Depart from New York area today and make your way to India. Airport still to be set.

The bustling metropolis of Delhi has been invaded, destroyed, and rebuilt countless times in its 5,000-year history. Today, it is a sprawling urban center unofficially divided into two parts: Old Delhi: the classic Indian experience of colorful, crowded streets and historical monuments: and New Delhi, India’s capital, a city of wide avenues and government buildings that the British began erecting in the early 1900's.

Arrive this in Delhi, India this afternoon or evening. Upon arrival the group will be met and transferred to your local hotel for check in. Relax this evening and settle into your lovely hotel.

The 4* Connaught Hotel is centrally located and close to all the major tourist destinations in the city like the India Gate. The historic property is close to flea markets, street food, pubs, restaurants, museums & art galleries. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, onsite dining, a gym, and guest rooms have an in room safe and a tea/coffee maker among other amenities. 

Depending on flight arrival time, dinner is on your own tonight (if not provided in flight).

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)

 Meals: N/A

All travelers will gather this morning with your national guide and receive further information on the program and today’s activities.

Explore the unique and defining characteristics of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Contemplate the impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s life at the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to the legendary icon of non-violent civil disobedience. Hop in a rickshaw for a view of the Red Fort, the imperial residence of India, and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the country.

After lunch on your own, discover the garden tomb of Humayun, built by the widow of the second Mughal emperor. Continue to the imposing India Gate, the parliament buildings, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the president and largest structure for any chief of state in the world.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers.

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today the professional members of the group will visit a local hospital, such as Apollo Hospital, to discuss topics of mutual interest with a goal to broaden your world view of chronic disease experiences and challenges in India. India is faced with an increasing prevalence of diabetes, especially in rural areas, which requires solutions at many levels starting with creating awareness of the disease and its complications. 

After lunch you will visit a local university to learn about education and training requirements for diabetes clinicians and other healthcare professionals going into fields such as endocrinology, nursing or other medical fields.

Guest program:
Accompanying guests will explore the spectacular Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, which epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. Visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. One of the most prominent Sikh temples, Bangla Sahib feeds more than 10,000 people every day, irrespective of cast, creed, color or religion. This is an integral part of ‘Seva’ or service, which is part of the Sikh faith. The temple also organizes various other socio-philanthropic activities and its picturesque setting is perfect to calm, relax and contemplate. Engage yourself in community service at the Langar of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wrap up your professional exchange in Delhi with representative from an organization like Diabetes Foundation India (DFI) for discussions to explore the provider and patient perspectives for best practices in diabetes care and education. Learn about the research they are working on and role in creating awareness about correction nutrition and exercise in the Indian population. 

Guest program: 

Accompanying guests will have some free time before heading to lunch and onward to Jaipur with the rest of the group. 

Later today depart via bus to the Pink City of Jaipur, known for the terracotta plaster that coats buildings in the old part of the city. Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Established back in 1727 the city now has a population of more than 3 million. It is 167 miles north of Delhi and forms the western part of the Golden Triangle.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon in route to Jaipur (approximately 4-hour drive). Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your local hotel and have dinner on your own.

The 5* Trident Hotel comes with a range of world class facilities including onsite dining, spa, fitness center and outdoor pool. This luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. Tastefully appointed, the rooms are well-lit and airy and offer all the modern amenities such as a spacious wardrobe, an LCD television, a personal bar, and complimentary high-speed Internet for up to four devices.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your local hotel and have dinner on your own. The hotel has room service as well if preferred.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you will continue your professional interaction during a visit to a local Ayurvedic facility like the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur. Share your insight with their team and learn more about ayurvedic medicine and its role in treating chronic healthcare issues facing Indian cities today such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pituitary problems, adrenal diseases such as Addison's, childhood obesity, and more. 

After lunch, the group will meet with representatives of a facility such as Disha: Resource Center for the Disabled. Interact with the staff and patients today to learn how they provide an opportunity for children with multiple disabilities to develop to their true potential. 

Guest program: Accompanying guests will enjoy a visit to Sanganer that takes you through two triple gateways to explore palace ruins and the city's exquisitely carved Jain temples. Learn about Rajasthani art from local masters before a stop at the Lakshmi Narayan temple, situated below Moti Dungri . Visit the temple grounds which were built in 1938 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi. Note you will be asked to remove your shoes to enter.

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This evening enjoy dinner and a local dance or music performance.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with yoga! Your guide will lead those interested in a morning session at the hotel.

Embark on an extensive exploration of the monuments of Jaipur's golden age. First travel as the Maharajah's did by elephant to the Amber Fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. Once inside the citadel, stroll through the sprawling palace and courtyards to admire the grand architecture and delicate carvings. En route, visit the Palace of Winds, also known as Hawa Mahal. Its elaborate façade with more than 900 windows once served as an observation point for the ladies of the court.

After lunch on your own, continue to the City Palace composed of a vast mosaic of exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards and the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. This stone observatory (the largest in the world) is one of five built by Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Experience some of the traditional arts of Rajasthan as you watch craftsmen create block prints and jewelry.

Gain authentic cultural insight during an evening spent enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family.  You will have a chance to both help with the meal prep and learn about the dishes they are cooking this evening.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today the group will say farewell to Jaipur and drive with your guide to Agra. The remote city is a must see when you are in Northern India, not only because it is the home of the UNESCO World Heritage rated Taj Mahal. The city is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and the 24th most populous city in India.  The drive is about 6 hours (240 kms).

Lunch will be provided in route this afternoon.

On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architecture combines Hindu and Moghul styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures. The onetime capital was deserted after only 12 years, but the audience halls, palaces and mosques are still perfectly intact. 

The Trident Hotel is near the Taj Mahal and one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high-speed Internet for up to four devices.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. 

Overnight:  Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Shah Jehan’s monument to love - the Taj Mahal. A mausoleum built by Shah Jehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is said to have taken 22 years and 20,000 craftsmen to construct. Its perfect proportions and minutely detailed marble inlays will astound you. It is renowned for its perfect proportions with rich, exquisite marble inlay with minute details and executed with great skill.

Lunch is by individual arrangement today. Say farewell to Agra and drive back to Delhi this afternoon.

Dinner is on your own this evening before heading to the airport for your late departure home this evening (arrival next day in US).

 
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: October 10 - Arrive in U.S.
Flights will arrive back in the U.S. early this morning.

Professional Participants - As this Nanda Journey is focused primarily on professional development, costs associated with your participation on the program may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details.

Malinda serves as Vice President of Clinical Services, Programs and Research at Welldoc, where she oversees the clinical outreach program, grant and research activities and professional organization activities. Malinda is a diabetes educator, clinical and informatics nurse specialist who has presented at numerous conferences nationally and internationally and has been published in The Diabetes Educator, Journal of Diabetes Technology and Society, and other peer-reviewed publications.  Malinda also serves as Adjunct Assistant Faculty, Division of Healthcare Informatics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Prior to joining Welldoc, Malinda served as the President of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), an organization of multi-disciplinary professionals focused on improving diabetes care through education, management and support. Malinda has also provided diabetes education services and program management in private practices, community health organizations and integrated health systems.

Malinda received her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and earned her Master’s degree in nursing informatics from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She also earned a Master’s degree and completed a postgraduate research fellowship in health sciences informatics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2007.

Continue your explorations of India with a rural village visit highlighting a chance to learn about the daily lives of the local people. DOWNLOAD PDF

Day 01: October 29 - Drive to Bharaptur 
Say farewell to Agra this morning and make your way toward Bharatpur in Rajasthan.

In route you will stop to visit the Agra Fort, a great monument of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River and was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571. The Fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creative builders during the time of Akbar and later Jehangir and Shah Jehan.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon.

This afternoon, enjoy a village walk with your local guide. Learn about the lives of the villagers and interact with the people this afternoon. This will provide a chance to really experience rural life in India, working alongside local organic farmers. Also spend time with the village children and the elderly people alike. See their ways of income generation like making of “Agarbatti” (essence stick), making of “dona & pattal” (bowls & plates), and traditional handicrafts.

Every Nanda Journeys village experience is different depending on the village and time of year. However, one thing is guaranteed, you will be warmly welcomed by all the villagers and invited to join them in their daily life. One of our groups was invited to a dance rehearsal for a school event - you can see a glimpse of that experience HERE. 

Later in the afternoon visit the sites of animal husbandry and enjoy a ‘chai’ (masala tea) in “kullad” (mud cup). Settle into your local hotel where dinner will be provided this evening.

Overnight:  The Bagh Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: October 30- Village Life
After breakfast this morning, you will explore new levels of service learning at a local school. Experience an exclusive program specially designed to be immersed in service work with local students and build lasting relationships through education and cultural exchange. Assist in a variety of roles from teaching English to helping with computer education.

This afternoon visit a local family in the village and enjoy a traditional sit-down meal with them for lunch.

Continue on to visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a small but important bird sanctuary. Originally a duck-shooting preserve, the wetland is now a world-renowned birding destination. In 2008, the water levels were increased, and the habitat now attracts vast numbers of migratory birds during the winter months to swell the large number of native species. Walk or take a cycle along the narrow road to the open wetlands at the end. Common, pied and white-fronted kingfishers are plentiful. Painted storks nest and roost in the trees, while white-breasted waterhens and purples wamphen walk across the mats of water hyacinths. Woolly-necked and black-necked storks patrol the shallow water meadows. Many raptors may be found here, including imperial and steppe eagles, and long billed and redheaded vultures are also resident. We will keep a lookout for wild boar, as well as spotted mongoose, sambar and nilgai. Rock pythons may also be seen sunning themselves on rock piles.

Dinner will be provided this evening.
Overnight:  The Bagh Hotel(or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: October 31 - Community Connections
Begin your final day in India with one last visit to the local school. Spend a few hours this morning interacting and helping the students.

Check out and head toward Delhi this afternoon with lunch provided in route (approximately a 4-hour drive).

After dinner, transfer to the international airport for your flight home (arrival next day).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: November 1 - Arrive in US

Plan on an early arrival back in the US.

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details.

Review and download Booking Terms & Conditions HERE

Nestled in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, The Connaught presents contemporary luxe blended with the art deco charm of Connaught Place. Experience the city’s finest in hospitality, dining & living at the most eclectic & inspired address to stay when in New Delhi. 

The hotel’s design is influenced by the Georgian architecture of Connaught Place, with an overlay of contemporary styling, furnishings & accents. Hallways inspired by the corridors of power in the city, and cosy corners that beckon one to settle down with a novella, The Connaught has been imagined as an address that travellers can feel home at.

WEBSITE: The Connaught Hotel

Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5 star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. 

Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the 'pink city', as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travellers from around the world.

Surrender to the charms of this beautiful city when you stay in Trident, Jaipur; ranked amongst the best resorts in Jaipur. Located en route to the famous Amber Fort, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. These vistas are best admired from the hotel's 132 rooms and suites. Tastefully appointed, the rooms are well-lit and airy and offer all the modern amenities such as a spacious wardrobe, an LCD television, a personal bar and complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices. . Enjoy the panoramic views of the lake or the landscaped gardens, with the Aravalli range forming a dramatic backdrop. The soothing views are perfectly complemented by a selection of wellness and recreation facilities. 

Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread that ensures a flying start to your day, before stepping out to explore the sights and discover the rich history of Jaipur. Rajasthan is not only famous for its majestic forts and lakes, but is also home to one of the most vibrant cuisines. Our restaurants serve a wide range of local delicacies, pan-Indian and International cuisines, guaranteed to satisfy discerning palates.

HOTEL WEBSITE