India

Jewish Tours to India – The Other Meaning of Chai

India is the colorful land of nirvana, of glorious Rajah’s palaces, endless sweeps of desert dunes, bejeweled elephants and sophisticated ancient physical and spiritual innovations such as yoga and Ayurveda. From glorious spice and tea plantations to exotic Royal cities hovering in time, you will find this exotic country a treat for the senses and enriching for the soul.

While traveling in unhurried luxury, see bustling cities which evoke the height of the British Empire, shop in colorful bazaars, and relax and be pampered in cooling oases that seem to emerge from your dreams. Last but not least, you will find real Jewish roots in India, in an unforgettable town called Cochin. Shal-Om, India!

Day 1 Monday Arrival to New Delhi

Arrival in bustling, monumental Delhi, capital of modern India. You are greeted in traditional Indian style with flower garlands at the airport. Welcome to India! Transfer to the hotel in the center of New Delhi. Dinner. Lalit hotel.

Day 2 Tuesday New Delhi

Today, New and Old Delhi sensuously recall the majesty of bygone empires, while providing a modern buzz. Travel to an exotic world in Old Delhi while resting comfortably in a rickshaw. Here you will see charming marketplaces, as well as the ornate Imperial Red Fort. Then, on to New Delhi, built by the British Empire in the dusk of its heyday. Lunch is served during the tour. Later, drive along its grand main avenue, past the impressive “India Gate” and Parliament House. Lalit hotel.

Day 3 Wednesday New Delhi – Agra

Today, we drive to Agra, which boasts the world’s most famous monument to undying love – the Taj Mahal. Built in 1631 by Shah Jahan to commemorate his late Queen, this gorgeously-proportioned marble construction seems white during the day, but takes on all the rosy-golden hues of sunset (and passion) as day fades into night. You will also see the Agra Fort, including a visit to several royal rooms in this residence. Later, time to enjoy the sense of street life in Agra, with its colorful bazaars and bargaining vendors. Yes, love goes on – and life does, too. As a special highlight, visit the Taj Mahal again in the early evening. Dinner. Trident hotel.

Day 4 Thursday Agra – Jaipur

Depart Agra and travel west toward Jaipur, famed as the “Pink City. Upon arrival in Jaipur, begin sightseeing in the former capital of Rajasthan and a stronghold of the Rajah’s (King’s) powers, including the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the pyramidal structure of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Lunch. This is the day you ride an elephant like a Maharajah (subject to availability)! Your tour will take you to Amber Fort, a classic example, with terraces and ramparts, of Rajput architectural style; your personal pachyderm, dressed in finery, will help you ascend this fort.On return transfer from Fort in Non AC Jeeps to your coach . Later stroll through the bazaar or enjoy the many comforts of your sumptuous hotel.

Day 5 Friday Jaipur – Pushkar

This morning, travel towards the town of Ajmer and the hilly country side of the central region of Rajasthan. From here turn towards a small town that most of the year is a sleepy little place, but during the yearly fair it comes alive. This is the place where camel and cattle traders meet, where farmers and craftsmen from all over Rajasthan come to sell. In addition, Pushkar is the the home of India’s only temple devoted to the creator G-d Brahma. Accommodation is in luxury tents, with running water and facilities you will expect from a luxuy hotel – even room service. After lunch, you will be introduced to the town and the open grounds a little away that are being packed with men in colorful turbans and the thousand of camels and cattle. Dinner. Jodhana Heritage Luxury tents.

Day 6 Saturday Pushkar

Today is all yours to browse and be part of this great spectacle, to listen to the tribal women chanting or simply just to rest at the tent ground and enjoy the fair from a distance. Lunch and dinner is served during the day. Jodhana Heritage Luxury tents.

Day 7 Sunday Pushkar – Udaipur

This morning, it is time to leave Pushkar. Drive south towards Udaipur, the Lake city of Rajasthan. The drive will take you through the hilly land of the desert. Upon arrival to Udaipur, you will notice the glorious setting of this city. Packed lunch provided en route. In the evening, time to enjoy the sun set, casting its colors on the lake and the hills surrounding the city. Dinner. Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace hotel.

Day 8 Monday Udaipur

Begin the day with a short drive into the idyllic surroundings of Udaipur. Visit one of the many Hindu temples in the region and see the traditional “cowboys” or shepherds who live here. As you return to the city, visit the largest Palace complex in this region, boasting incredible views of the lake and city. Lunch is served during the tour. Next, see the Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, which testify to the tastes of the Royal women who once inhabited these palaces. In the afternoon, a cruise on Lake Pichola, where you will see Jagmandir Palace – it is actually on the lake! Later, time to browse the colorful markets in the city. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace hotel

Day 9 Tuesday Udaipur – Cochin

Breakfast. It is time to leave romantic Rajasthan, with its dry land, impressive history and colorful people. Transfer to the airport and, via connecting flights, arrive in Cochin, located in the splendid, relaxed Kerala region of Southern India. Here is where the influence of our Jewish ancestors can most strongly be felt in this country. Transfer to your elegant hotel in the heart of this coastal city, known as “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Later, visit to the 16th century Pardesi Cochin Synagogue, located in an area called “Jewtown,” an important center of the Cochin spice trade. Dinner. Eight Bastion hotel.

Day 10 Wednesday Cochin

Cochin, with its beautiful harbor, is composed of a series of islands connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries, and reflects the many seafaring cultures, from Portugal to China, with which it traded. See the traditional, very characteristic Chinese fishing nets, still used by local fishermen. Continue to the Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace, with its astonishing murals depicting Hindu legends, and the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Friars, the original burial place of the famed explorer Vasco da Gama. Lunch is served during the tour. Enjoy a cruise around historic Cochin harbor. In the evening, learn about Kerala’s fascinating dance-drama form, Kathakali, and enjoy a traditional performance, interpreting epic tales, by some of its finest practitioners. Dinner. Eight Bastion hotel.

Day 11 Thursday Cochin – Periyar

Today begins with a journey to Thekkady, the “Spice Village of India” because of its vast spice and tea gardens. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in to your resort, located on the fringes of the Periyar Game Preserve. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature’s splendor. Here, the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist, deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, tigers, lion-tailed macaques and other exotic indigenous species. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to learn about this vital Indian natural legacy to the world of the senses. In the early evening, enjoy a jungle walk of unparalleled splendor, as well as a scenic lake cruise where you will see and hear the life of the jungle prepare for the night. Dinner. Spice Village Resort.

Day 12 Friday Periyar – Houseboat

For the early risers, join us for an early morning cruise on Lake Periyar. This is the best time to watch the wildlife as they come to the lake for water. Return to the hotel where breakfast is waiting. In the afternoon, board the Deluxe house boats and begin a magical journey on the backwaters of Kerala. On board, you have your own private crew and facilities of bedroom, lounge and dining facility. Your meals on board are prepared by your private chef as you you gently cruise the canals and experience the tranquility of the life along the waterways. Dinner. Deluxe House Boat.

Day 13 Saturday Houseboat – Kumarakom

Breakfast on board the houseboat. As you continue your boat journey, view picturesque villages, rice paddies, and majestic, swaying palms. Arrive at Kumarakom, a paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields, coconut groves, and enchanting canals adorned with fragrant white lilies. Check in at your luxury resort; the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the Eden-like surroundings, or indulge in the hotel’s excellent Ayurveda Centre. Ayurveda, meaning science of life, is an ancient holistic approach, relying on hundreds of natural herbs to restoring vibrant physical well-being. Perhaps a massage with fragrant healing oils, chosen specifically for you? You may also consult with an ayurvedic doctor about natural ways to enhance your vigor. In the evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner where we will celebrate the memories and experiences of a truly magical journey. Coconut Lagoon resort.

Day 14 Sunday Kumarakom – Cochin – Fly to Mumbai – Home flight

Transfer back to Cochin, where you will board the short flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to local restaurant for Dinner followed by a transfer(s) to Mumbai International.