Discover fascinating sites associated with the full history of British rule in India, from 1661 to 1948
Visit Shimla (Simla) and journey on the charming narrow-gauge ‘Toy Train’ through the Himalayan foothills
Stay in deluxe, Raj-era hotels where available, and appreciate Anglo-Indian culture and cuisine
“Rima's knowledge is incredible and impressive. She really has a gift for being able to convey vast amounts of information in a manner that is engaging and always interesting”
- ACE traveller on a previous tour led by Rima Hooja
The decline of the Mughal Empire and its fragmentation into regional kingdoms in the early 18th century presented an unmissable opportunity for the imperial powers of Europe to press their claims on the subcontinent’s riches. Operating out of quickly established bases along the Ganges, the British, French, Dutch, Danish and Portuguese skirmished with one another and with the local Nawabs (ruling noblemen).
From this early scramble, the British emerged victorious, and went on to build their sphere of influence from a backwater on the Bay of Bengal to an extraordinarily vast territory of 1.6 million square miles covering most of modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar – the most significant, emblematic and evocative of Britain’s imperial possessions.
“A warm, experienced professional who gave us amazing insights into many wider cultural aspects”
- ACE customer on a previous tour led by Rima Hooja
This brand-new tour traces the key landmarks and events of British rule in India. Mumbai could be said to represent its beginning and end, from the ‘gift’ of Bombay to Britain as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza in 1661, to the ceremonial exit of British troops through the Gateway to India on 28 February 1948. As such, it makes the perfect introduction to an itinerary which also encompasses Calcutta (Kolkata), the headquarters of the East India Company and subsequently the capital of British rule until 1911; Lucknow, site of a bloody siege during the Indian Mutiny of 1857; Allahabad (Prayagraj), the centre of the Indian freedom movement from which Gandhi proposed and co-ordinated an eventually successful campaign of non-violent resistance; Simla (Shimla), the beautiful Himalayan hill station which served as the summer capital of the Raj from 1864; and New Delhi, where the Indo-European architectural splendour of the Raj reached its apogee in the Lutyens’-designed capital district.
Our expert Tour Director will present every facet of the Raj – its history and legacy, achievements and controversies – and also enhance our appreciation of Anglo-Indian culture and cuisine, the Indian perspective on empire, the cultural wonders of other eras of Indian history and the sheer vibrancy and confidence of modern India.
Fittingly, the tour is based in deluxe, Raj-era hotels throughout, including the iconic 1903 Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, directly beside the Gateway to India; the 1936 Saraca Hotel in Lucknow, known as the ‘white jewel’; and the 1884 Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, expanded from the cottage in which Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales from the Hills.
Rima Hooja
Rima is an archaeologist, historian, heritage specialist and educationist who lives and works in Jaipur, and is an experienced tour leader and lecturer.
This tour will be led by Rima Hooja, PhD (Cambridge). Rima is an archaeologist, historian, heritage specialist and educationist who lives and works in Jaipur, and is an experienced tour leader and lecturer. Rima's many professional hats include Managing Trustee of the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, President of ICOMOS India, Founder-member of Bhopal Literature & Art Festival, former Member of the National Monuments Authority, Hon. Director of MSMS II Museum City Palace Jaipur, and Visiting Professor for School of Planning & Architecture Delhi. Her books include Maharana Pratap, Crusader for Self-rule, Rajasthani Stories Retold, Rajasthan: A Concise History and History of Rajasthan.
16
£8995
SRAJ-26
Places are limited.
Please contact the office 01223 841055.
for more details.
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, fourteen breakfasts, six lunches (two packed) with water & tea/coffee, seven dinners with water & tea/coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: visa, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £1895.
