Modern India | Docomomo Travel Tour

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Modern India | Docomomo Travel Tour

Palace of Assembly exterior, portico, basin

Credit

(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, photographs by G. E. Kidder Smith, ca. 1965. G.E. Kidder Smith Image Collection

Curated exclusively for Docomomo members, this 11-day journey, offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s architectural evolution from imperial grandeur to modernist innovation. The program weaves together guided visits, curated discussions, and privileged access to seminal works by visionaries such as Lutyens, Stein, Le Corbusier, Kahn, Doshi, and Correa while traveling to five cities, each revealing a distinct dialogue between history and modernity – from Mughal gardens and Rajput palaces to Brutalist icons and contemporary design laboratories. Enhanced with luxurious stays at The Oberoi and Taj hotels, intimate cultural experiences, and regional culinary highlights, this is a rare opportunity to engage with India’s built environment as living expressions of its modern spirit.

 

A waitlist is currently in place. Travelers interested in joining the waitlist should fill out the expression of interest. Those on the waitlist will be notified when/if seats open up.

SITES

 

We begin in Delhi, exploring Lutyens’s city and Edward Durell Stone’s U.S. Embassy. Then it’s off to Ahmedabad, often called the cradle of modern Indian architecture, to visit the Indian Institute of Management by Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier’s Mill Owners Association Building, Doshi’s studio, as well as the Gandhi Ashram and the Adalaj Stepwell, revealing the interplay of modern and traditional design. In Chandigarh, experience Le Corbusier’s master plan and civic works, the embodiment of modern urban ideals. Jaipur offers continuity through the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar, while in Agra, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fariborz Sahba’s Lotus Temple illuminate enduring themes of form, faith, and innovation. Collectively, these sites reveal how India transformed modern architecture into an expression of national and cultural renewal.

Naubat Khana, Red Fort, Delhi

Credit:

Photograph by Jakub Hałun, 2019, via Wikimedia Commons

American Embassy, interior courtyard, pool 

Credit:

(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, photographs by G. E. Kidder Smith, 1966. G.E. Kidder Smith Image Collection

High Court of Justice, exterior, main entrance

Credit:

(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, photographs by G. E. Kidder Smith, ca. 1965. G.E. Kidder Smith Image Collection

Secretariat, exterior, ramp structure

Credit:

(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, photographs by G. E. Kidder Smith, ca. 1965. G.E. Kidder Smith Image Collection

Gandhi Bhawan, Chandigarh

Credit:

Photograph by UnpetitproleX, 2024, both via Wikimedia Commons

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Louis Kahn Plaza

Credit:

Photograph by students of IIMA, 2009, via Wikimedia Commons

Millowners’ Association Building, exterior, façade and entrance ramp 

Credit:

(c) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, photographs by G. E. Kidder Smith, ca. 1965. G.E. Kidder Smith Image Collection

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur 

Credit:

Photograph by Gerd Eichmann, 2018, Wikimedia Commons

Taj Mahal 

Credit:

Photograph by Vyacheslav Argenberg, 2007, via Wikimedia Commons

Bahá’í Lotus Temple, New Delhi

Credit:

Photograph by Wiki UK, 2011, via Wikimedia Commons

India International Center, front entrance and driveway, New Delhi

Credit:

Photograph by Death Star Central, 2020, all via Wikimedia Commons

SCHEDULE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 

ARRIVE IN DELHI

Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, a local guide will greet you and facilitate a private transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi. Settle in and get acclimated. Tomorrow, we’ll spend a full day exploring the architecture of New Delhi.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 

DELHI

After breakfast we head out to explore the dense, labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi, where historic urban planning, bazaars, and community spaces reveal centuries of socio-economic activity. Take in the external majesty of the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its iconic red sandstone ramparts, Mughal gardens, and imperial halls showcasing Shah Jehan’s architectural mastery. In the afternoon we’ll visit the US Chancery building, a symbol of post-independence commitment from the US to India and a hallmark of Modernist architecture. Designed in 1950 by Edward Durrell Stone, the building is set upon a podium, its exterior glass curtain wall protected by a sunscreen. Inside, offices surround a Mogul-inspired central reflecting pool and lush greenery. For our final stop of the day, we shift focus to New Delhi, the British-designed city of wide boulevards, ceremonial avenues, and monumental architecture, then return the hotel for a welcome dinner with the group. Tomorrow, we’re off to Chandigarh.

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

FLIGHT TO CHANDIGARH

After breakfast head to Delhi Airport for a flight to Chandigarh, India’s first planned city. Upon arrival, check in at Taj Chandigarh and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, wander through the labyrinth of chambers, sculptures, and pathways at the Rock Garden of Nek Chand, a remarkable example of vernacular architectural creativity within the formal city layout. Relax for the evening at the hotel, and pack your bags before bed – tomorrow, after exploring Chandigarh, we head to Ahmedabad.

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

CHANDIGARH TO AHMEDABAD

Enjoy breakfast, before embarking on a private exploration of Chandigarh, India’s first planned city after independence. Its master plan was designed by Le Corbusier with contributions from Pierre Jeanneret and others and became a global symbol of postcolonial optimism. We will visit Le Corbusier’s monumental Capitol Complex: comprised of the Palace of Assembly, Secretariat Building, and High Court, collectively representing the three pillars of democracy. These raw concrete modernist masterpieces combine function with sculptural form, incorporating primary colors and civic symbolism throughout. Nearby, the Open Hand Monument, expresses peace and unity. This sentiment continues at Gandhi Bhawan, the Modernist study center designed by Pierre Jeanerret and B.P Mathur situated atop a pond of serene water. Our last stop before heading to Ahmedabad is the College of Architecture (CCA), where design pedagogy is embedded in the built environment.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

AHMEDABAD

Begin the day with breakfast, then head out to explore a few of Ahmedabad’s modernist and contemporary landmarks. Stop at the Indian Institute of Management designed by Louis Kahn, and let the circles and arches of the architect’s red-brick buildings lead the way around campus. Continue to the Textile Mill Owners’ Association building, CEPT University, and Amdavad ni Gufa, an underground art gallery designed by architect Balkrishna Doshi, blending organic forms with spatial experimentation before returning to the hotel.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

AHMEDABAD TO JAIPUR

After breakfast, visit Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi’s headquarters, a study in simple, functional design emphasizing sustainability, light, and open courtyards. Explore Adalaj Stepwell, a 15th-century water architecture marvel, featuring five stories of intricately carved stone, elaborate geometrical patterns, and decorative motifs that combine functional engineering with aesthetic elegance. Then, head to Ahmedabad Airport for your flight to Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan, known for its harmonious urban planning and distinctive Rajasthani architecture. Upon arrival, check in at The Oberoi Rajvilas, a luxurious resort inspired by Rajput palaces, where intricate carvings, courtyards, and gardens evoke the region’s historic grandeur. Dinner at the hotel concludes the day.

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

JAIPUR

Following breakfast, visit Amber Fort, a masterclass in Rajput military and palace architecture, with terraces, ramparts, mirror-decorated halls, and Mughal-inspired ornamental elements. Participate in a private blessing ceremony at Shila Mata Temple. In the afternoon, explore the City Palace Museum, where Mughal-Rajput architectural synthesis is on display through courtyards, balconies, and intricately painted interiors. Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory showcasing stone-based scientific instruments, reflecting the intersection of architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. Pause for a photo at Hawa Mahal, the iconic five-story palace façade designed for ventilation, privacy, and aesthetic effect. Explore Jaipur’s markets before enjoying a curated royal dinner at Castle Kanota, with recipes preserved over generations, offering a cultural and culinary insight into Rajasthan’s heritage.

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

JAIPUR TO AGRA

Begin your day with an optional yoga and hiking session in the Aravalli Hills, observing how natural topography influences local architecture and settlements. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city that exemplifies monumental planning, Persian-influenced gateways, mosques, and palatial complexes. Arrive at The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, a hotel whose design frames breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal, merging contemporary luxury with contextual awareness. The evening is at leisure.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

AGRA

Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise, an unparalleled example of symmetry, proportion, and Mughal marble artistry. Observe the interplay of gardens, reflecting pools, and architecture in perfect harmony. Return to the hotel for breakfast before visiting Agra Fort, where the scale, materiality, and layout of this walled city-palace complex illustrate Mughal fortification and palace planning. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Kachhpura Village, observing vernacular architecture and its relationship to monumental heritage. End the walk at Mehtab Bagh, where landscape design complements the iconic Taj Mahal, offering insights into Mughal aesthetic principles. Return to the hotel for dinner.

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

AGRA TO DELHI

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi and visit the Lotus Temple, a contemporary architectural masterpiece in the Bahá’í tradition, with its 27 free-standing marble-clad “petals” forming a serene and symbolic space. Explore the works of Joseph Allen Stein, including the India International Center, Ford Foundation Office, and Lodi Estate, which illustrate modernist principles adapted to Indian climate, context, and culture. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner at The Oberoi New Delhi, reflecting on the architectural diversity and ingenuity experienced throughout the journey.

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

DELHI

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Delhi International Airport for your journey home.

DOCENT

Parini Mehta, AIA, is a principal at CO Architects in Los Angeles, where she leads the design of healthcare and academic projects across in California. Passionate about the intersections of modern architecture, culture, and community, she serves on the board of the A+D Museum, the alumni council with University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and volunteers her time with Docomomo US. Parini is part of the organizing team for the upcoming Docomomo India trip, helping to shape an itinerary that connects participants with the country’s rich modern architectural heritage.

REGISTRATION

11 Days/10 Nights (Mon–Thurs)*

DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY: $8995 USD
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3720 USD

Group size: 20–30 participants

 

* Includes: Non-refundable deposit; a comprehensive educational land program; entrance to all locations and sites, as detailed; transport between the preferred hotel and daily sites. Guests are responsible for airfare, accommodations, drinks and meals unless specified, and transportation to/from airport.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

  • A deposit of $495 per person is due within 7 days of registration.
  • An additional $2,000 per person is due April 13, 2026.
  • Final payment is due July 31, 2026.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations made

  • On (or before) April 13, 2026: 50% of the deposit is non-refundable;
  • April 14–July 30, 2026: 50% penalty;
  • July 31–August 30, 2026: 80% penalty;
  • After August 31, 2026: 100% penalty.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Schedules and program details are provided in good faith based on available information. Changes to the itinerary, accommodations, or arrangements may occur at Docomomo US’s discretion, with or without notice. Docomomo US reserves the right to cancel this event at any time if it cannot be held safely, for any reason. In this case, Docomomo US would refund participants the cost of their registration but is not be responsible for any other costs incurred as a result of its decision to cancel the event. VIEW SKY VACATIONS FINE PRINT.

ABOUT DOCOMOMO TRAVEL TOURS

Docomomo Travel Tours offer a unique travel experience in a small group setting, with access to modern homes and buildings off the beaten path or not ordinarily open to the public. Contact us at info@docomomo-us.org for more information on tours.