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India is a melting pot of cultures and an embodiment of cultural diversity that offers a perfect platform for students to study the influence of culture in society. The country has a rich cultural history characterized by history, archeology, festivals, music and religions among others. The impact of the modernization further makes India an ideal stage for students to learn the importance of cultural convergence, its inherent challenges, and opportunities and how to maximize profitability from such a culturally diverse setting. Indians have embraced western values while preserving their traditional cultures through various festivals such as Diwali that bring people from different parts of the country together.
India, therefore, makes a perfect destination for our class trip since it will expose the learners to an environment rich in cultures thus a platform for the students to learn and experience first-hand the nature of life in a culturally diverse environment. The country has various major attractions that offer value for money, and with sufficient planning, the students can experience various festivals necessary to expose them to both the traditional and modern Indian cultures. Tourists visiting India often flock major historic sites and can also take part in festivals and sample the cuisines of the people (Hannam & Diekmann, 2010). A visit to various historic sites such as museums and temples offers a view of the traditional Indian culture thereby demonstrating the effects of modernization and the inherent westernization of the country. Participating in the country’s periodic festivals and celebrations further provide a practical demonstration of the traditional cultural values in the modern day Indian society.
While in India, the class will engage in at least three activities designed to expose them the students to cultures of the country. The three will include a visit to Taj Mahal and a visit to Agra Fort. Both attractions are in the city of Agra and will, therefore, offer the students the convenience for such trips. On the following day, the students will take a three and a half hour train ride to the capital city New Delhi which is the heart culture, tradition, and modernity in the country. Furthermore, with effective planning especially in the months of October and November, the students will experience the Diwali festivals. The festivals will offer the students a chance to experience a major cultural event thereby understand the major cultural features of the country.
Map showing the train ride from Agra to Delhi
The city of Agra has major attractions that will enchant the students and expose them to traditional Indian culture. The students will visit the Agra Fort and while there interact with famous Mughal emperors such as Humayun, Babur, and Shahjahan. Other must see and do activities while at the Fort include a visit to the Jehangiri Mahal which is the private residence of the Fort and provides a view of Central Asian and Hindu architectural styles. The students will also visit the Khas Mahal to see paintings and Sheesh Mahal to see the best glass-mosaic decorations in India (Gupta, Lal, Bhattacharyya & Indraprastha Museum of Art and Archaeology, 2002). From Agra Fort, the students will take a two-kilometer walk to the famous Taj Mahal. The famous temple offers numerous forms of both entertainment and education for the students. Besides studying the architectural masterpiece, the students will also enjoy a nature walk, sailing, and photography.
Trains are major modes of transport in India. Similarly, they offer a sneak peek into India’s culture and economy. The students will enjoy the four hour trip to Delhi as they mingle with locals and observe cultural patterns as manifested in the behavior of the people. Once in Delhi, the students will visit major attractions most of which are walking distances such as Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar all of which are historical attractions. The students will also visit places of worship such as Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir, and Akshardham Temple. Planning the trip to coincide with the Diwali celebration will be a significant boost that will enable the students to experience one of the greatest cultural festivals thus understanding the importance of religion in the country.
The colorful lamps lit on Diwali
In retrospect, a class trip to India will be a once in a lifetime experience for the students and offer value for the financial investments. The students will have unlimited opportunity to learn and experience basic concepts of cross-cultural influences such as cultural conflicts and cultural convergence among others. By visiting the major historical sites and taking part in Indian festivals, the students will appreciate the central role of culture in maintaining the cohesive nature of the society. Furthermore, the students will get an opportunity for entertainment that is a natural component of the trip beginning with the thrills of flight to meeting new people and experiencing new lifestyles.
- Gupta, S. P., Lal, K., Bhattacharyya, M., & Indraprastha Museum of Art and Archaeology. (2002). Cultural tourism in India: Museums, monuments & arts : theory and practice.New Delhi: Indraprastha Museum of Art and Archaeology & D.K. Printworld.
- Hannam, K. & Diekmann, A. (2010). Tourism and India: A Critical Introduction. New Delhi: Routledge.