Our "almost obligatory" trip to see the famed Taj Mahal, widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage," is scheduled for October 26-27. The white marble mausoleum is located in Agra, Uttar Pardesh, about 800 miles due north and a two and a half hour flight from Hyderabad.
It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. While the white, domed, marble mausoleum is the most familiar edifice, the Taj is actually an integrated complex of structures. Construction began in 1632 and was completed around 1653. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our Deloitte sponsored "cultural event" will take us through Delhi to Jaipur on the weekend of November 8-10. These are about 100 miles farther north of Hyderabad than Agra.
Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC and has served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times. The modern Delhi is a cluster of cities spread across the metropolitan region. This is why it's sometimes called as City of Cities.
The British captured Delhi in 1857 and became the seat of British government in India in 1911. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built south of the old city during the 1920s. When the British left India in 1947, New Delhi became its national capital and seat of government.
The India Gate is the national monument of India, situated in the heart of New Delhi. Initially called the All India War Memorial, this historical monument bears the names of 90000 Indian soldiers who were killed in First World War. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the construction work of India Gate was completed in the year 1931. It is often confused with the Gateway of India, located in Mumbai - not unlike the Tower and London bridges in merry old England.
Together with Agra and Delhi, the three cities are commonly known as the "Golden Triangle" tourist circuit. So we'll be covering all three points of the famed circuit, albeit briefly, before we head back to the States in December.We'll be joined for this trip by the Grand Exaulted Leader of the Immersion Program, Ian Wright, Principal Partner - Deloitte, Philadelphia and several of our Deloitte USI colleagues. An exciting itinerary is planned, which includes a traditional Indian banquet with music and dancing.
We'll make our shortest weekend jaunt in late November, heading to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. It is the most populous city in India, the fourth most populous in the world and India's wealthiest city.
Located on the west coast of India, it has a deep natural harbor. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing colonies. During the mid-18th century, Mumbai was reshaped by the Hornby Vellard Project, which reclaimed the area between the seven islands. Along with construction of major roads and railways, the reclamation project, completed in 1845, transformed Bombay into a major seaport on the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai also happens to be home to a teammate with whom I have worked since my arrival. If things work out, I am hoping to meet him in person. Now, that will be networking of the first order! Stay tuned. I'll be posting updates to our plans and complete details of our travels as time allows.
