Jewish trail in India

Journey through India’s Jewish past and present on this special tour of its Jewish heritage hubs – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi led by our expert guides. In Mumbai, guests will visit the original landing site of the shipwreck of the Bene Israel Jews, a Bene Israel village and a unique synagogue at Alibaug, one of the most remote corners of the Jewish diaspora. Also included are historian-led tours of the city’s various other prominent synagogues. In Delhi visitors will take in the capital’s finest sites–including New Delhi’s colonial-era landmarks–as well as the Judah Hyam Synagogue. The highlights of the Jewish culture in Kolkata include the Magen David Synagogue and the Belur Math Shrine, a structure which resembles a church, a temple, or a mosque depending on where one is standing. End the tour in the enchanting port city of Kochi whose Jew Town is a twisting lane heaving with garment shops and spice stalls; its treasured centrepiece is the little Paradesi Synagogue known for its hand-painted tiles and quaint Belgian glass chandeliers. Around Kochi, guests can visit three of the oldest synagogues in Kerala and also view their fascinating excavation sites which are unearthing articles dating back to the time of Roman traders. Contact us to include this heritage trail in your itinerary.

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The Oracles of Ladakh – Matho Nagrang Festival

Matho Nagrang or Oracle Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of Tibetan calendar, at Matho Gompa in Ladakh, the only monastery of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. This is the day that two oracles—Tibetan monks who have been living in isolation and a meditative trance for a full month in preparation for this day—emerge from their seclusion with the ability to perform incredible feats such running along the top parapet of the monastery blindfolded and make predictions about the future of the village. The festival is celebrated over two days and the appearance of the oracles is accompanied with dances performed by the monks of the monastery wearing colourful silk brocade robes and beautiful masks representing different god’s and goddesses. People from far away come to witness the spectacular event. This festival takes place in what is traditionally considered off season for Ladakh and is therefore non-touristy and an excellent chance to be a part of living culture instead of just viewing events showcased for tourists. Matho Nagrang is scheduled to be observed around mid-February 2019 and 2020. For a chance to witness a five-century old tradition that is being practiced to this day unchanged, contact us.

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A day or two spent in Amritsar

Amritsar, the largest and most important city of Punjab, is Sikhism’s holiest city as it is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the faith. Few sights in India rival the captivating effect of its soaring golden domes and lilting religious music. On this trip guests are treated to the warmth and hospitality of the local farmers on a visit to a nearby village for a flavour of traditional Punjabi lifestyle today. As with most Indian cities Amritsar too contains a maze of incredibly packed and noisy local markets sure to awaken all the senses. A short distance from the Golden Temple is Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden where a national monument commemorates the site of one of the worst massacres of the Indian national movement. Depending on time, a visit to the Durgiana temple, a premier Hindu temple built in a style similar to the Golden Temple can be included. Amritsar is also the gateway to the Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah 29 kms to the west. Every evening a spectacular beating retreat ceremony takes place which is a spectacle not to be missed. Get in touch with us to book an experience in Amritsar.

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All about the Parsis of Mumbai

A full day tour filled with food and culture, this excursion is designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of the unique lives of the Parsis in Mumbai. Known for its cosmopolitan culture, Mumbai is a melting pot of people who come here to settle from far and wide. One such community of people is the Parsis. The Parsis came to India as refugees from Iran (erstwhile Persia—hence the term ‘Parsi’) several centuries ago and over time have woven themselves in as an integral part of the fabric of India. And yet, not many of us know all that much about them, their lifestyle, the religion most of them follow—Zoroastrianism, their culture and traditions.

This tour will involve a lot of discussions and explorations, meeting with a Zoroastrian priest, visits to Parsi agiyaris and Atash Berhams—fire temples that are places of worship for Zoroastrians—and places like Esplanade House and The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel—iconic edifices built by the Tatas one of the most prominent Parsi families of India, and strolls along the grand Ballard Estate area where you will gain a better understanding of the role of the Zoroastrians during the British Raj. Nothing takes you to the heart of a culture like its cuisine and vintage Parsi treats such as bun maska, akuri and chicken berry pulao at legendary Iranian cafes including Britannia and Co and Kyani and Co will no doubt be one of the highlights of this cultural sojourn. To book this exciting tour, contact us.

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Hiking in Bhutan

A stunning Himalayan landscape ranging from snow-capped peaks, steep valleys and gorges and lush hillsides makes Bhutan a paradise for hiking and trekking. There are different types of treks to choose from based on intensity as well as those based on the type of sights they include, for example, natural beauty, cultural sites or a combination of both. The four-day Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks as it is passes through some of the most gorgeous terrain, many famous cultural sites and is relatively easy. On the fourth day trekkers will have stunning views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum (7541 m) the highest mountain in Bhutan. Day hikes in the Haa and Gangtey valleys are simple ones but incredibly scenic, as they pass through lush pine forests ablaze with wild flowers and include visits to traditional villages such as Gogona and Wangsta, important cultural sites including Bjungneydra a sacred pilgrimage spot, and gonpas (temples) such as Katsho, Yangthang and Takchu. The Chagri Gonpa and Tango Gonpa Hikes are filled with stunning views of Bhutan’s breathtaking natural beauty. 

Contact us to include Bhutan in your itinerary.

For more information on Bhutan, click here. 

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