Study Abroad in Hyderabad: Cultural Travel

6-day Golden Triangle tour (Included in fee)

The program fee includes a 6-day tour of some of this vibrant and exciting country’s most famous sites. The tour will include the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most recognizable sights, and the city of Jaipur, the capital of the colorful Rajasthan region.

Monday, July 12 or December 27 Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Tuesday, July 13 or December 28 Full-day of sightseeing in Delhi. This will include the colonial buildings of New Delhi–the Parliament of India and India Gate–the Jama Masjid (largest and best known mosque in India) and the Red Fort. There will be free time in the afternoon for shopping at Chandni Chowk, one of the most famous markets of Old Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Wednesday, July 14 or December 29 Morning transfer from Delhi to Agra. Afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal, generally considered the world’s finest example of Moghul architecture. Built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble “Taj” is India’s most precious monument and a stunningly beautiful building. Overnight in Agra.

Thursday, July 15 or December 30 Morning departure from Agra. Visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned former capital city of the Moghul Empire. Built from local red sandstone, the city includes numerous palaces, halls and mosques. In the afternoon, continue on to Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.

Friday, July 16 or December 31 Sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, perched on a ridge above the city, where you will have the chance to ride on an elephant. You will also see the famous Palace of the Winds and the impressive 18th century Jantar Mantar observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.

Saturday, July 17 or January 1 Transfer from Jaipur to Delhi airport for an evening flight to Hyderabad.

Includes transportation, accommodation, breakfast, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Please note full-year students do not repeat the Golden Triangle excursion.

4-day visit to Ajanta and Ellora (Included in fee)

Friday, September 3 or February 18 Afternoon departure for Aurangabad by train. Enjoy a packed dinner and experience the unique train culture of India. In season, you will see fields of sunflowers by the railway tracks. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Saturday, September 4 or February 19 Day trip to Ajanta, the site of 2000 year-old Buddhist caves carved into the hillside. Abandoned in the 7th century, these man-made caves were rediscovered in the early 1800s, which explains the remarkable state of preservation of the extensive frescos and carvings that adorn them. Return to Aurangabad and visit to a traditional weaving center where craftsmen weave sarees and scarves of silk and cotton following ancient techniques. Traditional Indian “thali” dinner. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Sunday, September 5 or February 20 Visit Ellora, the site of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples (600 -1000 AD). The world’s largest monolithic sculpture, the impressive Kailasa temple is the highlight of this visit. This freestanding temple, as well as the surrounding structures were hewn from a hillside of solid rock, and remain a technical and aesthetic marvel to this day. Stop to taste sugarcane and other Indian fruits from the market stands by the road on route to the Jyortirlinga temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Rest of the day free. Overnight return to Hyderabad on the train.

Monday, September 6 or February 21 Morning arrival in Hyderabad.

Includes transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, two breakfasts and traditional dinner. Lunch and Sunday dinner are not included. Dates and itineraries are subject to change.

Local excursions

Students will be taken on a number of excursions to sites in and around Hyderabad. These will include the following:

Golconda Fort

Situated over 300ft above the plain looking out toward Hyderabad, this fort was the capital of the seven Qutb Shahi kings throughout the 16th century. Surrounded by heavy, impenetrable walls, this is one of the most impressive forts in India. The fort was synonymous with great wealth when at its most prosperous, and was the center of this region's diamond trade, which produced some of the largest gemstones in the world.

Charminar

The symbol of modern day Hyderabad, this triumphal arch was built in 1591 to commemorate an epidemic that swept through the city. It is comprised of four tall minarets and a mosque on the roof. Its special yellow color is due in part to the mixing of egg yolk with the plaster used in its construction.