Discover Jewish India
First Group: 2025, October 31 - November 12
Second Group: 2026, February 5 - February 18
Embark on an immersive exploration of India’s Jewish heritage, uncovering historic synagogues, architectural wonders, and vibrant communities. Enjoy personalized attention and insider insights with a limited group size and experienced Jewish English-speaking guide. The trip is highly recommended by previous participants for its enriching cultural experiences.
- Limited number of participants
- Get an Insider’s perspective
- Impeccable services
- Individual attention
- Highly recommended by our customers
- Escorted by experienced Jewish English speaking guide
- An enjoyable educational experience
- Visit historic synagogues, meet with local Jewish communities, and learn about their traditions and history.
- Explore iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Amer Fort, and Mumbai's bustling markets.
- Immerse yourself in India's vibrant culture with traditional dance performances and culinary demonstrations.
- 13 nights accommodation in 5* hotels.
- Most meals (vegetarian, with some fish and two kosher meat meals).
- Accompanied English speaking Jewish Escort.
- All travel within India, including flights, transfers, boat and ferry trips, and air-conditioned buses.
- Cooking demonstration.
- Monument Entry fees.
- Mineral water bottles.
- Elephant ride in Jaipur.
- Kathalkali dance drama.
- Specialized talks about Jewish India and get-togethers with members of the local Jewish communities.
- All taxes included.
Joshua Shapurkar
Joshua Shapurkar is a native of Mumbai and a member of the Bene Israel community. He has been a professional guide for more than 30 years.
Full of knowledge and warmth, he has a special way of leading a group and sharing information. His passion for his country and his community shine through.
Joshua’s attention to detail and love for his Jewish heritage bring to life the history of the Jewish people of India. During his career as a guide he has guided and managed important delegations for JFNA, AJC and AJDC
Day 1: Thursday - Mumbai
- Upon arrival in Mumbai transfer to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2: Friday - Mumbai
- Explore Mumbai’s Jewish heritage with visits to Magen David and Tipheret Israel synagogues, reflecting the city’s diverse Jewish communities.
- Attend Shabbat services and indulge in a sumptuous kosher Baghdadi dinner with the local community.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Saturday - 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: Sunday - Mumbai
Depart by ferry to visit the villages along the coast of Bombay where, according to Bene Israel tradition, seven couples were shipwrecked over 2,000 years ago. Visit the original landing site and monument at Navgaon, as well as the Magen Aboth Synagogue. Stop for lunch. Return by ferry and dinner on your own.
Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 5: Monday - Mumbai / Cochin
- Fly to Cochin, a historic port city on the southwestern coast of India.
- Wander through Jew Street to the exquisite Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, adorned with stunning chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.
- 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.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 6: Tuesday - Cochin
- Explore Cochin’s Jewish heritage with visits to Chennamangalam and Parur Synagogues, showcasing the rich history of Kerala’s Jewish communities.
- Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance drama, a traditional art form of Kerala.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 7: Wednesday - Cochin / Jaipur
- Fly to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, known as the “Pink City.”
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 8: Thursday - 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: Friday- Jaipur / Kolkata
- Take an early morning flight east to Kolkata, once the capital of the British Raj and — Rahel’s birthplace! Visit the dazzling and peaceful Jain Temple.
- Enjoy British-era architectural masterpieces including the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) and Writers’ Buildings. Check in to hotel and prepare for Shabbat.
- Walk to the Maghen David Synagogue, enjoy a Shabbat service that Rahel will lead, and savor a bountiful meal with members of the local community.
- Overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 10: Saturday- Kolkata
- Rahel will lead Shabbat services. After lunch at the synagogue, enjoy a walking tour of local sites, including the flower market and the ghats (steps) that lead down to the holy Ganges River.
- A festive dinner follows after Shabbat.
- Overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 11: Sunday- Kolkata / Delhi
- Morning tour of Calcutta, including the “jewel-box” Jain temple; Victoria Memorial, Calcutta’s “Taj;” and Kumartuli, where you can see how idols are made.
- Fly to Delhi, the second most populous city in the world, and the seat of the Indian government.
- Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 12: Monday- 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.
- Bid farewell to India as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Day 13: Tuesday - 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: Tuesday - Agra / Delhi
- Marvel at Agra’s Red Fort before returning by road to Delhi. Arrive at Novotel hotel near airport by 6 pm.
- Optional stay overnight (additional cost). Transfer to the Delhi International Airport for flights home or for post-tours.
Varanasi, one of the holiest cities of Hindus, has a fascinating array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water’s edge. It is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about 400 of them during the year. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the oldest living cities in the World.
Explore Indian history and culture and delve into local life in the world’s most populous democracy. You will visit world-renowned majestic Forts and Royal palaces. Enjoy village safari and Leopard Safari. Taste the authentic flavor of Rajasthani royalty and hospitality at 16th century old Baoli, also known as Step well.