Discover Jewish India
Duration: 10 nights/11 days
December 2024
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 and meet with local community members.
- Cooking demonstration with dinner in Jaipur.
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites - The Taj Mahal and Agra fort.
- Explore Majestic Amer fort, palace and other top attractions.
- Experience Kathakali dance drama, noted for its elaborate makeup and costumes, is a defining element of local culture.
- Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through Delhi’s bustling markets.
- 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.
- Ride an elephant in Rajasthan.
Cost – US$ 2950 per person on Twin sharing
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
December 8: Sunday - Delhi
- Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
December 9: 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.
- Overnight stay in Delhi.
December 10: 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.
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 stay in Agra.
December 11: Wednesday - Agra / Jaipur
- Depart for Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, known as the “Pink City.”
- En route, visit Agra’s Red Fort and Kohinoor Museum, showcasing an impressive tapestry collection.
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
December 12: 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.
December 13: Friday - Jaipur / Mumbai
- Fly to Mumbai, the vibrant metropolis known as the “City of Dreams.”
- 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.
December 14: 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.
December 15: Sunday - 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.
- Experience the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters on a scenic boat tour.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
December 16: Monday - 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.
- Visit the hidden gem of Ernakulam Synagogue, tucked behind an aquarium and garden shop.
- Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance drama, a traditional art form of Kerala.
- Overnight stay in Cochin.
December 17: Tuesday - Cochin / Mumbai
- Return to Mumbai and explore its bustling markets, including the vibrant Crawford Market.
- Participate in a Hindu religious ceremony at a local temple.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
December 18: Wednesday - Mumbai
- Bid farewell to India as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
- Double sharing: $3250 per person
- Single room: $4450 per person
- Price is based on a minimum of 6 people
- 10 nights accommodation in 5* hotels.
- Daily breakfast and 9 Veg. Lunch.
- 2 Veg. dinners including dinner on Shabbat.
- Accompanied English speaking Jewish Escort.
- Airport transfers, intercity travel and tours.
- 3 Internal flights (Jaipur - Mumbai, Mumbai - Cochin and Cochin - Mumbai) in coach class.
- Cooking demonstration.
- Monument Entry fees.
- Mineral water bottles.
- A lush backwater tour.
- Elephant ride in Jaipur.
- Kathalkali dance drama.
- Specialized talks about Jewish India.
- All taxes included.
Delhi - The Lalit
The Lalit New Delhi is located in central Delhi in close proximity to key commercial and business locations. This best 5-star hotel in Delhi operates across 461 rooms and suites and offers over 39,000 square feet of conference and banqueting space.
Agra - Courtyard by Marriott
Experience the perfect blend of convenience and luxury at Courtyard Agra, ideally situated near Agra Cantt railway station and iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. After exploring the city, unwind at the spa or take a dip in the outdoor pool,
Jaipur - Hilton
The hotel is located in the heart of Jaipur. The hotel has a pool on a terrace and a spa offering rejuvenating treatments. Enjoy contemporary Indian cuisine at Chaandi, room service, and drinks at the lounge bar, Krystal.
Mumbai - Taj Mahal Tower
Perched high above the enchanting waters of the Arabian Sea, the Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai beckons as a haven of unparalleled luxury. This masterpiece, adorned with exquisite Tanjore influences, was envisioned by the affluent Rustam Patell, who skilfully brought to life the architectural vision conceived by the renowned Melton Bekker.
Cochin - Crowne Plaza
Nestled by Vembanad Lake, Crowne Plaza Kochi is a luxurious property catering to corporate and social gatherings. With modern design, exceptional hospitality, and a strategic location, it offers convenience for business and leisure travelers.
The well-appointed rooms offer scenic views of the backwaters or cityscape, complemented by 24-hour in-room dining and indulgent spa and salon services.
- 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.
Day 11: Mumbai – Varanasi
Transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Evening tour of Ganges ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Varanasi
Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site. Watch people bathing and worshipping at the Ghats—one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. After breakfast at the hotel, half-day sightseeing tour of the city including the Bharat Mata Temple with a marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University and art gallery. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Varanasi – Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.