Highlights:
  • Rickshaw ride in Delhi
  • Elephant ride in Jaipur
  • Bollywood movie show in Raj Mandir in Jaipur
  • Camel ride in Pushkar
  • Rajasthani Dance performance in Pushkar
  • Jeep Safari tour – Bishnoi villages in Jodhpur
  • Boat cruise on Pichola Lake in Udaipur
  • Boat Jetty and village tour of Kumarakom
  • Synagogues and Jewish communities in Cochin & Mumbai
  • Entrance fees to all monuments

Date and costs

Departure date        Return date         

12/01/2020               27/01/2020
  • Day 01 (Monday 13/01/20)

    On arrival at Mumbai airport connect to onward flight to Delhi from the same Terminal.
     
    Traditional welcome by our staff at Delhi airport , followed by city tour of Old Delhi. Drive past by magnificent Red Fort and visit the nearby Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest in India, which has a courtyard that can hold 25,000 worshippers. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, the Chawri Bazaar Road and the Chandni Chowk. Enjoy cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.  Also visit Gandhi Memorial – RAJ GHAT - Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
     
    Evening visit Chabbad House for dinner . After the tour check-in at the hotel.
    Delhi- Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
     
    Overnight stay in Delhi.
  • Day 02 (Tuesday 14/01/20)

    In the morning explore India’s bustling capital city , New Delhi visiting the Vijay Chowk, “Victory Square”, stopover at the Presidential Palace with its intriguing combination of classical and Indian design elements and the India Gate memorializing Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
     
    After Delhi tour drive to Agra. On arrival in the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most admired architectural masterpieces. We will see this majestic marble-domed mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz who died giving birth to their 14th child, to symbolize his unending love for her. The construction of the Taj began in 1630. Twenty thousand laborers worked for 23 years until the job was completed, thousands of elephants carried the red sandstone, and the building blocks were brought in from neighboring countries.
     
    Agra- Agra a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631.  Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones.
     
    Overnight stay in Agra
  • Day 03 (Wednesday 15/01/20)

    Morning visit to red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
     
    After that drive to Jaipur, on arrival check-in at the hotel.
     
    Jaipur-the capital of the state of Rajasthan popularly also known as the 'PINK CITY' as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink-colored sandstone. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation, and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). He laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks by principles of town planning set out in an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In 1728 he constructed the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur central attractions.
     
    Overnight stay in Jaipur
  • Day 04 (Thursday 16/01/20)

    In the morning after breakfast start your day by visiting the splendid Amber Fort, an architectural masterpiece of great historical significance. Begun in the 16th century and built of red sandstone and marble, the seemingly rough exterior gives no hint of the warm and opulent ambiance of the interior, as we'll discover this morning. Here we also get an opportunity to ascend to the fort on decorated elephant back.
     
    Later in the afternoon we shall visit the splendid City Palace & Museum which opens a door into the opulent world of the Rajput princes and the treasures with which they surrounded themselves. The City Palace complex is home to several palatial buildings constructed by influential rulers that reflect the blending of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar, the world's biggest stone observatory, between 1727 and 1733 CE. It is impossible not to be amazed by the "tools" he used to study the heavens - and that still provide accurate information today. Later we will see the Palace of Winds also known as Hawa Mahal, a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
     
    Late afternoon we shall visit the old city of Jaipur with its very colorful market and people.
     
    In the evening we will enjoy a Bollywood movie show at Raj Mandir, an impressive movie theater.
     
    Overnight stay in Jaipur
  • Day 05 (Friday 17/01/20)

    After breakfast drive to Pushkar. On arrival we shall enjoy a short tour of main bazaar of Pushkar, a great place to buy souvenirs, clothes and handicrafts.
     
    After that we will enjoy an amazing Camel ride. This trip is a historical journey back in time. The beginning of the journey will be in the deserts surrounding Pushkar. We will go through the desert reaching remote villages and experiencing ancient life as it was centuries ago. In the villages we'll see local families, and will be exposed to their special way of life.
     
    Pushkar - is indeed a very small town in terms of India, but it is a "must see" site for many young Israelis. At the height of tourist season in Pushkar there are likely to be 500 of more Israelis. On the market's main street you will find signs in Hebrew, inviting Israelis to eat falafel and to surf the Internet. The average
    Israeli stays in Pushkar for two weeks!
     
    Later in the afternoon, we shall return to hotel and have time to prepare for Shabbat.
     
    On Shabbat we’ll be guests at the Chabad House Pushkar where we will eat our Shabbat meals and experience the unique atmosphere of Shabbat. About 200 Israelis gather at the Chabad House on Friday evenings and together intone “Yedid Nefesh” and “Lecha Dodi” and then all sit down for a Shabbat dinner rich with melodies and singing.
     
    Shabbat prayers and Shabbat meals at Chabad House
    Alcoholic beverages, meat, chicken and fish products are not allowed in Pushkar.
     
    Overnight stay in Pushkar
  • Day 06 (Saturday 18/01/20)

    Shabbat prayers and Shabbat meals at Chabad House.
     
    After the Shabbat meal we shall enjoy a walking tour of Pushkar, local bazaar. In the evening we shall enjoy a Rajasthani dance performance (Kalbelia Dance)
     
    Overnight stay in Pushkar
     
  • Day 07 (Sunday 19/01/20)

    In the morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur, on arrival visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort - The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, and temples and so on.
     
    Also visit Jaswant Thada.
     
    Jodhpur, "The Sun City", was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also, it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.
     
    Overnight stay in Jodhpur
  • Day 08 (Monday 20/01/20)

    Morning enjoy a visit to a Bishnoi Village by Jeep an ancient and special tribal village of Jodhpur. There we will learn about the Bishnoi people. Bishnoi village minorities work as weavers and potters. This tribal village still preserves a unique and authentic lifestyle and its people love nature with zeal and dedicate their lives to preserve it.
     
    After Bishnoi village safari, continue drive to Udaipur
    on arrival check-in at the hotel.
     
    Udaipur is a city that is still ruled by a much respected Maharaja whose magnificent City Palace forms the heart of the city. Udaipur is one of the most impressive cities in Rajasthan. Set at the southern end of the Aravalli’s Hills, Udaipur overlooks Lake Pichola with the world-famous Lake Palace appearing to float on the water. Over 400 years, successive Maharajas have created an architectural gem in the City Palace, adding to the original structure countless courtyards, balconies and halls. The city has plenty to offer and is a great place to practice bargaining, with crafts, textiles and miniature paintings particularly good buys in Udaipur's stalls and shops.
     
    Overnight stay in Udaipur
  • Day 09 (Tuesday 21/01/20)

    After breakfast, proceed for full day tour of Udaipur. visit the City Palace built in 1725; the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble.  Drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1754 A.D. After that enjoy boat ride at Lake Pichola.
     
    Later visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, consisting of an ornamental pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soft stone. Later visit to local Market.
     
    Later in the afternoon visit the local visit of Old city of Udaipur.
    Overnight stay in Udaipur
  • Day 10 (Wednesday 22/01/20)

    After breakfast departure transfer to Udaipur airport on time to connect the flight for Cochin via Chennai.
    On arrival at Cochin airport proceed for transfer to the hotel.
     
    Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
     
    Overnight stay in Cochin
  • Day 11 (Thursday 23/01/20)

    After Breakfast visit Chendamanglam - Chendamangalam situated in the Paravur taluk of the Ernakulam District. It was for centuries the home to a Jewish community and a synagogue, yet by the close of the twentieth century not a single Jew resided in Chendamangalam. The Chendamangalam Synagogue sits near the center of the quiet village. The narrow lane, paved only in recent years, leading to the synagogue seems to dead end into the white-washed building, but then it splits and continues along both sides of the walled compound. The immediate area of the synagogue is a neighborhood of modest homes, some once Jewish owned, and a collection of small shops selling a variety of goods.
     
    Later proceed for a visit to Fort Cochin visit Chinese fishing net, Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Also visit Paravur Synagogue  and Broadway Synagogue.
     
    Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Show.
     
    Overnight stay in Cochin
  • Day 12 (Friday 24/01/20)

    After breakfast morning excursion to Kumarakom proceed for 03 hours village tour of Kumarakom .Enjoy the Boat Jetty board Country Boat (shikara), proceed over a lake flanked by greens, to the Manjira Village rowed by trained men.
     
    Stop over near village Jetty and enter a village house – Learn how the times changed, as our man shows the modern way of climbing a Coconut tree. At the end of your training session treat yourself to fresh tender Coconut. Coir–Making - Here, you can see and learn the art of coir-making as the lady weaves baskets and mats. It is an interesting form of livelihood confined to the villages in Kerala. Try your hand at coir-making as she explains the basic steps involved.
     
    Net Fishing–A skilled fisherman of Manjira, will show you (teach) some tried and true fishing tips. Watch in awe as he casts a net and catches a few with ease. Toddy Tapping – Your next stopover will see you in high spirits. Toddy, fresh from the pot is considered a specialty in these parts. Watch toddy being tapped from a coconut tree closely. Next we take you through the art of weaving coconut leaves. Then she lets you try your hand at it. You can also tour the vegetable plantation nearby, and learn about unique plants. Also, you can watch the fascinating process of weaving screw pine. Check out the various tips involved and try your hand at spinning a basket.
     
    Later back to the hotel for shabbat preparation.
     
    Overnight stay in Cochin
  • Day 13 (Saturday 25/01/20)

    Morning free for Shabbat prayer and meals.  
    Motzaei Shabbat: Tonight we have the opportunity to visit the largest shopping mall in all of India. Not only will we see stores filled with exotic merchandise such as ornate Indian gold jewelry studded with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds and beautiful Indian apparel, but we also get to see local citizens enjoying shopping time with their families. 

    Overnight stay in Cochin.
     
  • Day 14 (Sunday 26/01/20)

    After early breakfast departure transfer to Cochin airport on time to connect the flight for Mumbai.  On arrival at Mumbai airport proceeds for our Jewish Heritage Tour including a visit to Knesseth Eliahoo Synagogue (also known as Fort Jewish Synagogue), established in 1884 by Mr. Jacob Sassoon in memory of his father.  We then leave to visit the Magen David Synagogue - the huge beautiful building is a famous Jewish heritage point and tourist site. It is located on the premises of the Jewish school and prayer services are held there every morning, Shabbat, and every festival. The synagogue is open from 9am to 9 in evening, Magen David Synagogue was built in 1861 in Byculla, Mumbai by David Sassoon. It is a tall one-story building in the style of Victorian architecture. Its Gothic character with frontal pillars and clock tower is noteworthy. Magen David Synagogue has a beautiful Tebah (reader's platform that marks the center of Sefardic synagogues) and Hekhal (ark which holds Torahs in cases of hammered silver). Regular worship services are conducted here also. David Sassoon built an elementary school near the synagogue which is now the Sir Jacob Sassoon Free High School. The synagogue runs under the Sir Jacob Sassoon Charity Trust.
                                                        
    We shall visit Tiphereth Israel Synagogue -one of the oldest synagogues in Mumbai. It was started in 1886 in a rented building by the Bene Israel community of Mumbai and is now located at Rosh-Del-Villa in Jacob Circle. Tiphereth Israel Synagogue was formally known as Jacob Circle Prayer Hall. It is also called Kandlekaranchi Mashid. Sabbath worship services are conducted in the community hall, a place where religious studies take place and various other activities are held.
     
    Also visit the colossal Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's outdoor hand laundry, famous Hanging Garden, Jain temple, 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 used. After that visit the Gateway of India is a monument built during the British Raj. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic railway station which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways in Mumbai.
     
    After the tour enjoy dinner at Chabad House.
     
    Overnight stay in Mumbai
  • Day 15 (Monday 27/01/20)

    After breakfast departure - transfer to International airport on time to connect the flight back to home.
THE ABOVE PROGRAM COST INCLUDES:
 
Accommodations
  • 14 Nights' Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis as per the details given above
  • All of the hotels on this tour are 5star hotels with the exception of a Shabbat in Pushkar in a beautiful hotel within walking distance of Chabad
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:
  • Synagogues and Jewish communities
  • Boat Jetty and village tour of Kumarakom
  • Boat cruise in Pichola Lake – Udaipur
  • Jeep Safari tour – Bishnoi villages
  • Camel ride in Pushkar
  • Elephant ride in Jaipur
  • Rajasthani Dance performance
  • Bollywood movie show in Raaj Mandir
  • Rickshaw ride – Delhi
  • Entrance fees to all monuments
Other Services provided
  • Professional experienced English-speaking tour leaders
    Dr. Rona and Dr. Aaron Michelson
  • Glatt kosher breakfast and dinner daily. Food for lunch provided
  • Professional English-speaking local guide
  • 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 below.

 
* Because of our tremendous logistical challenges, we are unable to provide special meals for people with allergies or food sensitivities. At most meals, it is unlikely to be a problem as we provide a variety of food at each meal, but if you have allergies or food sensitivities, we strongly suggest that you carry with you food to supplement what we serve.
 
* 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
 
* Although we travel in safe places, eat kosher fresh food, and drink bottled water, we are informing you of official recommendations.
According to the travel clinic at Sheba Medical Center- Tel HaShomer, you are advised to have up to date inoculations for Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A. Please check with your own healthcare provider.
 
 
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 90 - 7 days before landing.
You can find more details here:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
 
If you would like someone to cut the red tape and assist you in obtaining a visa, there is someone in Israel who will smooth out the process for a fee. For information, contact the mail: ddvisa@netvision.net.il
 
 
 
 
Thanks, and regards 
       India Kosher Travel

  www.indiakoshertravel.com