Judaica Itinerary of India

Namaste and Shalom!
Welcome to India!
Bombay or Mumbai is the economic powerhouse of India. It’s the fastest moving, most affluent and the most industrialized city in India. Yet, once upon a time, Bombay was nothing more than a group of low-lying, swampy and malarial mud flats presented to the British by its Portuguese occupiers as a wedding gift in 1661.

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative at the airport and driven to your hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to visit The Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue. David Sassoon’s grandson, Jacob Sassoon, built the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue in the Fort in 1884, in memory of his father Eliyahoo Sassoon (founder of E. D. Sassoon and Company). Afterwards, visit The Magen David Synagogue that is also one of the two synagogues in Mumbai city built by the Sasson family. This tall edifice, notable for its gothic character lent by the four frontal pillars, towers over all the other buildings in the neighboring areas. Completed in 1861, this synagogue was erected at the sole expense of David Sassoon Esq. one of the founding fathers of this city.

In the afternoon, visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Jain Temples, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens that is built over Bombay’s reservoir. From here one can get a panoramic view of the picturesque Marine Drive.

From Malabar Hill you will be driven to the Dhobi Ghats, a huge open-air laundry, which makes for interesting viewing. Continue to Mani Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial), the house where the Father of the Nation stayed during his early visits to the city. The room, in which Gandhi stayed, is preserved as it was, and the scenes of Gandhi’s life in photographs and models are of special interest.

This morning enjoy an hour ferry ride from Gateway of India to reach Elephanta Island. This is one of a number of islands in Mumbai harbor. This island is famous for the cave temples. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been carved out of rock.

Return to Mumbai. Another unique sight is the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers preparing for lunch. Mumbai Tiffin BoxSuppliers is a streamlined 120-year-old organization with 4,500 semi-literate Dabbawalas who pick up 175,000 tiffins from homes and deliver them to harried students, managers and workers every working day by 12.30 pm, served hot.

Visit the JDC, the Jewish Development Community office. JDC has been aiding the Jewish population in India. From helping the elderly and destitute to creating cultural and educational programs for youth and adults, JDC has become an essential part of Jewish life in India. JDC currently helps impoverished, elderly and ill Jews to receive health care and social services

Later visit the markets of Mumbai: the Kalbadevi bazaars, Zaveri Bazaar (jewelry), Mangaldas market (cloth)

Today transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Cochin (6E 244 – 1140/1330 hours)

Cochin (or Kochi as it is known today) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port that became the principal harbor for Malabar’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.

Upon arrival in Cochin airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Evening enjoy a performance of Kathakali. This is Kerala’s unique dance-drama. Originally performed only by men, this art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements, evolved from an ancient martial art form.

After an early breakfast, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin.  Visit the Dutch Palace that is also known as Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD.

The high point of the day will be a visit to the Jewish Paradesi Synagogue (closed on Fridays, Saturdays & Jewish holidays) (circa 1568), where the caretaker will open the Torah scrolls for Jewish visitors. Stepping inside is an extraordinary experience of light and airiness, given partly by the flooring of 18th century blue Cantonese ceramic tiles, hand painted and each one different. In the 19th century, when the Jewish emissary Jacob Sapir (1822-55) visited Cochin, he described the Paradesi synagogue as amazingly wonderful and of perfect beauty. To this day it remains one of the most beautiful Jewish sites in India.

If Sarah Cohen who lives opposite the Paradesi Synagogue is well, you can stop by to chat with her. She is in her 80s.

Later visit the Chinese Fishing Nets. The Chinese fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. They are said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan’s Court and are used at high tide. Visit St. Francis Church, the Protestant church that was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD. It is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India.

Afterwards, explore the spice market area in Kochin.

Evening will be an interesting chance to explore the charming Fort Cochin area on your own.

After breakfast, you will visit Thekkumbhagam Synagogue and Muziris 19 miles outside of Cochin with Mr. Lijo Jose, an expert on the Jews of Kerala. You will also visit Parur Synagogue in Mala (not on Monday).

Muzuris, also known as Jerusalem of the East, is an ancient harbor that is nearly 3000 years old. The first Jewish, Christian and Islam settlements in India were here during 961 BC, 52 AD, and 629 AD respectively. Muziris was first occupied around 1000 BC and was populated until the 13th century. The merchants of Muziris had instituted Indo-Greek and Indo-Roman-Egyptian trade channels, dealing in gold and other metals, pepper and spices, gemstones and textiles.

This tour is a fantastic insight into what is literally the cradle of several religions. Apart from the first Jews of India, this is the port where the Apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas landed bringing Christianity to India much before Europe embraced the religion. It is also the site of Cheraman Mosque, the first Muslim house of worship in India. In addition, it houses a famous Hindu temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy.

Enjoy your lunch at Vedic Village, a backwater resort in Kerala. It is primarily an eco-friendly resort that nestles in the luxuriant greenery of nature which intertwines with placid water bodies that invite you to unwind and relax.

After leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Chennai (SG 287 – 0655/0805 hours)

On arrival at Chennai airport, board the onward flight for Kolkata (SG 323 – 0955/1240 hours)

On arrival at Kolkata airport, met and transfer to the hotel.

Kolkata Jews are mostly Baghdadi Jews who came to Kolkata to trade. At one point as strong as 6000, the community has dwindled to about 60 after the formation of Israel. Today there are only about 30 Jews left in Kolkata. The first recorded Jewish immigrant to Kolkata was Shalon Cohen in 1798 from Aleppo in present day Syria. A Jewish wedding in Kolkata after a gap of 50 years in the 1990s received a lot of media attention.

The most influential Jewish family in Kolkata was perhaps the father-son real estate magnates David Joseph Ezra and Elia David Ezra. They were behind such buildings as the Chowringhee Mansions, Esplanade Mansions and the synagogue Neveh Shalom. Ezra Street in Kolkata is named after them. The community has five independent synagogues in Kolkata, including one in Chinatown, out of which only two are still active today.

Rest of the day will be at leisure.

In the morning after breakfast visit Nahoum’s confectionary shop. Founded in 1902, Nahoum’s moved to its present location in the New Market in 1916. The original owner’s grandson, David Nahoum runs the bakery today.

Visit “Beth-El” (House of God) on Pollock Street, built in 1856, and “Magen David” (Star of David) off Brabourne Road, built in 1883 – 1884 acknowledged to be the largest and the most magnificent Synagogue in the East. Both have been granted Heritage Building status and are kept locked for sake of security. Also visit Neveh Shalom Synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery, Two Free Schools and a Jewish Hospital

In the afternoon enjoy the fascinating guided walk with an expert.

Confluence of cultures  

Here we bring you yet another fantastic walk that touches upon the confluence of cultures in Kolkata. The walk will take you from Bow Barracks to Burra Bazar. Here the expert will trace for you the origins and remains of the varied communities that called Kolkata home. Here you can check why the Chinese breakfast still rules Tiretta Bazar, why the Parisis are dwindling in numbers with each passing day and how the Armenians gave the city its oldest surviving Christian church while we pass the Anglo – Indians, the Muslims, the Marwaris, the Biharis and many more that made this city a great melting pot of diverse cultures. (This walk is not recommended on Sundays)

After breakfast proceed for full day city tour. Visit the Flower Market, drive pass Howrah Bridge and proceed for an excursion to Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple. On your way back to Kolkata visit College Street Book Market, the Indian Coffee House and Kumhartoli, the potter’s market that makes Hindu idols.

Flower Market: In the early morning this market fills with colorful flowers from the northern part of Kolkata. You can see flowers everywhere in this market on the ground, on people’s head, in carts and trucks and on display.

Howrah Bridge: It took six years to construct this bridge in the 1940s. Over 2,590 metric tones of high tensile steel make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station (for Kolkata) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Kolkata. Supported by two piers, each nearly 90 meters in height above the road level, the bridge has a span of almost 500 meters (no pillars in the middle). It was opened in 1943 and today it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It is the third largest bridge in the world and has around 2 million people crossing over it daily.

Belur Math: This is the international headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission that is 16.5 km from Dakshineswar across the Ganga. Swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa founded Belur Math in 1899. It is located near Belur in Howrah district. Its sprawling prayer hall with a statue of Ramakrishna is remarkable. The Belur Math shrine represents a church, mosque and temple when viewed from different angles.

Take a boat to cross the river and visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: This temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. Rani Rashmoni built this temple in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage. It was here the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramhansa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions.

College Street Book Market: The College Street is most famous for its bookstores. Many bigwigs of the Bengali publication industry are situated here. The street is also dotted with countless very small book kiosks that sell old books. It is the largest second-hand book market in the world and collectively boasts of a collection of almost any title ever sold at Kolkata. One can buy rare books at unbelievable prices and extensive bargaining takes place.

Indian Coffee House:  This is perhaps the best place to observe Kolkata’s tradition of adda (casual meeting of friends to discuss every possible issue at hand and while away the time). That Bengalis love chatting more than any other social activity is evident from the scene that greets you when you enter the coffee shop.

After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. (6E 236 – 1145/1400 hours)

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries.

Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Upon arrival in Delhi airport you will be transferred to your hotel.

Following breakfast you will proceed to visit the Judah Hyam Synagogue, and meet with the caretaker Mr. Ezekiel Malekar. Standing silently on Delhi’s Humayun Road, the sole Jewish synagogue of the city easily slips one’s notice. But, if one digs into its history, it goes back nearly half a century.

You will be transported 400 years back and ride on a rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowkknown as The Moonlit Square of India.  Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and get bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones” senses.  Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight.

During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolutionof the times. Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India.

The total duration of the tour will be 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes.  It is an extensive tour that covers 20 main sites that include palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars.  This is a detailed tour with several stops and includes complimentary brunch.  The tour ends at an Old Haveli (mansion) built in1860, which has a photo gallery depicting the lifestyle of Mughals and a small lounge to relax and relish some famous snacks.

Further proceed to New Delhi visits that include Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in Honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and Secretarial buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, the 12th century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Also visit the 16th centuryHumayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

In the morning drive to Agra (approx. 4 hours). On arrival in Agra you will be transferred to your hotel.

Agra, best known as the city of the world’s most famous monument of love, is situated along the banks of the River Yamuna and attracts thousands of visitors every day from all over the world. The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a seventh wonder of the world.

Proceed for a walk in Kacchpura Village. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk through Kachpura starts with explaining the paintings (sanji art) on the walls done by community girls under youth program.

The central courtyard of the village is a major attraction of Kuchhpura. One can also visit the village school situated near courtyard. Walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset. 

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.

The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb was carved out of single block of marble. The Mughals believed that flowers were the symbols of the divine realm, thus in the Taj, pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture. The monument changes with light and presents different times of the day.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Post breakfast visit the massive Agra Fort which was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience).  Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It’s a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Post breakfast drive to Jaipur (approx. 235 kms/ 5 hrs). On the way you will visit.  Fatehpur Sikri, located 37 km southwest of Agra is a magnificent fortified ghost city that was constructed by Akbar in 16 century to honor the Chishti Saint, Sheikh Salim, who foretold the birth of Akbar’s son, Jahangir. The city is a combination of Hindu and Persian architecture, and is in a remarkable state of preservation.  The city was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry, and it remains much in the same condition as it was over 300 years ago.

On arrival in Jaipur check into your hotel

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province, is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. It old town is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Evening Walk – Bazaar, Cuisine and Local Crafts

From its creation in 1727 the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronized the craftsmen and artisans of the city. Many people consider Jaipur as the craft capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji.

On this fascinating evening walk mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling or observing some of the regions culinary delights: pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the winds is the meeting – point at which this two and a half hour walk begins.

In the morning start your tour by visiting the magnificent Amber Fort. It was once the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you can climb up to the Fort in approximately 10 minutes, but a jeep or elephant ride will spare you the trouble of walking up to the fortress. Once on the top, you will stroll with your guide through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls.

Later visit the City Palace and Royal Observatory. First visit the City Palace that houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings and an armory. Then, continue on to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar), built in the 17th century by Jai Singh, a famous astronomer. The observatory has a 900-foot-high sundial. The Central Museum, founded in 1876, has a large collection of antiques. Later drive past the Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds.”Hawa Mahal, built in a unique design, is the landmark of Jaipur, and was used by the ladies of the court to watch the daily goings-on in the street below. The pink sandstone carvings are extremely intricate, and it is a great place to take pictures.

Evening is reserved for special cooking lesson/dinner with Thakur Durga Singh, the current custodian of Dera Mandawa who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, current affairs, and is a bank of knowledge so vast that he has a point of view on anything under the sun. He is what one could call a modern traditionalist, actively seeking the use of modern technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living. The inquisitive can have endless conversations with him on a number of his projects like rain – water harvesting, biogas plant, solar heating and, even, healthy cooking. He would be more than delighted to share his experiences with you.  (If you are kosher, a vegetarian cooking demo and dinner can be requested)

Today post breakfast drive to Rohet (approx. 6 hours)

On arrival at Rohet, you will be transferred to the exclusive Mihirgarh.

Like an intricate sand castle rising out of semi-desert wilderness 45 minutes south of Jodhpur, this architectural gem was built as a labor of love out of brick and cement and Jaisalmer sand by the owners of the neighboring acclaimed heritage haveli, Rohet Garh. Mihir Garh is ingeniously crafted to provide each of the nine huge guest suites (over 1,700 square feet each) with private views and outside space. There are also alluring common areas: three courtyards with splashing fountains, two lounges, a public terrace perfect for watching sunsets, and an infinity pool. The rooms and common areas are furnished imaginatively and colorfully using Rajasthani antiques, carved wood, and embroidered and mirrored fabrics. Fireplaces, created by local women, glitter with mirror work. International cuisine is on offer here, but the local dishes outclass what’s found at most other Indian five-star hotels. At the end of a bumpy country road, Mihir Garh is ideal for those who wish to be away from it all while feeling like guests at a country house.

Post breakfast proceed for a Village Safari by jeep. Showcasing the best of the land, it is a complete cultural experience that encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies and the abundant wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people’s homes and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life that takes them closer to their roots.  Here you meet the “Premier ecologists of the world’, the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India’s most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people.

Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities or to relax at this beautiful property.

The drive today takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life. Among the sights you see are colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. Your destination is one of the architectural gems of the area, The White Marble Temples at Ranakpur.Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard. Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, is fascinating.

Post lunch at Fatehbagh Palace you will continue driving to Udaipur.

On arrival at Udaipur, check into the hotel.

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus – laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country.

The city’s inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.

Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain – it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola, add to the magic of Udaipur.

Today proceed for half – day sightseeing tour of the city.

Start your tour from Jagdish Temple that was built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards; the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola.

Visit the City Palace, (part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal in the world,) and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings are just two of Udaipur’s main attractions.

Later proceed for “Walk for the Tongawallahs.”The Walk for the Tongawallahs has been designed to help revive this once popular and eco-friendly mode of transport in Udaipur. Tongas were once the favorite mode of transport for the ladies of the royal house in Udaipur.  You will visit Bagore-Ki-Haveli and Sahelio-ki-bari with Tongawallahs.

In the afternoon, take a boat-cruise on Lake Pichola, covering the City Palace and Jag Mandir – a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Morning visit the Eklingi and Nagda Temples with your guide.

The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or “mandap” that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof.

On entering this hall, you will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. You would find this temple full of mesmerizing fragrance.

The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part is recognized as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The zenith of the multifaceted idol is known as “Yantra that stands for the ultimate reality. The Shivlinga (Phallic form of Lord Shiva) garlanded by a silver snake, acquires the major attraction of people.

Evening assisted departure transfer to the airport on time to board the flight for Delhi.

(9W 708 – 1625/1735 hours)

On arrival at Delhi airport, met and transfer to the Radisson NH 8.  Day use Superior room is available until time to be transferred to the International Airport for your flight home.