Welcome to your next great culinary adventure! India is a land where every dish tells a story, every market is a feast for the senses, and every meal is an experience to be savoured. This March 2026, we are inviting you to join us on a journey that celebrates the best of India’s flavours, colours, and traditions hosted by Sid & Chand Sahrawat. After three sold-out tours, Sid and Chand are co-hosting for the very first time, making this a truly special experience you won’t want to miss.
We have curated a tour around the colourful festival of Holi – a tour that marries the sensory spectacle of this festival with immersive culinary experiences and luxury stays. Imagine celebrating Holi with friends, sharing laughter and feasts, then continuing on a journey that takes you from the busy street markets in Delhi to the Southernmost tip of India. Enjoy some of the best culinary experiences you can imagine, like a unique 11-course fine dining experience paired with single-malt whisky tasting.
Here are some snippets of this exciting tour, and a link to the full itinerary at the bottom.
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
KOLKATA
Kolkata, once called Calcutta, is a city with a fascinating past. It began as a small trading post set up by the British East India Company in 1690 and soon grew into the capital of British India until 1911. Over the years, Kolkata became a center for trade, literature, education, and political thought. It was here that many key figures of India’s freedom struggle lived and worked. Often called the “City of Joy,” Kolkata is famous for its art, literature, theatre, and food.
Kolkata’s food scene is just as fascinating as its history. Unfortunately, it is underrated and not included as a destination of choice by tourists visiting India. That is exactly why it features in our tour in March as we believe it is one of the hidden gems of East India. Over the last hundred years, Kolkata’s food culture has become a beautiful mix of old traditions and new flavors. The British left behind their love for cutlets, while the Chinese community gave Kolkata its famous Indo-Chinese dishes. At the same time, migration after the India-Pakistan partition brought Mughlai biryanis, kebabs, and spicy street food to the city.
The local cuisine is deeply rooted in Bengali culinary traditions, with an emphasis on rice, freshwater fish and mustard. Kolkata’s famous sweets and desserts are an essential part of its food culture and enjoyed in every city in India.
SADYA
On reaching Kovalam, prepare for a feast served the traditional way — a banana leaf banquet known as ‘Sadya’. It is a grand vegetarian feast served during festivals and special occasions like weddings. Of course, our tour is a special occasion for the folks at The Leela, so we are in for a treat! A typical Sadya consists of 20 to 24 dishes, although it can include over 64 items in larger celebrations. The food just keeps coming and you can eat as much as you can.
Each item is beautifully presented – from crisp papads to spicy chutneys and tangy pickles, every dish is a flavour explosion. Traditionally it is eaten with the right hand, without cutlery, and people sit cross-legged on mats. The banana leaf is placed with the tapering end pointing to the left of the guest. After the meal, folding it towards oneself indicates satisfaction with the meal, while folding it away suggests room for improvement.
SHOPPING GLORYE
Shopping in India is not just about buying things; it’s about stories, conversations, bargaining,
and a little bit of adventure. On this tour, we have carved out time to wander local markets at
each destination to take home some treasures.
Delhi – Where Old and New Collide
Delhi is a shopper’s dream. We will take you through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, where shopkeepers sell silk and brocade like their fathers and grandfathers did. There are markets and fairs where artisans from across India sell handlooms, carvings, and jewellery. And for a modern twist, there are quirky décor stores, chic cafés and designer boutiques.
Agra – A Touch of Mughal Royalty
Of course, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, but it is also the place to pick up its beautiful marble inlay work. You can shop for tabletops, coasters, and miniature Taj replicas that echo the craftsmanship of the monument itself. Agra is also a manufacturing hub for leather shoes and handbags that are exported all over the world. Some great bargains to be had here.
Kolkata – Textiles and Timeless Charm
Kolkata is the heartland of Bengal’s handwoven textiles. They also have a ‘New Market’, which has everything from terracotta handicrafts to tea from Darjeeling. For art lovers, the city’s galleries offer paintings and sculptures reflecting Bengal’s intellectual and artistic legacy. Kolkata is busy, colourful, a bit chaotic, but so much fun.
Mumbai – Tradition meets glamour.
Colaba Causeway is perfect for picking up quirky jewellery, cotton clothes, and souvenirs, while the Kala Ghoda district has gorgeous boutiques and art galleries. If you feel like splurging, then the luxury Palladium Mall is conveniently located at the bottom of our hotel. It houses more than 250 premium brands including both international luxury designer labels and high-street premium brands. It is also India's biggest Luxury Watch destination.
Mumbai – Tradition meets glamour.
Colaba Causeway is perfect for picking up quirky jewellery, cotton clothes, and souvenirs, while the Kala Ghoda district has gorgeous boutiques and art galleries. If you feel like splurging, then the luxury Palladium Mall is conveniently located at the bottom of our hotel. It houses more than 250 premium brands including both international luxury designer labels and high-street premium brands. It is also India's biggest Luxury Watch destination.
PICKLES AND CHUTNEYS
One of the highlights of the tour is an exclusive pickles and chutneys masterclass – a hands-on cooking lesson guided by chefs at The Leela in Kovalam. You will learn the secrets behind tangy lemon pickles, fiery green chutneys, sweet-and-spicy mango preserves, and aromatic coconut chutneys.
Discover how spices, oils, and preservation techniques vary from region to region, and why these condiments are a staple on every Indian dining table. At the end of the session, you will take home the recipes to recreate these authentic flavours in your own kitchen.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore India with Sid & Chand Sahrawat. Every detail of this fully escorted tour, from luxury hotels to curated dining experiences has been carefully planned so all you need to do is arrive and enjoy.
✨ Places are strictly limited to ensure a personal and intimate experience with the hosts. With only a few spots left, this tour will sell out quickly. Get in touch with us now to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime culinary and cultural journey.
