Amazing South India
Duration: 7 night/ 8 days
Learn about the history of the ancient Synagogues that have stood tall for so long in Kerala. Get an opportunity to observe the village life closely. Watch the various activities that the locals carry out to earn a livelihood.
- Visit Cochin’s historic synagogues, remnants of its once-flourishing Jewish community.
- Walk through the bustling streets of ‘Jew town’ and experience how the vibrant community lived years ago.
- Visit a beautiful Shiva temple popular for its architecture.
- Explore a coconut oil extraction plant.
- Insight into village life.
- Interaction with local villagers.
- Enjoy ride on a Shikara.
- Sun set cruise around lake vembanad.
- Attend Cooking demonstration in Munnar.
Day | Activity | City |
Day # 1 | Arrive Cochin and transfer to the hotel. Cochin was once home to another flourishing Jewish community. Today only 26 Jews remain. Overnight in Cochin. | Cochin |
Day # 2 | Visit the dramatic Chinese fishing nets and the Saint Francis Church, the burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered India. Walk along Jew Street to the exquisite 450-year-old Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry; explore the area’s antique shops and spice markets. Visit the amazing synagogue in Ernakulam, part of Cochin (it’s hidden behind an aquarium and garden shop). Overnight in Cochin. | Cochin |
Day # 3 | Visit the 17th-century Chennamangalam Synagogue and museum. Its close proximity to a Hindu temple, church and mosque highlights India’s religious tolerance. Stop at the Parur Synagogue, an architectural gem dating from 1616. Later overlooking the beach, all aboard for a lush backwater tour along Kerala’s local canals. Then enjoy a Kathakali dance drama. Overnight in Cochin. | Cochin |
Day # 4 | Travel to the rural village area of Vaikom for a sojourn into “God’s own country.” En-route to the village stops will be made at the beautiful Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and a coconut oil extraction plant where you can watch the process of extracting oil from dried coconut. | Cochin- Kumarakom |
Day # 5 | Experience a Shikara ride in the morning and explore the narrow canals around Kumarakom. | Kumarakom |
Day # 6 | Drive to Munnar, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, and literally means “three rivers”. Overnight in Munnar | Kumarakom-Munnar |
Day # 7 | Proceed for sightseeing of Munnar including TATA tea museum and Eravikulam National park home of the endangered Niligiri Thar (Ibex). Later visit the Mattupetty dam, the Kundala Lake and other scenic spots. In the afternoon take a walk at a tea plantation. Overnight in Munnar. | Munnar |
Day # 8 | Drive to Cochin to fly back home or onward destination. | Munnar- Cochin |
Varanasi-
The Holi City
2 nights / 3 days
- Enjoy a boat ride at dawn to view the ghats, former palaces around the Ganges, and the pilgrims who bathe in the river and pay homage to the sun god each morning.
- Explore the narrow streets of Varanasi to visit some of the noted temples – See the cremation Ghat along the Ganges.
- Witness the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges – Watch as lighted wicks soaked in purified butter or camphor are offered to Indian deities.
Golden Triangle
5 nights / 6 days
- Explore majestic forts and royal palaces.
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites - The Taj Mahal and Agra fort.
- Explore Majestic Amer fort, palace and other top attractions.
- Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through Delhi’s bustling markets.
- Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through Delhi’s bustling markets.
- Visit all the top attractions.
Mumbai – Explore the Jewish Heritage
2 nights / 3 days
- Explore Magen David, Tiphereth Israel and Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogues.
- Explore Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Witness the amazing “lunch box” system
- Discover ancient water tank – Banganga.
- Walk through a wholesale vegetable and fruit market.
- Witness a religious ceremony in a Hindu temple.