Gap Year Itinerary—India 2009

March 1: Namaste and welcome to Incredible India! We’ll meet you at the airport, then whisk you to the hotel for a comfortable night’s rest in a quiet part of New Delhi.

March 2: Today we’ll take in the sights and sounds of a bustling Delhi. We’ll wander within the walls of Delhi’s historical Red Fort, take in India’s largest mosque, explore the home of India’s famous father, Mahatma Ghandi, and the Lotus Temple, one of the seven Bahai’i Houses of Worship in the world to round out your insight into some of India’s major religions. After our day of touring, you’ll feast on a traditional Indian dinner of rich curries and tasty naan!

March 3: This morning we’ll take a trip through history and visit Humayan’s tomb, a must-see in Delhi, walk the halls of time in the National Museum which traces Indian history back to the Indus Civilization. Following lunch, we’ll journey out to a local Hindi temple, and have a visit to the India gate, then take an unforgettable journey into the busy markets of Delhi for some bartering and shopping.

March 4: We’ll travel overland from one of the world’s largest cities to the quiet Himalayan foothills that are home to thousands of Tibetan refugees. Here you’ll find yourself in McLeod Ganj. We’ll introduce you to your homestay family where you’ll be able to drop off your bags, then take you for a small tour of this friendly Tibetan settlement. You’ll have the chance to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Namgyal Monastery, and circumambulate the temple in the company of many Buddhist monks eager to practice their English and answer your questions about Buddhism. After a walk, you’ll return for a delicious home cooked Tibetan meal of momo’s and thukpa with your Amaa la and Paau la, or mother and father.

March 5-11: For these days you’ll be able to volunteer by teaching in the local lower school, where you may even have children from your homestay family as your students! You also may help in a small construction project, and tutor newly arrived Tibetan refugees in English and exchange cultures. In the afternoon, depending on where your interests lie, there are a multitude of cultural activities to participate in, from studying about Buddhism, taking Tibetan Thangka painting classes, learning to do Ayurvedic massage, or doing yoga with the mighty Himalaya as the backdrop.

March 12-17: Let the trekking begin! Don’t forget your trekking shoes, because we’re heading out into the Himalayan peaks you’ve only been gazing at during your time here in India! This trek affords you breathtaking views of the majestic, snow-capped Dhauladhar Mountain range in India’s Himachal Pradesh. This is a perfect introduction to trekking in the Himalaya and its mountain villages that are accessible only by foot for both beginning and advanced outdoors enthusiasts!

March 18-20: We’ll take a getaway to Armritsar and the Golden Temple. This major pilgrimage site for members of the Sikh religion is simply incredible and just a short trip away from our Himalayan homestay villages in the north. We’ll also have the opportunity to see the famous closing of the border ceremony that has been going on between Pakistan and India since the Great Partition occurred in the 1940’s as a symbol of their friendship and ongoing peace. We’ll then head from Amritsar to Delhi and travel onward to the southern state of Kerala.

March 21: Arriving into the city of Kochi, we’ll see one of India’s oldest churches, which was constructed in the 12th century, before escaping to the coast to watch their traditional fishing style that utilizes huge cantilever nets that require several people to move as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. That evening we’ll catch a traditional Kathakali dance.

March 22-23: We’ll set off to Alleppey, and explore the famous backwaters by kettuvallum, or houseboat, which is frequently rated as one of the top things to do in your lifetime. You’ll be able to sit back and watch bucolic villages float by and visit with welcoming locals as we make our way through this system of bustling waterways referred to as the “Venice of the east.”

March 24-25: A trip to India is not complete without attempting to spot some wildlife! We’ll head to Periyar Tiger Reserve set in an area of Kerala known as the West Ghats. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for tigers, elephants, wild boar and bison with a boat trip on its famous lake on the first day, then head out the second day for a Jeep safari hoping to have some safe and close encounters in the jungles!

March 26: After spotting wild elephants in the wildlife reserve, we’ll have our chance at working with some of the elephants that have been important to Indian and Asian societies for hundreds of years. You’ll learn how the elephants are taken care of, bathed, fed, and even learn how to ride one during our day at the elephant camp!

March 27: Voyaging back to Kochi, we’ll enjoy our last night in the south on the white sand beaches of Cherai with a dinner of seafood that has been freshly caught that day and watch the waves roll in as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

March 28: We’ll say our good-byes to the beach towns and backwaters of Kerala and head to Agra, home to India’s world famous architectural marvels! After our day of travel, we’ll settle into an afternoon at our comfortable hotel to relax, catch one of the latest Bollywood flicks, or get a temporary henna tattoo that India is known for.

March 29: We’ll explore the less visited, but incredibly detailed “Baby Taj,” or Itimad-Ud-Daulah, which pre-dates the Taj Mahal and is said to have inspired many of the architectural elements of the Taj. This afternoon we’ll tour through some of Agra’s famous markets and see some of the incredible marble work and silk carpets Agra is known the world over for!

March 30: We’ll have the chance to tour the grandiose Agra Red Fort that was completed by four generations of ruling family members and is such a large complex that only 25% of it is even open to the public! What better way to finish off your trip that to see the incredible Taj Mahal at sunset! Recently confirmed as one of the “7 Wonders of the World,” Shah Jahan’s architectural feat is the perfect way to top off your trip to India!

March 31: Returning to Delhi in the morning, we’ll leave the day open for you to catch any last sights you may want to see, pick up any last gifts in the local markets, or just reflect on and absorb your India moments over chai before a big, final Indian dinner! Depending on your flight times, which typically depart later in the night, you’ll have all day today for last-minute exploration!

Do we need to get visas for this program?
Yes, students will be responsible for obtaining their own Indian visa. You will need a MINIMUM SIX-MONTH TOURIST visa for India. Upon signing up, you can contact our Ohio office or Scott Poniewaz (scott@rusticpathways.com) for the India reference you will need to obtain this visa. More instructions are available at Travisa, the company the Indian Embassy now outsources its visa applications to at: http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/

What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
This trip will stay in a variety of accommodations ranging from comfortable and safe 2-3 star hotels and guest houses in Delhi, Amritsar, Agra, and Kerala, to homestays in McLeod Ganj with Tibetan homestay families. The homestay are a mix, some have shared bathrooms with squat toilets, others have their own bathrooms with western toilets, while some have warm showers and others have bucket showers using water that has been warmed over the stove. We assign families randomly, so no prior preferences can be requested. We pair boys with boys and girls with girls. If a student has a strong desire, they can also stay in the homestay family on their own. On the trek, students stay in tents, then during a portion of the Kerala trip, they will also live on a very comfortable houseboat for two days. Overall, the accommodations will always be clean, comfortable, and safe.

Will the students be drinking bottled water?
Yes, students will need to use bottled water for both drinking and simple activities such as brushing their teeth, as the tap water in all areas of India is unsafe to drink.

What kind of food will we be eating?
Students will encounter a range of cuisines on their India Gap Year program. Vegetarians are in paradise in India with the wide variety of options offered, and those that are carnivorous can also enjoy meat options. In the south, fish, seafood and dosa’s are typical fare for the area. Seafood is prepared curried, but also simply in butter or garlic as well. Dosa’s are large, thin pancakes, most similar to a crepe, but larger, and filled with anything from paneer (cheese) to aloo masala (potato and spices). Areas like Delhi, Agra, and Amritsar have things like tandoori (Indian barbeque), curries, naan, and other delicious Indian classics. In McLeod Ganj, foods will be mostly Tibetan. Traditional Tibetan foods are momo’s (dumplings filled with anything from veggies, to cheese, to chicken, or mutton), Thukpha (hearty noodle and vegetable soup), Tingmo (Tibetan bread), and throughout there is the occasional opportunity for a western meal.

How long is the flight to this country?
India is approximately 17 hours via a direct flight from Chicago or Newark, and approximately 5 hours from Thailand.

What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
All Rustic Pathways students are required to have an up-to-date tetanus shot. We suggest Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid vaccinations depending on a student’s medical background and recommend that you consult a doctor regarding immunizations for travel to the region. You can find additional information on immunizations for travel from the US Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization at www.who.org. Students will be traveling to the following areas for reference: Delhi, Agra, Amritsar, McLeod Ganj, Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, and the Kerala Backwaters area near Alleppey.

How often can I do laundry?
We’ll be able to wash our clothes every few days. Are the mosquitoes a problem? There are mosquitoes during some portions of our trip. They’re usually not too bad, but you will want to have a long sleeve shirt and long pants in the evenings. Also bring a small bottle of insect repellent containing DEET.

What is the weather like?
Delhi, Amritsar, and Kerala in the south can be hot during the days, but it generally cools at night. Our time in the mountains can get quite chilly, so a hat, warm jacket, and some warm clothing can be nice for the trekking and mountain portions. Rain is unpredictable during this time of year as it is the spring.

How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones will be available nearly every day and Internet access will be frequent. The only exception is during the trekking portion, when students will be out of phone and email contact. Guides will have phone access in the event of an emergency.

What costs are not included on this trip?
Students are responsible for paying for half of their lunches and half of their dinners. This is to allow a flexibility of choice in meals and free time to enjoy with new friends. Other costs not included in the trip are Internet access, travel insurance, medical insurance,medical expenses, International Airfare, alcoholic beverages, laundry, small donations to organizations, temples, charities, souvenirs and excessive snacks (like five Red Bulls a day).

How hard is the trek?
The trek is one that offers challenge to most students, but is not impossible for the novice trekker. The students that have participated on this trek in the past find it just enough to give them a challenge through the day, feel accomplished at the end of the day, and rest easy at night!

Do I need any special equipment for this trip?
Other than what is mentioned on the packing list, you will not need additional gear. The trekking portion of the trip is fully outfitted, and students are provided tents, warm sleeping bags, food, and porters and ponies will help in carrying gear, so a new, fancy, special backpacking backpack is not necessary for the trek. Students will carry daypacks during this section. Temperatures during part of this trek can potentially drop below freezing at night, so students should be prepared for this. Big, heavy duty hiking boots are optional, many students opt for a solid pair of running shoes, or light hikers. Students with weak ankles are encouraged to use shoes with ankle support, as we sometimes cover uneven, rocky terrain.