An Indian Food Adventure

Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi
Meals Included: None

Arrive in Delhi today by your international flight, you will be met and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is held on immediate occupancy. Check-in and spend the rest of the day to explore the bustling national capital. Overnight in the hotel.

Delhi offers a harmonious blend of architecture and history. From remnants of the Mughal empire and British Raj to contemporary India, you can experience it all in the capital. The city is sure to charm you with its eclectic mix of the old and new – from magnificent monuments to bustling Old Delhi markets and stunning high rises.

Day 2 | A day in Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Delhi which will start with visit of Old Delhi, where you will see Red Fort (from outside) JamaMasjid ,ChandniChowk Market (closed on all Sundays) and Raj Ghat. Also take a food walk in the ChandniChowk market. After visit of Old Delhi drive towards New Delhi en-route you will drive past President’s Palace, Government buildings and India Gate. In the afternoon visit the Humayun’s Tomb and QutubMinar complex. Overnight in the hotel.

Jama Masjid is a mosque in Old Delhi, constructed in 1650–56 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān, a noted patron of Islamic architecture whose most famous work is the TajMahal, in Agra.

This vibrant market came to existence when the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi, in the mid 17th century. While ChandniChowkor the moonlit square no longer bears the magnificence of the bygone era, its importance in the annals of Delhi will never be lost.

The food walk in Old Delhi is a great experience to and the best way to see and taste Old Delhi. The dishes one can savor in Old Delhi Food Walk are large, thick and juicy jalebis, glistening with ghee; Aloochaat crisp fried potato cutlets dunked in a melange of chutneys and smattered with onions and spices ; varieties of stuffed paranthas potato, onion, cottage cheese, cauliflower, radish, dry fruits and many more….

Humanyun’s Tomb was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow BegaBegam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.

QutabMinar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony

Day 3 | Drive to Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast drive to Agra, a journey of about 5 hours. Arrive in Agra and check – in at the hotel. In the afternoon proceed for half day tour of the magnificent Red Fort or Agra Fort and the Moonlight Garden (MehtabBagh). Overnight at the hotel.

Known to exist since prehistoric times, Agra came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire.

Agra Fort was begun by Akbar between 1565 and 1573. It is situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 2km upstream from the TajMahal.  Akbar built the fort of sandstone; his grandson Shah Jahan, the builder of the TajMahal, constructed palaces of white marble within the fort itself.

The MehtabBagh or the moonlight garden, was the last of the eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna river opposite to the TajMahal and the Agra Fort. Built during the period 1631- 1635 A.D., MehtabBagh literally means “a moonlit pleasure garden”.

Day 4 | A day in Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Sunrise private transfer to TajMahal, spend the morning at this beautiful monument and fall in love with TajMahal. After visit return to hotel for breakfast. Relax the rest of the morning at the hotel. Afternoon visit ChiniKaRauza and Itimad-Ud-Daulah.Today evening join a cooking demonstration session followed by dinner. Overnight stay in hotel.

The TajMahalis an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Constructed over a 20-year period on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, the famed complex is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.

Itimad-ud-Daulah is a tomb that was built by mother of Shah Jahan. It has a very delicate architectural beauty. The marble lattice structures in this monument are the highlight. You can find exotic Persian styled gardens around the tomb.

ChiniKaRauza is a persian-style riverside tomb of Afzal Khan, a poet who served as Shah Jahan’s chief minister, was built between 1628 and 1639. Rarely visited, it is hidden away down a shady avenue of trees on the east bank of the Yamuna but boasts a fine exterior of colouredtilework and an interior of delicate painted alabaster.

Day 5 | Drive to Jaipur, en-route visit FatehpurSikri and Abhaneri
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast leave for Jaipur by surface, a journey of about 7 hours. En – route stop forvisiting the celebrated medieval Mughal city of FatehpurSikri and AbaneriStepwell. Arrive in Jaipur and check – in at the hotel. In evening attend aarti or a prayer ceremony at Birla Mandir. Overnight at the hotel.

FatehpurSikri a magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar.

An erstwhile princely state and now the capital of modern Rajasthan.Jaipur is popularly known as the “Pink City” because of the rose coloured wash that adorns most buildings in the old quarter and it is the first planned city in the country.”

The Birla Temple, of Jaipur is built of pure white marble, whose interiors contain, beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods. Commonly considered a true work of art, this temple forms a wonderful backdrop to witness a traditional ceremony. An Aarti represents the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses, the priest has a tray with a diya (lamp), offerings of food, water, flowers, incense and a small bell.

Day 6 | A day in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel, visit Amber Fort. Later we proceed to visit the City Palace and Observatory.And we also stop for some photos from across the road of HawaMahal – the Palace of Winds. Evening take a market to kitchen tour, in which you will engage in Cooking demonstration followed by dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

The City Palace reflects Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The Palace has been designed according to a 'grid style' and houses various structures such as, 'Chandra Mahal', 'Mubarak Mahal', 'Diwan-I-Khas' and the 'GovindDevJi Temple. The walls and gates are ornately designed to Mughal style, with various murals, lattice and mirrors adorning them from sides.

The Jaipur observatory is by far the most elaborate and complete of Jai Singh’s all other Observatories. The observatory occupies a plot of land just outside the City Palace.

Jaipur’s most photographed landmark, the HawaMahal is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city.

Explore Jaipur in its kitchens, know what you are eating, and learn to cook Indian Meals on your next vacation to this amazing land of culture and heritage. A Land where what comes to your platter changes with every season. A land with a food philosophy of Simple eating & Simple Living for a calmer mind is followed.

During this food tour, you will be an active participant from the moment you arrive. Whether it's starting at the local market each morning, grocery baskets in your hands, choosing the best, seasonal produce, or making round chapattis in our dream kitchen, where you are never just a spectator. During this cooking class, you will get your hands into the dough, rolling chapattis. You will meet the local vegetable sellers. The whole activity will familiarize you with seasonal fresh produce and essential spices for cooking an Indian meal. You will experience the local daily life of Jaipur. And upon the end of your cooking session you will return enriched with Indian culture and traditions.

It is one of the best things to do in Jaipur as it will not just be a cooking class, but an experience that starts in the market while picking key ingredients of the meal. Your host for the day then takes you to her kitchen and the best experience of your India tour will begin. Relish your meal with the family over a chit-chat.

Day 7 | Drive to Bijaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast leave for Bijaipur, a journey of about 6 hours. En-route we stop at Bundi to visit the Bundi Fort and a Stepwell. Here we will also have lunch at a heritage hotel. After lunch continue your journey to the Bijaipur. Arrive in Bijaipur and check-in at this 16^th century old palace. Overnight stay at the Castle.

A 16^th century castle which has been beautifully restored into a hotel in year 1991, it is located in the Vindhyanchal Hills. The location of this castle is surrounded by forest of Jaracanda and overlooks the farmlands of the valley. It is an ultimate place where history, nature and tranquility meets. The castle is still home of the erstwhile rulers family and this will give you an opportunity to showcase the traditional Rajput hospitality.

Day 8 | A day in Bijaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a jeep ride in the surrounding villages where you will come across the fields cultivating seasonal crops. In the evening we will engage with the estate’s chef who uses the locally sourced produce to cook the Rajasthani traditional meal. Enjoy the sumptuous dinner which you have just learned to cook.Overnight stay in the Castle.

The Taragarh Fort crowns the crest of a steep hill overlooking the town, while the Garh Palace spills picturesquely down the hillside. The state of Bundi was founded in 1341 by Rao Deva of the "fire-born" HadaChauhan Rajput clan, and the massive, square Taragarh Fort dates to his reign. Work on the palace began in the 16th century, and it was added to by successive rulers over the next 200 years, at different levels on the hillside. Unlike most other palaces in Rajasthan, there is very little Mughal influence in its architecture. The Garh Palace represents a rare example of the pure Rajput style, with curved roofs topping pavilions and kiosks, a profusion of temple columns and ornamental brackets, and typically Rajput motifs such as elephants and lotus flowers.

Rani jikiBaori: Built in 1699 by Rani Nathwatji of Bundi, this stepwell is supposed to be one of the 20 she built in Bundi, and also the most ornate. The delicate torans and capitals topped with elephants make for an interesting decorative element to the stepwell.

Day 9 | Drive to Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast leave for Udaipur by surface, en-route stop at Chittorgarh to visit the Palace, the Victory Tower and MeeraBai temple. Stop for lunch at Pratap Palace at Chittorgarh. Arrive in Udaipur, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at a homestay.

ChittorgarhFort is one of the most important places to visit in Chittorgarh. This historical fort is the pride of the Rajasthani town as it stands imposingly upon the top of a hill, looking down protectively over the city. Nearly all of Chittorgarh’s attractions are housed inside the fort. The Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure which was first built in the 7th century and covers an area of approximately 700 acres. There are several grand sights to be seen inside the fort itself apart from the commanding views that can be seen of the environs of Chittorgarh.

The VictoryTower stands tall and mighty in the premises of the Chittorgarh Fort. Built in 1440 AD by MaharanaKumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji, this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities around and reflects the historical traditions of its age quite successfully.

Located inside the Chittorgarh Fort, the PadmaniPalace has a unique history attached to it making it one of the must-visit attractions in Chittorgarh fort. This palace was the reason for the battle between Ala-ud-din Khilji and RanaRatan Singh. Padmini Palace was the very legendary palace from where Ala-ud-din Khilji was permitted to obtain a glimpse of Padmini in a mirror placed in the main hall. Allured by her beauty, Ala-ud-din Khilji fought a fierce battle with RanaRatan Singh, husband of Rani Padmini. A visit to this palace gives one an insight not only into the history of Chittorgarh but also into human passions. The palace overlooks a lovely pool, and the views from inside are delightful.

The Meera Temple is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Chittorgarh, reflecting as it does the beautiful history of devotion played out in the story of the Rajputani princess, Meera and her Lord Krishna. The temple, with its Indo-Aryan architecture, is located inside Chittorgarh Fort, has several intricately carved idols that adorn its sanctum sanctorum. A small temple dedicated to lord Krishna can also be found inside. The history and culture of the age can be understood comprehensively when you pay a visit to this temple.

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India.

Day 10 | A day in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast proceed to visit this charming Udaipur city. We start the tour from visiting the Sahelionkibari, Jagdish temple and from the temple you can take a short walk till the city palace. In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening indulge in an interactive cooking demonstration with your host.  Overnight at a homestay.

Built by Maharana Bhopal Singh SaheliyonkiBari means Garden of the Maids. This garden area lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place. Sahelion Ki Bari' was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry.

Located 150meters north of the city palace built in Indo-Aryan architectural style, the Jagdish temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple walls and the shikara or tower are decorated with carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and figurines of nymphs or apsaras.

The grand City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The splendid palace, originally built by MaharanaUday Singh II, rises 30 meters above Lake Pichola and extends up to 244 meters. The City Palace has number of small and big palaces, museums and the gardens. The unique aspect of this conglomeration is that the architectural design (a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture) is distinctly homogeneous and eye catching. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble.

An artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. The  Pichola lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats.

Day 11 | Flight to Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast and Evening Snacks

After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the Airport for flight to Mumbai. Arrive in Mumbai you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. In the evening we continue discovering the Indian Food and here we are going to explore Mumbai which is famous for street food.

We would taste some mouth-watering dishesin this food adventure, our first stop isChowpatty Beach which has numerous fast food joints with the amazing sunset views. So, the first in our list is famous PavBhaji – this a street fast food of thick vegetable curry served with soft bread roll , SevPuri - this classic Mumbai street food made of potato, herbs, chutneys, and sev (thin strips of fried chickpea flour) served on round discs. Also try some Indian sweets like Kulfi – a frozen dairy dessert and some more local sweets like Jalebi. After Chowpatty we head to the Mohameed Ali Khao Gully (eating lanes). Here we will try some non-vegetarian dishes, this place is also known for Ramadan celebrations.

Day 12 | A day in Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit the Elephanta Caves. Drive by the Victoria Terminus and look from the bridge the Dhobi Ghats (open air laundry). We stop in between for lunch at a Parsi restaurant, a tightly knit community which is very integral part of Mumbai  history. Proceed to visit the Mani Bhawan and the Jain temple. Finally stop at the Crawford Market for some local shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Northeast of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a Unesco World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars and shrines; its magnum opus is a 6m-tall statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe, his eyes closed in eternal contemplation.

It was the Portuguese who dubbed the island Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore (this collapsed in 1814 and was moved by the British to Mumbai’s JijamataUdyan). There’s a small museum on-site, with informative pictorial panels on the origin of the caves.

As poignant as it is tiny, Mani Bhawanis a museum in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The leader formulated his philosophy of satyagraha (nonviolent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign from here. Exhibitions include a photographic record of his life, along with dioramas and documents, such as letters he wrote to Adolf Hitler and Franklin D Roosevelt and tributes from Ho Chi Minh and Albert Einstein.

Gateway of India has bold basalt arch of colonial triumph faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of Apollo Bunder. Incorporating Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat, it was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, but wasn’t completed until 1924. Ironically, the British builders of the gateway used it just 24 years later to parade the last British regiment as India marched towards independence.

Day 13 | Flight to Goa
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight to Goa. Arrive in Goa ,you will met and transferred to the hotel. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Goa’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its virtually uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. This coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state, and each beach community has developed its own personality and reputation since the hippie days of the sixties. They cater to every tropical whim: choose from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; the palm-fringed sands of Palolem, hippie market bliss at Anjuna or lovely, laid-back Mandrem; expansive groomed sands in front of fancy five-star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs' and your own.

Day 14 | A day in Goa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon meet your host for the day who will take you the memory lane of Goa which is intertwined with Portuguese culture & cuisine. Learn hot Pork Vindaloo or Chicken Xacuti and much more. Enjoy a relaxed laid back lunch. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 15 | A day in Goa
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, full day is to relax and rewind before heading back to your home.

Day 16 | Depart from Goa
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met and transferred to the Airport for flight back home.