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
Namaste and Welcome to India! Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 2: 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, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The one hour boat ride culminates at the rock cut cave temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. Then board a ferry back to Mumbai. Prepare for Shabbat and enjoy Shabbat services and a sumptuous kosher Indian-Baghdadi dinner with the community at the Knesseth Eliyahu synagogue. Walk back to hotel. sOvernight in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai
Walk to the Knesseth Eliyahu Synagogue for Shabbat services and a gourmet kosher Baghdadi feast. After lunch, optional heritage walk featuring the David Sassoon Library and Prince of Wales Museum with its huge collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 4: Mumbai - Cochin
Breakfast at hotel. Visit synagogues that reflect the thriving presence of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi Jews: Magen David and Tipheret Israel. Tour the city of Mumbai: Marvel at the Dhobi Ghat, an immense, colorful outdoor laundry. Learn about India’s multifaceted religious heritage at a Hindu temple and Parsi Towers of Silence. Walk through the village surrounding the Banganga Tank, a sacred pool hidden in the luxurious locality of Malabar Hill. Fly to Cochin, on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Cochin was once home to another flourishing Jewish community. Today only 26 Jews remain. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 5: Cochin
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.
Day 6: Cochin
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.
Day 7: Cochin – Jaipur
Fly to Jaipur, the “Pink City of India.” The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is nestled in India’s mountains. Enjoy a home hospitality dinner. Overnight in Jaipur. Day 8: Jaipur Prepare to be awed by the Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of Jaipur’s rulers, and ride an elephant! Stop at the city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Take time to shop in this beautiful city, known for textiles, jewelry and carpets. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9: Jaipur – Kolkata
Take an early morning flight east to Kolkata, once the capital of the British Raj. Visit the dazzling and peaceful Jain Temple. Enjoy British-era architectural masterpieces including the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) and Writers’ Buildings. Explore Magen David and Beth El Synagogue. Check in to the hotel. Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 10: Kolkata
Enjoy a walking tour of local sites, including the flower market and the ghats (steps) that lead down to the holy Ganges River. Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 11: Kolkata – Delhi
Fly to Delhi, the second most populous city in the world, and the seat of the Indian government. Drive by India Gate; Parliament and President’s Houses, and visit Qutab Minar, a 13th-century Muslim monument marking victory over Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Experience an unforgettable bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow, bustling lanes of Old Delhi. Stop at the tomb of Sarmad, a Persian mystic, poet, and saint, who was born a Jew. After lunch, stop at the Sikh Temple. Shopping at Khan Market, where you can find fashion, crafts, jewelry and more. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 13: Delhi – Agra
Leave by road to Agra (4 hours). Visit the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by the emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Enjoy shopping for Agra’s exquisite marble crafts. Overnight in Agra.
Day 14: Agra – Delhi
Return by road to Delhi. En route, stop at Agra’s Red Fort and Kohinoor, a private museum with an amazing tapestry collection. Transfer to International Airport for fligt home.
Namaste and Welcome to India! Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 2: 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, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The one hour boat ride culminates at the rock cut cave temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. Then board a ferry back to Mumbai. Prepare for Shabbat and enjoy Shabbat services and a sumptuous kosher Indian-Baghdadi dinner with the community at the Knesseth Eliyahu synagogue. Walk back to hotel. sOvernight in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai
Walk to the Knesseth Eliyahu Synagogue for Shabbat services and a gourmet kosher Baghdadi feast. After lunch, optional heritage walk featuring the David Sassoon Library and Prince of Wales Museum with its huge collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 4: Mumbai - Cochin
Breakfast at hotel. Visit synagogues that reflect the thriving presence of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi Jews: Magen David and Tipheret Israel. Tour the city of Mumbai: Marvel at the Dhobi Ghat, an immense, colorful outdoor laundry. Learn about India’s multifaceted religious heritage at a Hindu temple and Parsi Towers of Silence. Walk through the village surrounding the Banganga Tank, a sacred pool hidden in the luxurious locality of Malabar Hill. Fly to Cochin, on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Cochin was once home to another flourishing Jewish community. Today only 26 Jews remain. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 5: Cochin
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.
Day 6: Cochin
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.
Day 7: Cochin – Jaipur
Fly to Jaipur, the “Pink City of India.” The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is nestled in India’s mountains. Enjoy a home hospitality dinner. Overnight in Jaipur. Day 8: Jaipur Prepare to be awed by the Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of Jaipur’s rulers, and ride an elephant! Stop at the city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Take time to shop in this beautiful city, known for textiles, jewelry and carpets. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9: Jaipur – Kolkata
Take an early morning flight east to Kolkata, once the capital of the British Raj. Visit the dazzling and peaceful Jain Temple. Enjoy British-era architectural masterpieces including the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) and Writers’ Buildings. Explore Magen David and Beth El Synagogue. Check in to the hotel. Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 10: Kolkata
Enjoy a walking tour of local sites, including the flower market and the ghats (steps) that lead down to the holy Ganges River. Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 11: Kolkata – Delhi
Fly to Delhi, the second most populous city in the world, and the seat of the Indian government. Drive by India Gate; Parliament and President’s Houses, and visit Qutab Minar, a 13th-century Muslim monument marking victory over Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Experience an unforgettable bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow, bustling lanes of Old Delhi. Stop at the tomb of Sarmad, a Persian mystic, poet, and saint, who was born a Jew. After lunch, stop at the Sikh Temple. Shopping at Khan Market, where you can find fashion, crafts, jewelry and more. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 13: Delhi – Agra
Leave by road to Agra (4 hours). Visit the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by the emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Enjoy shopping for Agra’s exquisite marble crafts. Overnight in Agra.
Day 14: Agra – Delhi
Return by road to Delhi. En route, stop at Agra’s Red Fort and Kohinoor, a private museum with an amazing tapestry collection. Transfer to International Airport for fligt home.
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 Add-ons
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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.