CULINARY TOUR

Departure Date

Monday

Duration

13 Days/12 Nights

Views

1392

13 DAYS & 12 NIGHTS

DELHI I JAIPUR I AGRA I LUCKNOW I HYDERABAD

 

On this tour, the culinary journey of just five cities will bring to the fore the variety and complexity of the cuisine but more importantly, you will get an in-depth view on the culture of the people that is inseparable from the food they eat. On this culinary journey, discover not just the food of India but the culture behind the food.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Arrive – Delhi by Int’l flight No Meals

Arrive Delhi International Airport

Meet on arrival by our executive.

Transfer to your Hotel.

Briefing of the tour by the executive and handing over of exchange orders/vouchers.

Delhi – discover that India’s capital is sprinkled with glittering gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent’s yummiest places to eat.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02Delhi

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for guided tour of Old Delhi visiting

Delhi, the capital of India comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history.

Red Fort

Red Fort (Monday closed) (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor famous for its architectural wonders one of which is Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan. Red Fort is famous for its delicately carved inlaid and Royal chambers.

Jama Masjid

Stop at Jama Masjid – the Great Mughal Mosque (It is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were occupied in the construction of the mosque)

Spice market

Enjoy the Cycle Rickshaw at Chandi Chock and visit Spice market. Also visit the Gali Paranthe Wali - (literally "the bylane of fried bread") is the name of a narrow street in the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, India, noted for its series of shops selling paratha, a fried Indian bread, and now a popular culinary destination. Have Lunch at Chor Bizzare – know for its authentic food Chor Bizzare which translates as thieves market. (Own expense)

Humayun's Tomb

After Lunch visit Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Humayun's tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun. Its plan is based on the description of Islamic paradise garden and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. This type of garden is known as a charbagh and is based on a grid)

Qutab Minar

Continue your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Qutab Minar is 73 meters high minaret which tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world). The tour would also include a drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House.

Dinner at Bukhara restaurant (on your own expenses)

Overnight at hotel
Day 03Delhi

Breakfast in the hotel

Enjoy a cooking class along with a sumptuous meal with local family at their home in Delhi. A delicious home cooked meal prepared by you and our chef together during the class. Chat with her and get a glimpse of contemporary India in urban cities.

Afternoon is free to relax

Dinner is planned at the Indian Accent (on your own). The Manor awarded as the best restaurant for the 21st century. Savor the contemporary menu created by Chef Manish Mehrotra. He is innovative and creates a unique amalgamation using the freshest local produce. Mehrotra combines home style nostalgic tastes with unusual ingredients from across the world.

Overnight at hotel
Day 04Delhi/Jaipur by road (275kms/5-6hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Jaipur and check in at hotel

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is the first well planned city of India, located in the desert land of India. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city.

In the evening enjoy the walled city authentic Rajasthani food which in itself is a brand ambassador for the grandeur of Rajasthan. One of the more famous dishes of Jaipur is Kota Kachori which is served with mint sauce. Another famous snack is the Khasta Urad Dal Kachori. Eating the Kachori accompanied with a glass hot tea (chai) will give you an exact idea about taste of the Jaipur street food.

Dinner at Spice Court – a multi cuisine restaurant (on your own)

Overnight at hotel

Day 05Jaipur

Breakfast at Hotel

Morning depart for Amber fort - Situated atop the Aravali hills, it is the ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture. We ascend to the fort on the back of a caparisoned Elephant. Return can be on foot or by shared jeep.

Lunch is at Anokhi Café – a cafe that offers healthy and tasty fresh food with an international flavour. Food here is made from fresh seasonal organic produce grown locally at Anokhi farm

Hawa Mahal

Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds - This five storied building which looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honey-combed and stone windows. Originally Hawa Mahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the daily life and processions of the city

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar - The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most striking instruments is the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high.

City Palace Museum

City Palace Museum - City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Visit the various galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the Rajput clan.

shopping

The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping. Jaipur is known as a shopper’s paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles

The evening is reserved for a special cooking demo/dinner with Thakur Durga Singh, the current custodian of Dera Mandawa who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, and current affairs. Try hands on cooking experience with the lady of the house. Learn to make Indian breads, Rajasthani barbeques and eggplant or potato dishes. The inquisitive tour members can have endless conversations with Thakur Durga Singh on a number of his pet projects like rain–water harvesting, biogas plants, solar heating and, even, healthy cooking. He would be more than delighted to share his experiences with you.

Overnight at hotel
Day 06Jaipur/Agra via Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Agra en route visiting Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri

Abhaneri is a small village which situated in the Dausa district in Rajasthan. This place is located at 95km away from jaipur. This village is known for Harshat Mata temple which belongs to the 9th century. Only some portions of the ancient Harshat Mata temple remains now such as the sanctuary walls, fore chamber and the terrace. The sanctum and shorn of this ancient structure is enclosed with an ambulatory.

The walls of the ancient shrine are carved with the images of the deities. The worn out images of the deities indicate that the shrine was originally dedicated to the creator of Hindu trinity, lord Vishnu. The columns and walls of the temple are adorned with various scenes of music, sport, and dance and also love. A few of the panels of the temple have been shifted to amber and central museum, archaeological museum of Jaipur.

Chand Baoli

Near to the Harshat Mata shrine is the step well Chand Baoli, which belongs to the 11the century AD. This step well is consider ed to be one of the most beautiful step wells of India. It is considered to be one amongst the deepest and largest step well of India. Chand baoli is a unique invention of Abhaneri. These Baolis are not an ordinary structure, they were wonders of architecture. The Chand Baoli has panels that are beautifully carved and inserted in to the sides. The stoned carved pillars were very strong in the past and were once used to support the pulleys for the purpose of drawing water. In the surrounding of this beautifully carved step well are several storeyed verandahs.

Fatehpur Sikri

Depart for Agra en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpūr Sikrī about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it is visited by most tourists. The name of the place came about after the Mughal Emperor Babar defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikrī . Akbar wanted to shift his head quarter to Fatehpur Sikri so he built a majestic fort. However, due to lack of water the city had to be abandoned and the head quarters returned to Agra.

Continue your drive to Agra and check in at hotel

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the Moslems, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.

Rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel
Day 07Agra

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal – (closed on Fridays) – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Described as a most extravagant monument ever built for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most appreciated icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz.

AGRA FORT

After Taj visit AGRA FORT (sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time, and reworked extensively with marble & Pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'Ām and Dīwān-e-Khās (halls of public and private audience), Jahangir Palace, Khās Mahal and Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace)

local market

Also visit local market and a marble factory where you can actually see the inlay work on marble as it was done for the construction of Taj.

Late afternoon you will be taken for Agra Food Trail Journey, not just of taste, but of knowledge, as passionate people tell you about how this food has ended up on your plate. This tour is approximately 2 to 3 hours. Foodie exploration of the City of Agra meant for those who think from the Stomach. In the tour, we take you to the oldest and most popular food joints for tasting of a variety of Indian cuisine and chaat and show you a wholly different site of Agra, which you may not see being on any of the other tours.

Dinner at Peshawari restaurant (on your own). Experience the wonder of this cuisine in Agra only at Peshawri, 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.

Overnight at hotel

Day 08Agra/Lucknow by Intercity Express 0550/1145hrs

Early morning transfer to Agra train station in time to board train to Lucknow (Travel in AC Chair Car)

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was also the capital city of the Nawabs of Awadh. The city was a favorite of the nawabs and many magnificient buildings and monuments have been built by them. Situated on the banks of River Gomti, the city of Nawabs is famous all over the world for its etiquettes and Tehzeeb or the graceful and polite behavior. Famous for its lovely monuments, architecture, dance and handicrafts, Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is today one of the growing metropolitan cities of India. Known for its Urdu poetry or Shayari, the city offers its travelers a perfect blend of its glorious past and the modern present.

Lucknow can very well be termed as a city that has carved a niche by attracting gastronomes for the want of discovering and re-discovering the Awadhi Cuisine. Till date Lucknowites spend the most of their earnings and time on their kitchens. Lucknow is one place that has a colony of chefs called 'Bawarchi Tola' and then there is a full street where one can find the best from Lucknow's very own kitchens.

We take you for this evening walk and allow you to hop-in, hop-out of the traditional roadside eateries making you try the best that is on the menu. This is a guided tour with our own set of cutlery and basic dining gadgets that allow you to experience the best of the best in the restaurant without having to worry about how to eat without a fork or to wipe your hands clean after you are done.

*This walk is essentially for meat eaters and is conducted everyday except Thursdays and Sundays at 1845 hrs. It starts from Akbari Gate and ends at Akbari Gate. The total duration is about 1.5 hours. This walk also remains suspended during festivals such as on 10th Mohorram and 6 days after Eid.

Overnight at hotel
Day 09Lucknow

Breakfast in the hotel

Breakfast at hotel and post breakfast, we visit the architectural marvel of age, La Martiniere School which was designed by the Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin as a palatial home. Even to this day, Claude martin is a revered personality in the city of Lucknow.

Sadat Ali Tomb

Driving Past Sadat Ali Tomb, driving past ‘Chatar Manzil’ – a part of this palace was built by a French architect, Claude Martin (as this palace has restricted entry we can see it from outside from within the car) we enter the gateway of world’s most unique architecture, 'Asifi Imambara'. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula'. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls. Salute the “Nawab” (Prince) lying in peace inside and proceed to see his noble work. Also see the 'Rumi Darwaza' or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque.

Husainabad Complex

Also visit the Husainabad Complex - The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, 'Big Ben'. Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara - known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative. Admire each one and bow down to the Nawab and his Mother sleeping inside.

Lucknow Residency

Lunch will be at a local restaurant, The Royal Café and try out the fusion cuisine at this eatery that once served the American and the British soldiers during the world war times. Today this restaurant is extremely popular with the locals and tourists alike.
Depart for visit Lucknow Residency a place where speechless walls are known to speak the gruesome tale of the 1857 mutiny. The sprawling British campus witnessed nothing less than 3000 deaths to keep the Union Jack flying. Yet the British could not defend their domain and the buildings were lost to the high spirited and enthusiastic Indians who fought till their last breath. The trees, bullet sprinkled walls, unusable canons, worn out firearms all cry aloud with the burden of deaths that were witnessed here. We also visit the graveyard to pay our homage to named and unnamed soldiers who gave up their lives in the defense of The Residency.

Dhobi Ghat

Also visit the Dhobi Ghat to admire the freshly embroidered Chikan Garments that come for a wash before they deck up the glitzy showrooms and emporia. The riverfront looks like a colourful canvas with a display of ‘flying colours’, when the washed clothes are hung in the sun to dry before they enter the last lap of their journey into the showrooms. Optionally visit a Chikan Showroom if at all you have to shop for this hand-embroidered garments.
Dinner will be a lavish spread where you will learn about authentic Awadhi Cuisine, especially the preparation with exotic spices and garnishing with dry fruits. This cuisine was introduced to India by the deputies of the Mughal Emperor, namely, the Nawabs of Awadh, who were originally inhabitants of Persia (modern day Iran). They enjoyed a particular diet of grains, fruits, dry fruits and vegetables that were available in their country. So the Mughlai style of cooking was further refined in Lucknow by the Nawabs by adding exotic flavours of saffron and dry fruits.

Coquina

For a small group of 6 to 10, we will visit Coquina - an 'artisanal' kitchen that offers a combination of traditional and modern cooking by knowledgeable individuals, who are cooks by passion and not by profession. You will learn about this Passion Cuisine, cook for yourselves under supervision and then enjoy the meal.

Khajurgaon Palace

For a group of 10 or more, dinner is planned at Lucknow's Khajurgaon Palace. Khajurgaon is owned by the former royal family of Raja Amresh Kumar Singh. The palace is one of the few remaining Lucknow vintage properties from the British era that is still well preserved and known for its quintessential Awadhi architecture. The huge durbar hall with beautiful paintings and murals in natural colours and its Belgian chandeliers create a beautiful backdrop to the evening. The dinner, which is hosted by the family, is traditional Lakhnavi from the word 'go', together with a narration of Lucknow's royal history by one of the family members. Enjoy cocktails, followed by a home cooked Awadhi meal, that brings alive the city's famed culinary traditions.

Overnight at hotel

Day 10Lucknow/Hyderabad by 9W 643 at 1815/2210hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Morning is free to relax

In the late afternoon transfer to Lucknow airport in time to connect flight to Hyderabad

Hyderabad has a population of over 4 million. It is known as the City of Pearls and the City of Nizams and the place which is very much known for its custom and tradition

Overnight at hotel
Day 11Hyderabad

Breakfast in the hotel

Hyderabad, one of the stunning cities in India, has successfully retained its past glories and grandeurs. Be it the ‘Shahi’ charm of the old city, the delicious cuisines , everything offers a unique and unmatchable identity to this state. This 4-5 hours tour offers a splendid way to witness and experience the old world charm and authenticity of Hyderabad.

On assembling at the Charminar at around 10am or 3pm, embark on this tantalizing tour of Hyderabad with a cup of Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits. Known as two of the best and most delicious specialities of the city, one cannot afford to miss either of them on a Hyderabad trip. You can savour upon other delicacies and confectionaries like puffs, pastries, stuffed bread like dil-pasand and dil-khush.

Patherghatti

Walking towards Patherghatti, sample some of the best varieties of dosas and head towards a local spice market which is known for its exotic and flavoursome spices. Experience the variants in Hyderabadi spices and know the secret of its delicious cuisines!

Post this, visit a nearby market and delight on delicacies like Nahari Kulcha, roti kheema and bhaja curry. After 11:30am, you can also sample the most authentic Hyderabadi Biryani in this market and get your taste buds greedier. In addition to this, you can also sample naan and marrg (soup), lukhmi (patty) with mincemeat, kebabs and pattherkaghosht.

After a scrumptious day of sampling and savouring different cuisines of Hyderabad, conclude this food tour by relishing desserts like double kameetha, khubanikameetha, malai and several others.

Rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel
Day 12Hyderabad

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Hyderabad visiting

Charminar - Built by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is a magnificent square edifice of granite, built upon four grand arches facing north, south, east and west with 56 meters high slender minarets and spiral staircases. These arches support two floors of rooms and a gallery of archways. It is these four (char) minarets (minar) that give the building, its name 'Charminar'. Each minar stand on a lotus-leaf base that is a recurrent motif in Qutub Shahi buildings

Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung Museum has the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world, exhibiting over 35,000 objects of art such as Chinese Porcelain, Aurangazeb's Sword, Daggers - belonging to Queen Noor Jehan, Emperor Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Sculpture, Indian paintings and Persian Carpets. The most notable of these are the Veiled Rebecca, Bezzoni's translucent white marble statue, the Arms section, the Jade section and the Oriental Section.

Golconda Fort

Afternoon you will be taken to visit Golconda Fort

This Fort, originally built by the Kakatiyas, the rulers of the neighboring state, was made with mud. Later, the Shahis converted it into a marvelous piece of architecture using advanced acoustics wherein sound signals could pass from the entrance of the fort to the top without the use of any electric gadgets. There is a sound and light show in the evening which is quiet popular. The grand fortress is protected by three formidable lines of defense. The first, an outer fortification made up of granite blocks. The middle wall surrounds the base of the hill and the innermost one follows the contours of the highest ridge. The Fort was famous for its great hoard of diamonds, mined nearby. The Kohinoor diamond was a celebrated jewel of the Fort, now a part of the British Crown Jewels.

Dinner at Bawarchi restaurant (on your own)

Overnight at hotel

Day 13Depart/Hyderabad by Int’l flight

Today you will be transferred to Hyderabad International airport in time to connect your onward flight to next destination

COST & INCLUSIONS

Premier Premier Luxury Comfort
Summer US$4428 US$3326 US$2131 US$1953
Winter US$6152 US$3873 US$2406 US$2089
Delhi Oberoi Gurgaon Taj Mahal The Lalit Suryaa
Jaipur Oberoi Rajvilas Taj Rambagh Palace Trident Holiday Inn
Agra Oberoi Amarvilas ITC Mughal Trident Crystal Sarovar
Lucknow Vivanta by Taj Vivanta by Taj Renaissance La Palace Park Inn
Hyderabad Falaknuma Palace Taj Krishna Lemon Tree Aditya Park

The above rates are valid from

Summer: 16th April 2020 – 30th Sep 2020

Winter: 1st Oct 2020 – 15th April 2021

Based on Minimum 2 persons traveling together.

Note:The above rates are not valid for:-

Christmas & New Year Period: 20th December, 2020 till 10th January, 2021

Tour Includes

 

Share twin accommodation with breakfast
Transfers & sightseeing by Air Conditioned vehicle
Services of Local English speaking Guide
Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
Visit to Spice Market in Old Delhi
Cooking Demonstration in Delhi
Elephant ride in Jaipur
AC Chair car train ticket for travel Agra/Lucknow by Intercity Express
Walking tour of Old Agra City walk – food
Walking tour of Lucknow Street food market
Present Applicable taxes as on 15th Jan, 2020

Tour Excludes

 

Entrance tickets to Monuments
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare
Visa fee & Insurance
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, camera fee, drinks & tips etc

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