Travel > India
From Delhi’s Bazaars to Kerala’s Coasts: Uncovering Jewish IndiaPrices (in US dollars):
- $7,925 per person (based on double occupancy, includes airfare from Mumbai-Cochin)
- $1,950 single supplement
Embark on a journey to explore Judaism's role as the cradle of diverse spiritual traditions in India, alongside the intriguing presence of Jewish communities nestled within its embrace. Together, we'll delve into India's religious tapestry through a Jewish lens, reflecting on themes of resilience and diaspora, while contemplating Judaism's significance among global religions. As we visit India's revered religious sites, we'll immerse ourselves in learning and celebration alongside the vibrant Jewish communities we encounter. This inaugural trip is bound to be an unforgettable Melton journey!
Highlights:
- Visit breathtaking historic synagogues and meet with local community members.
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as other World Heritage sites.
- Immerse yourself in India’s intriguing and distinctive Jewish heritage that dates to the time of the Bible.
- Discover India’s legacy of tolerance, welcome, and acceptance of Jews from around the world.
- Explore India’s other religions by visiting Hindu, Sikh, and Jain temples.
- Enjoy India’s arts and culture through a Kathakali dance drama in Kerala and an exploration of many architectural gems.
- Savor India’s cuisine, from a bountiful Baghdadi Shabbat feast in Mumbai to a superb dinner and cooking demonstration at the home of a chef in Jaipur.
Additions available:
- Varanasi pre-trip extension: October 12-15, 2026
- Rajasthan post trip extension: October 26-29, 2026
From Delhi’s Bazaars to Kerala’s Coasts: Uncovering Jewish India
October 15 to 26, 2026
(Itinerary subject to change)Step into a land where ancient rhythms meet vibrant modern life, where every scent, sound, and color tell a story. From Mumbai’s sacred synagogues and bustling streets to the tranquil lanes of Cochin and the majestic monuments of Jaipur and Agra, this journey through India invites you to engage all your senses. Along the way, we’ll uncover the remarkable legacy of India’s Jewish communities, woven into a rich tapestry of resilience, interfaith harmony, and cultural splendor.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Namaste and Welcome
Arrive in Mumbai, India’s electrifying gateway to the world.
After transferring to our hotel, we’ll come together for a festive welcome dinner at a local Jewish owned upscale restaurant. Savor India’s bold flavors, fragrant spices, and the stories that begin to unfold as we launch our journey of spirit and soul.
Overnight: Mumbai
Friday, October 16, 2026 – Mumbai, Where Many Worlds Meet
Discover the Jewish and spiritual heart of Mumbai.
Visit the historic Magen David and Tipheret Israel synagogues, sacred spaces echoing with the legacies of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi Jews.
Marvel at the vivid, synchronized chaos of Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry.
Encounter the city’s layered spiritual life at a Hindu temple and glimpse the Parsi Towers of Silence.
Visit the Nariman (Chabad) House and the memorial honoring Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holzberg, who were killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
As the sun sets, welcome Shabbat with the local Jewish community. Celebrate with a warm, Kosher dinner, surrounded by song, stories, and new friends.
Overnight: Mumbai
Shabbat, October 17, 2026 – Shavat v”Yinafash
Begin Shabbat at your own pace. Walk to Knesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue or enjoy quiet reflection and rest at the hotel.
After lunch at the shul, take an optional heritage walk to the David Sassoon Library and the Prince of Wales Museum, unveiling Mumbai’s Jewish past through architecture and art.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant as the city winds down.
Overnight: Mumbai
Sunday, October 18, 2026 – From Mumbai to the Spice-Laden South
Fly to Cochin, where centuries of Jewish life quietly linger.
Visit the Chennamangalam Synagogue, nestled beside a church, mosque, and Hindu temple.
Explore the beautifully restored Parur Synagogue, a hidden jewel from 1616.
Check in at your hotel. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Cochin
Monday, October 19, 2026 – Jew Street and the Echoes of Cochin
Wander through Jew Street, where time seems to stand still.
Visit the exquisite Paradesi Synagogue, Asia’s oldest active synagogue, adorned with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.
Meander through spice markets, antique shops, and the storied Dutch Palace.
In the evening, be mesmerized by a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Jaipur
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Hidden Gems and the Pink City
Discover the lesser-known Ernakulam Synagogue, still pulsing with history.
Fly to Jaipur, the fabled Pink City of Rajasthan.
Check in to our hotel and prepare for royal adventures.
Overnight: Jaipur
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – Royalty, Ritual, and Radiant Color
Ride an elephant or hop in a jeep up to the majestic Amber Fort.
Visit the regal City Palace and the cosmic Jantar Mantar observatory.
Shop the kaleidoscopic bazaars of Jaipur, famed for textiles, gemstones, and handwoven carpets.
Overnight: Jaipur
Thursday, October 22, 2026 – A Monument to Love
Drive to Agra, home of India’s most iconic site.
Stand in awe before the ethereal Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love.
Visit the Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone citadel of the Mughal Empire.
Overnight: Agra
Friday, October 23, 2026 – Journey to Delhi
Travel to Delhi, India’s dynamic capital.
Visit the Judah Hyam Synagogue, a modest yet meaningful center of Jewish life.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel and prepare for a reflective Shabbat.
Overnight: Delhi
Shabbat, October 24, 2026 – Shavat v’Yinafash
Take a peaceful walk through Lodhi Garden or embrace a restful morning at your own pace.
Optional programming available.
Overnight: Delhi
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Sacred Memory and City Life
Visit Raj Ghat, the serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Ride a rickshaw through the vibrant chaos of Old Delhi.
Visit a Sikh temple and experience its communal kitchen, then explore the trendy boutiques and cafés of Khan Market.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi
Monday, October 26, 2026 – Farewell to India
- Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Depart with hearts full of memory, connection, and the enduring spirit of India’s Jewish story.
Pre-Trip: Delhi, Varanasi, and Mumbai
October 12–15, 2026Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, is rich with shrines, temples, and palaces that rise from the river’s edge. Celebrated for its religious vibrancy, the city hosts hundreds of festivals throughout the year.
Monday, October 12, 2026 – Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight rest.
Overnight: Delhi
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Delhi to Varanasi
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a guided tour along the Ganges River ghats and witness the spiritual beauty of the Aarti ceremony, a powerful ritual of worship performed at dusk.
Overnight: Varanasi
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – Varanasi and Sarnath
Early morning boat excursion on the Ganges River to observe the bathing ghats and cremation sites, an unforgettable window into India’s spiritual traditions.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Once a great center of learning, Sarnath flourished from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century.
Overnight: Varanasi
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Varanasi to Mumbai
After breakfast, visit a silk weaving workshop and museum to experience Varanasi’s famed textile artistry.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Enjoy a festive welcome dinner as you come together with the full group to begin your unforgettable journey through Jewish India.
Overnight: Mumbai
Post-Trip: Rajasthan
October 26–29, 2026Monday, October 26, 2026 – Travel to Jodhpur and Historical Exploration
After breakfast and hotel checkout, take a flight to Jodhpur.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, including Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Overnight: Jodhpur
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – Overland Journey to Udaipur and Temple Visit
Drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur.
Stop en route to visit Ranakpur Temple, renowned for its marble carvings.
Arrive in Udaipur and check in at the hotel.
Overnight: Udaipur
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – Cultural and Architectural Sites in Udaipur
Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens).
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight: Udaipur
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – Return to Delhi and Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Connect to your flight home or onward destination.
This Melton tour to India, led by Joshua Shapurkar, is open to adults of all ages, regardless of previous affiliation with Melton.
While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our local travel partners will be responsible.
Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.
Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.
The Melton Travel Team
Main Trip Price Includes:
- 11 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels/10 days of touring
- Touring via deluxe air-conditioned coach
- 11 nights’ accommodation at selected hotels on bed and breakfast basis
- Touring in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle
- 10 group lunches and 8 group dinners
- All sightseeing costs
- All travel within India, including flights, transfers, boat and ferry rides, and air-conditioned buses
- Fully escorted by an experienced, Jewish, English-speaking guide from arrival to departure
- Gratuities for the escort, guides, drivers, porters, and restaurants
- Flight: Mumbai-Cochin
- All currently applicable taxes
- Bottled mineral water
Pre-trip Price Includes:
- 3 overnights' hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- Exclusive AC vehicle for transfers & sightseeing
- Boat and rickshaw rides in Varanasi
- Flight: Delhi-Varanasi-Mumbai
- Entrance to the monuments
- English speaking local guide during the sightseeing tours
- Gratuities for the guide and drivers
- Mineral water bottles
- All currently applicable taxes
Post-trip Price Includes:
- 3 overnights' hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast basis.
- Assistance on arrival and departure.
- Exclusive A/C vehicle for transfers and sightseeing.
- Entrance to the monuments
- English-speaking accompanying Escort
- Flights: Delhi-Jodhpur & Udaipur-Delhi
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur with other guests.
- Gratuities for the Escort and drivers.
- Mineral water bottles.
- All currently applicable taxes
Hotels TBA
Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the trip.
Not Included:
- International air Travel
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for housekeeping
- Personal expenses
Need to Know
A non-refundable deposit of US$1,000 is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded.
The final balance will be due by July 1, 2026. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. After July 1, 2026, there will be no refunds, nor will there be refunds for unused services. Please purchase travel insurance within 21 days of making this deposit.
Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants.
A Melton educator will be with the group throughout the tour.
Activity level: Participants should be comfortable getting on and off a bus multiple times a day, as well as walking and standing during site visits. Some days may be more physically demanding than others. If a day’s activities are too challenging, our staff and educators will do their best to arrange for the traveler to stay with the driver, relax at a nearby café, or arrange for a taxi, with costs covered individually.
All gratuities are included.
Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at the time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. Regarding airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier about permitted number of pieces, weights, and dimensions. Melton is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.
Not Included
- International air Travel
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for housekeeping
- Personal expenses
Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
- Trip Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay
Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.
Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.
Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.
For more information, please contact us here.
T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4