COCHIN (KOCHI), INDIA
ARRIVE: 0800 Wednesday, 1 March
ON SHIP TIME: 1600 Monday, 6 March
Brief Overview: India, origin of one of the oldest civilizations in the world
– the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to 3,000 BC, is also currently
one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. The Indian
subcontinent is the point of origin for four of the world’s major religions:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India prides itself on being
the world’s largest democracy, having gained its independence in the
1940s under the peaceful leadership of Mahatma Ghandi. It is an
extremely diverse country, with vast differences in geography, climate,
culture, language, ethnicity and biodiversity. As it opens up to a
globalized world, India retains a depth of history and intensity of culture
that make it an extraordinary destination. SAS voyagers often identify
India as the “turning point” of the world voyage. It is a country that takes
them out of their comfort zone, challenges their senses, and awakens a
sense of beauty and appreciation for humanity that is
unparalleled. While in India, visit the bustling city of Delhi, witness the
splendor of the Taj Mahal, and float down the River Ganges,
experiencing a centuries-old religious practice. Pilgrims line the banks of
the river at dawn each day to immerse themselves in the holy waters
and pray to release their souls from the cycle of rebirth. Closer to
Cochin, you can explore the backwaters of Kerala, spend a day in a local
village or visit an Ayurveda center as a means to a healthy lifestyle.
India’s immense diversity and colonial past also gives rise to rich cuisine
– sweet, spicy, hot, cold, vegetarian – there is no end to the local and regional dishes to sample. Try a plate of
biryani, a spiced rice dish with meat, or dosa, a fermented batter pancake generally served with chutney or lentil
stew (sambar)
India is an unforgettable experience, regardless of where your travels take you. Kochi or Cochin, it’s a wonderful
place to explore! Be sure to check out the Student Photo Galleries from 2013 and 2014 voyages by clicking on the
years.
Field program highlights by category:
Cultural highlights:
Day 2: KOC 413-201: Unity in Diversity
Day 3: KOC 106-301: Gourmet Indulgence
Day 5: KOC 107-501: Janseva Shishubhavan
Environment:
Day 4: KOC 124-401: Preserve Alleppey Society
IMPACT Opportunities:
Day 1: KOC 105-103: Welcome Reception
Day 1: KOC 603-102: Taj & Jaipur
Day 2: KOC 102-201: Chendamangalam Village
Active/Adventure:
Day 1: KOC 123-103: Cultural Cohin by Bike
Day 2: KOC 503-201: Tea Gardens, Spices, Nature &
Trekking
Program Offerings for India
*Overnight program
Day 1: Wednesday, 1 March
 *KOC 603-102 IMPACT Taj & Jaipur (6 Days/5 Nights)
 KOC 100-102 Highlights of Kochi
 KOC 123-102 Cultural Cochin by Bike
 KOC 105-103 Welcome Reception
Day 2: Thursday, 2 March
 *KOC 406-201 Jaipur & Taj Mahal (4 Days/3 Nights)
 *KOC 301-201 Taj Mahal (3 Days/2 Nights)
 *KOC 503-201 Tea Gardens, Spices, Nature & Trekking
(5 Days/4 Nights)
 *KOC 504-201 Mumbai & Delhi – Financial Hubs of India
(5 Days/4 Nights)
 *KOC 412-201 IMPACT Delhi, Taj Mahal, & Village
Service Learning (4 Days/3 Nights)
 *KOC 413-201 Unity in Diversity – Religious Harmony in India
(4 Days/3 Nights)
 KOC 116-201 Kochi Highlights – Tuk Tuk & Fisherman’s Village
 KOC 123-202 Cochin Blue Bus (Group A)
 KOC 102-201 IMPACT Chendamangalam Village (Womens' Village
Empowerment Initiative)
Day 3: Friday, 3 March
 *KOC 414-301 Glory of the Ganges (4 Days/3 Nights)
 KOC 106-301 Gourmet Indulgence
 KOC 117-301 Missionaries of Charity
Day 4: Saturday, 4 March
 *KOC 306-401 Homestay & the Land of Early India Rubber
(3 Days/4 Nights)
 KOC 110-401 Ayurveda Center
 KOC 124-401 Preserve Alleppey Society
Day 5: Sunday, 5 March
 KOC 107-501 Janseva Shishubhavan
 KOC 108-501 Village Craft & Countryside Boating
Day 6: Monday, 6 March
 KOC 123-601 Cochin Blue Bus (Group)