"Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Indian Jewish experience is the complete absence of discrimination by a host majority. The secret of India's tolerance is the Hindu belief which confers legitimacy on a wide diversity of cultural and religious groups even as it forbids movement from one group to another."
- Raphael Meyer
The Jewish Trail
Judaism was one of the first religions to arrive in India and integrate with local traditions. Unlike many parts of the world, Jews have historically lived in India without anti-Semitism from Indians. There are five native Jewish communities in the country: the Cochin Jews, Bene Israel, Baghdadi Jews, Bnei Menashe and Bene Ephraim. Discover a vibrant trail that blends Indian culture and Jewish history.
Arrival (evening): Mumbai
Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Mumbai International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is often considered the commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city also houses India’s Hindi film and television industry, affectionately termed as Bollywood. Mumbai is the most populated city in India and attracts visitors and residents from all over the world. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 1: Mumbai
After breakfast, proceed on a morning walking tour of Mumbai. In the afternoon, visit Tifereth Synagogue and arrive for evening service at Magen David Synagogue. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai
For those who observe Shabbat, optional morning service at Gate of Mercy Synagogue and day at leisure. For those who do not observe Shabbat, full day tour of Mumbai: Visit the Prince of Wales Museum which houses an excellent collection of jade and silver jewelry and Indian miniature paintings. Pass the Victorian Gothic buildings of the city and explore the most remarkable of them all: the Victoria Terminus. Finally, visit the Hanging Gardens for a panoramic view of the harbor and a glimpse of the Towers of Silence, the rather unusual crematorium of the Parsi community. End with a picture stop at the Dhobi Ghat. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai
Full day excursion south of Mumbai to the rocky outcrop where the legend of the Bene Israel started. The story states that 7 men and 7 women survived a shipwreck in the time of Solomon. They became oil pressers and remained in the area. A few shuls remain today. The area is also considered to be the holiest shrine for the Bene Israelies of Mumbai for this is where Saint Elijah arrived on his chariot. Today the mark can be seen on the rock. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 4: Mumbai
After breakfast, tour the Mazgaon School and meet with the school administrators. Later visit the ORT school in Worli. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 5: Mumbai—Cochin
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight for Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Cochin is one of the principal seaports of India and is a growing center of international trade and information technology. Later, embark on a walking tour of Cochin including the heritage zone which has preserved the original architecture of the city. Also, visit St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets in the mouth of the harbor. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 6: Cochin
In the morning, visit the Jewish Community and the beautiful Pardesi Synagogue. This synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, and Ephrahim Sala and stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of Cochins residence. Walk to the Mattancherry Palace, commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace was built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu. Afternoon sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 7: Cochin—Calcutta
Today fly to Calcutta via Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Early Jewish settlers in Calcutta were traders who established trading links from London to Shanghai. The city served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911 and is currently the 3rd largest city in India. Overnight in Calcutta.
Day 8: Calcutta
Morning visit to the Neveh Shalome Synagogue, the first synagogue established in Kolkatta in 1825. Take a charming walk to the Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr. Elias David Joseph Esra in memory of his father Mr. David Joseph Esra. Also visit the delicious Nahoum Bakery, owned by a local Jewish family. Evening service at Magen David Synagogue.
Day 9: Calcutta
Optional morning services at a synagogue. Later tour Calcutta: the Dakshineswar Kali temple, built in 1847; Kumartuli, the home of the kumars or potters who prepare clay images for pujas and festivals; the Victoria Memorial, the white marble monument to Queen Victoria designed in Italian Renaissance Mughal style; St Pauls Cathedral, the original metropolitan church of British India completed in 1847; and Sishu Bhavan, one of Mother Theresa’s many homes for the underprivileged. Overnight in Calcutta.
Day 10: Calcutta
After breakfast, 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, a small but charming museum dedicated to the poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Overnight in Calcutta.
Day 11: Departure
Sabbath prayers and walking tour of Calcutta. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Bon Voyage!
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Jewish Trail is available with standard and superior rates.
Package includes domestic airfare, all transportation (including airport transfers), touring, entrance fees, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, taxes and fees.
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Package does not include international airfare, additional meals, visa and passport fees, optional excursions, gratuities and any expenses of a personal nature. If requested, Sodha Travel will reserve air travel on behalf of the passenger.
A visa is required for travel to India.
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Itineraries are subject to change without notice.
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For additional information and rates, please complete a Contact Form.
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