India is the only country in the world where there has never been an indigenous anti-Semitism. Jews have flourished in India perhaps for 2,000 years, although only around 6,000 remain today. There have been three major Jewish communities in India. This tour will be led by Prof. Nathan Katz and arranged by Spiritual Journeys, Inc. Prof. Katz will offer informal Sabbath worship on Fridays & Saturdays. Starting in Bombay, we will visit all major centers of Judaism in India, visit Synagogues and meet Jewish leaders. We will observe their unique customs and traditions and see historic sites important to Judaism.
Tour Itinerary: Day 1, March 13, Thursday: Mumbai (also depart Europe). Arrive late at night. Our representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel with an "Aarti & Tikka" welcome in the hotel. Overnight: Taj Mahal Hotel. Day 2, March 14, Friday: Mumbai. Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of Bombay city. In the evening 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 also named "Shaar Ha-Rahamim", Hebrew for Gate of Mercy, celebrated its bi-centenary in 1996. Overnight: Taj Mahal Hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 3, March 15, Saturday: Mumbai. Full day at leisure. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 4, March 16, Sunday: Mumbai & Ahmedabad. Visit Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue (also known as Fort Jewish Synagogue), established in 1884 by Mr. Jacob Sasoon in memory of his father. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Ahmedabad. Overnight: Taj Residency. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 5, March 17, Monday: 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: Taj Residency. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 6, March 18, Tuesday: Ahmedabad & Delhi. Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Rest of the time free to enjoy the facilities available at the luxury hotel or for independent activities. Overnight: The Oberoi. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 7, March 19, Wednesday: Agra. Full day excursion to Agra. Transfer to railway station to board very early morning train for Agra. Proceed with visit to Fatehpur Sikri. Afternoon – Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Return transfer to the railway station for Delhi later at night. Transfer to hotel. Overnight: The Oberoi. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 8, March 20, Thursday: Delhi. Morning – Transfer to airport for early morning flight to Kochi. Afternoon 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: Brunton Boat Yard. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 9, March 21, Friday: Kochi. Half Day – City sightseeing visiting Kochi Harbor and Mattancherry Fishing Nets. Overnight: Brunton Boat Yard. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 10, March 22, Saturday: Kochi. Full day at leisure. Overnight: Brunton Boat Yard. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 11, March 23, Sunday: Kochi. Early morning – depart by road for Alleppey, (app. 2 hours travel time). Arrive and board House Boats for 1-night excursion through the famous Kerala "backwaters." Overnight: House Boats. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 12, March 24, Monday: Kumarakkom. Early Morning – Disembark house boats and take a motor boat to Puthenangadi Jetty. Arrive and transfer by road to Kochi Airport, app 2 hours travel time for a mid-day flight to Mumbai. Transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight: Taj Mahal New Wing. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 13, March 25, Tuesday: Bombay & Pune. We will leave Bombay early in the morning by train for Pune. Afternoon city tour of Pune, now an important commercial city but once the capital of the Maratha and the Pehwas Empires. Overnight at hotel: Le Meridien Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 14, March 26, Wednesday: Pune & Bombay. 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. Late afternoon transfer to the railway station to board the train for Bombay. Transfer to the Orchid Hotel (airport) for dinner. Late night transfer to the International Airport for flight home. Included: (B), (L), (D). Day 15, March 27, Thursday: Arrive Europe in the morning and arrive USA in the evening. Notes:
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