School Religious Studies Trip to Delhi
Explore the birthplace of a number of world religions on a religious studies school trip to Delhi!
Many dynasties have ruled India and Delhi is rich in their architecture. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character and so exploring the city can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
India has a multi-racial society with religions such as Hinduism, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhism and Christianity present, each leaving its own footprint on the country. Where better to gain greater knowledge of some of the world’s great religions than this ancient, fascinating country?
Suggested Itinerary (8 days, 6 nights)
Visit the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim architecture in India and is also a symbol of the love that the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had for his favourite wife.
When Mumtaz Mahal died at the age of 37 in childbirth, her husband, Shah Jahan, had the Taj Mahal built as her mausoleum. Shah Jahan’s reign is viewed as the golden age of Mughal architecture – other buildings he commissioned include the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, but the Taj Mahal remains his most famous contribution.
It’s estimated that it took over 20 years to build the Taj Mahal, and even longer to complete the other buildings in the complex. Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport materials and more than 22,000 labourers and craftsmen were involved in its construction.
Did you know?
Scaffolding has been erected around the building several times to protect it during wartime – first in 1942 for fear of aerial attacks by the Japanese, and then again in 1965 and 1971 during the India-Pakistan wars
See the Qutab Minar
Considered one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised, the Qutab Minar has inspired many subsequent minarets throughout India.
Part of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi, one of the earliest surviving mosque complexes on the Indian subcontinent, this 12 th century minaret is of huge cultural significance.
At 72.5m it is the highest brick minaret in the world, and there are 379 steps inside. A visit here offers your students the opportunity to learn more about the rise of Islam in India.
Did you know?
There is some dispute over who the minaret was named after – it seems likely that it was either Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of India, or Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki, a Sufi saint.
Visit the Buddha Jayanti Park
This lovely park was built to celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment!
Buddha Jayanti is an annual Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth of Prince Siddartha Guatama, who went on to become the Gautama Buddha and founder of Buddhism. It also celebrates the enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
At the centre of the park sits a beautiful gilded statue of the Buddha, sheltered by a magnificent pavilion on its own little island.
Did you know?
Sri Lanka gifted a sapling of the Bodhi tree which grow in Anuradhapura to the park. And that tree is said to be the southern branch of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi, under which the Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Day 1
Morning
N/A
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
Flight to India
Day 2
Morning
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to accommodation
Afternoon
Free time to explore
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Day 3
Morning
Sightseeing in Old and New Delhi - visits include the Qutab Minar, the Iron Pillar, Humayun's Tomb and the Lakshminarayan Temple, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's official residence)
Afternoon
Continue sightseeing - Parliament House, the Secretariat Building, the Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and Chandi Chowk (the city's busiest commercial area)
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Enjoy a Bollywood movie at a local theatre
Day 4
Morning
Leave Delhi for Agra
Visit the Bear Rescue Camp en route
Afternoon
Arrive in Agra
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Day 5
Morning
Visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise
Visit the Agra Fort - inside, visit the Diwan-E-Am (House of Commons), mosques and royal pavilions
Afternoon
Free time to explore
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Day 6
Morning
N/A
Afternoon
Depart Agra for Jaipur
Visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route
On arrival, check in at the hotel
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Day 7
Morning
Visit to Amber Fort
Brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds en route
Afternoon
Sightseeing tour of Jaipur including visits to Maharaja's City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world
Evening
Evening meal at hotel or local restaurant
Day 8
Morning
N/A
Afternoon
Day at leisure before transfer to the airport
Evening
Return flight to the UK
Day 9
Morning
Arrival in the UK
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
N/A
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24-hour assistance from Halsbury Travel in the UK
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6 nights' full board accommodation
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Airport tax and passenger duty at current rates
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Airport transfers in resort
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:10
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Local English-speaking guide during the tour
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Programme as listed inclusive of transport and entrance fees
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Return flights from London
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VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Influences of religion on society
- Similarities and differences between religions
- Multicultural societies
- Religious pluralism in modern society
- Religious heritage within art and architecture
GCSE
- Influences of religion on society
- Key beliefs and practices of Buddhism
- Key beliefs and practices of Islam
- Freedom of religious expression
Educational activities and visits
Bahai Temple
The Baha'i temple in New Delhi is known locally as the Lotus Temple, as it was built to resemble the… Read More
Buddha Jayanti Park
Buddha Jayanti Park was founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddha's salvation. A plant of… Read More
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and famous tourist attraction in Jaipur. The splendid Rajputana architecture still speaks of the… Read More
Humayun's tomb
Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture. It encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun as… Read More
India Gate
At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of… Read More
Red Fort
The largest of old Delhi's monuments is the Lal Quila, or the Red Fort, whose thick red sandstone walls, bulging… Read More
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, built under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of… Read More
Accommodation
Cutting an impressive landmark out of the native sandstone of the area, Hotel City Park offers travelers hospitality of an international standard.
The hotel’s plush and warm interiors, decorated with traditional works of art, hand picked local artifacts and tasteful furnishings, is coupled with the excellent service from staff who care.
Howard Park Plaza International, Agra offers travelers 83 first class rooms and suites. The hotel’s cuisine is renowned for its taste and splendour. Howard Park Plaza guests can enjoy a view of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop-viewing gallery.All the rooms are equipped with Minibars, STD & ISD Direct Dialing and 24hrs Room Service.
Park Prime Hotel offers a serene refuge of comfort and hospitality where Indian tradition and modern services are blended. The hotel has now become one of the landmarks of the city with its highly professional and delightful service.Facilities include a roof top swimming pool, an international restaurant and currency exchange amongst others.Rooms at the hotel are well equipped with an electonic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, central air conditioning, mini bar and much more.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
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2 Launching your trip to parents and students
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3 After you've booked
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4 While you're away
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5 After your trip
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Need help?
Zoe Campbell — Tour Advisor
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Artes Cap d'Opal is a great place to stay with excellent food and helpful staff. The snail farm and the bakery were excellent and our students loved the sand yachting.— Warwick School
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