The Jewish community in India was comprised of three distinct groups: Bene
Isreal, The Malabar Jewish community and the Iraqi Jews. Their history dates
back to over 2000 years ago where there is evidence listed on the cemeteries
in Hebrew. Today the community has shrunk considerably, however, there is a
large community still active to share the history with us. This program
combines both Jewish history (as we go the beaten track to explore this
remarkable culture) with the traditional Indian temples and palaces through
the land of the Maharajas.
Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai (earlier called as Bombay)
Our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Later
optional visit to the Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue (also known as Fort Jewish
Synagogue), established in 1884 by Mr. Jacob Sasson in memory of his father.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02 : Mumbai
Morning leave for the sightseeing tour of Bombay city visiting Gateway of
India, Marine Drive, Victoria Terminus (Shivaji Terminus), Flora Fountain,
Crawford Market Nehru Planetarium, Kamala Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens,
National Gallery of Modern Art, Chowpatty Beach etc. Later visit Gate of
Mercy Synagogue or Juni Masjid established 1796. The street on which the
Synagogue stands was named Samaji Street in His Honor and is at present
known as Samuel street. The Synagogue celebrated its centenary in the year
1896 and then renamed Shaar-Ha-Rahamim. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03 : Mumbai - Pune (train)
Morning
transfer to the Railway-station to connect train # 1007 Deccan Express dep.
at 07:10 hrs arrive Pune at 11:10 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Later city tour of Pune, now an important commercial city but once the
capital of the Maratha and the Pehwas Empires. Overnight at hotel.Overnight:
In Hotel
Day 04 : Pune - Ahmedabad (train)
Morning visit Ohel David Synagogue, established in 1867, built by the
Sasoon family. Also visit Succath Shelmo Synagogue established in 1921, the
foundation stone of which was laid in 1919. Later transfer to the
Railway-station to connect train # 1050, Ahmedabad Exp, dep at 1950 hrs.
Overnight on board.
Day 05 : Ahmedabad
Arrive at 0745 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Free time to
explore the city by your own. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 : Ahmedabad
Morning city tour of Ahmedabad, founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah. By the year
1600 AD Ahmedabad was considered to be the finest city in India until Delhi
arose. Later visit Magen Abraham Synagogue established in 1933 by Dr.
Solomon. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 07 : Ahmedabad - Delhi
Morning transfer to the Airport to connect flight 9W 702 dep. at 08:10 hrs
arrive Delhi at 09:35 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Rest of the
day free to enjoy the facilities available at the luxury hotel or shopping.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 08 : Delhi
Morning leave for the tour of Old and New Delhi. Afternoon visit the Judah
Hyam Hall established in 1956 in response to the small Delhi Jewish
Community who used to hold prayers in their residents. Also prayers for the
high holidays were held in the house of Mr. Baruch B. Benjamin, the First
President of the Jewish Welfare Association, New Delhi. The hall also serves
as a center for Jewish and interfaith studies. Overnight in hotel.
Day 09 : Delhi - Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the
Hotel. Later visit 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 10 : Agra - Delhi - Kolkata
Morning drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to the Airport to
connect flight IC 264 dep. at 17:00 hrs arrive Calcutta at 18:55 hrs. Upon
arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 11 : Kolkata
Morning visit Neveh Shalome Synagogue established in 1825, the first
Synagogue in Calcutta and rebuilt in 1911. Also visit Magen David Synagogue,
built by Mr. Elias David Joseph Esra in memory of his father, Mr. David
Joseph Ezra who died in 1882. This is the largest Synagogue in the east.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 12 : Kolkata - Chennai
Morning leave for the tour of Calcutta. Visit the Eden Gardens, New
Secretariat, High Court, Jain Temple, Chowringhee Museum, Mother Theresa's
Convent, New Market, Victoria Memorial and the Race Course. Evening transfer
to the Airport to connect flight IC 765 dep. at 18:10 hrs arrive Chennai at
20:15 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 13 : Chennai - Overnight train to Chennai
Morning leave for the city tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George and St.
Mary's Church built by the British East India Company in 1653. A Church
within the Fort was consecrated in 1680. Visit also the High Court, the San
Thome Cathedral and the Marina Beach. Evening transfer to railway station to
connect train#2623 Trivandrum mail dep. 20:00 hrs. Overnight on board.
Day 14 : Chennai - overnight train to Cochin
Arrive Cochin at 06:35 hrs. Later visit Jew Town and the Pardesi Synagogue.
This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala and
Joseph Levi. It stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of Cochin's residence.
It is the first Synagogue which came into existence in the commonwealth and
is one of the oldest in the world. Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 :Cochin /Out
Morning city tour of Cochin visiting the Cochin Harbour and Mattancherry
Fishing Nets. Evening transfer to Airport to connect flight for onward
destination.
