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FAQs - Answers

Here’s what people often ask us about. Travel with us and find out for yourself!

 

Is India dirty and crowded?

India is a tropical land filled with beautiful people, coconut palms and pineapples growing wild. Luxurious hotels and resorts are everywhere. There are hundreds of millions of well-educated middle class people. Crowds in some places, but also national parks, tranquil rice paddies, gorgeous, sensuous backwaters and palm fringed beaches. The Jews of India have lived in peace for 3000 years. Jain’s won’t hurt an ant. It’s so colorful everywhere. That’s what hits you first and stays with you… the whirl of incredible color; even a holiday celebrating color.

 

Is airfare very expensive?

People think airfare to India is expensive, hard to arrange, and on odd airlines. It’s not difficult to get there. Actually, airfare to India from the east and west coast of the US is about the same as New York and Los Angeles to Europe. In January, high season, economy fares range from $800 to $1300. Major airlines to India include United Airlines, British Airways, and Swiss Air. United flies non-stop from New York! Frequent flyer mileage opportunities are numerous and require about the same number of miles as US to Europe. We’ll help you figure it out. Just ask.

 

What if I get sick while I'm in India?

India is a country obsessed with health! Indians developed Ayurveda therapies over two millennia. Yoga originated in India. More than half of the population eats only vegetables. Travel with us and try an Ayurvedic massage.

 

What is the culture like in India?

“There is no culture there; only a lot of old weird religious sculptures of gods, goddesses, and maharajahs I don’t know anything about.” Burkat Global’s 3000 Years of Jews in India explores centuries old Jewish synagogues, traditions and neighborhoods AND great contemporary art. Kerala, in Southern India, is the home of Kathakali traditional dance, a myriad of musical styles, contemporary art galleries, and our favorite in alternate years, the exciting Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art in Kochi, Kerala.

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Will I like the food?

Indian food is NOT like that yellow supermarket box that says “curry.” Indians usually only use the word ‘curry’ speaking English. Curry is a word invented by the British. Spices are mostly not hot, they are just flavorful. Indian food is ‘hot’ only if you want it to be. It’s gently flavored with many things like cardamom and cloves. Herbs and spices are also used to stay well – part of the natural way of life. Veg food is everywhere, in a huge variety, unimaginable elsewhere. Burkat Global travelers eat only veg, fish, and seafood meals and at some of the country’s best restaurants, personally selected by us.

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Is India a religious country?

India’s a very spiritual place. All the world’s great religions seem to be functioning everywhere. And all do their best to get along. Peacefully.

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What about the Indian toilets I've heard about?

Just a few are squat and used only if necessary! Almost every toilet we use is just like home.

 

How can I stay in a luxury hotel when they are so many poor people?

Do you think it won’t feel right going on a luxury tour when there are so many poor people? Actually, there are hundreds of millions of middle class people. Crucially, tourist dollars help move people out of poverty, and provide millions of badly needed jobs. The iconic luxury hotels where Burkat Global stays are part of your unique travel experience and mean employment for thousands of families.

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Do I have to learn about India's complicated history?

Burkat Global will make sure you know the story of India, Indians and Indian Jews. Don't worry there won't be any tests.

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Are there a lot of slums in India?

Burkat Global travelers see a land of beautiful things! India is definitely not all slums and desperation that writers seem to highlight. India is art, architecture, silks, cinema, music, dance, jewels, hand-woven natural fabrics, gorgeous ceramics, colorful saris, and so much more.

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Do I have to be Jewish to take this tour?

That’s a good question. We call the tour Jewish India. In fact, we see so much that makes up India with all its diversity, but with a bit of a Jewish twist. Anyone who has a curiosity about India and wants to learn about this diversity will have an amazing experience. Come along and find out for yourself.

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From a Jewish perspective, traveling to India with its 3000-year history provides a tangible understanding of the Jewish diaspora that began thousands of years before the diasporas of nineteenth and twentieth century Europe.

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