AACI Kosher India

December 2-12, 2024

Steeped in traditions yet endlessly surprising at every turn, India is a stunning country full of life and celebration that winds up on every adventurer’s bucket list at some point. Explore glittering palaces, temples, colorful markets and learn about the incredible religions and deep-rooted customs of the people. Every moment in India is eye-opening and magical

Welcome to India

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes, India will set your memories ablaze long after you’ve left its shores.

We, at AACI have created for you a unique route, which combines in a relatively short period of time the main experiences both culturally, experientially and of course from the Jewish point of view. For example, on our trip you will visit Cochin, or as it is called Kochi, and get to know the community whose roots are claimed to date back to the time of King Solomon.

Our trip includes Shabbat in Mumbai, one of the oldest traditional Jewish communities in the world, with its complex of synagogues and traditions.

On our trip you will take two domestic flights (Delhi – Mumbai and Mumbai – Cochin) that will bring you straight to the heart of the most fascinating sites. Plus, you will enjoy high-level kosher chef meals, rich and indulgent. The chef and his team will accompany you throughout the trip and prepare you the finest meals. All meals, including the lunch boxes, are prepared by the caterer, Moshe Goldstein, under the supervision of Chabad India, and hence mehadrin kashrut is guaranteed.

On our trip you will enjoy top level 5 * hotels, spacious rooms and excellent service.

Our tour includes (among other exciting visits, sights and activities) an Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur, traditional dance shows in Cochin and Jaipur and a houseboat ride through gorgeous backwaters in Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. We will visit of course the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world located in the city of Agra.

Warm, sunny days, with minimal rainfall and low humidity levels are typical of this time of year – perfect conditions for sightseeing. Average daytime temperatures are a very comfortable 25°C. It’s no surprise that December is one of the best months of the year to visit India.

ITINERARY – INDIA

Monday, December 2, 2024 – DELHI
Upon arrival in Delhi we will meet our local guide and begin our tour.

Visit India Gate, President House and Government Buildings. Proceed to visit Old Delhi: reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling, visit the 17th century Old Delhi Jama Masjid – the biggest mosque in India. Enjoy a “Rickshaw Ride” in Old Delhi to discover the bustling streets with traditional businesses and a view of the façade of the imposing Red Fort.

Check in at the hotel. Dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 DELHI – AGRA
After shacharit and breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and drive to the Bangla Sahib Sikh temple and experience the spirituality of the devotees in calm serene prayers.

Continue to Akshardham Temple, built without steel and entirely composed of sandstone and marble. It consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 murtis and statues of India’s great Sadhus, Devotees, Acharyas and divine personalities. The monument is a fusion of several architectural styles of pink stone and pure white marble. Pink stone symbolizes bhakti (devotion) in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace. The construction of the monument required over 300-million-man hours of services rendered by 11,000 volunteers, sadhus and artisans.

We will enjoy a spectacular phantasy boat ride into India’s history and culture and watch an IMAX movie about Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830) in whose honor the mandir was built.

After a lunch break, we will leave Delhi and travel towards Agra (130 miles).

We will visit Agra Fort, once the flourishing center of the Mughal Dynasty. Four successive emperors helped to create its massive walls, within which Hindu and Muslim styles merge into a splendid fusion of military might and lavish beauty.

Check in and dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 AGRA – JAIPUR
Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel

Today we will visit one of the highlights of our tour, The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

It was built in the 17^th century and is unquestionably, the world’s most magnificent monument. A colossal, perfectly proportioned mass of white marble, it is literally a jewel. It took twenty years for hundreds of skilled craftsmen and over 20,000 laborers to complete the construction of the monument.

After our visit to the Taj Mahal, we will drive 160 miles to Jaipur, the third corner of the golden triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It became known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink—the color of hospitality—in preparation for a visit by Britain’s Queen Victoria.

En-route we will visit Abhaneri Village, that gives you an insight into what life was like in India hundreds of years ago and you can see how at the same time a lot and very little has changed in rural Rajasthan.

Arrive in Jaipur, check in and dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel.

Thursday, December 5, 2024 – JAIPUR
Our full day in Jaipur will begin with shacharit and breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the Amber Palace. The original palace of the local rulers, the Amber Palace was built in the 17^th century high up on a hill overlooking a lake. The towers and domes of the Amber Palace are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy-tale. The Hall of Victory is richly decorated with panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of tender colors. Enjoy a ride up to the palace on colorfully caparisoned elephants!

Back to the city, after a lunch break, we will tour Maharaja’s City-Palace, situated in the heart of the city with charming gardens surrounded by high walls. The Palace of the Winds is part of the women’s section of the enormous City Palace It is a uniquely designed five-story structure with tiers of overhanging balconies of pink sandstone. It is called the Palace of the Winds because of its layout, which allows air to circulate throughout the complex, keeping temperatures cool.

Maharaja Jai Singh after whom the city was named, being a keen astronomer built an astronomical observatory, which is still in use.

In the evening we will enjoy a Rajasthani Classical dance performance.

Dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel.

Friday, December 6, 2024 – MUMBAI
Today we are heading south to Mumbai.

After early shacharit and breakfast, we will travel to the airport for our flight to Mumbai. Mumbai offers an array of both historical and cultural sites for both Indian and foreign tourists.
Upon arrival in Mumbai we will begin our tour of the city. Boxed lunches will be provided.
Stop at the Gateway of India. We will see the Flora Fountain, Municipal Corporation building, the High Court, Rajabai clock towers, Marina drive, Nariman Point, the hanging gardens, Horniman Circle and the Asiatic library.

We will visit Bhawan Museum, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, “The Father of the Nation”. Next we will visit Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world, and then continue the Crawford market.
Check in at the hotel and preparation for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat and Seudat Shabbat catered by the Chabad of Mumbai

Shabbat, December 7, 2024 – MUMBAI
Davening will take place in the hotel or at Chabad. Shabbat Lunch and Sudah Shlishit -will take place at Chabad of Mumbai.
During Shabbat, there will be lectures, group activity and a walking tour close to the hotel overlooking the bay.

Motzaey Shabbat: we will have an evening tour followed by Melave Malka at Chabad

Sunday, December 8, 2024 – MUMBAI
Today we will have a full day of Jewish Mumbai. After shacharit and breakfast we will proceed 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. Prayer services are held here every morning, shabbat, and every festival. The synagogue is open from 9 am to 9 pm. It was built in 1861 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. The Magen David Synagogue has a beautiful reader’s platform, that marks the center of Sefardic synagogues, and an ark, which holds Torah scrolls in cases of hammered silver. The synagogue functions under the Sir Jacob Sassoon Charity Trust.

David Sassoon built an elementary school near the synagogue, which is now the Sir Jacob Sassoon Free High School.

We shall visit Tiphereth Israel Synagogue -one of the oldest synagogues in Mumbai. It was founded 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 services are conducted in the community hall, a place where religious studies take place and various other activities are held.

We will meet members of the local community, and learn about Jewish life in Mumbai in the past and present.

Dinner prepared by the caterer at Chabad

Monday, December 9, 2024- COCHIN
This morning, after shacharit and breakfast, we will leave Mumbai and head to Cochin, formally called Kochi.

We will visit the Fort of Cochin, Broadway synagogue and the Jewish market. Broadway Synagogue, is the restored oldest synagogue of the Malabar Jews, established in 1200 and restored several times through the centuries on the same site.

Cochin has been a major port city since the 19th century, and is situated on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is also home to a group of lagoons and islands. With a history of trading in the southwest, Kochi still retains its Dutch and Portuguese buildings.

The Jewish community of Cochin is an ancient one and can trace their roots there all the way back to the times of the biblical King Solomon. Yet despite these ancient roots, only eight Cochin Jews remain in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. The rest, now numbering around 8,000, reside in Israel.

We will visit the Fort of Cochin. In the evening we will enjoy a Kathakali Dance performance.

Dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – COCHIN
After shacharit and breakfast we will travel to Kumarakom, a tourist paradise with many sights to see.

Enjoy a houseboat ride through this serene water. It will be an unforgettable experience for you. Apart from the incredible views, you can enjoy the traditional Kerala style décor on board while cruising through the gorgeous backwaters. The interlinking canals, green endless paddy fields, and swaying coconut trees are the main attractions. The view of this landslip from the houseboats during cruising through the backwaters is a unforgettable experience. The migratory birds, cool breeze, and seasonal rains make the boat ride more enjoyable. Apart from the window views, you can enjoy luxury facilities on board.

Back to Cochin. Dinner prepared by the caterer at the hotel

Wednesday December 11, 2024 COCHIN – CHENDAMANGALAM
Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Chendamangalam, a small town 16 miles from Cochin. We will visit the synagogue that was built in 1614 CE and is in a peaceful wooded area. In the courtyard behind the synagogue is an old Jewish cemetery that has a grave of a Jewish woman, dated 1264.

The Jews arrived in Chendamangalam after the destruction of the second temple and the final desolation of Jerusalem and founded a colony. They moved to Fort Kochi in 1341 CE after the Great flood. All the 8 synagogues in Kerala built during the recent centuries, located at Chendamangalam, Paravoor, Mala, Kochi and Ernakulam, have similar traditional architectural features.

After a lunch break we will visit, Dutch palace, one of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences, for a full tour of this beautiful site. We will visit some buildings owned by the Jewish aristocracy during the British colonial period.

We will have some free time at the local market and the Lulu Mall. A farewell dinner prepared by the caterer will be held in the hotel

Thursday, December 12, 2024 – COCHIN – Depart India
Today is our last day on the tour and we will have the opportunity to visit more sites in Cochin

Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel.

Nepal Extension (Optional)

Thursday, December 12, 2024 – Kathmandu
Fly from Cochin to Kathmandu via Delhi. In the evening we will arrive at Kathmandu airport, meet the local Guide and travel to Chabad House for dinner.
Check in at the hotel.

Friday, December 13, 2024 – Kathmandu Valley
Today we will enjoy a full day tour of Kathmandu Valley beginning with a visit tot Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa.

In the distant dawn of unrecorded time, so legend tells us, the valley of Kathmandu was a turquoise lake with a wondrous lotus flower resting on it. The Kathmandu valley comprises the three ancient Royal cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, having their own palaces and ornate palace squares each listed as World Heritage sites. In these cities there are the cobbled lanes of the palace squares and a fascinating maze of temples, shrines, market places and the life revolving around them.

Kathmandu is the largest city and the capital of Nepal.

Visit Patan Durbar Square. Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the “city of fine arts” and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist city is said to have been founded by Emperor Asoka in the 3^rd century BCE. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts and crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples.

Pashupatinath Temple is considered as one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples in the whole world. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus. They will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds. This two-tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South Asia. It is not known when the temple was founded. Tradition says it was constructed by Pashupreksha of the Somadeva dynasty in the 3rd century BCE, but the first historical records date from the 13th century. The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties is lined with dharmasalas and cremation ghats including a royal ghat reserved exclusively for members of the royal family.

Boudhanath is the biggest Stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses and monasteries, where Rinpoches reside. Boudhanath is also known as `little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling the old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. Many Tibetans visit here as a place of pilgrimage and trading.

Return to the hotel in time for Shabbat. Shabbat meals and prayers at Chabad house.

Shabbat, December 14, 2024 – Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu. The founding of the Durbar (Royal Palace) dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. We will visit the 17th century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Parvati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, Taleju Temple and array of temples grouped around it. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, where one may catch a glimpse of the Kumari at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. All around the splendor of historical monuments is the hustle and bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shops selling imported goods, and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.

Overnight at our hotel in Kathmandu. Shabbat meals and prayers at Chabad house.

Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Pokhara
After shacharit and breakfast – Transfer to the airport and fly to Pokhara (approx. 30 mins flight). Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to our hotel.
Afternoon, half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara town including Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Old Bazaar.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m above sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Locally known as Patale Chhahgo, Davis Fall is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south-west of the center on the highway to Tansen. In July 1961, Swiss couples were bathing in the stream Pardi Khola, just above the fall. A sudden flood from the Fewa Dam swept away Mrs. Davis and she mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall and since then the fall has been called Davis Fall. Just opposite the Davis fall, we will visit Gupteshwor Cave and also Pokhara’s traditional old bazaar which is colorful and is ethnically diverse. Newar architecture and craftsmanship is expressed in its temple and windows. Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, and another manifestation of Shati. On Tuesdays and Saturdays people sacrifice animals and believe that she will help them fulfill their desires and wishes.

Dinner at Chabad house or at the hotel.

Monday, December 16, 2024 – Pokhara
Early morning, excursion by vans to Sarangkote hill for closer mountain view (weather permitting).

Breakfast at the hotel.

Sarangkote is the most popular viewpoint in Pokhara. Situated at an altitude of 1,592m, Sarangkote offers a magnificent view of Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna Massif (weather permitting). You can also have a good aerial view of Pokhara valley from here.

After breakfast, we take an hour boat ride on Phewa Lake..

Phewa Lake is the largest lake in Pokhara valley, measuring 1.5 by 4km. It is ideal for boating and bird watching and especially for photographing the scenic mountains. The excellent settings of the lake and the reflections of the Annapurna Mountains is something no visitors would like to miss during a boating trip. Annapurna rises directly from the valley floor and seems close enough to touch.

Later, excursion to Thulokote hill viewpoint. Thereafter, we will drive Kalikasthan (approx 45 mins drive). After a short village walk (approx 20 mins of gentle flatland walk and 8-10 mins uphill), we arrive in Thulokote.

Thulokote is a popular mountain viewpoint and offers spectacular views of the mountain range (weather permitting) and green hills and valley. Walk to Dhurbapur village just near Thulokote viewpoint

Short walk down to Shanti maidan and drive back through scenic road to Pokhara.
(The location or itinerary of the visit may be changed depending on the conditions)

Rest of the day, stroll through the lakeside of Pokhara

Dinner at Chabad or hotel

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 – Pokhara-Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will begin a full sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa, including Amideva Buddha Park. Transfer to the hotel. Later, visit The Garden of Dreams and Thamel. Transfer to the venue for Nepali cultural show.

Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is the home of medieval art and architecture and still retains its rich medieval aroma. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur is the most charming and the best preserved of the valley’s three cities.

Durbar Square the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Math and Palace of 55 windows. Walk to the famous Nyatapole temple, the five-storied temple in pagoda style, the tallest temple in the country guarded by a series of mythical animals and deities overlooking the Bhairav temple dedicated to the tantric deity of Bhairav.

Atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swoyambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake. Swoyambhunath offers a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu city. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence.

Amideva Buddha Park is a famous tiny park near Swoyambhunath Temple that features a massive triad.

Thamel and the Garden of Dreams.

It is a magnificent neo classical historical garden, typical of the wide-ranging interests of the remarkable Rana aristocrat, Kaiser Shumsher. Within the Garden walls, Kaiser Shumsher created an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture and European inspired features such as verandas, pergolas, blustrades, urns and birdhouses.

We will walk or drive to the Nepali restaurant for a Nepali Cultural show.

They will present dances performed by different communities of Nepal, such as Newars, Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Tharus etc; using typical musical instruments and dances mimicking animals and birds.

Dinner at Chabad house

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Kathmandu – Delhi
Early in the morning we will take a flight over the Himalaya mountains and Mt. Everest. A truly memorable experience that one should not miss. (weather and civil aviation permitting)

The flight takes us close to the highest peak in the world – Mt. Everest. This flight usually lasts for 50-60 mins. We provide each one of you with individual window seats (guaranteed) during the entire flight.
(*) Those not interested in the mountain flight will receive a $280 refund

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival we will visit Raj Ghat – Ghandi’s tomb. Thereafter, we will have some free time at Dilly Haat. Dinner at Chabad or at the hotel. Overnight in Delhi

Thursday, December 19, 2024 – Flight home
Today, after Tefillot and breakfast, we will visit Lotus Bahai Temple before driving to the airport for the flight back home

Hotel Accommodations
DELHI
Leela Ambience 5* DLX – 1 Night deluxe room
AGRA
Jaypee Palace 5* – 1 Night superior room
JAIPUR
Jaipur Hilton 5* DLX or INTERCONTINENTAL – 2 Nights Royale room
MUMBAI
Taj Mahal Palace and Tower 5* luxury – 3 Nights superior room
COCHIN
Lulu Marriott Kochi 5* – 3 Nights Dukes Chamber

KATHMANDU
Raddison or the Malla Resort

POKHARA
Temple Tree Resort

Note: Itinerary and hotels subject to change

Price without flights:
India only: $6,700 per person in a double room for AACI members
India only $7,900 single person in a room
NEPAL option (with flights)
$3,950 per person in a double room for AACI members
$4,300 single person in a room

$75 pp addition for non AACI member or join AACI

Flight details India:
To be announced.

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Flight details India & Nepal:
To be announced.

Payment Policy:
Registration- until September 1st- 1000$ – $500 non refundable pp
September 2nd, 2024 – second payment -50%
Balance due- October 1st, 2024 100%

Cancellation Policy:
From registration until September 1st, 2024- $500 pp
From September 2nd, 2024 -November 2^nd , 2024 – 75%
From November 3rd, 2024 – full cancellation

*Please note the rate of exchange used for this tour is subject to change if there are currency fluctuations

Tour price includes:

Accommodation as per the hotels and room type mentioned above with all applicable taxes
Catered meals at the hotel or a private venue or Chabad house
Kosher daily lunch box
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to all sites and activities as per the itinerary
Elephant ride at Amber Fort, jeep ride back to the bus, battery car/cart/ etc. all included
Jewish heritage tour in Mumbai and Cochin
Kathakali dance show in Cochin
Rajasthani classical dance show in Jaipur
Air-conditioned DLX bus for the entire tour
Mineral water
Tips
Expert guide/mashgiach kashrut
2 domestic flights in India Jaipur-Mumbai and Mumbai-Cochin
In Nepal: 2 international flights India-Nepal-India and 2 domestic flights

Price Excludes

Airport taxes where needed
International flights to and from India
Expenses of a personal nature
Travel and health insurance
Beverages at meals, alcoholic drinks/mini bar consumptions/soft drinks
Covid tests of any kind
Meals other than specified
Any flight re-scheduling
Visa fees
Anything not specified in the “The tour price includes”

Important to Know
Vaccination – Consult your local health department on the required vaccinations (Tetanus and Yellow Fever ).

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, please email travel@aaci.org.il or call 972-25661181 ext. 205