Jewish Trails
Duration: 13 night/ 14 days
Learn about the intriguing history, culture and customs of the Jewish communities of Mumbai, Cochin, Kolkata and Delhi. Eat, pray, and mingle with members of the community. You will visit world-renowned architectural sites, explore famous markets that entice your senses, and experience local customs along narrow urban streets. Explore Indian history and culture and delve into 2,000 years of Jewish life in the world’s most populous democracy.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Historic Synagogues and meet with local community members.
- 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.
- Ride an elephant in Rajasthan.
- Experience Kathakali dance drama, noted for its elaborate makeup and costumes, is a defining element of local culture
- Cooking demonstration with dinner in Jaipur.
- Witness Kerala’s local life – Enjoy a backwater boat tour through local canals and observe the local way of life in Kerala.
- Experience the world’s largest open-air laundry. Learn how local washers serve the city’s hotels and hospitals in open air wash pens.
Itinerary
Day 1: Mumbai
- Upon arrival in Mumbai, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2: Mumbai
- Explore the Indian Jewish community’s impact on Mumbai and visit its famous sites, including three of its synagogues: Knesseth Eliyahoo; Magen David, and Tiphereth Israel.
- Marvel at the Dhobi Ghat, an immense, colorful outdoor laundry.
- Visit the Chabad House.
- Return to the hotel and prepare for Shabbat.
- Enjoy Shabbat services and a sumptuous kosher dinner with the community at the Knesseth Eliyahoo synagogue.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai
- Begin the day with Shabbat services at Kenesseth Eliyahu Synagogue, followed by a gourmet kosher feast.
- After lunch, embark on an optional heritage walk featuring the David Sassoon Library and Prince of Wales Museum, showcasing art, archaeology, and natural history collections.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 4: Mumbai
- Board a ferry to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India. Northeast of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, this labyrinth of cave temples features some of India’s most impressive temple carvings. The one-hour boat ride culminates at the rock-cut cave temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
- After exploring, board the ferry back to Mumbai.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 5: Mumbai - Cochin
- Fly to Cochin, a historic port city on the southwestern coast of India.
- Explore Cochin’s Jewish heritage with visits to Chennamangalam and Parur Synagogues, showcasing the rich history of Kerala’s Jewish communities.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 6: Cochin
- Discover Cochin’s cultural treasures, including the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the historic Saint Francis Church, the final resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama.
- Wander through Jew Street to the exquisite Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, adorned with stunning chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.
- Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance drama, a traditional art form of Kerala.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 7: Cochin - Jaipur
- Visit the hidden gem of Ernakulam Synagogue, tucked behind an aquarium and garden shop.
- Fly to Jaipur.
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 8: Jaipur
- Embark on a royal adventure at the Amber Fort, an ancient citadel with stunning architecture.
- Enjoy an elephant ride to the fort entrance and marvel at its grandeur.
- Visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and explore the Jantar Mantar observatory.
- Take time to shop for textiles, jewelry, and carpets in Jaipur’s bustling markets.
- In the evening, savor a cooking demonstration followed by a homely dinner.
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 9: Jaipur - Kolkata
- Take a morning flight to Kolkata.
- Explore the serene beauty of the Jain Temple, followed by a tour of British-era architectural wonders such as the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) and Writers’ Buildings. Upon arrival at the hotel, take time to prepare for Shabbat.
- Enjoy a Shabbat services at the Magen David Synagogue followed by a delightful meal.
- Overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 10: Kolkata
- Following lunch at the synagogue, immerse yourself in a guided walking tour of the local area. Explore vibrant sites such as the bustling flower market and the ancient ghats, where steps lead down to the sacred Ganges River. Afterward, join in a festive dinner.
- Overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 11: Kolkata - Delhi
- Take a short tour of Kolkata before flying to Delhi.
- Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
- Begin your journey with a guided tour of Old Delhi, including visits to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, and a rickshaw ride through bustling markets.
- Explore New Delhi’s architectural marvels, such as India Gate and the President’s House.
- Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the serene ambiance of a Sikh Temple.
- Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 13: Delhi - Agra
- Journey to Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Explore this architectural masterpiece built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife.
- Discover Agra’s exquisite marble crafts and shop for souvenirs.
- Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 14: Agra - Delhi
- visit Agra’s Red Fort and Kohinoor Museum, showcasing an impressive tapestry collection and drive to Delhi.
- Transfer to the airport for flight home or other destinations.
Tour Add-ons
Previous
Next
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.
Previous
Next
2 nights / 3 days
- Explore majestic forts and royal palaces
- Enjoy village safari and Leopard Safari.
- Set off on camelback or jeep for a desert safari from Sam Sand Dunes.
- Walk through local bazaars.
- Cruise on the waters of Lake Pichola.
- Enjoy dance show at Bagore ki Haveli.