11 days (10 nights) for Shabbat observant
With Amira Ilan
• The trip is for Shabbat-observant with strictly Kosher food throughout, staying in first class hotels.
• On the trip we will taste a bit of traditional and advanced India.
• Additional visits and special activities are planned.
• A small group
READ MORE
India is a subcontinent consisting of many local countries. The best way to experience India is through its culture, tradition, history and mythology. India is associated with those who have not yet visited it with a variety of images and associations: magnificent palaces of Maharajas, impressive with their treasures, compared to beggars asking for alms or lying on the streets of the cities. In India there are great plains of dry and arid desert and savanna, rain forests on the slopes of the snow-covered Himalayas, tigers and elephants, silk and the sounds of the sitar and the table, scents in the sky and incense, and statues of gods and goddesses. It has large and crowded markets, colorful costumes and foods in different flavors. All these and more make up this huge and complicated country, the largest by population in the world.
Rajastan is a state in northern India. It covers 342,239 square kilometres (132,139 sq mi) or 10.4 per cent of India’s total geographical area. Rajasthan means “The Land of Kings” (Raja in Sanskrit). The Mughal Empire ruled this area since the 16th century to the 18th century, they were very good warriors. The British empire took control of the region in 1818, and gave the rulers of the region a degree of autonomy. Many palaces of local Maharajas are located in this area, to show their wealth.
Amira Ilan is a veteran tour guide, having led Jewish religious groups around the world to destinations such as, Italy, France, India, China, Slovenia, Croatia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Her tours help travelers encounter the local culture and historical Jewish experience with an eye on geography, architecture, art, and social and political history. Amira, a Jerusalemite, holds degrees in landscape architecture and completed her graduate work at SUNY Syracuse.
Close thisTraditional welcome by our executive on your arrival at Delhi International airport followed by proceeds for proceed to hotel. Later start city tour visiting Old Delhi, drive past Red Fort, constructed in 1639 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will amaze you with what you find inside it today.
READ MOREVisit nearby Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest in India, has a courtyard that can hold 25,000 worshippers. Followed by Rickshaw ride.
Later visit to Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation and a memorial to this humble man who so changed the world. Further we explore India’s bustling capital city the New Delhi visiting the Vijay Chowk, “Victory Square”, stopover at the Presidential Palace with its intriguing combination of classical and Indian design elements and the India Gate memorializing Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
Also visit Qutab-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m.
Evening visit Chabbad house for Dinner. Overnight stay at hotel.
Delhi- Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
Close thisMorning after breakfast proceed to visit Lotus Temple -This temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai’s temples built around the world. Completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens.
READ MORELater on time transfer to Delhi domestic airport to connect the flight for Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur airport and drive to city for panoramic tour.
After tour, check-in at hotel. Evening drive Tuk-Tuk ride to visit local old city market of Udaipur.
Further enjoy Bagore Ki Haveli Puppet & Dance show.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace built in 1725; the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel.
READ MOREThis intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble.
Later proceed to visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, consisting of an ornamental pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soft stone.
Further enjoys a Boat Ride on LAKE PICHOLA with its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and JAGMANDIR Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km. wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake.
Evening enjoy free time in local market.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur also called ‘the city of lakes’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the ‘Venice of East’. In context of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the second most-sought after tourist destination of the state, the first being Jaipur. Udaipur had been the capital of Mewar for centuries.
Close thisMorning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit Jain temples at Ranakpur which are beautifully preserved and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. The most prominent temple, built in 1439, is the Adinatha which is symmetrically planned around the central shrine and has numerous spires, gateways and porches.
READ MOREArrive Jodhpur and proceed for Bishnoi Village by Jeep an ancient and special tribal village of Jodhpur. Bishnoi village minorities live – weavers, potters and tribbles of gypsies. This tribal village still preserves a unique and authentic lifestyle and its people love the natural with zeal and dedicate their lives to preserve it. The local people of tribe would view a visitor with great wonder and curiosity, just as we view them.
Later check-in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and officially the second metropolitan city of the state. Jodhpur was historically the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar, which is now part of Rajasthan. Featuring many palaces, forts, and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. It is popularly known as the “Blue City” among people of Rajasthan and all over India.
Close thisMorning after breakfast proceed to visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort-The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, and temples.
READ MORELater drive to Pushkar. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Evening on time visit Chabbad House for Shabbat prayer and meal.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Pushkar is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Pushkar is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake, which has many ghats where pilgrims bathe. It has many temples, and is considered a sacred city by the Hindus. Pushkar is famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) featuring a trading fete of cattle, horses and camels, which iis held in October or November and attracts nearly 200,000 people.
Close thisFree for Shabbat Prayer and meals at Chabbad house. Afternoon do the walk tour of Pushkar.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning enjoy Camel Safari. Later drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and proceed to visit Birla Temple – It was built by one of the famous business families of India, the Birla family, who were given this land by the Maharaja of Jaipur for a token sum of one rupee.
READ MOREThe B.M Birla Foundation built the temple on this land in 1988. Later check-in at hotel. Evening enjoy Bollywood Movie show at Raj Mandir.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan popularly also known as the ‘PINK CITY’ as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink-colored sandstone. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). He laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks by principles of town planning set out in an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In 1728 he constructed the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur central attractions.
Close thisMorning after breakfast proceeds to start an excursion to the splendid Amber Fort, an architectural masterpiece of great historical significance. Begun in the 16th century and built of red sandstone and marble, the seemingly rough exterior gives no hint of the warm and opulent ambiance of the interior, as you’ll discover this morning.
READ MOREHere you also get an opportunity to climb up to the fort on decorated Elephant Back.
In the afternoon also visit the splendid City Palace & Museum which opens a door into the opulent world of the Rajput princes and the treasures with which they surrounded themselves.
The City Palace Complex is home to several palatial buildings constructed by influential rulers that reflect the blending of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar, the world’s biggest stone observatory, between 1727 and 1733 AD. You’ll be amazed by the “tools” he used to study the heavens – and that still provide accurate information today – during a tour.
Further visit the Palace of Winds also known as Hawa Mahal, a five storeyed wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra, en-route visit Abhaneri Step well-This is famous for the deepest step well in world. The well is located opposite to a temple known as Harshat Mata temple. It is believed that the Chand Baori step well has some religious connection and that’s the reason to build it in front of the temple.
READ MOREAgra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, about 210 kilometres (130 mi) south of the national capital New Delhi and 320 km west of the state capital Lucknow. With a population of roughly 1.6 million, Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and twenty-third most populous cities in India.
Arrive Agra and visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan – helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, about 210 kilometres (130 mi) south of the national capital New Delhi and 320 km west of the state capital Lucknow. With a population of roughly 1.6 million, Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and twenty-third most populous cities in India.
Close thisMorning after breakfast proceed to visit The Taj Mahal (Friday Closed) surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
READ MORELater drive to Delhi, upon arrival proceed to visit local Synagogue and local market.
After tour, on time transfer to Delhi Int’l airport to connect the flight for way back to home.
Guide: Amira Ilan
* Price per person in USD double or twin room
** Supplement Price for single room
* Internal flights including fuel and taxes (subject to change)
* Air conditioned bus for all tours and transfers included in the itinerary
* Tours, visits, and entry to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
* First class hotels
* A Shai Bar Ilan guide and local English speaking guides
* Tips for local guides and service personnel
* Breakfast & Kosher Dinner every day
* Kosher Dinner in all the places (Delhi & Pushkar – we will have the dinner in Chabad House)
* Udaipur/Jodhpur/Jaipur/Agra – Dinner at the hotels delivered from Delhi
* Accompanying English speaking guide
* Entrance fees to all monuments
* Accompanying office Manger to look after the Kosher meals
* Mineral water 2 bottle per day person
* Air conditioned Dlx Coach on arrival till departure
* India Visa (approximately $100)- from application, the visa may take as long as 45 days and your passport must have validity for at least 6 months.
* Travel insurance for health and luggage
* Personal expenses- drinks not included in the meals, laundry, other purchases
* Tip for the Israeli guide, recommended $5 per person, per day
* Shows or events not included in the itinerary
There may be changes to the order of places visited. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.
The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. These remain the sole responsibility of the airline company.
Only strictly kosher food is provided to our travelers on all our tours. On some of our tours we are able to provide glatt meals. Kashrut is of utmost importance to us and we take special measures to ensure that everything served is kosher.
Breakfast is prepared using our utensils. We use local fresh fruits and vegetables, and we use milk products when they are permitted. We use kosher cereals, and bread. We usually serve hard boiled eggs and sometimes scrambled eggs or omelets. At breakfast, we prepare our lunches so that people have their choice as to what they eat for lunch. We bring food from Israel to supplement what is served in the hotel such as cheeses, peanut butter, tuna, etc.
For dinners, we serve either fish or meat (usually chicken) as our main course. In areas where meat is not available nor readily acquired, we will have fish. When possible, we acquire the meat locally from Chabad or other reliable kosher source, and in some cases we fly the meat in from Israel. We try to provide as many meat meals as possible. The main course at dinner is preceded by soup and salad and accompanied by freshly prepared vegetables. Dessert typically consists of fresh fruits.
We do not guarantee Pat Israel and Chalav Israel for all destinations.
In many destinations we have our own dishes and silverware. Where we don’t, we provide disposables at the meals. When we cook in hotel kitchens, we use our own knives, cutting boards, pots and pans, cooking implements and disposable metal trays. All food preparation is done on covered surfaces under the strict supervision of our trained staff/guides who function as our mashgichim.
We make great efforts to assure that our travelers will experience local foods first-hand, while maintaining stringent observance of Kashrut laws on all occasions.
On most of our tours, you will be accompanied by two of our staff members- one a guide for the tour who is knowledgeable about the places you are visiting and will accompany you throughout the day and the second, a person who will deal with the logistics of the tour and provide kashrut supervision in the kitchen.
It is our aim to provide the finest hotel possible in each area we visit. We require our hotels to allow us to work in the kitchen and to supervise the cooking and there are many hotels that are not willing to cooperate. They simply have no desire for us to be “meddling” in their cooking process nor are they happy about our bringing our equipment into their kitchens. We work very hard to find the best hotel in the area that will meet our requirements. Because we are not ready to compromise on kashrut, we may not always be able to use a five star hotel.
Note
• The price of the tour is based on the participation of a minimum of 20 paying passengers
• With any change, cancellation, or problem related to flights or traffic, the responsibility is on the airline or company providing the service
• There may be changes in the itinerary because of circumstances that we do not control
• The production of the tour is dependent on the responsibilities and condition that appear on the Kesher website.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the tour.
• Increases in flight and fuel costs may affect the price of the tour.
Payment conditions
• From the date of registration until 90 days before tour departure, the passenger will be charged a $500 registration fee.
• From 89 days to 61 days before departure, the traveler will be charged 50% of the cost of the tour.
• 60 days before departure, the payment will be completed.
Cancellation conditions
• Up to 90 working days* before departure, the traveler will be charged $100 registration fee only
• 61-89 working days* before departure, the traveler will be charged 50% of the price of the tour
• 15-60 working days* before departure, the traveler will be charged 75% of the price of the tour
• From 14 working days* before departure, until the day of departure, the traveler will pay the entire cost of the tour and any additional costs incurred.
Working days do not include: Fridays and Shabbat, holidays (chagim) including chol hamoed, Sundays and holidays in the US or other countries.
