The India Itinerary (Updated 2008 – Subject to Change)

Educational goals

• To discover India as the new greenhouse of Hi Tech and call centre outsourcing
• To learn about the rich Indian culture and history.
• To understand the rising Indian market's potential and problems
• To see India as an example for World Globalization’s economical and social advantages and disadvantages
• To understand the history and origins of the local Jewish Community

Monday, Day 1
Theme: Welcome to India
Sites: After arriving, explore some of Mumbai’s famous sites including the 26-meter high stone archway, “Gateway of India,” located on the waterfront and Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens (Hanging Gardens). In the evening be hosted by families from the local Jewish community for dinner in their homes.
Overnight: Mumbai

Tuesday, Day 2
Theme: The Hi Tech Greenhouse
Sites: In the morning fly to the southern city of Bangalore – India’s Hi Tech centre. Tour the beautiful city, and one of its highly developed industrial parks. Visit the Indian headquarters of the known Israeli IT services giant Ness: talking to their development manager, we’ll hear all about the differences between Israel and India and why they choose to operate from Bangalore. In the evening, we’ll head out to Brigade Road.
Overnight: Bangalore

Wednesday, Day 3
Theme: The Call Centre as an Allegory
Sites: Drive out of Bangalore, for a safari in the beautiful Bannerghatta National Park. Spend the evening and night in the huge Dell call centre, which occupies 500 jobs at customer service. The time difference between India and US standard east time is 11 hours, so most of the work here is done at night. Hear from their director of operations about Dell India: the business, the job’s shift from America overseas and their successes.
Overnight: Bangalore

Thursday, Day 4
Theme: Is Bangalore the future?
Sites: Enjoy a magnificent Spa facility that offers traditional Indian massages and treatments along with a highly equipped gym and a swimming pool. In the afternoon, be the guests of Intel Asia Electronics Inc. and complete the project that started with Intel Israel – “from an Idea to manufacturing”. In the evening catch a “Bollywood” movie at the Rex (the best cinema in town)
Overnight: Bangalore

Friday, Day 5
Theme: The tastes of India
Sites: Fly back to Mumbai and visit the famous Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), take a tour through the city centre and colourful markets to feel the rhythm of Indian life.  For Shabbat dinner, feast on traditional Jewish Indian cuisine with representatives of the leading business people from the Jewish Community of Mumbai that will share their insight and experience of the evolving Indian economy.
Overnight: Mumbai

Shabbat, Day 6
Theme: The Jewish Community of Mumbai
Sites: Two Indian YJI Alumina will lead a tour of the Jewish community with visits to the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, the Victorian style Magen David Synagogue, and the Magen Hassidim Synagogue completed in 1931. Learn about the life of a Jewish student, in India – their challenges, dreams and views. In the evening go out to Leopold Café, for a traditional music and dance show with a tasty Chai tea.
Overnight: Mumbai

Sunday, Day 7
Theme: The Old and New in Delhi
Sites: fly to the capital of India, New Delhi, to experience some of the most visited sites: See the brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built the Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace, the Red Fort (Lal Qil'ah). Explore the Bahá'í Lotus Temple, shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals.
In the evening, explore the night market, to discover miniature statues of sacred gods along with local Indian kebab.
Overnight: New Delhi

Monday, Day 8
Theme: Agra: Ancient Mughal Capital and City of Architectural Wonders
Sites: Travel by train to Agra and marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife who died in childbirth. Continue on to discover the Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), a complex of monuments and temples, including one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Conclude the day exploring Agra by foot and return to New Delhi.
Overnight: New Delhi

Tuesday, Day 9
Theme: Manufacturing in the Far East
Sites: in the morning we’ll drive out of New Delhi, to go visit a huge silk factory. Learn all about the threading techniques, colouring and processing of silk, one of India’s biggest export industries. Hear about manufacturing costs, competition with other Asian markets and marketing. In the afternoon, head out to Dilli Haat; spread over a 6-acre area.  It’s the first permanent fairground in the country showcasing the arts, crafts, handlooms and food of different states. It is an upgraded variance of India's traditional haat (marketplace), beautifully laid out and well maintained.
Overnight: New Delhi

Wednesday, Day 10
Theme:  Hinduism
Sites: Return by air to Mumbai for a day of exploration of important Hindu sites. Ride the ferry to the Elephanta Caves, dating back to 600 BCE. Hewn out of solid rock, the caves are a collection of shrines and courtyards filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Visit the sacred seaside Mahalakshmi Temple whose central deity, Sri Mahalakshmi, is known for her kindness and compassion. Navigate a local bazaar by day and catch a glimpse of Chowpatty Beach at sunset.
Overnight: Mumbai

Thursday, Day 11

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