Highlights of this very personal Burkat Global tour include iconic Indian and Jewish sites - widely known and only recently discovered; on-location talks on Indian Jewish and Indian history and culture; access to local Jewish communities; the Taj Mahal; and much more. We stay in personally selected five-star, iconic, luxury accommodations. Our groups are small. We provide specially selected menus at our favorite restaurants. Yes, we visit a few museums, but soon you will see that all of India is a museum.
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Hear festive Indian and Jewish Indian music and enjoy traditional Indian and Indian Jewish food. Take in a modern Bollywood movie and an ancient Kathakali dance performance. In the same day, visit Hindu and Jain temples, a mosque and a long-hidden synagogue. Shop for great chotchkies, fine Indian crafts, exquisite Indian jewels, handmade fabrics, pashmina shawls, carpets and more. Try yoga and Ayurveda in the country where they began.
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Relaxation time is important on Burkat Global tours, just like in India itself. Make time to swim in the gloriously designed and situated pools of your hotels and perhaps even in the Arabian Sea. January is one of the best months to escape North American winters, and when visitors and locals alike enjoy the best weather. Arrive early – stay as long as you can.
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• Follow in the footsteps of Jews who first arrived as spice traders near Cochin 3000 years ago.
• Stand on the beach where Jews shipwrecked near Mumbai 1000 years later.
• Explore centuries old synagogues, neighborhoods and the serene waterways of the Kerala Backwaters.
• Stand in awe of the breathtaking Taj Mahal, a tribute from an emperor to his Persian princess.
• Visit the pink city of Jaipur, the beautiful capital of Delhi, and the bustling mega-city of Mumbai.
• Experience exotic Khajuraho and mystical Varanasi...and more.
Sample Itinerary for a small group luxury tour
14 Days/13 Nights
Mumbai, Cochin, Kerala Backwaters, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal
Mumbai
Day 1
Whenever you arrive one of our representatives will meet you at the airport to help you check into The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. Your room will have a harbor view, right across from the Gateway of India. Take time to relax on your own with a walk along the harbor, explore the Gateway, and look for treasures in the markets along the back streets. To relax – snooze by the pool, join a yoga class or enjoy a massage at the hotel spa.
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After lunch, begin your exploration of Mumbai, the megacity, the heart of India, and one of the world's most exciting cities. Experience the colors that long ago enticed us to return to the city again and again.
Konkan Coast
Day 2
Travel by private boat to the Konkan Coast, where 2000 years ago Jews were shipwrecked, after fleeing from Israel, when the Second Temple was destroyed. Visit the beach where they landed and the cemetery where they were buried. See brightly colored centuries old synagogues tucked away in tiny country villages. After a late lunch, board our private boat back to Mumbai. In the evening you will have well-earned time to relax, explore, and experience dinner in exciting Mumbai.
Mumbai
Day 3
After breakfast tour more of Mumbai. Explore beautiful synagogues, centuries-old Indian temples, colonial relics and colorful markets. Our first stop will be Mumbai’s oldest synagogue, in the heart of a teaming Muslim neighborhood.
In the evening, meet members of the vibrant Jewish community at a special, private dinner. Learn about the vital social programs for Indians – Jewish and not – all supported by global Jewish philanthropic organizations.
Elephanta Island and British-era Bombay
Day 4
Ride a private ferry across the harbor to Elephanta Island, site of ancient UNESCO World Heritage, Hindu fifth and sixth century caves dedicated to Shiva, chief god of the Hindus.
Enjoy a walking tour of Victorian Mumbai and the recently restored Prince of Wales Museum. Learn about Sir David Sassoon, leader of the Baghdadi Jewish community. After a day of sightseeing and some shopping, dinner within walking distance of the hotel.
Vypin Island and Ancient Muziris
Day 5
After a short, early morning flight, take a ferry across Cochin harbor to Vypin Island, called Muziris by ancient spice traders. Explore an archaeological site where 3000-year-old artifacts, from the land that is now Israel, have been uncovered. Cruise the Periyar River, an ancient spice route, to synagogues built nearly 1,000 years ago by Jewish traders. See homes and markets of Jewish families and their Brahmin neighbors. Examine the 1269 tombstone of Sara bat Israel, the oldest in India. If time and energy allow, explore an ancient Jewish cemetery, hidden and untouched for centuries. Lunch in a local restaurant. (Your bags will be sent ahead to our hotel.)
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In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many local cafes you can walk to, to taste the local seafood and people watch. Also time for shopping, as stores are open late.
Fort Cochin and Jew Town
Day 6
Enjoy an early morning walking tour of the area known as Fort Cochin – an ancient, intimate island city, where you will marvel at the Chinese fishing nets, seeing the catch of the day being scooped up by the fisherman. Participate in a private cooking lesson as you are guided through ancient techniques to prepare your own lunch. No experience needed.
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Afterwards, visit Jew Town. Walk past the homes of ancient Jewish spice traders and visit a cemetery. On Jew Street, shop for Kerala spices, check in on old Mrs. Cohen at her Judaica shop, then experience a private after-hours visit to the spiritual Paradesi Synagogue – India's oldest. Examine ancient Torah scrolls and other treasures. Marvel at 300-year old Chinese floor tiles.
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In the evening, attend a performance of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama, in an ancient Cochin theater, then dine at one of our local favorites.
Kerala Backwaters
Day 7
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​After a relaxing morning, take a short drive to Allepey and board a private houseboat for an afternoon on the Kerala Backwaters. Float along on traditional hand-crafted thatched-roofed former rice boats on Kerala’s crisscrossing lakes and canals. You’ll see villagers fishing from dugout canoes, bathing by the shore, making coir, and brewing toddy. Watch children ferried to schools while their mothers walk along narrow paths to the rice paddies.
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Your onboard chef will prepare an elegant lunch while you lounge on the deck, the scented silence punctuated only by muezzins’ calls to prayer, church bells, and the birds. A unique and magical experience. We think the Backwaters may be the most peaceful place we have ever visited.
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Return to Cochin for Shabbat and a traditional Kerala dinner at Iris and Howard's favorite guest house.
Ernakulum to Jaipur
Day 8
After breakfast take a short ride by private boat across the harbor to Ernakulum, the commercial district of Cochin. Walk through the narrow streets of the old market to a hidden synagogue behind a tropical plant and fish store. The proprietor is always eager to tell us his version of Cochin Jewish history.
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Then straight to the airport to fly to the Pink City of Jaipur, the colorful capital of Rajasthan. Light lunch along the way. Arrive in Jaipur after a long day and enjoy dinner in one of our hotel’s exquisite restaurants.
Jaipur
Day 9
In the morning, ride up the mountain on an elephant, to the ancient walled Amber Fort, then tour the City Palace, the huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings that blend Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. After lunch at a carpet factory, visit other famous Jaipur craft shops for jewelry and hand-woven fabrics. In the evening dine at the home of a local Jaipur family.
Jaipur to Delhi
Day 10
From Jaipur, drive to Delhi – the beautiful, British-designed capital of India. See the India Gate and the president’s palace, the 234-foot-high Qutab Minaret and the 16th-century tomb of Humayun. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy dinner in one of our local favorites or in your exquisite hotel. If you dine in the hotel, ask to be seated at the table where Gandhi advised government leaders on the future of India.
Old Delhi
Day 11
Take a bicycle tuk tuk ride through the colorful and congested streets of the old market to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Old Delhi. Shop for spices and tchotchkes, stopping for lunch along the way.
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Then, stretch your legs while walking around the Red Fort, built by the ruling Mogul emperor Shah Jahan. If time permits, see India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, also built by Shah Jahan. At sunset witness evening prayers at a beautiful Sikh Temple. Dinner at a local favorite.
Delhi to Agra
Day 12
Drive to Agra, stopping for lunch along the way in a restaurant with beautifully presented, delicious food. Along the way explore the impressive Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, who many believe was the greatest Mogul emperor of India. Akbar was imprisoned here in his final years by his sons, in an exquisitely decorated room overlooking the river valley. Glimpse the Taj Mahal from a distance just as Akbar did.
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From there, get a closer look at the Taj Mahal in time to see this marvel bathed in oranges and reds, as the sun goes down. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj is considered by most who see it as the most beautiful building in the world. Many say it’s even better than they expected. We agree. After a long day, dine in your lovely hotel.
Agra
Day 13
Weather permitting, visit the Taj Mahal again at sunrise. After breakfast, ​go into Agra, famous for crafts with inlaid marble…the same found on the Taj Mahal itself. Visit a place where you will be awed by embroidery that will fool you into believing it’s made by a machine, but it’s actually made by the hands of skillful craftsmen.
Explore nearby UNESCO site, Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar as a new grand capital for his empire – beginning in 1571 and mysteriously abandoned in 1585. All the buildings are made of Red Sikri sandstone including a royal palace, public and private halls, women’s quarters and a surprising blend of Islamic and Hindu styles.
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In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of your hotel’s excellent restaurants.
Delhi
Day 14
Drive back to Delhi for your flight home. Sightseeing, last minute shopping and lunch along the way. If you are going on to Khajuraho and Varanasi, your departure will be from your hotel in Agra after breakfast. If you are flying home, there will be time for dinner at the airport before your flight.
Extension to Khajuraho and Varanasi - 5 Days and 4 Nights
Your extension includes all meals, transportation including flights, motor coach, boats and tuk tuks, hotels, sightseeing, entrance fees, local guides and tour escort throughout.
Khajuraho
Day 1
From Agra, travel to Khajuraho, stopping at Orchha to tour the ancient fort complex. Orchha means ‘hidden.’ It is situated on the banks of the river Betwa. There are huge palaces with views of the countryside from their upper levels.
Khajuraho
Day 2
Visit Khajuraho’s famous medieval Hindu and Jain temples with their erotic sculptures. Khajuraho temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and considered among the “seven wonders” of India.
Varanasi
Day 3
Fly to Varanasi, India’s cultural capital, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus since ancient times. Attend the Aarti prayer ceremony on the bank of the holy River Ganges.
Varanasi
Day 4
Take an early morning sunrise boat trip on the holy river Ganges to see the Ghats and cremation sites. Watching people bathing and worshipping at the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences while in India.
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After breakfast, tour the Bharat Mata Temple with its large marble relief map of India, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University and its Art Gallery and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb.
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In the afternoon, take a short drive to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon and one of four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites designated by Buddha. Visit the Buddhist Temple and its Buddhist museum, with artifacts found during the Sarnath excavation.
Flight to Delhi, Then Back Home
Day 5
After breakfast, take a late morning flight back to Delhi. Do some last-minute sightseeing and shopping along the way. Have dinner and relax until your flight back home.
Sample Prices for a small group luxury tour as of January 2020
Sample 14-Day Tour
$9345 Per person for double occupancy
$3375 Single supplement
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Sample 5-Day Extension Tour
$2625 Per person for double occupancy
$795 Single supplement
Important notes:
• Sample prices as of January 2020 and include Indian government luxury tax of 28%.
• Hotels in India charge us by the room, not by the person and we must pass those charges on to single travelers.
• Please read the Terms and Conditions before sending a deposit.
What's included in the sample prices above:
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All luxury hotel rooms – with the best views available.
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Experienced and knowledgeable tour director and educators.
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All thirteen full Western and Indian breakfasts made to order.
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Twelve lunches and six dinners in handpicked restaurants with a personally created menu by Iris and Howard, based on group tastes and interests.
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Bottled water throughout. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for an additional cost.
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All entry fees and taxes.
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All transportation is exclusive to our group;
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Transfers to and from international and domestic airports
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Domestic flights within India
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Private motor coaches, boats, tuk-tuks and elephants
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All gratuities for hotel staff, restaurants, motor coach, tuk-tuk and boat drivers, as well as your local guides and tour director. Additional gratuities for your tour directors are always greatly appreciated.
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International flights are not included.
