Jewish Heritage Tour in Kolkata
Overview
Kolkata's Jewish Synagogues sum-up as the important architectural heirlooms from the colonial period in Kolkata. IF you are really looking forward for an historical and cultural treat then include this astonishing tour on your must-visit list right away!
We visit below historic and beautiful synagogues in Kolkata:
1. Neveh Shalome Synagogue: The first Baghdadi prayer house in India was formed out of a converted residence. It was Built in 1831, later in 1912 the synagogue was rebuilt again, with fairly simple interiors.
2. Maghen David synagogue: Believed to be Built in 1884, this is in fact one of India’s grandest and largest synagogue whose architectural brilliance will bewilder you, once inside.
3. Beth El Synagogue: Its impressive blue and white interior is lined with imposing columns, decorated with stained-glass clerestories, intricate wood work and antique glass chandeliers.
NOTE: Right to Admission inside the synagogue is reserved only for the Jewish Community
We visit below historic and beautiful synagogues in Kolkata:
1. Neveh Shalome Synagogue: The first Baghdadi prayer house in India was formed out of a converted residence. It was Built in 1831, later in 1912 the synagogue was rebuilt again, with fairly simple interiors.
2. Maghen David synagogue: Believed to be Built in 1884, this is in fact one of India’s grandest and largest synagogue whose architectural brilliance will bewilder you, once inside.
3. Beth El Synagogue: Its impressive blue and white interior is lined with imposing columns, decorated with stained-glass clerestories, intricate wood work and antique glass chandeliers.
NOTE: Right to Admission inside the synagogue is reserved only for the Jewish Community
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Expert Local guide
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Neveh Shalome Synagogue, 9a Indra Kumar Karnani Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
The first Jewish immigrant in Calcutta believed to be was Shalome Cohen, who came to Calcutta in the 1790s, and with him came other Jews from the Middle East. With the growing community there rose the need of a prayer house, and Naveh Shalome, the first Baghdadi prayer house in India was formed out of a converted residence. It was Built in 1831 by Shalom Obaidah Ha Cohen, Previously Naveh Shalome stood in Canning Street, later it was demolished in 1883 to make room for a bigger synagogue (Maghen David). But in 1912 the synagogue was rebuilt again, with fairly simple interiors. The heavy wooden doors open up to a simple rectangular synagogue sanctuary that leads up to the tebah (raised platform to read the torah) and the alter behind it. Again it had to be restored after several years of neglect due to the dwindling Jewish community, the synagogue also houses a small museum in its gallery to foretell the deep jewish history of Kolkata.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maghen David synagogue, 109 Biplabi Rash Behari Basu Road Corner Braebourne Road and Canning Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) India
This synagogue is built in Renaissance style red building with a soaring clock tower. Many think it as an old church, but this is in fact one of India’s grandest and largest synagogue whose architectural brilliance will bewilder you, once inside. Believed to be Built in 1884 by EDJ Ezra, the Star of David above the imposing wooden doors leads into the premises of Maghen David Synagogue. The stained-glass windows, the colourful tiles of the raised alter, the painted deep-blue and gold stars dotted apse and the vintage Belgian-glass chandeliers—all make for a awesome architecture that will leave you awestuck
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Beth El Synagogue, 26 Pollock Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
The Experior pale-yellow synagogue with appliques of the Star of David and the menorah, is located in the Pollock Street Post Office. Beth-El’s impressive blue and white interior is lined with imposing columns, decorated with stained-glass clerestories, intricate wood work and antique glass chandeliers. The real charm is the vintage wooden mesh benches and the large louvre windows with stained glass.
Duration: 30 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Neveh Shalome Synagogue, 9a Indra Kumar Karnani Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
The first Jewish immigrant in Calcutta believed to be was Shalome Cohen, who came to Calcutta in the 1790s, and with him came other Jews from the Middle East. With the growing community there rose the need of a prayer house, and Naveh Shalome, the first Baghdadi prayer house in India was formed out of a converted residence. It was Built in 1831 by Shalom Obaidah Ha Cohen, Previously Naveh Shalome stood in Canning Street, later it was demolished in 1883 to make room for a bigger synagogue (Maghen David). But in 1912 the synagogue was rebuilt again, with fairly simple interiors. The heavy wooden doors open up to a simple rectangular synagogue sanctuary that leads up to the tebah (raised platform to read the torah) and the alter behind it. Again it had to be restored after several years of neglect due to the dwindling Jewish community, the synagogue also houses a small museum in its gallery to foretell the deep jewish history of Kolkata.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maghen David synagogue, 109 Biplabi Rash Behari Basu Road Corner Braebourne Road and Canning Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) India
This synagogue is built in Renaissance style red building with a soaring clock tower. Many think it as an old church, but this is in fact one of India’s grandest and largest synagogue whose architectural brilliance will bewilder you, once inside. Believed to be Built in 1884 by EDJ Ezra, the Star of David above the imposing wooden doors leads into the premises of Maghen David Synagogue. The stained-glass windows, the colourful tiles of the raised alter, the painted deep-blue and gold stars dotted apse and the vintage Belgian-glass chandeliers—all make for a awesome architecture that will leave you awestuck
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Beth El Synagogue, 26 Pollock Street, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
The Experior pale-yellow synagogue with appliques of the Star of David and the menorah, is located in the Pollock Street Post Office. Beth-El’s impressive blue and white interior is lined with imposing columns, decorated with stained-glass clerestories, intricate wood work and antique glass chandeliers. The real charm is the vintage wooden mesh benches and the large louvre windows with stained glass.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Deena_W
October 2023
Neela was an excellent guide- the synagogues were beautiful and the history of the Jewish community in Kolkata was fascinating. She also took me for a walk by the river to watch a beautiful sunset behind the suspension bridge and enjoy a cup of chai. I learned a lot about Kolkata from an interest...
Neela was an excellent guide- the synagogues were beautiful and the history of the Jewish community in Kolkata was fascinating. She also took me for a walk by the river to watch a beautiful sunset behind the suspension bridge and enjoy a cup of chai. I learned a lot about Kolkata from an interesting and independent woman!360ayalad
July 2022
Outstanding experience with this company and with our tour guide, Vikas. The company was very accommodating with our dates and even changed our tour based on a change in our schedule. They also kindly reached out to us in advance to make us aware of a rally in the city that would have impacted ...
Outstanding experience with this company and with our tour guide, Vikas. The company was very accommodating with our dates and even changed our tour based on a change in our schedule. They also kindly reached out to us in advance to make us aware of a rally in the city that would have impacted our arrival date. It was so thoughtful of them to make us aware of this issue. The tour itself was incredible. Our guide was so knowledgeable about Kolkata in general, not just the synagogues we visited. He gave us so much history as we drove to the synagogues, pointing out so many historical sites around the city. He was so friendly and just a lovely person too--we really enjoyed spending time with him. The synagogues themselves were terrific--beautiful and so well cared for. It's clear that the tour guide maintains great relationships with the caretakers which made getting into the synagogues very smooth. It was a very moving experience. We definitely plan to visit the synagogues again and will certainly take more tours with Vikas who provides other excursions around Kolkata. We are so grateful to him and the company for a phenomenal experience!