A seven-night small group tour to India, to see opposite ends of the architectural spectrum from the last 100 years.
100 years of Architecture in India — Empire to Village: a seven-night trip of extraordinary architecture, exceptional food and immense views. Travel through the last 100 years of the architectural history of India in a small group up to 8 people.
From Empire to Village: New Delhi the capital city of the Jewel in the Crown, and then to Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh, Nehru’s statement of the new secular India, 'the city beautiful' situated on the plain below the Shivalik hills, followed by an exclusive stay at the Amaya Hotel, built as a terraced village, designed by renowned Indian architect Bijoy Jain, founder of Studio Mumbai, with its breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
We start in New Delhi with an overview of the elegant Raj-era capital designed by Edwin Lutyens, built from 1912 to the early 1930s which is now the zone of India’s most expensive real estate. A train journey on day three leads us to the new Punjabi capital Chandigarh, commissioned by Nehru in the aftermath of the bloody partition, and now its own Union Territory.
Over two busy days, we will explore the iconic landmarks of the city, experiencing Le Corbusier's architectural brilliance from the Capitol Complex, the commercial zones, and the museums to the university. We visit the home of Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier’s cousin and his original studio partner who moved to Chandigarh for the next decade and a half to oversee the building of the city.
On day four, after lunch at the Chandigarh Yacht Club, we drive into the Kasauli Hills, the foothills of the Himalayas to enjoy the tranquillity and award-winning ‘farm to table’ cuisine of the Amaya and to immerse ourselves in Bijoy Jain’s unique architectural philosophy.
Join us on this trip to experience the culture of the region through the lens of Lutyens, Le Corbusier and Bijoy Jain and their extraordinary contribution to the architectural landscape of India.
Rupert Christiansen
Academic, Author and Critic
“Architourian will lead you in high style and the best company to discover the magic and splendour of India beyond the usual tourists' trails.”
Ellis Woodman
Director of the Architecture Foundation
“I can't recommend Architourian enough - Ian organised the most fantastic itinerary which included extraordinary buildings from the period of the British Raj to the present day. He is hugely knowledgeable, well organised and responsive to the requests of his guests. The trip was a really thrilling experience from start to finish."
Richard and Alex Lewisohn
Photographer and Film Studio Director, and Charity worker
“We had a wonderful and fascinating week in India under Ian's expert and knowledgeable guidance. Chandigarh, and the story of its creation, is fascinating. The organisation, food and hotels were excellent throughout. One of the many highlight was 3 nights in the stunning Amaya sustainable retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas.”