New Delhi. He is the author of several books and a number of articles on U.S. foreign policy, international human rights, the foreign policy of India and ex-untouchables in India.

Glen will accompany the October 29, 2005 departure.

KARINE SCHOMER

Karine Schomer holds a Ph.D. in South Asian languages and civilization from the University of Chicago and is a former professor of South Asian studies at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been involved with India for over 30 years, and is fluent in Hindi. Dr. Schomer is the author of a number of books and articles about Indian history, language, culture, music, folklore, and religion. She is particularly knowledgeable about Rajasthan and was editor-in-chief of The Idea of Rajasthan: Explorations in Regional Identity. Currently president and India practice leader of a cross-cultural management consulting firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has led a number of cultural study and photographic tours to India.

Karine will accompany the November 3, 2005 and March 1, 2006 departures.

ILAY COOPER

British author Ilay Cooper has written four books about India with an emphasis on Rajasthan. Since first visiting Rajasthan in 1972, Ilay has lived in India some ten years, traveling throughout the country conducting research for his books. Ilay, who speaks Hindustani and has an in-depth understanding of the way of life and customs of this fascinating region, has a particular expertise in the arts, crafts, and architecture of India, as well as a great interest in the wildlife, especially the birds and mammals.

Ilay will accompany the March 5, 2006 departure.

DORANNE JACOBSON

Anthropologist Doranne Jacobson is a researcher and widely-published photographer specializing in South Asian studies. She holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and has conducted extensive research on social change and gender roles in India. Fluent in Hindi, she has published numerous books and articles, including the book India: Land of Dreams and Fantasy and a National Geographic magazine article on village life in India.

Doranne will accompany the October 19, 2006 departure.

Days 1 and 2 New York/Delhi, India
Depart New York for Delhi. The next evening, arrive in Delhi and transfer to the five-star Hotel Oberoi New Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi
Visit the world-class National Crafts Museum, with its magnificent collection from all over India, and observe craftsmen working on-site. Stop at Humayun’s tomb, an early example of Mogul architecture. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 Old and New Delhi
Begin the day with a visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Explore Old Delhi, including the colorful bazaar of Chandni Chowk; and Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Drive through New Delhi, the capital created by the British. Visit Qutub Minar tower and the remains of a medieval university at Hauz Khas.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 Delhi/Agra
Travel to Agra, a Mogul capital during the 16th and 17th centuries. On arrival in Agra, join an optional visit through the Agra market and check in at the deluxe Amarvilas, built just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, with all rooms overlooking this extraordinary site. End the day with a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love.
Amarvilas (B,L,D)

Day 6 Agra
Return to the Taj Mahal for a sunrise visit; then explore Agra Fort, a testimony to the skills of 16th-century architects and artists; and visit a Hindu temple.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 Agra/Bharatpur
Depart Agra and visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted imperial capital of Emperor Akbar and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Bharatpur and meet local artisans in the market. This evening, enjoy a private music and dance performance as guests of the region’s princely family.
The Bagh (B,L,D)

Day 8 Bharatpur
Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and bird reserve. Travel by rickshaw through wetlands to look for birds and wildlife, including spoonbills, Dalmatian pelicans, and several species of cranes. This afternoon, visit Deeg, once the capital of the Jat kings of Bharatpur. Explore the "water palace," a favorite summer retreat of the kings.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 Bharatpur/Jaipur
After a morning at leisure, drive to Jaipur and embark the Palace on Wheels for an evening ride through the countryside.
(B,L,D)

Day 10 Jaisalmer
The medieval city of Jaisalmer rises like a jewel from the sands of India’s great Thar Desert. Explore Jaisalmer’s exquisitely carved havelis (mansions) and palaces. This evening, venture into the desert on a camel safari followed by a special dinner.
(B,L,D)

Day 11 Jodhpur
Dominating the city of Jodhpur is the massive Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459. Explore the fort complex and the handsome royal palaces within its walls, each containing collections of priceless jewels and armor. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, and then reboard the train.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 Ranthambhore National Park/Chittaurgarh
Travel to the town of Sawai Madhopur, home of Ranthambhore National Park and Tiger Reserve. Go on a morning game drive where leopards, langurs, monkeys, wild boars, spotted deer, nilgai, sloth bears, chinkaras, and tigers may be seen. Later, reboard the train to Chittaurgarh. On arrival, explore the city’s gigantic fort, which conjures up images of love and valor, and displays the scars of battles.
(B,L,D)

Day 13 Chittaurgarh/Udaipur
Disembark the train in Chittaurgarh and drive to Udaipur, a city surrounded by three beautiful lakes and the Aravalli mountain range, and made up of narrow, winding streets; ivory-colored mansions; and colorful temples. Tour Udaipur’s City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Visit the recently restored ladies’ quarters, and admire the extensive crystal collection in Durbar Hall. Later, sail to the middle of Lake Pichola and the fairy-tale Lake Palace Hotel.
(B,L,D)

Day 14 Udaipur/Jaipur (Elephant Festival)
Fly to Jaipur and enjoy the colorful events of the Elephant Festival, including a procession of these magnificent animals lovingly painted and attired in glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets, and games such as elephant polo and elephant tug-of-war.
Rambagh Palace Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 15 Jaipur (Holi Festival)
Ride on elephants to the magnificent fort of Amber, for centuries a center of power. Visit the City Palace, the 18th-century observatory, and the elaborately carved facade of the Palace of the Winds. This afternoon, observe the final rites of Holi, in which people toss colored powder and water over each other in an ancient celebration of spring. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner this evening.
(B,L,D)

Days 16 and 17 Jaipur/Delhi/New York
Drive to Delhi and relax in day rooms and have dinner before departing for the airport. Arrive in New York the next day.
(B,L,D)

The Palace on Wheels, built in 1995, was modeled after the personal railway coaches of India's former princely rulers. Each coach, decorated in colors reminiscent of former Rajput states, is fully carpeted and air-conditioned and is outfitted with specially crafted furniture. Sleeping compartments have two twin beds or one double bed and private facilities. There is a beautiful lounge car with a well-equipped bar and library, and two restaurants that serve excellent Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine.

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