Jewish Cultural History Tour to India Escorted by Ann Samson November 1 20, 2008 20 Day Detailed Itinerary For information please call Ann Samson at 416-491-9109 or email me at annsamson@rogers.com FOOTPRINTS TRAVEL 17 Madison Ave., Suite 300, Toronto, Canada M5R 2S2 Tollfree: (888) 962-6211; Local: (416) 962-8111; Fax: (416) 962-6621 Email: trips@footprintstravel.com Internet: www.footprintstravel.com
Jewish Cultural History Tour to India Escorted by Ann Samson Arrangements co-ordinated by Roel Wyman November 1 20, 2008 Detailed Itinerary Join us on this wonderful adventure to India where you will gain an insight into the Jewish experience in India and be provided with the opportunity to meet members of the Jewish community. You will also see historical and cultural highlights of India including the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the wonders of the world, the graceful palaces and unique architecture at Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Udaipur, as well as many fascinating historical and religious sites in Delhi, Mumbai and Cochin. But of course there is more, with a variety of activities included, from enjoying a night in the desert at our luxury camp, to cruising the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, Escorting this exciting tour is Ann Samson who is a founding member and past President of Congregation BINA in Toronto, Canada. Ann was born and raised in Bombay, India, in an observant and traditional Jewish family. She has roots on her mother s side of the family in both the Iraqi and Yemenite communities, and in the Bene Israel community on her father s side. With her husband, Solomon Samson, she immigrated to Canada in 1966. Since coming to Canada, Ann worked as a teacher and later as a Principal for the Scarborough Board of Education. Over the years, she has done a great deal of research on the Jewish community in India and has served as official spokesperson and liaison with the wider Jewish community for Congregation BINA. She has done presentations on the Jews of India to numerous Jewish groups such as the Toronto Jewish Historical Society, B nai B rith, Hadassah, Jewish Women s Council, synagogues, students in Jewish schools and at York and Toronto Universities. She was invited to and did present a paper on the Sociological Structure of the Jewish Community of Bombay, India, at the First World Congress on The Jewish Family Heritage held in Jerusalem in 1981. She was the keynote speaker at the annual event of the Canadian Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth, Ottawa Section in 1994. She continues to be active in the Jewish community in Toronto. A Note on Jewish Cultural History from Ann Samson India has been referred to as the foster mother for Jewish settlements in the Far East because she has an unbroken history of over 2000 years of hospitality to Jews. It is a country where Jews have lived peacefully and free of anti-semitism for centuries while residing in the very midst of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and many other religious groups. They have enjoyed political, economic, religious and intellectual freedom. Over the years, they integrated, but did not assimilate. The Jewish community in India is comprised of three distinct Jewish groups. The oldest group is the Bene Israel whose most commonly accepted date of arrival in India is 732-730 B.C.E., which is before the construction of the Second Temple. Some historians view them as one of the Lost Tribes. The second group to arrive in India was the Cochin Jews around 72 B.C.E. The third group was the Baghdadi/Iraqi, Persian and Yemenite Jews who arrived from the 1830 s A.D.
onward. During the Second World War, many European Jews who were fleeing from Europe found a safe haven in India. Jewish influence on the cultural mosaic of Bombay is evident from the many institutions built as a result of Jewish generosity. These include the Sassoon Docks, Sassoon Textile Mills, David Sassoon Library, David Sassoon Reformatory, Jacob Sassoon High School, Albert Sassoon Museum, Sassoon Hospital, Haffkine Institute, Royal Institute of Science, Elphinstone High School, the Sir Elly Kadoorie High School and many synagogues. Jewish communal institutions were numerous from 1853 onwards. Jewish Day Schools were established in Bombay (1875) and Calcutta (1881). ORT has maintained two training schools and two hostels, one for boys and one for girls. Publications of Hebrew liturgical works with Marathi translations were concentrated on between 1819 and 1856. In 1968, Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi was the chief guest at the four hundredth anniversary celebration of the Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin. The Indian Government issued a commemorative stamp for this historic occasion. This synagogue is the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the British Commonwealth. The total Jewish population in India according to the 1951 Census was 26,512. The Jews in India themselves estimated that their total population never exceeded 29,000. The establishment of Israel in 1948 resulted in an exodus of Jews from India. This is evident in the Census of 1981 that indicates a total of just 5,618 Jews in India. Between 1948-1970, approximately 23,000 Jews from India settled in Israel. Others emigrated to England, the USA, Canada and Australia. Today, there are less than 5,000 Jews left in India. In 1985, on the occasion of the Centenary Celebrations of the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue at Bombay, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi sent this message: The Jewish community of India has made a special contribution to our national life through the centuries. The smallness of its numbers has not been a constraint and members of the community have achieved prominence in many fields of activity. The central communal organization is the Council of Indian Jewry, which was established in 1978 in Bombay. The council consists of representatives from the various synagogues and Jewish organizations. There are a variety of Jewish organizations, including the Indian Zionist Organization, B nai B rith, the Jewish Community Centre, the American Joint Distribution Committee, ORT, Home for The Aged and the Bene Israel Stree Mandal which is affiliated to the International Council of Jewish Women. A note from Roel Wyman about our group: In 2005 our group of friends spent 19 days touring Morocco, with Jewish and Muslim guides. We all felt it was the trip of a lifetime. We re now preparing another such trip. Ann will be our Jewish resource guide, and with local Indian guides, drivers and support team and the expertise of Tov Mason of Footprints Travel, we re hoping to match the experience of our Morocco experience. This trip is designed for our same group of friends, but as before, we re happy to include some new friends too. The group will be very limited in size and is 3/4 full already, so your early decision is important. Join us in India! If you have questions or concerns, please call me as soon as possible 416-419-2320.
India: November 1 20, 2008 20 Day Itinerary November 1: Saturday: Departure Depart from Toronto on your international flights to India via Europe. November 2: Sunday: Arrival in Delhi An evening arrival at the airport in New Delhi, where after clearing customs and immigration you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Taj Ambassador November 3: Monday: Delhi Relax this morning after your long flights and late arrival, and then, following an early lunch, you begin to tour some of the sights of the capital city. You will start at the Qutab Minar complex which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India The Quwwat-Ul- Islam built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutab Minar was begun in 1199 by Qutab ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. From here you visit one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire Humayun s Tomb. Humayun s tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendor and the fountains working, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb. You return to your hotel via the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Combining what Lord Harding, The Viceroy, suggested western architecture with an Oriental motif, this former vice-regal lodge, today is the home of the President of India. Taj Ambassador November 4: Tuesday: Delhi/Agra After breakfast, you tour some of the sights of the capital city. Today, you will explore the area referred to as Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan s city. You will drive past the Red Fort which was built in the mid 17 th century when the Emperor moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. From here you drive to the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, its narrow lanes best explored in a cycle rickshaw. As you wind your way through the narrow alleys, you will see remnants of the grand houses that were once the homes of wealthy nobles. Today, it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array
of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian. You will disembark at the Jamma Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan s last architectural legacy. Originally, it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum which means The mosque commanding a view of the world. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, Raj Ghat is an oasis of manicured lawns and peace. This is the simple, yet stunning memorial, to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India s independence. In the afternoon, you drive to Agra. The drive will take four and a half hours. Taj View Superior November 5: Wednesday: Agra Agra at one time served as the capital city for the great Mughal Empire, and it is the home of some of their finest architectural creations, including of course, the Taj Mahal. Today you start your tour of the two great monuments of the city, at the Agra Fort. The present structure stands on the site of the 14 th century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters, where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna. The Taj Mahal, which you visit next, is perhaps the world s most perfectly proportioned monument. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan s last wife Mumtaz Mahal, light of the palace. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as A tear on the face of eternity. Decorated with a mosaic of semi precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an Urs, an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr. Prayers are said and passages from the Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber. You return to your hotel after sunset. Taj View Superior
November 6: Thursday: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur This morning, for those who wish, you can return to the Taj Mahal to see it at sunrise. After breakfast, you depart from Agra for the approximately 6 hour drive to Jaipur. Before you arrive in Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, you will have a stop to see one of the Mughal Empires most inspired creations, Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to honor the Saint Salim Christi who foretold the birth of Akbars son and heir. Built entirely in vibrant red sandstone, it resembles a Middle Eastern caravanserai, and architecturally it draws its inspiration from prevalent Hindu, Persian and Islamic styles. Today s lunch is included at The Bagh, and following lunch, the drive to Jaipur will take approximately four hours. The Trident Hilton Premium, Lunch November 7: Friday: Jaipur Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging to the Hindu Kshatriya or warrior class, they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana that a fort is the strength of a king. They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts. After Amber, you will visit the excellent Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. The museum chronicles the regeneration of hand block printing techniques in Rajasthan using traditional methods. From here, you drive to Dera Amer for a short elephant safari in the countryside followed by lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax. The Trident Hilton Premium, Lunch November 8: Saturday: Jaipur Today you visit the city of Jaipur. There are actually two cities the old walled Pink City and the Jaipur that extended beyond the city walls. You start your exploring today at the City Palace which at the behest of Sawai Jai Singh was built near the temple of his personal deity Govinda Deva. The seven storey Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems). Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection. The Jantar Mantar, which you visit next, is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. This was a result of his intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17 th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today. From the palace you pass the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind, entering the busy markets of Jaipur. Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, after his palace was completed, concentrated on building the bazaars and inviting traders from as far as Iran to come and settle in the city. As a result, these artisans who have been practicing their trade for generations have become an integral part of the city s economic growth and strolling through the bazaars is a lesson in the diversity of Rajasthan s hand made goods. You will also have time to visit the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city, the Johori Bazaar. It is the main
shopping area for the local people the market has temples, vegetable sellers, grocers, emerald dealers, textile shops, all in the same area. Today s lunch is included at Niro s restaurant in the city, and the afternoon is free. The Trident Hilton Deluxe, Lunch November 9: Sunday: Jaipur/Udaipur This morning you will be picked up at your hotel to be transferred to the airport for your early morning flight (07:00 AM/07:40 AM) to Udaipur. (Please note that since the formal check-in time at the hotel is not until 12 noon, it is possible that your rooms may not be available upon your arrival.) Either way, you will have breakfast in Udaipur and then head out with your guide to begin exploring the city. Udaipur is a very romantic city, with the palaces built around Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills forming the backdrop. Home of the Mewar Rajputs, whose symbol is the rising sun, Udaipur was built as a result of the former Mewari Capital, Chittorgarh, being destroyed in a bloody siege. In the morning, you visit the City Palace, which is the home of the Maharanas of Udaipur who claim descendence from the Sun, so the whole complex appropriately faces east. This sprawling palace was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles. In the main, it is a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal inspired decorative art on the inside. In terms of an exemplary eye to detail and craftsmanship, few palaces match the artwork in this palace. Also of particular note here is the exquisite collection of priceless Rajput Miniature paintings done in the Mewari tradition. Here you will also see the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Objects d art and furniture, including a complete bedroom set discovered recently in a store room in the palace. You will also visit the Bagore Ki Haveli which is a splendid Museum exhibiting Udaipur s traditional arts and crafts, costumes musical instruments and marble work. After an early lunch, you take a walk in the old city with your escort, where you share space with cows, elephants, people and the ubiquitous Indian two-wheeler. It is a fascinating experience. The walk will take you past houses displaying wonderful examples of folk art, shops selling clothes, art, utensils, shoes and groceries if you decide to shop here, bargaining is very much part of the Indian shopping experience. Your path will lead you to the Jagdish Mandir, one of the focal points of worship in the city. The Trident Hilton Deluxe November 10: Monday: Udaipur This morning you will head out with your guide to visit the small but beautiful complex at Nagda. Known as the Sas and Bahu temples (literally Temples of the Mother in law and Daughter in law), these elaborately carved 10 th century temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the larger Sas temple, there are beautiful friezes with scenes from the Ramayana, meeting of lovers, and images of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Bahu temple has a richly carved archway and columns profusely carved with female figurines. On your way back to the city you
will stop at the 8 th century Eklinji Temple. Eklinji was a reincarnation of the Indian deity Shiva, and the patron god of the Maharanas of Udaipur. The afternoon is free. In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel for a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces. This lake was originally created in the 15 th century by a grain merchant who built the dam to create a roadway for his grain carts in the monsoon. You will stop at Jag Mandir which witnessed two important historical events. This 17 th century water palace was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan, when he was exiled by his father. His palace here is a curiosity the upper floor is designed in the Hindu style while the lower floor is built in the Muslim style. Later in history, during the uprising of 1857, the Rana of Mewar offered safe refuge here to several British families who fled from nearby Neemuch. The Trident Hilton Deluxe November 11: Tuesday: Udaipur/Jodhpur Your destination for the morning is the marvelous white marble temple at Ranakpur. Considered one of the architectural gems of this area, this profusely and intricately carved temple belongs to the Jain religion. An austere religion, the temple belies the dictates of simplicity promoted by the founder. Ranakpur is a popular place of pilgrimage and thus a living temple. During your visit, you will see each shrine is attended to by either a devotee or a priest. The rituals in a Jain Temple differ to those in a Hindu Temple. The temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Jain Thirthankara or saint. The whole, including the extraordinary collection of 1144 uniquely carved pillars, the richly decorated ceilings, and the friezes depicting the lives of the 24 Jain Thirthankaras, is fascinating. After lunch at Fatehbagh Palace, you continue to Jodhpur. Taj Hari Mahal Superior, Lunch November 12: Wednesday: Jodhpur/Manwar Desert Camp This morning in Jodhpur you will have time to visit the massive Meherangarh Fort. Built on a high rocky cliff, the views from the fort stretch all across the plains as far as the Mewari fort at Kumbalgarh. Almost impregnable, the fort is entered through seven fortified gateways. Beside the 15 th century Loha Pol, or Iron Gate are the handprints of 15 royal sati, Jodhpur queens who immolated themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands. The fort is divided into three sections the public areas, the Maharajas palaces, and the zenana, or queens palaces. The zenana is decorated with exquisite sandstone filigree work. Within the fort is the museum which, among its varied exhibits, has an excellent collection of royal palanquins and the howdah section which has perhaps the finest collection of old ornate elephant howdahs in the world. In the afternoon you have a two hour drive into the Indian desert where you stay at Camp Manwar. The Great Indian Desert a vast swathe of arid and unfriendly land is multi
faceted. It is home to a number of indigenous tribal groups such as the Bishnois and the Rebari; part of it is a National Park to protect the wildlife of the region, such as the rare Black Buck and the Great Indian bustard; and it is the site of some of Rajasthan s most colorful and popular festivals, such as the Cattle Fair at Nagaur and the Camel Fair at Pushkar. A visit into the desert is fascinating, allowing a glimpse of a unique lifestyle and culture You can explore the desert either on camel back or in jeeps. Later tonight, you will be entertained by the vibrant music and dance of Rajasthan, and your overnight accommodations will be in luxurious tents. Overnight Accommodation Manwar Deluxe Tents, Lunch, Dinner November 13: Thursday: Manwar/Jodhpur/Mumbai Late this morning you drive back to Jodhpur, from where you have a mid-afternoon flight (2:00 PM/4:00 PM) to Mumbai. There you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city. Hilton Towers Mumbai, Lunch November 14: Friday: Mumbai Today, you spend the day with the local Jewish community. You start at ORT, one of the largest and oldest education and training organizations, begun in 1880. The Mumbai branch was begun in 1960 with a donation from the Sassoon Trust. For the Jewish community, ORT is currently the only education institute providing vocational training along with a Jewish education. Students are taught Jewish traditions not only in the classrooms, but also in practice, and subjects such as reading from prayer books; berachot, Sabbath and festival prayers are included. ORT also has a kosher bakery and kosher kitchen to provide Sabbath challah and also Jewish food favorites. Later, you will visit the Tifereth Synagogue and the Magen David Synagogue. In the afternoon, you will visit the area known as Fort Mumbai, the historic downtown area that derives its name from earlier colonial fortifications. The tour will concentrate on the Kala Ghoda area, which takes its name from an equestrian statue of King Edward VII that once stood here. Stretching from Wellington Fountain at the southern end of Mahatma Gandhi road, to Mumbai University at the north, this historic area is a hub of cultural activities. Apart from its cluster of Victorian Gothic architecture, it includes the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, The Prince of Wales Museum, The Jehangir Art Gallery, and also houses a number of cafes, restaurants and fine shops and boutiques. Shabbath dinner will be provided by ORT. Hilton Towers Mumbai November 15: Saturday: Mumbai In the morning, you will attend Sabbath services at Keneseth Eliyahoo. Transportation will be available for those who wish to use it during some free time this afternoon. The rest of the day is free with a Jewish community based program this evening. Hilton Towers Mumbai
November 16: Sunday: Mumbai After breakfast this morning, you drive to the Gateway of India where you board the launch for Mandwa. The cruise takes 1 _ hours to reach Mandwa, where you will be met by your bus for the drive to Alibagh. The town and its surrounding villages are the historic hinterland of the Bene Israeli Jews, whose profession was oil pressing. Nearby, you will also visit the oldest Jewish cemetery at Navgaon. Next, you will visit the Magen Aboth Synagogue in Alibagh which dates back to 1848, and explore the Israel Alley past the old Jewish-owned business establishments. From here you will drive to Panvel, another important site for any Bene Israel. From Panvel return to Mandwa for tea, following which you board the launch for the return trip to Mumbai. Hilton Towers Mumbai November 17: Monday: Mumbai/Cochin This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cochin in the southern state of Kerala. (Flight 9W 401 departing at 10:35 am, and arriving at 12:20 pm) There you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city. This afternoon you begin to explore the historic town of Cochin with your guide. An ancient harbor town, the city reflects the influence of the many foreign traders who visited. The Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in India and the Commonwealth, is set in the heart of the area known as Jew Town. It is now a World Heritage Site. The town is famous for its aromatic spice market and shops selling antiques. The story of the Cochin Jews is fascinating, as for several centuries their existed two Jewish communities. The black Jews who settled in the area in 72 BCE, and the white Jews who came much later and in larger numbers. Under the patronage of the Dutch and subsequently the British, they became trading agents, and served as an important go between for foreigners trying to establish contacts in the area. From here you walk to the Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two stories high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of wood and richly carved, the palace exhibits memorabilia from the Raja of Kochi s collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the walls. Fast fading, one can still see some of these excellent 16 th century paintings illustrating episodes from the great Indian epic The Ramayana. Taj Residency November 18: Tuesday: Cochin backwaters
This morning you will be taken to visit the local theatre to watch a performance of Kathakali. Kathakali is a classical dance form that has its origins in Theyyam, a ritual tribal dance of north Kerala, and Kalaripayattu, the martial arts which goes back 1000 years. The dancers use dramatic costumes and exaggerated facial make up, and to accompaniment of drums and cymbals, use stylized movements to relate episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Your arrival at the theater will be early so that you can watch the dancers prepare for their performance. Later, you will take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without touring the backwaters. This is a series of canals which criss-cross the State eventually emptying into the open seas. From enormous lakes to the narrowest of canals, a journey along these waters is an insight into the life of the people of Kerala. Traveling the canals and wide open lakes in a houseboat, you will see sights impossible to see from road transport. Houses along the canals depend on the waters for their livelihood and transport, and you will see villages, rice paddy, boats transporting produce to the market and children to school, as well as fishing boats and people fishing for clams. Once again here is a mosaic of life in India, very different to what you have seen along your travels. Taj Residency, Lunch November 19: Wednesday: Cochin//Mumbai (or to the beach see notes below on beach extension) This morning you have a walking tour of the Heritage Zone, which with its varied architectural styles highlights Cochin s history of being occupied by various foreign rulers. In this area, which is protected, is St Francis Church, first established by the Portuguese in the 1500s. This is one of the earliest European churches in the country. The simple façade served as the prototype for future churches here. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his body was taken to Portugal 14 years later. You will also visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral which was built in the late 19 th century and has impressive murals on its ceiling. The walking tour ends at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 indicating trading ties with China. Your arrival will be timed to coincide with the local fishing boats pulling in with their catch for the day. There will follow a lively auction of fresh fish on the beach, and all around are cafes offering to cook your purchase in the local style. You return to Mumbai late this afternoon (flight 9W 404, departing at 4:05 pm, and arriving at 5:45 pm) where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Hyatt Regency where your dinner is included. Later in the evening, you will be transferred back to the international airport for your international departing flight back home., Dinner November 20: Thursday: Arrive in Toronto This afternoon you arrive in Toronto. *******End of services*******
Optional Two Day Beach Extension November 19: Wednesday: Cochin/Marari Beach The morning is spent touring in Cochin with the group as per the description above. Then, in the afternoon when the rest of the group departs to the airport, rather than flying to Mumbai, those wishing to go to the beach depart for the approximately 2 hour drive to the Marari Beach Resort for a couple of wonderfully relaxing days by the sea. Spread expansively across 25 acres of land, the resort, like its namesake, is separated from the sea by a windbreak of stretching palms. There are only 52 cottages at the resort, so the sense of space here is much more dramatic. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees. The winding village pathways are a faithful echo of the originals, and rambling walls curve around corners, revealing rippling lotus ponds, usually with a family of ducklings getting a swimming lesson out in the middle. At the resort, you can just relax, walk the miles of sandy beaches, or enjoy the excellent ayurvedic spa facilities or get some exercise in the hotel s swimming pool. One of the specialties of the Marari Beach Resort is it s focus on traditional Kerala cuisine. Of course with Kerala being a coastal state, fish and a variety of seafood play a big part within the local cuisine, and each day brings a new specialty based on the fresh catch of the day. The best of the local dishes are the famous fisherman's curries, simmered in clay pots, and served up with a traditional leaf spoon. And for those interested in cooking, the hotel also holds Kerala cooking classes for their guests on most evenings. (Please note that the hotel restaurant also prepares a wide range of international dishes.) Marari Beach Resort Garden Villa November 20: Thursday: Marari Beach Another day at leisure at the beach resort. November 21: Friday: Marari Beach/Mumbai You depart from the beach this afternoon for the drive back to the Cochin airport from where you fly to Mumbai late this afternoon. There you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Hyatt Regency where your dinner is included. Later in the evening, you will be transferred back to the international airport for your international departing flight back home., Dinner November 22: Saturday: Arrive in Toronto This afternoon you arrive in Toronto.
The Details PRICING $7,825 per person (based on sharing a double room) Single Supplement: $2,275 Beach Extension: $695 per person (based on sharing a double room) Beach extension Single Supplement: $190 Please note that all prices are in US dollars, and payments may be made in Canadian dollars at the current exchange rate at the time of payment. The Price Includes: International flights between Toronto/Delhi and Mumbai/Toronto Domestic flights (economy class): o Jaipur Udaipur o Jodhpur Mumbai o Mumbai Cochin o Cochin - Mumbai accommodation on twin sharing basis Daily breakfast on fixed menu basis, Lunch and Dinner at Manvar Camp (Nov 12) Lunch on Nov 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 18 including all beverages Dinner on Nov 19 including all beverages Elephant Safari in Jaipur Visit to a theatre to see Kathakali performance Private chauffeur driven A/C coach for transfers and sightseeing Local English speaking guides throughout Monument entrance and camera fees Mineral water and soft drinks during all sightseeing excursions and long drives Meet and assist at all airports and hotels Porterage at all airports and hotels All currently applicable taxes The Price does not Include: - Visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance - Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc - other than those mentioned in the itinerary - Travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended for pricing see next page) *Business class seating on domestic flights is available at an additional cost of $400 per person *Business class seating on international flights can be arranged on request at prevailing cost
Travel Insurance Travel insurance is provided through the RBC Insurance Company, and is available either as a Travel Cancellation Insurance policy (that includes insurance coverage for travel cancellation, trip interruption and baggage insurance), or as a Deluxe policy that includes all of the above, in addition to out-of-country medical coverage. (Please note that medical forms must be completed for those purchasing the deluxe insurance package.) The price of the different insurance packages is a function of one s age when purchasing the insurance, and the chart below reflects the current premiums for both insurance packages mentioned above, for various age brackets. Please note that PST must be added to each of the prices below. Age Travel Cancellation Policy Deluxe Policy Under 60 $325 $404 60 64 $389 $509 65 69 $450 $597 70-74 $520 $852 75-79 $658 $993 80-84 $725 $1391 FOOTPRINTS TRAVEL 17 Madison Ave., Suite 300, Toronto, Canada M5R 2S2 Tollfree: (888) 962-6211; Local: (416) 962-8111; Fax: (416) 962-6621 Email: trips@footprintstravel.com Internet: www.footprintstravel.com