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 Tuesday, December 28 Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Tuesday, July 13 or Wednesday, December 29 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 Thursday, December 30 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 Friday, December 31 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 Saturday, January 1 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 Sunday, January 2 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 11 Afternoon train to Aurangabad. Dinner on the train. Overnight in Aurangabad..

Saturday, September 4 or February 12 Early start to U.N. World Heritage Site, Ajanta to see 2,000 year old Buddhist Chaityas and Viharas carved into the side of a ravine. Return to Aurangabad, late afternoon visit to Himroo Weaving Center to view artisans weaving silks on handlooms following ancient techniques. Traditional Indian thali dinner.

Sunday, September 5 or February 13 Visit Ellora, location of the famous Kailasa Temple, said to be the largest monolithic sculpture in the world. Also Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples carved into the hillside. , Afternoon visit to Bibi ka Maqbara, a mini-replica of the Taj Mahal. Overnight on the train.

Monday, September 6 or February 14 Morning arrival in Hyderabad. Head back to campus in time for class.

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.