A tour specially tailor made for those interested in visiting Jewish Synagogues and Jewish religion.
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places Covered : Mumbai - Cochin - Kolkatta
Day 1 : Arrival in Mumbai
Arrival at Mumbai - welcome meeting with our representative on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 : Mumbai
In the morning take part in a tour of Mumbai on foot. In the afternoon visit the Tifereth Synagogue and arrive in time for the evening service at Magen David Synagogue (starts at 18.30 hrs).
Day 3 : Mumbai
Optional: 06.30 hrs service at the Gate of Mercy Synagogue for those who observe Shabbat; independent morning. A full day tour for those who do not observe Shabbat: Visit the Prince of Wales Museum which is built in Indo Saracenic architecture in keeping with the Gateway, but the dome of glazed tiles gives it a very Persian and Central Asian flavour. The Museum also houses an excellent collection or jade and silver jewelry and ancient Indian miniature paintings. On the way to visit the Hanging Gardens, we will pass the Victorian Gothic buildings of the city, stopping at the most remarkable of them all, the Victoria Terminus built in the year 1878. The Hanging Gardens offer a panoramic view of the harbour and a glimpse of the Towers of Silence, the rather unusual crematorium of the Parsi community. Finally, stop over for an interesting photo session at the Dhobi Ghat a sight unique to Mumbai city.
Day 4 : Mumbai
Full day excursion South of Mumbai to the rocky outcrop, where the legend of the Bnei Yisrael (the Karaite Synagogue meaning : "Children of Israel") started. The story is that 7 men and 7 women survived a shipwreck in the time of Solomon. They became oil pressers and remained in the area. There are a few shuls Yiddish for Synagogue there and Jews still continue the work of oil pressing today. The area is also considered to be the holiest shrine for the Bene Israelies of Mumbai. This is where it is believed Saint Elijah arrived on his chariot and the mark can be seen on this rocky outcrop.
Day 5 : Mumbai
In the morning visit the Mazgaon School, which we tour and then in the end meet with the school administrators. Later, a visit to the ORT school in Worli.
Day 6 : Mumbai / Cochin
Transfer to Mumbai airport in time to board a flight for Cochin. Arrival at Cochin, welcome meet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Later, take a tour of Cochin on foot, towards the heritage zone, which has preserved the original architecture of the city. Also visit St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing area, along the mouth of Cochin harbour. In the evening witness a spectacular Kathakali performance.
Day 7 : Cochin
In the morning, visit the Jewish Community and the beautiful Pardesi Synagogue. This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala, and stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of Cochin's residence. Later, walk to the Mattancherry Palace, commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The Palace is two story's high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings). In the afternoon sunset take a heavenly cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
Day 8 : Kolkata
Transfer to the airport to board a flight for Mumbai. Arrival at Mumbai and board a connecting flight for Kolkota. Arrival and welcome meet by our representative at Kolkata and transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 : Kolkata
In the morning visit the Neveh Shalome Synagogue, established in the year 1825, is the first Synagogue in Kolkata. Also, visit Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr. Elias David Joseph Esra in memory of his father Mr. David Joseph Esra. It is a charming walk to this synagogue. Visit the Nahoum Bakery, owned by a local Jewish family. In the evening, attend a service at Magen David Synagogue.
Day 10 : Kolkata
Optional: Attend the morning services at a synagogue. Later, visit Indian cultural sights of interest including the Dakshineswar Kali temple built in the year 1847. Also, visit Kumartuli, the home of the 'kumars' or potters who remain busy all year round preparing clay images for various important pujas and festivals Then, visit the Victoria Memorial, the white marble monument to Queen Victoria designed in Italian Renaissance Mughal style; St Paul's Cathedral, is the original metropolitan Church of British India completed in the year 1847; and Sishu Bhavan, one of Mother Theresa's many homes for the underprivileged and homeless of Kolkata.
Day 11 : Kolkata
In the morning visit the Marble Palace. Boasting 99 different varieties of marble, the house has an extraordinary collection of paintings, some of great value. Also visit the University of Performing Arts, which has a small but charming Museum dedicated to the famous Indian poet laureate, Shri Rabindranath Tagore, Bengal's favorite son.
Day 12 : Depart from Kolkata
Followed by tour of Kolkata on foot. Dinner at the hotel in the evening. Then, transfer to the international airport for flight to onward destination.
Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.
