India – Jewish Heritage

Overview

India has a long and colorful Jewish heritage. From its earliest mention in the book of Esther, Jews
have had interest in - and curiosity about - this large country. This interest has become more apparent
in recent years as we hear of Jews who immigrated to India from places like Iraq and also of
indigenous Indian people who practice Judaism. Some of them have been known for generations but
others have only recently come to the attention of other Jews. On this tour we will visit synagogues
and other places that are important in the life of the India‘s Jews, meet members of the community,
and hear about the various groups that made up Indian Jewry. Similarly we will hear about the Jews
from India who now live in Israel and about the growing trade and cultural relations between India
and Israel.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 Wednesday November 17, 2010 Mumbai

Arrival to Mumbai, meeting and orientation at the hotel.

Day 2 Thursday November 18, 2010 Mumbai

After arrival, we‘ll start our tour this morning by visiting the Shaar Harachamim Synagogue from the
Benei Israel Community built in 1796. From there we continue to the Magen David Synagogue, built
for the Baghdadi Community in 1863 by David Sassoon. Next to the Synagogue the former Jewish high
school, built in 1903 by Sir Jacob Sassoon. We will also pay a visit to the David Sassoon Library from
1847. We‘ll also pass by other famous buildings built during the rule of the British Empire: Victoria
Terminus, the Flora Fountain, Gateway of India and more. In the early evening we‘ll check in at our
hotel.

Day 3 Friday November 19, 2010 Mumbai

This morning we‘ll be picked up from the hotel and taken to the Gateway of India where we‘ll board a
motor launch for the hour-long boat ride to Elephanta Island and caves. Mumbai‘s natural harbour is
studded with beautiful little islands among which Elephanta stands supreme. The island hills are
thickly wooded with mango and tamarind trees. It is full of caves, with Hindi sculptures second only to
those at Ajanta in their splendid beauty. The highlight is the famous Trimurti cave. On returning to the
mainland we‘ll continue to tour Jewish Mumbai during which we‘ll visit the Knesseth Eliyahoo
Synagogue near Kala Ghoda built in the 1883 by David Sassoon. Afterwards we‘ll return to our hotel
to prepare for Shabbat.

Day 4 Shabbat November 20, 2010 Mumbai

As our hotel will be in the area close to the Habad centre and to the Knesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, we
will be there for Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning prayers. In the afternoon
there will be a walking tour in the vicinity of the Hotel.

Day 5 Sunday November 21, 2010 Mumbai – Cochin

We‘ll complete our tour of Mumbai this morning, and then make our way to Mumbai‘s domestic
airport for our flight to Cochin in the State of Kerala in the South/West of India. After arrival transfer
to the hotel.

Day 6 Monday November 22, 2010 Cochin

Today we‘ll drive to Alleppey where we‘ll board a Kettuvallam (houseboat). The Kettuvallam is a
modern adaptation from the traditional Kettuvallams of Kerala – an authentic Indian experience.
Outfitted with a large and comfortable sundeck where we‘ll be able to relax wicker chairs as we watch
the world go by. We‘ll cruise the enchanting backwaters of Kerala through the coconut groves and
quiet lagoons. Our boat will carry us slowly into the countryside offering a close look into an engaging
rustic life. After sunset we‘ll return to our hotel in Cochin.

Day 7 Tuesday November 23, 2010 Cochin

Today we‘ll visit the old city of Cochin/ Mattancherry. In "Jew Town" we‘ll visit the Paradesi
Synagogue, India‘s oldest. It was built in 1567, destroyed by the Portuguese during the days of the
Inquisition when Kerala was colonized, but rebuilt in 1664 after Kochi (Cochin) was taken over by the
Dutch. In the afternoon we‘ll visit Mattancheery Dutch Palace and Fort Cochin. In Ernakulam we‘ll visit
two other old Synagogues: the Kadavumbhagham from 1839 and the Thekkumbhagham from 1580
both in need for restoration. In the evening we will enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.

Day 8 Wednesday November 24, 2010 Cochin

Today we‘ll leave Cochin again and continue by coach to visit the Jewish museum in the restored
Synagogue at Chennamangalam from 1614 and two more Synagogues at Parur (1616) and Mala
(1597) which are due to be restored as well - all of them isolated spots in the tropical forests of the
State of Kerala. We will hear about these Jewish populated outposts in the middle of the jungle,
where Jews lived as traders and merchants of Kerala’s famous spice trade. At sunset we enjoy a
harbour cruise of Cochin harbour and see tiny fishing hamlets, Chinese fish nets and the fisher folk.

Day 9 Thursday November 25, 2010 Cochin - Kolkata

This morning we‘ll make for the airport to fly to Kolkata (formerly called Calcutta) on the East coast of
India. After landing we‘ll start touring the City. We‘ll make a photo-op stop at the Victoria Memorial
(1921), drive by the Maidan, pass by the Writers building (1777), the General Post Office (1860) and
the Raj Bhavan, today the residence of the State Governor, all remains from British Colonial rule. In
the late afternoon we‘ll check in at our hotel.
Day 10 Friday November 26, 2010 Kolkata
Once there were five Synagogues in this City, now only two remain open for a population of about 60
Jews. The Neveh Shalom Synagogue, established in 1825, was the first Synagogue in Calcutta.
Although it was rebuilt in 1911 it is closed today. The Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr. Elias David
Joseph Ezra to perpetuate the memory of his father, Mr. David Joseph Ezra who died in 1884, has
been beautifully renovated recently. This is the largest, and without any doubt, the most splendid
synagogue in the East, magnificent in architecture and design. The Beth El Synagogue, built in 1856 is
presently under renovation. Both Synagogues are considered National Monuments and are therefore
State protected. If time allows we will visit the premises of the Elias Meyer School and Talmud Tora
established in 1925. Today it is a regular school as there are no Jewish students any more.

Day 11 Shabbat November 27, 2010 Kolkata

If our hotel will be close by then we‘ll pray at one of the two active Synagogues. The local Jewish
community uses both Synagogues alternatively. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour in the
hotel area.

Day 12 Sunday November 28, 2010 Kolkata

Today we‘ll continue to tour Kolkata, visiting the Howra Bridge over the Hoogly River, the flower
market close to the River, the Indian Museum and the Botanical Gardens. Kolkata has a significant
Victorian heritage, which is visible to visitors all the time. In the afternoon some we‘ll have some free
time for private exploration and/or shopping in the city‘s colorful markets, where all prices are fixed -
no bargaining!

Day 13 Monday November 29, 2010 Kolkata

This morning we‘ll visit the house where Mother Teresa founded her Mission of Charity in 1950. Here
we might hear from one of the nuns, the story of Mother Teresa who did so much for the poorest of
the poor in this city. We‘ll then continue to visit the Jain Temple. This Temple complex is a wonderful
combination of different styles and dazzling colours. In the afternoon we‘ll return to our hotel.

Day 14 Tuesday November 30, 2010 Kolkata - Mumbai - Home Gateway

This is our last morning in India. Today we leave this very busy city, as we drive to the airport for our
flight to Mumbai, where we‘ll change terminals and planes and fly back to our home gateway.

Cost & Accommodation

Tour code Start date End date Days Price Single supplement
EINR1611 17/11/2010 30/11/2010 14 days $4690 $990

Important:

• There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon internal
flights. We will make every effort to visit every location mentioned.
PRICE INCLUDES

• Domestic Flights
• Registration fee
• Domestic airport and security taxes
• fuel surcharges as of 01.01.09
• Kosher half-board + supplies for preparing sandwiches for lunch
• River cruises and elephant ride
• First and/or good Tourist Class hotels
• Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach
• Tours and entrance fees according to the tour plan

PRICE EXCLUDES

• International flights, airport and security taxes

• Tips for local service providers ($130) to be paid abroad
• Indian Visa
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Shows and nights out not included in the tour plan
• Tip for our tour guide (Recommended: $3 per person per day)

Deposit, Cancellation Fees & Policy:

A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your
reservation. Payment in full is due 90 days before departure.
A minimum number of participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not
been reached prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.

• 90 days before departure bookings are refundable less a $100 administration fee
• 60-90 days prior to departure: $500 + $100 per passenger
• 30-60 days prior to departure: $1,000 + $100 per passenger
• Less than 30 working days prior to departure: 100% of total - no refund
• We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance encompassing both cancellation and medical insurance is very important and we can
not stress that enough. We strongly recommend that our clients are adequately insured when
travelling. It is crucial to purchase the travel insurance within 14 days from the 1st payment that you
make for this trip (flights/cruise/tour etc). Your payment is made directly to the insurance company.
We highly recommend the 'cancel for any reason' upgrade option.
Our preferred policies are Travel Safe (USA & Canadian residents), Travel Select (USA residents) and
Global Trip Protection Elite (All other Nationalities).
For an obligation free quote and further details email Yonah insurance@eddiestravel.com