Everybody should visit India at least once in their life. No country in the world is India’s equal for adventure, with almost unlimited historical and cultural sites, amazing cuisine, mysterious esoteric practices and ancient religions – including several Jewish traditions – and a convenient modern infrastructure.
If you’re planning an India trip from the USA, read on for a quick guide to the country, as well as the 5 top things to see in India. We’ll also take a quick look at Jewish India and India’s most interesting Jewish sites.
5 Great Reasons Why You Should go to India This Year
1) The Taj Mahal
Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, The Taj Mahal is undeniably one of the top things to see in India. Allow yourself to be filled with serenity as you wander past the peaceful reflecting pool and gaze upon the massive ornamental domes that tower above. Admire the lavish landscape, groomed to perfection with vertically cut trees. Understand the rich history behind the constructed mausoleum, signifying India’s deeply celebrated heritage.
2) The Shopping
Travel to India from the USA is a cultural adventure – and in some respects a trip back in time. There are plenty of modern stores and malls, but India is famous for its traditional marketplaces, or bazaars, that amaze each visitor with a sensory experience of the region. Your eyes will marvel at the various colors, your nose will inhale the most vibrant aromas of spices, and the bustle of the streets will give you a burst of energy.
3) Elephants
Every India trip from the USA should include an encounter with nature and wildlife. One of the safest and most enjoyable experiences is an elephant ride. Have you ever had such a unique means of transportation! When you visit Amer Fort, you will travel on the back of an elephant in order to reach the destination. Enjoy the historic Hindu elements of this Palace as well.
4) Purifying Experience
A purifying cruise along the Ganges River may not be at the top of your list of reasons to visit India, but it is an amazing experience that gives a deep insight into India’s deep religious heritage. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but you’ll witness ancient rituals that are still part of daily life. Take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Hindus consider the Ganges the elixir of life, bringing purity to the living and salvation to the dead.
India Tours for Jewish Visitors
India is one of the world’s most colorful and fascinating countries. With over 1.4 billion people, and a history that spans millennia, there is no shortage of reasons to visit India.
Many travel lovers are surprised to learn that India is a popular destination for American Jewish tourists. India has a thriving Jewish community with roots that go back thousands of years. It’s also an affordable destination and travel to India from the USA is straightforward.
India historically had a remarkably tolerant attitude towards religion and was arguably one of the world’s safest and most hospitable countries for Jewish communities. Even today, there are many Jewish sites in India that are worth adding to your itinerary when you plan an India trip from the USA.
4 Top Things to See in India if You are Jewish
- There have been Jews in India for at least 2,000 years and they had a lot of freedom to build monuments and express their Judaism. Big cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Cochin proudly preserve their old synagogues, cemeteries, and Jewish quarters. They offer profound insights into a way of life that has all but passed.
- Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin
- Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue in Mumbai
- Mumbai’s Blue Synagogue Cemetery
- Kolkata’s Jewish Cemetery
- Indian Jewish culture was heavily influenced by a couple of thousand years of exposure to diverse Indian cultures. The vibrant celebrations of Jewish festivals like Hanukkah and Passover alone are good reasons why you should go to India in the spring or autumn. Depending when Passover falls, the weather can be already be hot.
- The unique Bene Israel community is one of the most fascinating Jewish communities in India. They claim descent from a party of Jewish shipwreck survivors and maintain their own traditions and synagogues. The Ohel David Synagogue is the largest Asian synagogue. Many of the community moved to Israel and are now part of mainstream society.
- India is rightly famous for its food. If you keep kosher at home, you’ll still find plenty of kosher Indian dishes when you travel to India from the USA. Indian Jews are rightly proud of their cuisine that has its origins in ancient Jewish culinary traditions but is influenced by dozens of wider traditions.
- Baghdadi Jewish biryani
- Spiced Cauliflower latkes
- Shabbat flatbreads
- Kanavali Shabbat cake
- Malida – rice mixed with dried fruit, nuts and spices
There’s no shortage of reasons why should you go to India. The people are friendly, the food is amazing, and every day is an adventure. Whether you love architecture, history and culture, nature, shopping, or relaxing with a cold drink, India is ideal.
When to travel to India from the USA
- December to February – Warm days and pleasant cool nights.
- April and May – Very hot, but fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
- June to September – Monsoon. The rains are much lighter in the North.
- October and November – Can be hot, but usually drier.
India is generally very safe and is still a relatively inexpensive destination for tourists, especially if you travel with experienced Jewish heritage tours.
