India Cuisine & Culture

Day 1 - Delhi

Arrive in Delhi by international flight. You will be met by a representative at the airport for an assisted transfer to the hotel Evening at leisure

Delhi, a city with great culture and modernity calls for every tourist to visit a new place and gain a new experience, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city that has a rich history stretching back thousands of years. It has been the capital of at least seven or eight great civilizations, and each of them has left monuments worth exploring.

Suggestions for Dinner on direct payment basis (reservation required) Spice Route at The Imperial has great food, particularly from Kerala: try the prawns with coconut, curry leaf, black tamarind and mustard seeds – and don’t forget the appams (rice-flour pancakes). It’s the incredibly detailed and fantastical décor here, which took over 4 years to complete, that steals the show. During the warmer months, the courtyard is a very romantic setting.

Day 2 - Delhi

Explore Old Delhi, visit the Sikh temple and witness the community Kitchen

This full day tour is full of pleasant surprises and is going to arouse all your senses. The best place to start the tour is from the vibrant and charming Old Delhi – on one hand it has the historic Mughal architecture to marvel at and on the other hand, the hustle-bustle of Chandi Chowk showcasing the diversity in food, culture, trading, and attires. It is a great idea to incorporate a visit to the recently renovated Red Fort (remains closed on Mondays) as a part of this experience as it offers an amazing insight into one of the most important times in the development of Delhi’s culture, architecture, food, lifestyle, and grandeur.

A short drive across the road and 30 steep steps lead to the main courtyard of Jama Masjid – the largest and the most magnificent mosque in India. Thousands of devotees fill the capacious courtyard during Eid. Let your eyes feast on the examples of architectural brilliance achieved at these monuments as you explore with your guide.

The attar (perfume) making workshop is a highlight of today’s tour. Blend different essences, create your signature scent, and take it home as a souvenir. Give back and spread love amongst those who are less fortunate with a visit to a children’s home that has been providing shelter to marginalised children since 1880. Here, you get the chance to interact with them in an unique session and learn about their hopes and dreams. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the hopeful minds of the children overcoming great hardships with a smile on their faces.

After such an insightful session, there is lunch at a local restaurant. The venue is a secret that you will explore on your own. Stimulate your auditory senses as you relax to the soulful strains of chanting the holy words in a Sikh Temple. Let your mind soak in the peaceful ambiance before you explore the place and get a peek inside the community kitchen of the temple.

Day 3 - Delhi

Explore New Delhi

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutab Minar; the five-storied tower with a 14.4 metre base that tapers up to two and a half metres at the top is visible for a long distance around. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Afternoon at leisure

Suggestions for Dinner on direct payment basis (reservation required)

Indian Accent, is known for some the best fusion Indian food and we highly recommend the chefs tasting menu. This restaurant has won numerous awards and is very popular, so we recommend prior reservations for dinner. Some of the dishes on the menu include foie gras stuffed galawat, potato sphere chaat, white pea ragda, meetha achaar chilean spare ribs, warm doda burfi treacle tart, homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The chef Manish's tasting menu (11 dishes) is the pièce de résistance. Overlooking the cool verandah and the lush lawn, the restaurant also has a private dining room and a bar. It is open seven days a week. Dinner is from 1900 hours to 2230 hours.

Day 4 - Lucknow

After breakfast you will be drive to airport for a flight to Lucknow. Afternoon at leisure Evening Private curated dining of Awadhi Cuisine at Coquina

Lucknow’s period charm, together with lingering traces of its famed courtly etiquette, sets it apart from other cities in India. Fondly known as the ‘City of Nawabs’ or the ‘City of Tehzeeb’, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. The era of the Nawabs, 18th and 19th centuries, bestowed Lucknow with the courteous culture, literature, dance as well as mouth-watering delicacies for which it is famous today

Considered one of the gastronomical capitals of India, Lucknow’s Nawabi heritage shines through in its exceptional Awadhi cuisine, which uses complex scientific techniques to achieve a rich depth of flavour. Raisins, saffron, cashews and cream are everyday ingredients of Lucknow’s luxurious cuisine. Lucknow’s myriad of kebabs and biriyanis are legendary and the locals are known for their culinary knowledge and passion.

In the evening Private curated dining of Awadhi Cuisine at Coquina

Day 5 - Lucknow

Visit Lucknow Residency, The Residency, also called the British Residency, was built as a group of buildings for the Britons in Lucknow at the time of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The present-day peaceful haven surrounded by lush lawns and flowerbeds holds a gory and bloody past that you can see clearly on closer inspection of the buildings that remain. Continue to visit La Martiniere, established in 1845, was founded in accordance with the Will of Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin. Originally it was designed as a palatial home. Under his Will, certain funds were allotted for the establishment of schools at Lyon, his birth place in France, in Calcutta and at Lucknow. During the stirring events of 1857, the Principal, Masters and boys of La Martiniere played a role, which is perhaps unique in the history of the world. La Martiniere Boys became the only school in history to be awarded a British battle honour. La Martinière College, Built by French Major-General turned architect Claude Martin, La Martinière, originally as a palatial home, became his tomb in the 1800s. Later, in accordance to his last will and testament, funds were allotted to establish educational institutions at three places including Lucknow where his home-turned tomb became the chosen site for the school. Today, it is one of the premier educational institutes in the country, and renowned for its illustrious alumni. Its eclectic amalgam of different architectural and design styles makes it a popular attraction for tourists.

Day 6 - Lucknow

Start with visit to Asafi Imambara/Bara Imambara: Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, in 1784, it is also called the Asafi Imambara. It was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls.

Later visit Husainabad Imambara/Chota Imambara: The Chhota Imambara, also known as Husainabad Imambara, was built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 19th century. It houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. It is known for its beauty and pieces of décor including the beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor, gilded mirrors and fine calligraphy on the walls.

Afternoon at leisure.

Evening, curated dining at Chak House (Awadhi-Kashmiri Cuisine)

The Kashmiri Mohalla was a colony created in the Nawebi era when the then Nawab, Asaf ud Daula shifted his capital from Faizabad to Lucknow, bringing hundreds of Kashmiri families to live in the city. One such family was “Chak” family which made Lucknow their home and then could never leave Lucknow. This highly educated and cultured family still keeps its culinary tradition alive and with their loyalty to Kashmiri-Awadhi cuisine in their daily lives, and is happy to showcase their culinary skills to discerning guests. A typical evening here starts with an introduction to his family followed by a live cooking demonstration in the family’s kitchen, thereafter a home cooked dinner constituting dishes from family’s well-guarded dining heritage follows.

Day 7 - Lucknow - Agra

Post breakfast, set off this morning for Agra (approx 210 Kms / 4-5 hrs. drive), once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal

Agra - Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire – Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th & 17th century. A world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favourite city of the Mughals. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Agra Fort. The fort is approachable by two imposing gates and constructed of red sandstone, the citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, this dramatic city within a city was the palace of three emperors, Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb, each of whom made significant contributions to the wonderful architecture of the inner buildings – a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles.

Suggestions for Dinner on direct payment basis (reservation required) Peshwari - In an ambience reminiscent of the rustic charm of dining in the warmth of tents under a starry sky in the cold desert terrain of the North West Frontier, Peshawri brings to Agra an award winning menu of delicacies cooked in the clay tandoor. Experience the wonder of this cuisine with a lavish spread of delicious kebabs – vegetarian and non-vegetarian that are cooked in myriad ways, a range of Indian breads – from the decadently indulgent to light and fluffy breads and of course, the inimitable Dal Bukhara – all of which is paired with an exclusive collection of wines and other beverages.

Day 8 - Agra - Jaipur

Morning visit the splendid Taj Mahal. Built as a monument of eternal love the monument is described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as "a teardrop on the cheek of time”. This magnificent 17th century mausoleum was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in the mid-17th century. It is made of milk-white makrana marble and is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is astounding. Be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri, a visual experience of an ancient city abandoned by its ruler and yet well preserved to this day. One can visualise the splendour and glory of a bygone era. Fatehpur Sikri radiates a true sense of faith and belief in oneself and in God. Even today, people visit a shrine within the complex and pray for a better life.

After sightseeing of the ruins, continue driving towards Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Suggestions for Dinner on direct payment basis (reservation required)

Survana Mahal – Rambagh Palace Hotel, Bhawani Singh Road. Contact No: +91 141 221 1919

A glamourous experience. An exceptionally beautiful Palace where you can enjoy royal cuisines from across India. Smart dress essential.

Day 9 - Jaipur

Proceed for sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The Maharajah, a scientist as well as an astronomer, had the principles of Euclid translated into Sanskrit. One of the most remarkable sites in Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar has fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses and tracking stars and planets. Just next to the observatory is the City Palace. Built within the fortified area of the original city, it has one of the finest monumental entrances in India. The Palace is now principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets, royal garments and other interesting objects from Jaipur's intriguing past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use. Later, visit Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds) for a photo-stop. Five stories in height and built of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white quicklime, it is thought that the women of the royal harem used the many casements to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.

Later, you will head to Dera Mandawa, a heritage homestay, for a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. Dera Mandawa was built by Thakur Jait Singh ji of Mandawa in the 19th century. Your host will lead a hands-on experience in cooking Rajasthani dishes. This wonderful experience will equip you with simple recipes and valuable advice for cooking Indian dishes at home. At the end sit down and enjoy the dinner with the family.

Day 10 - Jaipur

In the morning, proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort which was constructed by Maharaja Man Singh in the 17th century. He was one of the most successful generals of Mughal Emperor Akbar and a fierce warrior. The fortress perched on top of a hillock was the seat of power of the Kachhawa Rajput clan before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur. The fort was made impregnable with battlements surrounding it. It overlooks the Maota Lake and is sprawled over the Aravalli hills. The fort complex has some of the most stunning palaces, gardens, and courtyards decorated with colourful frescos and mirrors. Latticed windows or Jharokhas line the corridors that offered the royal ladies a chance to observe the activities without being seen. A non-air-conditioned jeep ride from the base to the top of the fort and back will enhance your experience.

Afternoon at leisure.

Evening Walk: On this fascinating evening walk mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the regions culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewellers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. Continue the religious life of local communities by visiting lively temples and witness a Hindu prayer ceremony. Interact with residents over tea and snacks in their decorated home and discover some of the lesser-known architectural wonders of Pink City.

Day 11 - Jaipur - Delhi

Today check-out from the hotel and you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to Jaipur airport to connect to your flight back to Delhi and home.

Ask your consultant for options to extend this tour further into Rajasthan or alternative onward flights.