16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS
Jewish Heritage Tour of India
TRIP SUMMARY
Journey through India’s Jewish past and present on this special tour of her Jewish heritage hubs – Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Cochin. These vibrant cities are home to living synagogues and a handful of Jewish Indian communities who you will meet with. Guided by our top Jewish-expert guides, you’ll see the most fascinating religious and cultural sites at intervals of travel that are in accordance with the Jewish faith.
Start in Mumbai, an exhilarating city with enormous religious diversity. Visit a Jewish synagogue, a beautiful restored Cathedral, and a Muslim mausoleum in which the Koran is written on the walls in gold and gemstones. The Jewish community in Mumbai comprises 4,000 Bene Israel Jews who trace their origins in Mumbai to a shipwreck off the Maharashtra coast in 175 BC and a few hundred Baghdadi Jews from Iraq. A local historian will lead your tour of the Kenesethe Eliyahoo Synagogue, Magen David Synagogue, and the Shaar-ha-Rahamim Synagogue. Next head to Delhi where you will take in the capital’s finest sites – including New Delhi’s colonial-era landmarks and Old Delhi’s hustling and bustling markets – as well as the Judah Hyam Synagogue.
In Calcutta explore a holy trail of religious sites around Brabourne Road – once home to Calcutta’s many immigrants including the Chinese, Armenians, and Jews & Muslims from the Middle East – with a number of different religious structures coexisting in close proximity. Calcutta has an estimated 25 Jews remaining in this city of 14 million people. Highlights here include the Magen David Synagogue and the Belur Math Shrine, which resembles a church, a temple, or a mosque depending on where you are standing.
End in the enchanting and laid-back port city of Cochin. Although there are only about 17 Cochin Jews left, Kerala’s Jewish history goes back to the time of King Solomon in the 10th Century BC and there are strong remnants in the architecture and atmosphere. Jew Town is a twisting lane heaving with clothes shops and spice stalls; its treasured centerpiece is the little Paradesi Synagogue known for its hand-painted tiles and quaint Belgian glass chandeliers. Around Cochin, we will arrange for you to visit the Murziris Heritage Project’s restoration work on a number of rundown Jewish houses and three of the oldest synagogues in Kerala: the Kadavumbagam synagogue in Mattancherry, the Tekkumbagam synagogue in Ernakulam and the Pattanam synagogue. You can also view their fascinating excavation sites which are unearthing a variety of clothes, coins, and agricultural tools dating back to the time of Roman traders.
Trip Attractions
Mumbai: Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Kenneth Synagogue, Elephanta Caves
Delhi: Old & New Delhi, including Red Fort, Judah Hyam Hall, house of Mr. Baruch B. Benjamin
Agra: Taj Mahal, Red Fort
Kolkata: Beth-El Synagogue, and Magen David Synagogue, Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral, Beth-El Synagogue, and Magen David Synagogue. After lunch visit Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Cochin: North Parur Synagogue, Chendamangalam Synagogue, Paradeshi Synagogue at the Jew town
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Mumbai
Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure.
Day 2: Mumbai Excursion
Take a privately guided day trip to Alibaugh, 145km from Mumbai, to visit the Jewish synagogues and graveyard in Navgoan, en-route visit a synagogue in Panvel. Return to Mumbai by ferry.
Day 3: Mumbai
Visit the 4 important synagogues of Mumbai and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum. This evening has dinner at Kenneth Synagogue with a special prayer.
Day 4: Mumbai City tour
Half-day visit to Elephanta Caves followed by a half-day tour of Colonial Mumbai.
Day 5 – Mumbai -Delhi By Air
Fly to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure.
Day 6: Delhi City tour
Full-day private sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi, including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the bazaars of Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar, Humanyun’s Tomb, Lutyens Buildings, and India Gate.
Day 7 : Delhi
Visit the Judah Hyam Hall, a center for Jewish and interfaith studies, and the house of Mr. Baruch B. Benjamin, the first President of the Jewish Welfare Association New Delhi.
Day 08: Delhi – Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Later visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, in 1632. Later proceed to Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 09: Agra – Delhi -By Surface and Kolkata By Air
Drive back to Delhi for a flight to Kolkata. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure.
Day 10: Kolkata
Private sightseeing including the New Market area, Nahoum’s Bakery Shop, Beth-El Synagogue, and Magen David Synagogue. After lunch visit Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Day 11: Kolkata
Visit two Jewish Girl’s Schools at Park Street and Bowbazar. After lunch visit Marble Palace, Kumartuli (Potter’s Colony), College Street Book Market, and Indian Coffee House.
Day 12: Kolkatta to Cochin By Air
Fly to Cochin. Transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure.
Day 13: Cochin
Privately guided tour of the ancient North Parur Synagogue and Chendamangalam Synagogue.
Day 14: Cochin
Privately guided sightseeing tour of Cochin including Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace, Paradeshi Synagogue at the Jew town, the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Broadway Market, and a boat trip to Fort Cochin. Evening Cultural Centre visit to enjoy a Kathakali performance.
Day 15: Cochin
Day trip to the Muziris Heritage Project accompanied by a fantastic guide and storyteller.
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to Cochin airport for your international flight home.