Jewish Trails

Duration: 8 nights/9 days

March 2023

Delve into Jewish architectural delights, historic synagogues, Jewish structures and sites of importance across far-flung and remote parts of India. Throughout this journey, you will meet members of local Jewish communities to hear their stories firsthand, and visit the synagogues and community institutions that have played an integral role in Jewish life in this fascinating country. A shorter tour for the busy traveler, with highlights of India’s best sites and Jewish Heritage, at all an amazing price!

What sets this tour apart
  • 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
Tour Highlights
  • 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.
Inclusions
  • 9 nights accommodation in 4*/5* hotels.
  • Daily breakfast.
  • Shabbat Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accompany English speaking Jewish Escort.
  • Airport transfers, intercity travel and tours.
  • 2 Internal flights (Cochin - Mumbai and Mumbai - Jaipur) in coach class.
  • Cooking demonstration with dinner.
  • 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.
Itinerary

Day 1: Cochin

Arrive in Cochin and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin

Visit the dramatic Chinese fishing nets. 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). 

Stop at the Parur Synagogue, an architectural gem dating from 1616. Witness Kerala’s local life – Enjoy a backwater boat tour through local canals and observe the local way of life in Kerala.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 3: Cochin - Mumbai

Fly to Mumbai.

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.  Drive past Victorian buildings.

Enjoy Shabbat services and a sumptuous kosher Indian-Baghdadi dinner with the community at the Kenesseth Eliyahu synagogue. Walk back to hotel.  Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 4: Mumbai

Walk to the Kenesseth 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 (tickets will be purchased in advance). Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 5: Mumbai - Jaipur

Fly to Jaipur. Stop at the city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Take time to shop in this beautiful city, known for textiles, jewelry and carpets. Enjoy cooking demonstration followed by homely Dinner. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Agra

Prepare to be awed by the Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of Jaipur’s rulers, and ride an elephant!

Leave by road to Agra (4 hours). Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 7: Agra - Delhi

Prepare to be awed by the Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of Jaipur’s rulers, and ride an elephant!

Leave by road to Agra (4 hours). Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 8: Delhi

City tour of Old Delhi features Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; rickshaw ride; and drive past Red Fort. Tour of New Delhi includes India Gate; Parliament and President’s Houses. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, said to have inspired the architectural style of the Taj Mahal, and visit to Sikh Temple. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 9: Delhi

Transfer to the Airport for flights home or post-tours.

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