Highlights:

Professional Tour leaders – Dr. Rona and Dr. Aaron Michelson

  • special “Dabbawala Tour” and “Slum Tour”in Mumbai
  • Bollywood Tour
  • Boat cruise in Varanasi
  • Rickshaw ride in the old city – Varanasi
  • Yoga and meditation  in Rishikesh
  • Rafting / Neelkant Mountains  trek in Rishikesh
  • Special village visit in Amritsar
  • Golden temple in  Amritsar
  • Ajanta & Ellora caves – UNESCO world heritage sites
  • Entrance fees to all monuments

Date and costs

Departure date        Return date         

14/10/2018                29/10/2018
  • 14 October ‘18 (Sunday) departure

  • 15 October ‘18 (Monday) Arrive Mumbai Mumbai-Varanasi

    Special “Meet and Greet” at the International Airport in Mumbai and transfer to city. We will do a fascinating tour of Mumbai called “Dabbawala Tour” -The word "Dabbawala" can be interpreted as "box-carrier" or "lunchpail-man". In Marathi and Hindi, "Dabba" means a box (usually a cylindrical aluminum container.  More specifically, the word Dabbawala implies a person in the Indian city of Mumbai who carries and delivers freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers.  The concept of the Dabbawala came into being when a person named Mahadeo Havaji Bachche started the lunch delivery service with about a hundred men. At the present time, Indian businessmen are the main customers for the Dabbawala, and the service often includes both cooking and delivery. Between 175,000 and 200,000 lunch boxes are moved each day by 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawalas.
     
    Your packed lunch will be delivered at the sightseeing point.  Later we will be transferred to the domestic airport for the flight for Varanasi.

    On arrival at Varanasi, meet & greet and transfer to hotel. On arrival check into the hotel.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 16 October’18 (Tuesday) Varanasi

    Varanasi, or Banaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivaled. Mark Twain, the author, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
     
    Today we start our day with an early morning boat ride on the holy river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing. We will witness the daily miracle unfold, as the sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmurings of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.
     
    • Walk on the Ghats and see the cremation ceremony. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
     
    After breakfast visit the Banaras Hindu University, the Bharat Mata Temple. After that we will proceed to an excursion to Sarnath.  Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. First we will visit the Sarnath Museum and later visit other sites in Sarnath. A major Buddhist center, Sarnath lies 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the ’middle way’ to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BCE, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a STUPA here. Between the 3rd century BCE and the 11th century CE, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath. Most of the Sarnath’s monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here.
     
    • Later enjoy a rickshaw ride in the old city.
    • In the evening we will proceed to the Ghats to witness the evening Deepmala ceremony and prayer.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 17 October’18 (Wednesday) Varanasi-Delhi

    After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival we will be met by our representative followed by a visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world.  Later we will visit Lotus Temple which is a Bahai Temple. The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship completed in 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city.  Later part we will visit Dilli Haat, which provides the ambiance of a traditional rural haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazaar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine. A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.
     
    Later drive to Chabad house for dinner. After dinner check-in at hotel.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 18October’18 (Thursday) Delhi-Haridwar - Rishikesh

    Morning transfer to Railway station for train to Haridwar.  (Your luggage will be transferred previous night by BUS to Rishikesh)  On arrival in Haridwar visit Hari Ki Pauri, Ghats & Mansadevi Temple (enjoy Cable Car).
     
    Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town. 
    On arrival check into the hotel. Evening: we will witness the live evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony in Rishikesh.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 19 October’18 (Friday) Rishikesh

    Morning Yoga Meditation class.  After breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Ashram and Triveni Ghat. We will have a walking exploration of the Rishikesh area.  We will reach the hotel well before Shabbat.
     
    Evening Shabbat Prayer and Shabbat Dinner
     
    Overnight stay at hotel

  • 20 October’18 (Saturday) Rishikesh

    Full day free for Shabbat prayer and meal. After Shabbat free time to explore the local market.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel

  • 21 October’18 (Sunday) Rishikesh-Chandigarh (By Surface: 230 Kms/ 05 Hrs)

    After breakfast we will drive to Chandigarh. On arrival check-in at hotel.
     
    In the afternoon we will visit the unique Rock garden, a sculpture garden in Chandigarh. It is also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden after its founder Nek Chand, a government official who started the garden secretly in his spare time in 1957.  Today it is spread over an area of forty-acres. It is completely built of industrial & home waste and throw-away items. Also we will enjoy a boat ride at Chandigarh Lake (Sukna Lake) and the Sector 18 market.
     
    Chandigarh, the dream city of India's first Prime Minister, Sh. JawaharLal Nehru, was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. Picturesquely located at the foothills of Shivaliks, it is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in the twentieth century in India. Chandigarh derives its name from the temple of "ChandiMandir" located in the vicinity of the site selected for the city. The deity 'Chandi', the goddess of power and a fort of 'Garh' laying beyond the temple gave the city its name "Chandigarh-The City Beautiful".


    Overnight stay at hotel

  • 22 October’18 (Monday) Chandigarh-Ambala (By Surface: 55 Kms/ 01 ½ Hrs) Ambala-Amritsar (By Train: 12029-Swarna Shatabdi at 0957/1345 Hrs)

    Morning after breakfast drive to Ambala railway station to board the train on time for Amritsar. Arrive Amritsar and transfer to hotel.
     
    After early dinner we will visit to the Golden Temple to witness their spectacular Closing ceremony when they take their holy book to its night time resting place. Also visit market.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 23 October’18 (Tuesday) Amritsar

    After breakfast visit Golden Temple amidst the serene magnificence as well as the JalliawalaBagh, a garden and monument commemorating the site of the 1919 massacre of 300 unarmed Indians by the British under the command of General Dyer.
     
    At around 15:00 hrswe will drive about 30kms to the India-Pakistan border at Wagah to view the ceremonial changing of the guard at dusk. The contrived nightly parade of closing the border and lowering of the flags is witnessed by crowds of up to 10,000 strong!  On the way visit local village and enjoy Bhangra Dance show.
     
    We will return to the hotel for dinner. 
     
    Amritsar (also called Ambarsar) is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, not far from the border with Pakistan. At the center of its walled old town is the gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), considered the holiest Gurdwara, or religious complex, of the Sikh religion. It’s at the end of a causeway, surrounded by the sacred AmritSarovar Lake, where pilgrims bathe.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 24 October’18 (Wednesday) Amritsar-Aurangabad By Flight

    Morning after late breakfast, on time transfer to airport to connect the flight for Aurangabad via Delhi. Arrive Aurangabad and transfer to hotel.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 25 October’18 (Thursday) Aurangabad

    After breakfast we will depart for a full day excursion to Ajanta Caves which were discovered in 1819 by a British hunting party. The isolation had contributed to the fine state of preservation in which some of the paintings of over 2000 years old remain to this day. Aurangabad is known for the caves at Ajanta which are a superb example of India’s finest artistic treasures. They depict scenes from the life of Buddha and Buddhist fables with skills and devotion. The best known caves (1, 12, 16, 17, and 19) contain magnificent depictions of the bodhisattavas, avlokitesvara, and padmapani. Also we will visit nearby villages.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 26 October’18 (Friday) Aurangabad

    After breakfast we will proceed for excursion to Ellora Caves-34 cave temples were carved out of the hillside with hand tools. Only 12 of these 34 caves are Buddhist. The 17 Hindu caves in the center are the most impressive. The massive Kailash temple (cave 16) is nearly one and half times taller than the Parthenon and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed by excavating approx 200,000 tons of rock and is possibly the world's largest monolithic structure. Each cave is pulsing with drama and passion. The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece. Also drive around Aurangabad city.
     
    Evening back to hotel before Shabbat
     
  • 27 October’18 (Saturday) Aurangabad

    Full day free for Shabbat prayer and meal. Evening after Shabbat visit Mahagami Dance Gurukul to see Folklore & culture show.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 28 October’18 (Sunday) Aurangabad-Mumbai (By Flight: 9W-355 at 0650/0740 hrs)

    Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and proceed for visit to Iskon Temple, Juhu Beach, and Juhu Chopati.
     
    Also enjoy Bollywood Tour. Around 1300 hrs arrive at film location. We will meet the Bollywood Guide. He will then provide an introduction informing us about the origin and evolution of the Indian Film Industry (Bollywood) ranging from the silent era to talkies to the current state of the art. He will talk about the history and the mechanics of shooting followed by a dance number by the Bollywood Dancers. You are free to join and experience the Bollywood beats. We will then be escorted to various shoots and will be allowed to watch shootings of Feature Films, T.V. Serials or Ad-Films. We will be given an exciting insight into the mechanics and conduct of a shooting. Later we will also experience the feel of a recording studio.
     
    Later visit Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi that includes a reference library with over 2,000 books, a photo exhibition of Gandhi's life and an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhi is using. Also, visit the SPICE MARKET (Mirchi Galli or Marcha Galli) located at Crawford Market in one of the crowded areas of South Mumbai. As the name suggests it is the place where you will find all kinds of spices (whole and ground) and dry fruits etc. From variety of Kashmiri chillies to turmeric, cumin seeds, cinnamon, mustard seeds and much more, Mirchi Galli is the place that is lost in time.
     
    After dinner at Chabbad, check-in at hotel.
     
    Overnight stay at hotel
     
  • 29 Oct’18 (Monday) Depart Mumbai

    Morning after breakfast transfer to International airport to connect to flight on time for onward destination.
     

General information

THE ABOVE PROGRAM COST INCLUDES:
Accommodations

  • 14 Nights’ Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis as per the details given above

Transportation

  • International flights from Tel Aviv (with El Al)
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Arrival / Departure Airport Assistance
  • All Sightseeing &Transportation as per the program
  • Air conditioned comfortable coach

Activities:

  • special “Dabbawala Tour” and “Slum Tour” in Mumbai
  • Bollywood Tour
  • Boat cruise in Varanasi
  • Rickshaw ride in the old city – Varanasi
  • Yoga and meditation in Rishikesh
  • Rafting / Neelkant Mountains trek in Rishikesh
  • Special village visit in Amritsar
  • Golden temple in Amritsar
  • Ajanta &Ellora caves – UNESCO world heritage sites
  • Entrance fees to all monuments

Other Services provided

  • Professional experienced English-speaking Tour leaders–
    Rona and Dr.Aaron Michelson
  • Lee – as a local guiede
  • Glatt kosher breakfast and dinner daily, food for lunch provided
  • English speaking local guide in each city
  • Tips to local guides, porters, drivers
  • All applicable taxes
  • Monuments entry fee
  • Mineral water 2 bottles per day per person 

THE ABOVE PROGRAM COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Visa fee. Please see below
  • Expenses of purely personal nature like liquor, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera fee, insurance-medical or personal or baggage,
  • Any expense on accommodation/ transportation beyond the above listed
  • Any other item which is not mentioned above
  •  

There may be changes to the order of places visited. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.
The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. These remain the sole responsibility of the airline company

VISA TO INDIA

As of late 2014, India has introduced a 60 day Electronic Tourist Visa on Arrival which does not require a visit to an Indian mission in your home country. The Indian government is constantly adding to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for the Electronic Tourist Visa, (e-Tourist Visa). This can be done 60 - 7 days before landing.
You can find more details here:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html