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 Jewish Heritage
India Tour 18 days
With Thousands of years
of historical development behind them, the jewish community has displayed a
remarkable adaptability to the changing times and maintanined an unbroken line
of ethnic and religious tradition. In India, there are two Jewish communities,
the Malayalam speaking Jews of Cochin and the Marathi speaking Ben Israel. The
tour gives you a deeper insight into how they assimilated foreign elements into
their own socio-religious system. Beginning at Bombay, the first stop us the
Gate of Mercy Synagogue or Shaar-Ha Rahamim.
 Then comes the Othel David Synangogue and the Succath
Shalom Synagogue in Poona. Back in Bombay visit the Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue
popularly known as the Fort Jewish Synagogue. in Delhi the Judah Hyam Hall, in
Calcutta, Neveh Shalom and the Magen David is the largest Synagogue in the east
and is magnificent in architecture and design. In Cochin you will visit the
Jewish town and the Paradesi Synagogue. This is the first synagogue that came
into existence in the Commonwealth and is also one of the oldest in the world.
Visit to other important religious sites also a part of this wide ranging tour.
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Sunday-Day I NEW YORK/MUMBAI:
Welcome aboard jumbo jet
flight to Mumbai, enjoy the onboard hospitality.
 Monday-Day 2 MUMBAI:
Upon arrival at International Airport, after
immigration and customs clearance, a traditional welcome & transfer to
hotel.
Taj President/Hilton
Towers
Tuesday-Day 3 MUMBAI:
Morning at leisure. Afternoon,
city tour of Bombay, visiting Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Fish
Aquarium, Jain Temples, Hanging Garden on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering
a nice view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, Kamala Nehru Park, Mani
Bhawan. Drive past Afghan Church, Flora Fountain, colorful Crawford Market and
Marine Drive. Evening visit Gate of Mercy Synagogue or Juni Masjid till 1896.
The street
 on which the Synagogue stands
was named Samaji Street in its honor and is at presently known as Samuel
Street. The Synagogue celebrated
its centenary in the year 1896 and on that occasion it was renamed
"SHAAR-HA-RAHAMIM".
Wednesday-Day 4 MUMBAI-PUNE:
Transfer to railway station to board train for Pune.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon city tour of
Pune, known as the "Queen of the Deccan" with its salubrious climate
and setting among the hills. Once the capital of the Maratha Empire, then of
the Peshwas, the city passed into English hands in 1818 who developed it into
an Army Town with a distinct English flavor. Visit the Raja Kelkar Museum which
houses a private collection of traditional Indian Arts and crafts. Hotel Taj
Blue daimond/Hotel Orchid.
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Thursday-Day 5 PUNE:
 Morning,
visit Ohel David Synagogue, established in 1867 and popularly known as
"LAL DEWAL", is a handsome red brick building with a 90 feet tower to
the north of the entrance porch carrying a chiming clock and surmounted by a
spire. Also visit Succath Shalom Synagogue established in 1921. Pune has one of
the largest WW2 vetrans cemetary of American and
English soldiers, many of whom are of Jewish faith. Should you wish to
attend a service at the cemetary: a Rabbi can be
arranged if interested. Evening at leisure.
Friday- Day 6
PUNE/MUMBAI/COCHIN:
Morning transfer to the airport to board flight for Cochin. Arrive
Cochin. meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Malabar.
Afternoon visit Jewish Settlement and the Pardesi Synagogue. It stands on the
grounds of the Maharaja overlooking the Hindu Shrine and demonstrating the
cordial relations of the Jews with the people of Kerala. This is the first
Synagogue which came into existence in the Commonwealth and is one of the
oldest in the world. . Day at leisure for Sabbath Observance. Hotel Trident/Taj
Hotel.
Saturday- Day 7 COCHIN:
Day free for Sabbath for observers and
others can can join tour of Cochin
 visiting the Cochin Harbor Terminus Mattencherry
fishing Nets. Also at Ernakulam the Pubic Gardens Colleges, High court Building
and Broadway Shopping Center.
Afternoon free.
Sunday-Day 8 COCHIN:
Cochin, one of the finest natural harbors on the
Arabian Sea coast, which has been a port of call for foreign traders from early
times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many structures
representing different regions of the world. This afternoon cruise the
backwaters and this evening optional classical dance.
Monday-Day 9
COCHIN/CHENNAI:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board
flight for Madras. Meeting and transfer to the Hotel Oberoi . Our day begins
with a delightful tour of the Madras, among the famous attractions are The
National art Gallery, which houses the 10th.C. Bronze dancing Shiva from the
Chola Dynasty, St. Mary's Church located at the Fort St. George, the Clive
House and the House of Duke of the Wellington. Taj Connemara/Hotel
Trident.
Tuesday-Day 10
CHENNAI/KOLKATTA(Calcutta)
The ancient City of Seven Pagodas or
Rathas, the site of the breath taking monument of 6th C. cut from rock with
monolithic temples with finely carved figures and sculptures. The most famous of
the Rathas consists of five chariots of 5 princes. Evening transfer to airport
for Calcutta. meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Taj
Bengal/Grand Hyatt.
Wednwsday-Day 11
/KOLKATTA(Calcutta):
Morning tour of
Calcutta visiting the Eden Gardens, new Secretariat, High Court, Legislative
Assembly, Jain Temple, Chowringhee Museum, New Market, Victoria Memorial and
the Race Course. Afternoon visit Neveh Shalom Synagogue established in 1825 as
the first Synagogue in Calcutta. Also visit Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr.
Elias David Joseph Ezra to perpetuate the memory of his father. Mr. David
Joseph Ezra who died in 1882. This is the largest Synagogue in the East.
Thursday-Day 12
KOLKATTA/DELHI:
After breakfast
transfer for flight to Delhi. Meeting and transfer to the Hotel Grand
Intercontinental/Taj Palace. Morning, city tour of Old and New Delhi visiting
Qutab Minar, India gate (War Memorial Arch), and laxmi Narayan Temple. drive
past Jama Masjid, one of the largest Mosques in India, Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana
- the cremation sites of mahatma Gandhi and Jawharlal Nehru and Chandni chowk,
the shopping center of Old Delhi. Evening at leisure.
Friday-Day 13 DELHI:
After breakfast
visit Judah Hyam Hall. Before World war 2nd., the small Delhi Jewish Community
used to hold prayers at the house of one of them in Baratooti. Sadar bazaar in
the old city. During the war and thereafter, more Indian Jews came to Delhi and
prayers for the high holidays used to be held in the house of Mr. Baruch B.
Benjamin, the first President of the Jewish Welfare Association, New Delhi. The
Hall also serves as a center for Jewish and interfaith studies.
Saturday-Day 14 DELHI:
Day at leisure for Sabath Observers and others
will can visit the most
exotic bazaars in
the Old Delhi, Bahai temple and the National Museum.
Sunday-Day 15 AGRA:Taj Mahal and Red
Fort
After
breakfast drive to Agra, visit Taj Mahal, the most extravagant monument ever
built for love. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Mogul Emperor
Shah Jehan built her this memorial over which 20,000 men labored for 22 years
to create a masterpiece in white marble inlaid with semi precious stones; the
art is called pietra dura. This mesmerizing monument of love will leave you
speechless. Agra Fort where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life,
imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The most impressive part of the Fort are the
Dewan-e-Am, Hall of Public Audience and the Dewan-e-Khas Hall of Private
Audience where he received foreign dignitaries. This evening at leisure. . This
world famous monuments have a fair share of Jewish influence in its
architecture as can be seen in the shape of the Star of David in all aspects of
the structure to highlight the harmony and inclusive interfaith society that
prevailed during the Mogul rule. Hotel Taj View/Hotel Mogul
 Sheraton.
Monday-Day 16 AGRA/JAIPUR:Maharaja Tales and opulent
palaces
This morning drive to
Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. This grand complex of Forts, Palaces, mosques and
temples was built by Akbar and later on furbished by his son Emperor Jehangir
and grandson Shah Jahan is a treasure trove of historical events and legendary
stories. Afternoon explore the colorful bazaars of "Pink City". City
sightseeing includes "Hawa Mahal" Palace of Winds, The City Palace,
and the wonderful Observatory built by Maharajah Jai Singh in 1727. Hotel
Rajputana Palace/Hotel Jai Mahal Palace.
Tuesday-Day 17
JAIPUR/DELHI:
After
breakfast, departure to Amber in the Arravali hills, we'll travel in
Maharajah style aboard decorated elephants to the Amber Palace. Sightseeing
includes sensual Sheesh Mahal, Marble palace and Vijay Temple, which are
marvelous examples of Rajput architecture. After descending from the Amber
Castle, drive back to Delhi. After dinner transfer to
International airport for homeward bound flight.
Wednesday-Day 18 DELHI/NEW YORK.
Early
morning departure from Delhi to New York.
Departure
dates:
2012: Jan 29 Feb. 19 Mar 11,25 Sep. 9,30 oct. 14, 28 Nov. 11, 25 Dec. 9,
30
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Tour
Cost:
$7968.00** per person sharing double
Single supplement $3423.00
Airline departure taxes and
fees extra **
Note:High
season air surcharge additional $550.
Jun-Aug & Dec. 1-24 |
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Tour cost includes:
+Round trip economy airfare
from New York
+Hotels with daily breakfast
+Transfers to and from airports to
hotels
+Baggagehandling
+Sightseeing tours as per itinerary by
coach
+Elephant ride tour in Jaipur
+English speaking guide
+Services of our tour managers.
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If you are
travelling from a city other than New York, we have Add-on flight connections
available from most US cities, please call
(800)421-8975. |
Following are the Extension Options
you may add to above tour:
You Can Add
KASHMIR
Optional but
recommended Kashmir tour combines novelty accommodations on houseboat, where
the accomodations are basic and
pristine lakes
 combined make it a great
adventure to experience. Your sightseeing tours will include journey to
Himalayan resort of Pahalgam, cruise by Gondolas in Srinagar lakes and
magnificent historical Mogul Gardens.
Day 1
DELHI/SRINAGAR:
Mogul Gardens:
Airport meet and
transfer to houseboat. After a traditional welcome tea and biscuits,
this afternoon you will visit enchanted Mogul gardens of Nishat 'garden of
bliss' situated on the banks of the
Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, commands a magnificent
view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far
away to the west of the valley was built by Mogul Emperor
Jahangir, who was the father of the builder of Taj Mahal and Shalimar “
the garden of pleasure built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, is a beautiful
garden with sweeping vistas, lakes, and shallow terraces. The garden has four
terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished marble and
supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. The
fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies. Dinner at
your houseboat.
Day 2 PAHALGAM:
 After breakfast, we'll depart for a full day tour of
Pahalagam, an other premier mountain resort in Kashmir, with its pointed peaks
and green pastures. En-route stops will include a visit to 11th. Century Temple
and Palace of ancient capital of Kashmir at AWANTI PURA, MATAN a temple town
with ponds of holly fish which are fed byvisitors and
worshipers. These holy fish are not for consumption. As
you approach Pahalgam, you are greeted by lush valleys and rolling meadows
cascading streams offering panoramic views. Pahalgam is a base for
various Himalayan
trekking routes
for beginners and for experienced
trekkers to many
Trans-Himalayan
expeditions. Within a close
proximity
by horseback ride or walking are the meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly
wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to
Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. This evening Return to your cozy
houseboat.
Day 3 Srinagar lakes and City Tour:
Today you will
board small boats which resemble Italian Gondolas
with canopies and
spring seats to cruise through Dal and Nagin Lakes. Float through a network of
canals to the holy shrine of Hazratbal and visit floating gardens and small
villages along the route.
Day 4 SRINAGAR/DELHI:
Breakfast at your houseboat. Fly to Delhi/, arrival
transfer tohotel. Time free for last minute
shopping etc.
Tour
cost:$796 Per person sharing
Single supplement $396.00
Departure and security Taxes extra Approx $39.55
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Tour cost
includes:
Airfares from Delhi,
airport transfers, houseboat, daily breakfast and dinner, packed picnic lunches
during sightseeing trips, all transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing
tours as per itinerary by coach or chauffeured cars, local English speaking
guide. |
You
can add Varanasi
 Day 1 VARANASI:
Fly to Varanasi, the
most sacred Hindu city in India. We'll visit the archaeological ruins of
Sarnath where Mahatma Buddha revealed his enlightenment to Nirvana. Hotel
Hindustan.
Day 2 VARANASI:
Your day begins with a
boat ride on the Ganges River, whose holy waters draw thousands of pilgrims.
This remarkable tour shows the cleansing baths and burning cremation-ghats of
Hindu Funeral Rituals. Afterwards visit the ancient holy temples, which
attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims from across the Indian Sub
Continent.
Tour
cost:
$583.00 pp. dbl. Occ. Single supplement: $187.00
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Tour cost
includes:
Airfare from Delhi or Kathmandu,
hotel, American breakfast, transfers, sightseeing and Ganges boat tour, English
speaking guide and services of our tour managers.
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You can
add Rathambore Jungle Safari
3 Days
A famous game park and tiger reserve
in Rajasthan. From Delhi to Jaipur then by train to Sawai Madhupur, about 6
miles from the game park. Accommodations are at the Royal forest lodge,
providing colonial style amenities and services in a cozy atmosphere. Game
viewing aboard elephants and jeeps include Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Nilgai and
Chetal to name a few. Operation Tiger Project was launched here to preserve the
Tiger.
Land
cost:
$ 1168.00 per person twin sharing
Single supplement: $ 634.00
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Cost
includes:
Full board with safari activities, surface transport between Jaipur and Sawai
Madhupur and transfers with baggage handling, Guided by wild life specialist.
(Oct-May) |
You Can
Add
Kathmandu Nepal 4 Day Tour
This tour extension may be added on or
taken as a side trip at any
time.
Day 1
DELHI/KATHMANDU:
Arrival reception and transfer to Hotel Del,Annapurna/Royal Singhi.
Time free for stroll around local Kathmandu to acclimatize to altitude at
6,000ft.
Day 2 KATHMANDU:
After
breakfast, begin the day with morning tour of Kathmandu city, visiting the
Temple of Hanuman, Dhoka Square, The House of the Living Goddess, Royal Palace,
the city markets. Afternoon tour of Patan, a city of ancient architecture, fine
arts, and renowned for its' silver, copper and bronze work. We'll also visit
the Tibetan Handicrafts Center. Evening at leisure. Evening free.
Day 3 KATHMANDU:
Morning is free with an optional
(recommended) flight-seeing tour of Mt. Everest available. Ample time for
shopping for antiques and gifts. This afternoon we'll visit Bhaktapur, the city
of religious devotees built in the shape of shell, visit the Lion Gate, the
Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Windows.
Day 4 KATHMANDU/DELHI:
Morning free. Afternoon fly to
Delhi, time free for last minute shopping for gifts and prepare for homeward
bound departure.
Departures dates:
Subject to
availability.
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Tour cost:$ 1184.00
Single supplement. $563.00
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Tour cost
includes:
Round trip economy coach
airfare from Delhi, hotel with daily breakfast, transfers to and from airports
and pier to hotels, baggage handling, All sight seeing tours as per itinerary,
local English speaking guide and services of our tour
managers. |
Add-on
Airfares If you are
traveling from a city other than New York or Chicago, you may add the following
add-on fare from your home city far available, please call (800) 421-8975
Mon-Fri 9.30AM-6.00 PM. ET
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Himalayan International Tours
205 Mineola Blvd, Suite 1B
Mineola, New York 11501 USA
Phone:516) 739-4660
Reservations (800) 421-8975 US/Canada, Mon-Fri 9.30A-5.30P Eastern Time Zone
Email: tours@himalayantours.com
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