Leakey - India - Handbook

Sunday, February 5

 Breakfast served from 7:00 a.m.
 8:30 a.m. Please have bags ready in your rooms for pick-up.
 9:00 a.m. Check-out and departure for Bhopal. 4-hour transfer.
 1:00 p.m. Lunch on arrival at Jehan Numa Palace.
 3:00 p.m. Visit to Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

also known as The National Museum of Human Kind. An
integrated story of the evolution and culture of Man is
presented with special reference to India.
 Continue visiting Bhopal this afternoon.
 6 p.m. Dinner at Hotel Noor-us-sabah, near the airport.
 Flight from Bhopal at 9 p.m. arriving into Mumbai at 10:30 p.m.
 1-hour transfer downtown to our 5-star Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
overlooking the Harbor.
 Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.

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Map of Maharashtra

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Map of Mumbai

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Monday, February 6

 Breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. in the Shamiyana restaurant of
the hotel.

 10:00 a.m. Set off for an overview tour of Mumbai. We will
begin at the India Gate and continue with a heritage walk on
foot through Colaba, the old British quarter.

 Continue by coach passing by architectural gems such as
UNESCO world heritage site Victoria Terminus and the
University of Mumbai.

 We finish the morning with a quick stop to see the Dabbawallas
in action, en route to deliver thousands of lunchboxes.

 12:30 p.m. Traditional seafood lunch at Trishna.

 2:15 p.m. 5-minute transfer to visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum).

 Return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner. ETA 4:00
p.m.

 6:45 p.m. Gather in the lobby to depart for dinner at The
Clearing House.

 Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.

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Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace are
dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai’s first harbor
landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the
site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a century,
the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting
Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across
the globe.

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the
Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in
India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a
total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5
million. Renamed Mumbai in 1996, it lies on the west coast of
India and has a deep natural harbor. The city is the birthplace of
Indian cinema and offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle
with a variety of food, entertainment and night life, available in
form and abundance that rival anywhere in the world. The
city's history as a major trading center has attracted a diverse
range of cultures, religions and cuisines to the city.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum
The museum, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum,
was built to commemorate the visit of the Prince to Mumbai in
the early 20th century. It was built with an eclectic combination
of elements from the Indo-Saracenic style. It incorporates a
dome and finial reminiscent and intersecting vaults, with
influences from the Taj, Golconda Fort and Gol Gumbaz. It also
has a small jalis for light, tiled and inlaid flooring, a Maratha
pavilion incorporated as an internal balcony taken from a wada,
a real Martha home in Bijapur, and Jain temple pillars. The
Museum is known for its collections of terracotta and bronze
sculptures, excavations from historic Indian sites and other
artifacts.

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Tuesday, February 7

 Breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. in the Shamiyana restaurant of
the hotel.

 8:30 a.m. Depart from the lobby to spend the morning viewing
the Elephanta Caves, a network of sculpted caves and World
Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor.
Travel to and from the island will be by private speed boat.

 Late morning, we return to the hotel to change and refresh.
 Lunch at leisure.
 2:00 p.m. Gather again in the lobby of the hotel to depart for a

one hour transfer to the airport.
 4:25 p.m. Mid-afternoon flight to Aurangabad.
 5:30 p.m. Arrival and transfer to our 5-star hotel set in an

enormous flowered park, The Vivanta by Taj.
 7:30 p.m. BBQ Indian buffet dinner in the garden of our hotel.
 Overnight: Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad.

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Elephanta Caves

The date of the famous Elephanta Caves is still very much debated
and varies from the 6th century to the 8th century according to
different specialists. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock and
originally were painted, but now only traces remain. The 15 large
reliefs surrounding the lingam chapel in the main Elephanta Cave
not only constitute one of the greatest examples of Indian art but
also one of the most important collections for the cult of Shiva.

Originally named Gharapuri, the island was a Hindu place of worship
until Portuguese rule began in 1534. On seeing the huge gigantic
statue of an elephantat the entrance to the caves, the Portuguese
called the island Elephanta. This statue is now placed in the garden
outside the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai. The caves were
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Aurangabad

Founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, Prime Minister of the Nizam Shahi
rulers of Ahmadnagar, Aurangabad means "Built by the Throne." It
became the headquarters of the last great Mughal Emperor,
Aurangzeb, who renamed it after himself.

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The city is a tourist hub, surrounded with many historical
monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the famous monument, Bibi
Ka Maqbara. Located outside of the walled city, this imitation of
Agra’s Taj Mahal was built in 1678 by Aurangzeb’s son in memory of
his mother, Rabia.

The walled city makes up the central part of the town, although a
few older structures from Malik Ambar’s city remain. Recently,
Aurangabad has been declared the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra.
It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

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Wednesday, February 8

 Breakfast served from 6:00 a.m. in the hotel restaurant.
 8:00 a.m. Depart for a 2h20min drive to Ajanta Caves.
 Full morning viewing the various most important caves.
 1:00 p.m. Lunch at the simple restaurant at Ajanta.
 After lunch, return from Ajanta to Aurangabad.
 5:30 p.m. ETA Back at the hotel.
 7:00 p.m. Dinner in the garden of our hotel around the grill

dining on local specialties.
 Overnight: Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad.

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Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date
from the 2nd century BC to about 650 AD. The area was previously
heavily forested and after the site ceased to be used, the caves were
covered by jungle until accidentally rediscovered in 1819 by a British
officer on a hunting party. They are Buddhist monastic buildings,
apparently representing a number of distinct "monasteries" or
colleges. The caves include both paintings and sculptures and form
the finest surviving examples of Buddhist religious art, with figures
of the Buddha and depictions of the Jataka tales.

The Ajanta caves are cut into the side of a cliff that is on the south
side of a U-shaped gorge on the small River Waghora and although
they are now along and above a modern pathway running across the
cliff, they were originally reached by individual stairs or ladders from
the side of the river 35 to 110 feet below. Since 1983, the Ajanta
Caves have been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Thursday, February 9

 Breakfast served from 6:00 a.m. in the hotel restaurant.

 8:00 a.m. Please have your bags ready in your room for pick-up.
Our bags will be waiting for us at the airport this afternoon.

 8:30 a.m. Depart from the lobby for a 1-hour drive to Ellora
Caves.

 Full morning viewing the various most important caves.

 Lunch at the simple restaurant at Ellora.

 Late afternoon return from the caves of Ellora directly to the
Aurangabad Airport where we reconnect with our luggage from
this morning.

 6:00 p.m. Flight returning to Mumbai.

 6:50 p.m. Arrival into the domestic terminal in Mumbai. Most
international flights depart very early morning from the
international terminal.

 Rooms will be reserved for everyone at JW Marriott just 5
minutes from the airport. Opportunity to shower and change
before the long flight home.

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 Transfers from the hotel to the international terminal and VIP
departure handling at the airport and through to the lounge.

 Individual flights departing very late this evening or more likely,
very early tomorrow morning.

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Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves not only bear witness to the artistic creation of
three great religions - Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism - they
also illustrate the spirit of tolerance, characteristic of ancient India,
which permitted these three religions to establish their sanctuaries
and their communities in a single place. The caves provide an
uninterrupted sequence of close to 1,000 monuments that bring to
life the civilization of ancient India. These 34 monasteries and
temples, extending over more than three miles, were dug side-by-
side in the walls of a high basalt cliff and constitute one of the most
beautiful expressions of the art of the Indian Middle Ages. It is not,
like that of Ajanta, the expression of a single belief. Rather it is the
product of the three principal religions of ancient India.

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General Information on India

Religion

India is a predominantly Hindu country. Hinduism, with over 800
million adherents (80.5% of the population), is the largest religion in
India. It is followed by Islam (13.4%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism
(1.9%), Buddhism (0.8%), Jainism (0.4%), Judaism, Zoroastrianism,
and the Bahá'í Faith. India has the world's largest Hindu, Sikh, Jain,
Zoroastrian, and Bahá'í populations, and has the third-largest
Muslim population.

Hindu Mythology

The vast pantheon of Hindu gods, goddesses and their divine
exploits is best explored through sculpture. The principals of temple
architecture were defined and established under the imperial
Guptas (4th-6th centuries AD). Indian temples are adorned by a
profusion of sculptures that are not merely decorative but also
provide a visual interpretation of Hindu mythology. The numerous
manifestations of deities, such as Shiva, Vishnu and Devi (the
goddess also known as Parvati, Durga, Kali) are depicted everywhere
in great detail.

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Islamic Architecture

Mosques and tombs represent an important tradition that was
absorbed into Indian architecture. Mosques have domed prayer
halls at one end of an open courtyard. The mirhab (arched niche)
faces west, towards Mecca. The Mughals introduced the garden
tomb raised on a high plinth in the center of a charbagh, an enclosed
garden divided into quarters. Decorative elements include Persian
and Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns and floral motifs, typical
of Islamic art. The zenith of this Islamic architectural style is The Taj
Mahal.

Etiquette

India is still a traditional society, governed by strong family values.
Though in cities and larger towns you will find youngsters in
Western dress with a modern, cosmopolitan outlook, they remain
old-fashioned in many ways. And though the diverse social, religious
and caste groups have their own distinct customs, they share certain
common values. Respect for elders is deeply ingrained, so it is
important to treat the elderly with the deepest courtesy.

Greeting

The traditional greeting in India is the namaskar or namasté, when
meeting or parting. The palms are pressed together, raised towards
the face, and the head is bent slightly forward. The Western

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handshake is also used widely throughout but more conservative
people and older women still prefer the namasté greeting.

Useful Phrases in Hindi

India has 18 major regional languages, many with their own scripts.
While Hindi is the official national language, other languages enjoy
predominance in their respective regions. English is widely
understood and spoken throughout the country and serves as a link
between the different regions. You can get by with English anywhere
in India but just in case.

Hello / goodbye Namasté

Yes Haan

No Na

Please Kripaya

Thank you Shukria

Excuse me / sorry Kshama Karen

How are you? Aap kaisé hain?

What is your name? Aapka naam kya hai?

My name is… Mera naam … hai

Do you speak English? Angrezi ati hai?

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Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is as rich in variety as the country itself. The delicate
flavors of the classical cuisine that developed in the imperial courts
of Delhi and Kashmir are complimented by a vast range of regional
specialties, made with a variety of exotic ingredients. Eating habits in
urban India are undergoing considerable change, triggered by
rapidly changing lifestyles and the introduction of Western fast food
chains.

Dining Etiquette

Indians are overwhelmingly hospitable and treat a guest as they
would a favorite relative. While it is customary for Indians to eat
with their fingers, eateries do provide cutlery. There is usually a
wash basin on the premises for washing hands before and after
meals. Eating beef is taboo among Hindus, as is eating pork for
Muslims, so these might be less readily available depending upon
where you dine.

Currency

The Indian rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paisas. The most commonly
used coins are 50 paisa, 1, 2 and 5 rupee coins. Be careful not to mix
up the 100 and 500 rupee notes as they look very similar. Beware of
accepting torn or damaged notes since shops and even banks are

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reluctant to accept or exchange them. The exchange rate is currently
68R to the dollar.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are now widely accepted in most big hotels, restaurants
and department stores. However, many smaller establishments,
even in big cities, only accept cash. Most foreign and many Indian
banks have 24 hour ATMs. Instructions are displayed in English and
cash dispensed in rupees. Please take caution when using debit and
credit cards – they should only be used at hotels and trusted
shops/restaurants.

Bargaining

Bargaining is a way of life in India. Exchanges can be heated, but it is
not necessary to be aggressive. Firmly state what you would like to
pay and walk away if the shopkeeper does not agree. The prices in
larger shops and government emporia are usually fixed and they will
politely tell you that if you begin bargaining.

Tipping

All tipping will be looked after when you are with the group. But
when on your own, here are a few pointers.

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Porters and doormen at hotels are usually happy with a 50 rupee tip.
In restaurants, check the bill before you decide on the tip since
many larger restaurants often include a service charge. If not, then
10% of the total amount is fine. Tipping taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers
is optional and not generally expected. However, for any personal
service such as hairdressing or massage, a tip is expected.

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Embassy / Consulate Contacts
US Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
Tel: +91-11-2419-8000
US Consulate Mumbai

C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
Tel. +91-22 2672-4000, Ext. 0

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Hotel and Staff Contact Information

TAJ PALACE HOTEL, DELHI
Address: 2, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi,

Delhi 110021, India
Phone: +91 11 2611 0202
www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-palace-new-delhi/

COURTYARD MARRIOTT, AGRA
Address: Taj Nagri, Phase II, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar

Pradesh 282001, India
Phone: +91 562 662 7777
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agrcy-courtyard-agra/

JAI MAHAL HOTEL, JAIPUR
Address: Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India

Phone: +91 141 660 1111
www. taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/

JEHAN NUMA PALACE HOTEL, BHOPAL
Address: 157, Shamla Hill, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462013,

India
Phone: +91 90191 61630
www.jehannuma.com/

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FORSYTH LODGE
Address: No.14/1, Village Bijakhori, Sohagpur, Dist. Hoshangabad,,

Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh 461771, India
Phone: +91 93026 25334
www.forsythlodge.com/

TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI
Address: Apollo Bunder, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 22 6665 3366
www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-mahal-palace-mumbai/

TAJ VIVANTA HOTEL, AURANGABAD
Address: 8-N-12, CIDCO, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Marg, Rauza Bagh,

Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431003, India
Phone: +91 240 661 3737

https://vivanta.tajhotels.com/en-in/aurangabad-maharashtra/

JW MARRIOT SAHAR
Address: IA Project Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Area, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099, India
Phone: +91 22 2853 8888

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bomsa-jw-marriott-mumbai-sahar

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Hotel and Staff contact information

Benefactor Travel
Milena Berman
(707) 339-1835

[email protected]
The Leakey Foundation

Sharal Camisa, Executive Director
[email protected]

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Participants List

Donald Dana
Danielle Dana
Rosemary Fairbourn
Nancy & Chester Kamin
Steven Miner
Jeanne Newman
Camilla Smith
Naoma Tate

Dale White
The Leakey Foundation

Sharal Camisa
Benefactor Travel
Milena Berman

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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