2026 INDIA
ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
ALUMNI TOUR
Allegheny College Faculty Co-Leaders:
Dr. Ishita Sinha Roy (Media & Cultural Studies) and
Dr. Brian Miller (History & International Studies)
Tentative Tour Dates: 13 May-01 June, 2026
Click here to go to the Allegheny College 2026 India Tour website
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EVERYTHING IS RE-IMAGINED IN INDIA. EVEN YOUR DREAMS.
SPEND A DAY WITH OUR ELEPHANT FRIENDS
Elephants are incredibly intelligent, and in Asia, they hold a significant place in the culture. Among Hindus, the elephant-headed Ganesha is a powerful deity honored before all sacred rituals and is known as the “Remover of Obstacles,” the patron of arts and sciences, and the god of intellect and wisdom. Learn how to massage a rescue elephant, and learn more about these endangered giants.
THE 'MAKE IN INDIA' STORY IN ACTION
In Jaipur, we visit a museum that introduces us to the art of meenakari or the enamel work that Jaipur is renowned for. Meet a jeweler who designs for royalty and billionaires.
And, when in Jodhpur, explore the "Make-in-India" story through the Bishnoi tribal entrepreneurs, and a global exporter to the top luxury houses in Europe. To top it off, in Delhi, we visit with high-end wedding planners for the elite who share a behind-the-scenes look at how romance is a multi-billion dollar business.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES & DEMONSTRATIONS THAT HAVE YOU SPELLBOUND
From the artisanal market in Delhi, to the regional dances at Udaipur, to the artisan guilds that continue the parchin kari (pietra dura) marble inlay work you see in Mughal monuments, and the arts and crafts produced by the women's cooperatives in Ranthambore, we get a chance to see how traditional arts and practices are being kept alive, in part, through the hospitality industry.
BARGAINING IS ALSO THE ART
OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Visit open-air markets where vendors sell traditional fabrics, stoles, leather goods, and decorative items. We also visit Emporiums or stores, in Delhi, that offer fabrics, crafts, and goods from almost every State in the country. Bargaining is an art form in Asia, and it is the human interaction during this process-- conducted with respect, humor and theatrical gestures -- that makes each souvenir an extra special treasure to carry home.
LIVE LIKE ROYALTY
From centuries-old palaces converted into luxury hotels, to the hunting lodge of a maharaja, safari glamping, and new palaces built by the top hotel brands in the country, welcome to the spirit of Indian hospitality: "Atithi Devo Bhava" (The Guest is God), at its best.