Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

8
X A NCIENT K INGDOMS & G LORIOUS T EMPLES X Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan October 1 to 17, 2015 THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

description

Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan October 1 to 17, 2015

Transcript of Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

Page 1: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

X ANCIENT KINGDOMS & GLORIOUS TEMPLES X Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan

October 1 to 17, 2015

T H E M E T R O P O L I T A N M U S E U M O F A R T

Page 2: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,

From the remarkable Hindu temples in the Valley of Kashmir to Amritsar’s shimmering Golden Temple, sacred to the Sikhs, Northwest India is home to many treasures. Next October, we invite you on a Met Adventures trip to explore the art and architecture of the less-visited regions of Kashmir and Punjab. We will also discover Hindu and Jain temples in Osian and Ranakpur.

We are delighted that Kurt Behrendt, Associate Curator in the Department of Asian Art, will be leading this program. As curator of the recent exhibition, Tibet and India: Buddhist Traditions and Transformations, Dr. Behrendt is especially interested in the interplay of the many cultures and creeds that have called India home.

TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTSX Three nights in Srinagar, to visit the remarkable Hindu temples in the Valley of Kashmir,

dine aboard a houseboat on serene Lake Dal, and visit the home of a local female entrepreneur and activist

X A ceremony at Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the spiritual center of the Sikh religion

X An excursion to the ancient trading center of Osian, with its Hindu and Jain temples

X An afternoon in Ranakpur, site of a beautiful Jain temple with over a thousand intricately carved marble pillars

X A visit to Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier as India’s first planned city

X Two nights in Udaipur, known for its fairytale palaces, peaceful lakes and unique temples

For those wishing to experience the wealth and power of the Mughal Dynasty, an optional postlude is offered in Agra that includes a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

We hope you will join us on this extraordinary adventure.

Sincerely,

Emily K. RaffertyPresident

Delhi

Srinagar

Amritsar

Chandigarh

Jodhpur

Mount AbuUdaipur

Bay of BengalArabian Sea

SRILANKA

AFGHANISTAN

PAKISTANCHINA

MYANMAR

BANGLADESH

BHUTAN

NEPAL

INDIA

T H E M E T R O P O L I T A N M U S E U M O F A R T

TRAVEL ING WITH YOUKurt Behrendt is Associate Curator in the Department of Asian Art at The Metro politan Museum of Art. He holds a Ph.D. in Indian Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles, where his dissertation on Gandhara—the ancient Bud dhist kingdom that encompassed parts of present-day

Pakistan and Afghanistan—became the basis of his first book, The Buddhist Architecture of Gandhara. Since that time, Dr. Behrendt has edited and published several volumes on Gandhara; his current research focuses on the Buddhist art and archaeology of north India, Nepal, and Tibet in the 11th and 12th centuries. He has recently curated the exhibition, Sacred Traditions of the Himalayas, which opened at the Met in December 2014. X

Page 3: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

X ANCIENT KINGDOMS & GLORIOUS TEMPLES X

Kashmir, Punjab & RajasthanOctober 1 to 17, 2015

NEW YORKThursday, October 1

Depart New York on an overnight flight to Delhi.

DELHI, INDIAFriday, October 2

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Trident Gurgaon Hotel for one night.

DELHI X SRINAGARSaturday, October 3

This morning fly to enchanting Srinagar, where we will be welcomed with Kashmir’s traditional kahwa tea upon arrival at the charming Lalit Grand Palace. Following lunch and check-in, walk in the lovely Mughal Gardens at Shalimar Bagh and Pari Mahal, with their terraces and chinar trees. Of the hundreds of gardens that once existed in the valley, only a few now survive. Gather in the evening for a drink in peaceful garden surroundings before our welcome dinner.

SRINAGARSunday, October 4

Depart on a full day excursion to visit some of the remarkable Hindu temples in the Valley of Kashmir. The 8th-century Surya temple at Martand was dedicated to the Sun God, and its ruins remain one of the most important archaeological sites in India. After lunch, continue to Avantipur, founded by King Avantivarman in the 9th century. Its two temples to Shiva and Vishnu feature sculpted reliefs and carved columns that show a Greek influence. En route back to Srinagar, stop at Pandrethan to see a small Shiva temple distinctive for its well-preserved roof, made from a single piece of stone. Tonight enjoy folk music and dance during dinner aboard a traditional houseboat.

SRINAGARMonday, October 5

Start the day with an optional walk in the hills surrounding the city. Then explore Srinagar’s Old Town, where we will see the six-hundred-year-old Grand Mosque, sample freshly baked breads, and admire manuscripts, papier maché objects, Kashmiri textiles, and weaponry at the Sri Pratap Singh Museum. Following lunch at a lovely traditional house, meet with a journalist to discuss current events before we are invited for tea at the home of a female entrepreneur and activist. Dinner is at leisure.

SRINAGAR X AMRITSARTuesday, October 6

After an early cruise to experience the floating vegetable market on Lake Dal, the remainder of the morning is free, perhaps to walk in the botanical gardens or browse in the shops specializing in metal work, pashminas, or woodcarving. An afternoon flight takes us to Amritsar in Punjab, where we check in at the Hyatt Hotel. After dinner, witness an evening ceremony at the Golden Temple, the spiritual center of the Sikh religion. Situated on a man-made lake, the temple and its shimmering reflection are a breathtaking sight.

Fountains in the Shalimar Bagh Gardens, Srinagar

X� �A N C I E N T K I N G D O M S & G L O R I O U S T E M P L E S X

Page 4: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

AMRITSARWednesday, October 7

Stroll in the Jallianwala Bagh garden and return to see the bustling daily activity at the Golden Temple complex. Those who wish may partake of the simple lunch prepared in the community kitchen. This afternoon visit the local market before viewing the impressive changing of the guard at the India-Pakistani border. Return to the hotel for dinner.

AMRITSAR X CHANDIGARHThursday, October 8

Drive through the countryside to Chandigarh, with lunch en route. The first planned city in India after the country won its independence in 1947, Chandigarh is best known for its architecture and urban planning. Check in at the Marriott Hotel in time for dinner.

CHANDIGARHFriday, October 9

Our tour of Chandigarh includes a special visit to the Haryana Legislative Assembly building designed by Le Corbusier. We will also see the Open Hand Monument, one of his best-known motifs and a symbol of peace, and the unique Rock Garden sculpture park. At the Chandigarh Museum, view the fine collection of sculptures from the ancient Buddhist border kingdom of Gandhara, as well as Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings. A lively performance of bhangra music precedes dinner.

CHANDIGARH X JODHPURSaturday, October 10

This morning fly via Delhi to Jodhpur, the ancient capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Arrive at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, a former royal residence, where we will stay for two nights. This afternoon search for aromatic spices in the Sadar Bazaar and explore Mehrangarh Fort, once the residence of the maharajahs, and today a museum of paintings, weapons, and howdahs (seats used for riding elephants). Dine together this evening.

JODHPURSunday, October 11

Two options will be offered today. Depart on a full-day excursion to Osian, an ancient trading center known for its Hindu and Jain temples dating from the 8th-11th centuries. Although most of the shrines are now in ruins, it remains a pilgrimage site for the Jains. Alternatively, meet with residents of a Bishnoi village outside of Jodhpur this morning. Members of this community worship nature and practice conservation techniques in order to live in harmony with the environment. We will also have the opportunity for a camel ride in the desert. Dinner is at the hotel.

JODHPUR X MOUNT ABUMonday, October 12

Drive past striking landscapes to Ranakpur, arriving in time for lunch. Then see the most beautiful Jain temple in India, built in the 15th century of white marble, with 1,444 pillars, of which no two are alike. Continue to the hill station of Mount Abu and the Palace Hotel, the former summer residence of the royal family of Bikaner. Dinner is at the hotel.

MOUNT ABUTuesday, October 13

Today visit the spectacular Dilwara Temples, Jain monuments known for their extraordinary carvings. Then at the 11th-century Kumbharia temple complex in neighboring Gujarat province, admire the five temples made of white marble and dedicated to the Jain tirthankars. Return to the hotel for dinner.

The Golden Temple complex, Amritsar

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

X� �K A S H M I R , P U N J A B & R A J A S T H A N X

X X X

Page 5: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

MOUNT ABU X UDAIPURWednesday, October 14

Travel through the countryside to Udaipur and the elegant Udaivilas Hotel on the shores of Lake Pichola. After lunch, an optional hike will be offered, or enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Gather in the early evening for a cruise on the lake and drinks at the historic Lake Palace. Dinner is at leisure.

UDAIPURThursday, October 15

The imposing fortress of Chittorgarh is situated on a massive three-mile-long rock and features a series of temples that show the development of styles from the 8th to 14th centuries. Boxed lunches will be provided for our visit. Or remain in Udaipur for a morning tour including the City Palace—actually eleven connected palaces with a superb painting gallery—and a guided walk through the market. Our farewell dinner is at the hotel.

UDAIPUR X DELHI X NEW YORKFriday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17

This morning a short drive brings us to the 11th-century temples at Nagda and the nearby Shri Eklingji temple complex. Following lunch, fly to Delhi to connect to international flights home. Dayrooms are reserved at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel. Arrive in New York the following day. X

T H E M E T R O P O L I T A N M U S E U M O F A R T

MET ADVENTURES X Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples X October 1 to 17, 2015R E S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N

To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print.

Address

City State Zip

Telephone (Home) (Business)

Fax E-mail

ACCOMMODATIONS I wish to share a room with

S Double S Twin S Single (at a supplement of $2,880)

OPTIONAL POSTLUDE IN AGRA I/We wish to join the optional postlude in AgraHotel room preference S Double S Twin S Single

FORM OF PAYMENT S Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) S Credit card (may be used for deposit only)

Name on Credit Card

Credit Card Number

3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date

Each participant must sign below. This is an active tour and I/we confirm that I/we am/are in good health and physically able to participate in the trip’s program. I/we confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days prior to departure.

Signature (Required) Date

Signature (Required) Date

For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: 212-514-8921 or 800-221-1944 X Fax: 212-344-7493 X E-mail: [email protected] X www.metmuseum.org/travel

PROGRAM RATE $11,995(per person, double occupancy)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,880

RATE INCLUDES

X 15 nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary

X Buffet breakfast daily, 13 lunches, and 11 dinners; bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals; beer / wine at dinners

X Program of lectures

X Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees for all included visits

X Economy Class Airfare for four internal flights: Delhi / Srinagar / Amritsar… Chandigarh / Jodhpur…Udaipur / Delhi

X Airport / hotel group transfers

X Taxes, service, on-site camera fees, and porterage for one suitcase per person

X Gratuities to local guides and drivers

NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport and visa fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine/beer at dinners; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; meals not specified; transfers for those not on suggested flights; any other items not specifically included.

Intricately carved columns, Ranakpur

X X X

Page 6: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

X T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S X

AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights, or your own individual requests, for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing.PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH Met Adventures are active programs that involve extensive walking and require all participants to be in good physical and mental health. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. AAA and the Met can counsel interested travelers on whether a Met Adventures program is appropriate for them.PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs or, in some cases, videotapes of participants of Travel With the Met trips may be used for educational and promotional purposes by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select an alternative insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of the Met is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, the Met and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omis-sion, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occa-sioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the partici-pants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or the Met and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times.The Met and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or the Met to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancel-lation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 to 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; 90 and 61 days prior to departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor the Met shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or the Met, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circum-stances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright © 2014 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40

On the front cover: Adinatha Temple, Ranakpur © cinoby. Back cover: City Palace, Udaipur (top) and houseboats on Lake Dal, Srinagar (bottom).

Page 7: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

The Taj Mahal

OPTIONAL AGRA POSTLUDE October 16 to 20, 2015

Following an overnight at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel drive to Agra, whose majestic red sandstone and marble monuments reflect the power of the mighty Mughal Dynasty. Tour the 16th-century Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s glorious and deserted city.

Perhaps the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of elegance and grace, and we will admire it during a sunrise visit. There will also be time to shop or enjoy a spa treatment at our hotel, the splendid Oberoi Amarvilas.

On the way back to Delhi, see the jewel-like tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, begun in 1622 for the Emperor Jahangir’s father-in-law. Dayrooms are reserved before the flights home. X

$1,995 per person. $995 single supplement. Includes one night at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel, Delhi, and two nights at the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners with coffee/tea. Sightseeing as noted.

X X X

Page 8: Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDACADEMIC

ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD

T H E M E T R O P O L I T A N M U S E U M O F A R T

1000 Fifth Avenue X New York, NY 10028

www.metmuseum.org / t rave l

X A N C I E N T K I N G D O M S & G L O R I O U S T E M P L E S X

Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan X October 1 to 17, 2015