Accompanying Persons Program
11th October 2011
Glimpses of a Secular India
Akshardham TempleIncredible !ndia’s secular nature is probably its best known secret. India is the birth place of many great religions as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. A land where Christianity is as old as in Europe, where Jews & Zoroastrians (Parsis) who fled Persia some 2000 years ago still flourish in their close knit communities. It is the second largest holder of Muslim population in the World. India truly is an example of a secular nation where one finds true example of peaceful co-existence of religions.

Visit the very new and already famous, the breathtaking Akshardham temple, situated across the river Yamuna and a marvel in stone with intricate craftsmanship. Inaugurated in late 2005, the monument is a fusion of pink stone and pure white marble, this marvel surprisingly took only 5 years to make. The Akshardham, New Delhi epitomises 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.

Lunch at a deluxe city restaurant.

Gurudwara Bangla SahibImbibe the feel of secular India by visiting the beautiful Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, partake of the daily rituals that Sikhs perform at the shrine, including the parshaad (sweet offering), parikrama of the sarovar and understand the concept of the 24 x 7 langar or free kitchen where no hungry from any faith is spurned.

Thereafter proceed to the Crafts museum where you can see local artisans working on their craft. With a collection of 22000 objects, it provides a fascinating experience of traditional Indian crafts in textiles, metal, wood and ceramics.

Dress code: Please dress conservatively for this tour, head scarves or stoles are a must. Shoes have to be removed before entering the holy sites.
Shopping: No shopping option
Start time: 0930 hrs, from venue hotel The Leela
End time: 1730 hrs, at venue hotel The Leela
 
12th October 2011
Heritage Delhi & Shopping
Qutab MinarAn opportunity for all to experience a city that was born as early as 1000 BC, Spoken about in the same breadth as Rome, Cairo and Athens, Delhi has a vast treasure of monuments and remnants from an era gone by. History comes alive walking past Delhi’s boulevards and alleys.

Visit Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret (72.5 meters), built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century. The Qutub Minar is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as Qutub complex.
Thereafter proceed to Humayun’s Tomb , a 15th century, UNESCO World Heritage monument built by the widow of the second Humayun’s TombMughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style & a precursor of the Taj Mahal.

Lunch at good city restaurant.

Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan or President’s House, the official residence of the President Of India & Parliament House, The Circular Colonnaded Building and the Seat of the World’s Largest Democracy.

Evening free for shopping visit to the Santushti Shopping Arcade and the Cottage Industries Exposition, one of the finest addresses for shopping in Delhi.
Dress code: Casuals
Shopping: Yes
Start time: 0930 hrs, from venue hotel The Leela
End time: 1730 hrs, at venue hotel The Leela