India Jewish Heritage With Golden Triangle

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Duration of Trip -::-16 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Cochin, Kumarakom Alleppey, Mararikulam, Mumbai

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The charm of the Indian sub-continent reaches its zenith, as the cool winter breeze gently caresses the landscape, to brush away any scorching remnants of summertime. Begin your journey with a peek into the enthralling history and culture of this magnificent land, tracing the spectacular outline of the Golden Triangle Tour, from Delhi through Agra and Jaipur. Be prepared to be whisked away for an acquaintance with the fascinating specimens of Jewish legacy, strewn across the southern landscape, especially the enchanting city of Cochin.     

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01
12th November, 2011 Saturday
Arrival at Delhi:
 
Compass representative will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel. 
 
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
 
Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02
13th November, 2011 Sunday
Delhi:

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the capital city Delhi.
  
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid bybicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Yamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.  
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.  
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.  

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.  

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

In the afternoon visit the Judam Hyam Hall.

Judah Hyam Hall established in 1956 in response to the small Delhi Jewish Community who used to hold prayers in their residents. Also prayers for the high holidays were held in the house of Mr. Baruch B. Benjamin, the First President of the Jewish Welfare Association, New Delhi. It is a place where Delhi's Jewish community celebrates all social and religious festivals. This synagogue is the only one where men and women can sit together for services. The hall also serves as a center for Jewish and interfaith studies.
Overnight will be at Delhi
 
Day 03
14th November, 2011 Monday
Delhi:
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to visit the Akshardham Temple.

Akshardham Temple- It is a delicate and beautiful architectural masterpiece - the Akshardham Monument - enshrines the golden murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith.
 
The imposing 10 story high monument is made entirely of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sand-stone from Rajasthan, with no steel or cement used at all, ensuring that the monument will last for a thousand years. It is 108 ft.(32.92 m) tall, 240 ft.(73.15 m) long and 131 ft.(39.93 m) wide.  
Designed and crafted according to ancient Indian Architectural Treatises (called the Sthaapatya shastras); the monument radiates a spiritual aura into the complex. The monument is awash with silence and peace. It is a must visit in Delhi. In the evening; free to relax.  

Overnight will be at Delhi.
 
Day 04
15th November, 2011 Tuesday
Delhi – Agra:
By deluxe train in 02 hrs
 
As per the train timings you will be transfered to the railway station to board train for Agra.

Reach Agra and proceed for the sightseeing of Sikandra.  
SIKANDRA – This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them. Come back and check into the hotel. Relax  

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Later proceed for rest of the city sightseeing.  

TAJ MAHAL - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.  

AGRA FORT – Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.  

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 05
16th November, 2011 Wednesday
Agra – Fatehpur-Sikri – Jaipur:
By Road 232 Kms in 05 hrs
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Proceed to Jaipur. En-Route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
 
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. JALAL – UD – DIN – MUHAMMAD AKBAR named Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568.

The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.

 

Continue drive to Jaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.  

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.  

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.  

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.

Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur. 
 
Day 06
17th November, 2011 Thursday
Jaipur:
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
 
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Continue sightseeing.  

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.
 
Day 07
18th November, 2011 Friday
Jaipur – Mumbai:
By flight
Flight Name : Jet Airways
Flight Number : 9W2374
Departure : 0800 hrs
Arrival : 0935 hrs
 
Mumbai – Cochin:
Flight Name : Indigo Airlines
Flight Number : 6E244
Departure : 1140 hrs
Arrival : 1325 hrs
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the domestic airport for a flight to Mumbai and then take a connecting flight to Cochin. Check in to the hotel at Cochin. Relax.  

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. 
 
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

Overnight will be at Cochin. 
 
Day 08
19th November, 2011 Saturday
Cochin:
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Proceed to visit the Jew Town and Pardesi synagogue.
 
The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. It was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is "foreigners", applied to the synagogue because it was historically used by "White Jews", a mixture of Jews from Cranganore, the Middle East, and European exiles. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.

The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town, and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. The complex has four buildings. It was built adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple on the land gifted to the Malabari Yehuden community by the Raja of Kochi, Rama Varma. The Mattancherry Palace temple and the Mattancherry synagogue share a common wall.

 

It is the first Synagogue which came into existence in the commonwealth and is one of the oldest in the world.

Overnight will be at Cochin. 

Day 09
20th November, 2011 Sunday
Cochin:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city Cochin.

Old Cochin area – this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town. The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.

 
Chinese fishing nets – The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.  

In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.

Overnight will be at Cochin. 
 
Day 10
21st November, 2011 Monday
Cochin – Kumarakom:
By road 80 Kms in 1.5 hrs
 
Breakfast at the resort then proceed to Kumarakom.
 
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.  

Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.  

Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.

Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
 
Day 11
22nd November, 2011 Tuesday
Alleppey – Mararikulam:
By road 80 Kms in 02 hrs
 
Enjoy the breakfast on board.
 
Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. 
 
Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort and drive to Mararikulam.

Check in to the resort. Relax

Overnight will be at Mararikulam.
 
Day 12
23rd November, 2011 Wednesday
Mararikulam:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Spend the day at leisure; explore the resort.
 
Indulge in Spa and enjoy the resort.
 
Overnight will be at Mararikulam.
 
Day 13
24th November, 2011 Thursday
Mararikulam – Cochin:
By road 65 Kms in 1.5 hrs
 
Cochin – Mumbai:
By flight
Flight name : 9W2104
Flight number : Jet Airways
Departure : 1605 hrs
Arrival : 1755 hrs 
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Proceed to the domestic airport for a flight back to Mumbai. Reach and check into the hotel.
 
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea. 

Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.
 
Day 14
25th November, 2011 Friday
Mumbai:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city – Mumbai.

Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.  

Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.

Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.  

Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.  

Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station: At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress.  

In the evening visit the Gate of Mercy Synagogue or Juni Masjid established 1796. The street on which the Synagogue stands was named Samaji Street in His Honor and is at present known as Samuel Street. The Synagogue celebrated its centenary in the year 1896 and then renamed Shaar-Ha-Rahamim.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.
 
Day 15
26th November, 2011 Saturday
Mumbai:
 
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
 
Proceed to visit the Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue (also known as Fort Jewish Synagogue), established in 1884 by Mr. Jacob Sasson in memory of his father.

Despite a fall in numbers, the synagogue still maintains active services such as a 6AM service. It serves a congregation of about a hundred members daily. The synagogue is also featured on heritage and religious tours of the city.  

Spend the evening doing shopping and relax in the hotel.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 16
27th November, 2011 Sunday
Mumbai – Departure:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

As per the timings; proceed to the international airport for a flight back to UK with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS!!!

COMPASS TOUR INCLUDES:

• ACCOMMODATION ON DOUBLE/TWIN OCCUPANCY,
• DELUXE COACH FOR ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS WITH DRIVER
• ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE AT DELHI, AGRA, JAIPUR, MUMBAI & COCHIN
• ASSISTANCE BY COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE AT AIRPORT/STATIONS,
• TRAIN FARE IN EXECUTIVE CLASS BETWEEN DELHI – AGRA,
• DEDICATED TOUR MANAGER WITH 24 HR ASSISTANCE, 
• MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
• OVERNIGHT ON A LUXURY HOUSEBOAT WITH ALL MEALS ON BOARD,
• ECONOMY CLASS AIRFARE FOR MENTIONED SECTORS

• DELHI – VARANASI,
• VARANASI – DELHI,
• JAIPUR – MUMBAI,
• MUMBAI – COCHIN AND
• COCHIN – DELHI.
• ALL APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGE, AND
• ALL ROAD, TOLL TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED :

• RICKSHAW RIDE AT OLD DELHI,
• KALAKRITI CULTURAL SHOW IN AGRA DEPICTING THE ERA OF MUGHALS AND TAJ MAHAL,
• HORSE CART RIDE TO TAJ MAHAL IN AGRA,
• EVENING HARBOR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
• JEWISH DINNER AT KODER HOUSE,
• KOSHER LUNCH AT CHABAD HOUSE IN MUMBAI,
• KATHAKALI DANCE AT COCHIN,
• FATEHPUR SIKRI EXCURSION,
• ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT IN JAIPUR,
• BACKWATER DAY CRUISE WITH LOCAL DELICACIES ONBOARD,
• COOKING CLASS ON BOARD, AND
• KATHAKALI DANCE SHOW IN COCHI

HOTELS:

City	DELUXE HOTELS (5 STAR)	LUXURY HOTELS (BEST)	NIGHTS
Delhi	SHANGRI- LA	THE OBEROI	03
Agra	THE GATEWAY (TAJ VIEW)	THE OBEROI AMARVILAS	01
Jaipur	TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE	THE OBEROI RAJVILAS	02
Cochin	KODER HOUSE	BRUNTON BOATYARD	03
Backwaters	DELUXE HOUSEBOAT	PREMIUM HOUSEBOAT	01
Mararikulam	MARARI BEACH RESORT	MARARI BEACH RESORT	02
Mumbai	GORDON HOUSE	TAJ MAHAL & TOWERS	03

TOUR PRICE: IN GBP (PER PERSON FOR 6 – 10 PEOPLE TRAVELING TOGETHER) 

OCCUPANCY DETAILS	TOUR PRICE WITH 5 STAR HOTELS	TOUR PRICE WITH BEST HOTELS
PER PERSON ON DOUBLE / TWIN OCCUPANCY	2299 £	3699 £

NOTE: 

THIS TOUR IS A FIXED DEPARTURE and hence the dates / hotels cannot be changed. Please note that lunches and dinners are not included (if not mentioned in the inclusions) along with movie camera fees etc., tips and personal expenses. All hotels / flights mentioned are guaranteed at the time of quotation. Indian Visa along with international return airfare is not part of the tour package.

The same tour can be taken as a private tour and we can further customize it to add more destinations as per your interests and preferences..