Culture and Religious Studies in India
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Jama Masjid, Delhi ©Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
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Humayun's Tomb ©Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
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Qutub Minar, Delhi ©Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
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Taj Mahal in Agra
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Amber Fort in Jaipur ©Incredible India
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Amber Fort in Jaipur ©Incredible India
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Hawa Mahal in Jaipur ©Incredible India
Broaden your Pupils’ Horizons with Religious Studies in India
Discover the many highlights of India’s golden triangle on this student trip. A land characterised by diverse religious beliefs and practices, why not explore religious studies in India? Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism were all born in the Indian subcontinent and religion has greatly influenced this area’s history. Today, evidence of religion is still present all around, from people’s clothing to the design of buildings.
India is a land of diverse religious beliefs and practices
In India, freedom of religion is a constitutional right and the most widely practised faith is Hinduism, followed by Islam and Christianity. Across this fascinating land, the influences of many religions are evident in the impressive architecture. Discover splendid mosques and temples, and the culture they represent. See the magnificent Jama Masjid Mosque. The floor, covered with white and black ornamented marble, alludes to Muslim prayer mat. Discover also the Agra fort, which exhibits both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
With stops in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, you will visit many of India’s highlights during this tour. Visit the Amber Fort and Maharaja’s City Palace in Jaipur, an especially interesting city. Furthermore, in Agra, see the sun rise over the iconic Taj Mahal. Immerse yourself in the culture of India as you discover significant religious sites and impressive monuments. Students are certain to gain great insight into religion in other countries and the way religion sculpts daily life in India.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested itinerary by air
Day 1-2
Travel to India
Fly from the UK to New Delhi, India. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. If time permits, you could enjoy some gentle sightseeing this afternoon, or simply have free time to freshen up and relax after your flight.
Day 3
Discover Dehli
Today, discover both New & Old Delhi on a sightseeing tour to get a taste of the long, rich history of this multi-faceted city. See the 12th century Qutab Minar and the iron pillar, and the mausoleum of emperor Humayun and the Lakshminarayan temple.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit Old Delhi and drive past the busy and bustling Chandni Chowk: a crowded and hectic bazaar. You’ll also see the dramatic Red Fort. Built in 1648, the red sandstone fort, overlooks the river Yamuna, and is surrounded by a wall approximately 2.4 km in circumference. Afterwards, we’ll explore the Jama Masjid Mosque – now the second largest Mosque in India, but certainly the most impressive! Built in 1658, it has a capacity of over 20,000 people. The tour concludes with a moving visit to Raj Ghat and the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 4
Travel to Agra
Depart Delhi and head to Agra. Visit the Bear Rescue Camp en route where over 200 beautiful bears live, having been rescued. Learn about the rescue of India’s dancing bears and bear conservation. See the bears play, forage for their food and climb trees.
Continue to Agra, which was a well-established city before becoming part of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals’ love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as the Taj Mahal, built as a symbol of love, and the Agra Fort. Most of the buildings belong to the period between the mid-16th century and 17th century and were of extremely high quality. The narrow lanes of the city, bustling with artisans and craftsmen and filled with the scent of Mughali cuisine, are redolent of those past times.
Day 5
Taj Mahal
Start the day early to enjoy a view of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The world-famous and awe-inspiring Taj Mahal is an essential part of any visit to India. One of the seven wonders of the modern world, it was built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal. 50kg of gold adorn the white marble structure, and the result is absolutely breathtaking!
Later, we’ll visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which is enclosed by a forbidding 20-metre high wall and a 12 metre moat on the Yamuna River. This impressive and enormous structure displays a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Inside, visit the Diwan-E-Am (House of Commons), mosques and royal pavilions.
Day 6
Depart Agra for Jaipur
Travel towards Jaipur, visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. This magnificent fortified ancient city, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque and three palaces, one for each of his favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian.
Continue to Jaipur. Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. On arrival, check in at the hotel
Day 7
Jaipur and The Amber Fort
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, a city of broad sandstone avenues built in the 18th century. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, and royal garments. The Jantar Mantar is one of the city’s most interesting sights; the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Jaipur is also a centre of many handicrafts, such as woven rugs and precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort, a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below.
Day 8-9
Farewell India
Depending on your flight times, enjoy a day at leisure or some further sightseeing before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
