Flavours of India

Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport - Terminal 03. You will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Delhi - India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls. In the evening introduction to the tour followed by Welcome Dinner. Meals: Dinner Overnight at hotel.

The lanes of Old Delhi are famous for the diversity of food on display. Savouries, snacks, biscuits, sweets, paneer, spices, vegetables and fruits – everything is available in Old Delhi. Many vendors have been in the same business for multiple generations and have built reputations on the basis of specialty dishes. The food also reflects the religious and social cuisine habits of various communities which make up Old Delhi. On this tour, you will not only see Old Delhi’s famous food, but also daily life in this colourful and chaotic part of the city. Begin your exploration in Old Delhi visiting the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest in the world - the main prayer hall can accommodate 20,000 people! After a brief photo stop at Red Fort We will take cycle rickshaws and visit the famous Khari Baoli spice market - This is Asia's largest wholesale market selling all kinds of spices and nuts; it is also a wholesale market for food products like rice and tea. We take a short metro ride and continue to enjoy a guided drive through central Delhi along the ceremonial Rajpath, past the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan, the India Gate and the Parliament House will unveil the brilliance of Lutyen's art. Next stop at Sikh temple Gurdwara Bangla Sahib you’ll experience the amazing hospitality and tranquility of the Sikh faith. Community Kitchen or Guru Ka Langar The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of sameness of all human beings; providing a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. In the afternoon we continue to the home of an Indian culinary expert who shall take us to the local markets for purchasing the spices and vegetables then helps us learn to prepare the choicest of dishes with a interactive cooking session and some sumptuous Dinner. Back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at hotel.

Early morning we shall proceed to Delhi railway station to board the air-conditioned Train to Lucknow. Upon arrival at Lucknow railway station , meet assist and transfer to hotel. In evening we will proceed for Culinary Walk down the lane adjacent to Akbari Gate. Tasting the best of meat dishes from the Awadhi menu from the places, where they actually originated from and have still been able to thrive on their own in the era of MacDonald and KFC. You will experience the concept of food loyalty and the real taste of the original Tundey Kebabs, Raheem’s Nihari and Mobeen’s Pasanda Kebabs. Observe the chefs at work in these small and dingy shops that seldom look hygienic, but no one has ever fallen sick. To take this tour, you need to be a foodie with closed eyes, so that your taste buds work to their best of abilities. Try all of these, while a culinary curator (Walk Leader) explains the history and the recipe of each of these. ( This Culinary Walk tour Operates everyday , Except Thursday & Sunday) Back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Snacks Overnight at hotel.

Post Breakfast we will embark upon an exciting and city tour of Lucknow visiting Sadat Ali & Begum Tombs and the ‘Chatar Manzil’ (Outside view only), we reach the 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. Later we reach 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. Also see the Satkhanda that stands as Lucknow’s incomplete leaning tower of Pisa . Driving past we will now reach the 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. We now break for lunch at a local restaurant (on OWN). Later 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. We now visit Dilkusha Palace & Gardens - This palace was built by a European architect for the Nawab - Sadat Ali Khan. The Nawab only saw this building on its completion and the first words that came to his lips were "Dil Khush Hua" meaning "My Heart is Pleased", thus it was aptly named "Dilkusha". The palace and gardens were used as a country house and hunting lodge by the Nawab and his begums. Light game consisting of deer and bears were kept in the surrounding woods for the Begums to indulge in some hunting themselves. Part of the palace was also used as a Maternity Home for the wives of the Nawabs. After a full day tour we will return hotel to relax. Later in the evening you will be picked up from your hotel to This evening we have another Curated Meal Experience waiting for you at dinner. It would be all about Kotwara recipes : Muzaffar & Meera Ali’s efforts and remarkable research on food and tastes is evident from Meera Ali’s recent book, ‘Dining with the Nawabs’ and it is indeed so exciting to dine at Kotwara House in Lucknow on an exclusive pre-set menu. Today’s menu for our guests has been specially curated by Muzaffar & Meera Ali, while the food is cooked by their family cooks in small quantity, just for the diners of the day. If Muzaffar & Meera are in residence, they are happy to dine with our guests ( subject to availability ), else they remotely supervise this dining experience, opening their family home to us and their personal family cooks, whose ancestors have served the royal family of Kotwara, prepare a great meal based on the exclusive menu of the day. Back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at hotel.

This morning we shall be transferred to Lucknow airport to board the flight to Jaipur via Delhi. Jaipur, "The City of Victory", was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned from 1699-1744. Jaipur is the first planned city of India. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur. The whole city was painted in Pink color to welcome him. Still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues, painted in pink provide a magical charm to the city. Full of zest, Jaipur is rich in its cultural and architectural beauty. It can be traced in the various historical and aesthetic places that reside. Upon arrival in Jaipur airport , meet assist and transfer to hotel. Later in the afternoon with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Continue to City Palace Museum, which has a priceless collection of antiques, costumes and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. It also has an art gallery which displays a collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Later visit Jantar Mantar ,which is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1734 CE. In evening we would take you to a Royal family running hotel , we shall visit local spice & vegetable market in the Pink City before the cooking class with host’s representative , later we shall try our hands on Rajasthani cooking experience with host in the Zenana Deorhi(Ladies courtyard) garden followed by sit down dinner. The guests are given neatly printed recipes in a Hand Made Sanganeri paper folder as take away. Meals Included : Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we shall proceed to visit magnificent Amber Fort. Accent the fort by Elephant ( subject to availability ). It is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking architectural mastery. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points, and shimmering mirrors encrust the walls of Sheesh Mahal. Later we shall proceed to visit organic farm for real agricultural experience ( Approx. 36 kms. / 01 ½ hours drive ). We shall experience daily rural life in India for a short to an extended period of time. We have the chance to meet the local farmers and villagers. Visit farm produces an increasing variety of vegetables and intensive tree-planting. We shall enjoy lunch at this village farm. Back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight at hotel.

This morning we shall proceed to Rohet covering distance of 340 Kms in approx of 6 hours , enroute visiting Pushkar. We arrive at Pushkar a very special town of Rajasthan, much known for its only Brahma temple and the lake . We also visit it for a special reason. For undertaking a learning class with the master drummer of Rajasthan. Nagara ( a musical instrument ) also called as kettledrum, holds a significant place amongst Rajasthan’s folk instruments. Nathulal Solanki, the maestro of this wonderful instrument, hails from prestigious the ‘Pushkar Sangeet Gharana’ and has many music commendations to his name. Born and brought up in a family of music lovers, he showed prodigious ability of playing Nagara from his childhood. With the growing years, he mastered in Kuchamani Khayal and staged it all acorss the globe. Being louder than every other percussion instrument Nagara dominates the performance providing it with fascinating pauses. The beats of Nagara thrill the audience and the manipulation of the sticks with a dominant resonance sets the pace of the performance. The acclaimed artist has performed in different countries and with various legends of music spreading the culture and tradition of Rajasthan throughout the world. The marvelous Nagara player can also replicate classical beats of the Tabla on Nagara. After lunch at Pushkar , we continue our drive to Rohet. Upon arrival in Rohet , check into hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Overnight at hotel.

Today we shall proceed for village safari at Rohet, where you have a chance to experience local life in Rajasthan villages and offers an opportunity to interact with the local folk. The warmth of the villagers , the fantastic traditional costumes of the different communities with all the vibrant colors that Rajasthan is so famous for . During this village safari experience we shall enjoy an interactive cooking lesson with a professional chef followed by a Royal picnic. This Royal Picnic is truly picnicking like Royalty ! A beautiful location by one of the many small lakes and jheels that dot the region. An abundance of migratory birds for company, along with the occasional shepherd coming to water his sheep on the far bank . All this while you recline on bolster cushions under the shade of the “Jaalki’ tree with a tall glass of some thing cool and refreshing. Lunch is served under our specially designed tent with ornate tassels, on crisp covers, attended upon by liveried staff. The food served is hot. Back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight at hotel.

This morning we shall proceed to Jaisalmer covering distance of 315 Kms in approx of 05 hours , enroute visiting Jodhpur. Jodhpur, desert city is the second largest in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Meherangarh) has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of fortress. The new city is outside the structure On arrival at Jodhpur we shall proceed to visit Mehrangarh fort - the Fort of Jodhpur crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Enjoy lavish buffet lunch in Jodhpur and we continue our drive to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is one of the last princely bastions in the region, founded on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes. The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples. Upon arrival in Jaislamer , check into hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, explore the honey-colored fort that emerges from the flat dry desert sands and enjoy a walk through the maze of narrow streets in the city with ornately decorated havelis. The most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different façade. Then we shall proceed for an excursion – “ The Thar Exploration “ This incredible land reveals its rare beauty only to the discerning. Discover the places steeped in antiquity as we take you on a two-hour trail through shifting sands and thorny scrub. Explore villages, ancient watering holes, ruined serais and ancient cemeteries as you drive through the most magical and dramatic of landscapes. You will get the chance to know the beauty of the desert. Late afternoon transfer to Lakhmana dunes for Sundowners - The purity of a bona fide sunset in the desert is a remarkable experience, a force of nature. Perfect for any celebration and replete with superb vistas, we will tailor-make this end-of-day experience to suit your particular requirements. You shall enjoy camel ride on the dunes followed by folk music and Indian liquor like beer & soft drinks and snacks. Evening back to hotel. Rest of the time free to you. Meals: Breakfast & Snacks Overnight at hotel

In time transfer to Jaisalmer airport to board the flight to Delhi for your onwards destination