Archaological Tours Led By Noted Scholars
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Sri Lanka
Among the world’s first Buddhist kingdoms, the island of Sri Lanka offers wonders far exceeding its small size. As we visit this mystical place, we will have a glimpse of life under kings who created sophisticated irrigation systems, built magnificent temples and huge dagobas, carved 40-foot-tall Buddhas and one who chose to build his royal residence, gardens and pools on the top of a 600-foot rock outcropping. Our journey will take us to six World Heritage sites, as well as wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, hill stations and monasteries. Colorful rituals and festivals occurring during our visit will add to our understanding of Sri Lankan culture and history.

Nov. 16 - Dec. 2, 2008

Led by Prof. Sudharshan Seneviratne

University of Peradeniya

18 DAYS

 

Northern India
This amazing in depth tour takes us from the palaces and fortresses of the wonderful Rajasthani cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur, and the breathtaking Taj Mahal, to the sacred ghats and temples in Varanasi. Additional highlights of this special tour include visits to the lovely Hindu temples in Khajuraho, renowned for their voluptuous sculptures, the magnificent Buddhist temples spanning the whole range of Indian Buddhist art at Sanchi, as well as the wonderful museums and Neolithic cave paintings near Bhopal.

Dec. 19, 2008 – Jan. 11, 2009
Led by Led by Prof. J. Daniel White
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
25 DAYS

 

Gujarat India
Our tour to India’s westernmost state visits some of its most beautiful and least visited monuments. We will be introduced to the ancient Indus Valley civilization at Lothal and Dholavira and the modern city of Ahmedabad, renowned for its textiles, museums and traditional step-wells. We will climb to the 863 magnificent marble Jain temples at Palitana and visit one of the four most holy Hindu shrines at Dwarka, as well as the Mogul palaces and pavilions scattered throughout the region. There will be evenings of traditional music and dance, and a relaxing break at the Sasan-Gur Lion Sanctuary. The tour ends in Kutch, the most remote and charming area of Gujarat. We will explore colorful villages of the Ramm of Kutch and the narrow alleys, old palaces and exotic bazaars of the walled city of Bhuj.

Dec. 28, 2008 – Jan. 15, 2009
Led by Led by Prof. Jonathan Mark Kenoyer
University of Wisconsin
19 DAYS

 

Southern India

Our south India tour will begin in Bombay and includes the Ellora and Ajanta rock-cut cave temples and Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India. From there we visit the famous shore temples outside Madras and the temples and palaces of Trichy, Madurai, Mysore, Bangalore and Goa. After a night at Periyar Lake to view the game of the region, we will travel by boat along the backwaters of Kerala to the Malabar Coast and Cochin. A highlight of the tour will be the extraordinary Vijayanagar ruins at Hampi, a World Heritage site. We will explore bazaars, sample exotic foods and attend traditional and classical dance and musical performances.

Feb. 9March 5,
2009
Led by Prof. John M. Fritz
University of Pennsylvania
24 DAYS


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