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Over the Christmas and New Year break, I spent four weeks in India with my family. As a household of foodies, our holiday quickly turned into a culinary journey of its own. What struck us most wasn’t just the quality of the food (which was exceptional), but the creativity of the spaces and the warmth of the hospitality. India continues to surprise and inspire, reinforcing my belief that there is nowhere quite like it for an unforgettable culinary journey.
There were many memorable meals, but one evening stood out. We dined at Ishaara (Hindi word for hand gesture) — a restaurant staffed by people who are hearing and speech impaired. Our waiter, an 18-year-old young man, shared his story with us through sign language and a translator. He spoke about how grateful he was to have meaningful employment that allowed him to support his education. After I left a tip, my 12-year-old son quietly added one of his own from his spending money. That moment meant more than the meal itself.
And of course, cricket fever was everywhere we went. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup around the corner in India at that time, the energy was electric. Just outside our residence, children were selling cricket bats on the street for the equivalent of $10 each. I clicked the photo above in the morning, and half of them were gone by the evening. Budding entrepreneurs in the making!
We are delighted to announce our next small-group journey to India, and as a subscriber, you are hearing about it first.
This 13-day experience is designed for travellers who want to feel India, not simply see it. At its heart are the defining elements of food, festivities, craftsmanship, and hospitality, experienced in an immersive, personal, and unhurried way. The itinerary covers Mumbai – Amritsar – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi.
Expect expressive dining in some of India’s most celebrated restaurants. Regional flavours interpreted with creativity. Private culinary moments that go beyond menus, revealing the stories, history, and people behind each dish.
This journey also coincides with Lohri, the vibrant Punjabi harvest festival that we will experience in Amritsar, the heart of Punjab. An evening of firelight, music, generosity and shared celebration adds a rare cultural dimension, not as spectators, but as welcomed participants. And then there is the spectacular, yet serene Golden Temple pictured above.
Beyond the table, we step into India’s world of jewellery design and craftsmanship. Insight into centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. An opportunity to understand not only the beauty of what is created, but the heritage and precision that shape it. And of course, the chance to get yourself an heirloom piece.
Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, was on March 5th this year. Our group celebrated in Agra at a private event, and it quickly turned into one of the highlights of the journey. Within minutes, everyone was covered in organic coloured powder, music was playing, and the courtyard looked like a rainbow had exploded. We made sure everyone was wearing white for maximum effect!
The festival marks the arrival of spring in India and symbolises the victory of good over evil. The celebrations begin the evening before with bonfires and traditional rituals, but the real fun happens the next day when people gather to throw coloured powder and water at friends, and often, strangers. For a day, social barriers seem to disappear, and everyone joins in the same colourful celebration.
No festival in India is complete without culinary delights. Since Holi is celebrated across India, there are regional delicacies that are prepared and enjoyed on the day. One such delicacy is an edible preparation made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant called ‘Bhang’. During Holi, Bhang is often mixed into a spiced, chilled milk-based beverage flavored with nuts and saffron. They say it adds to the festival’s joyful and carefree spirit, making people feel relaxed and euphoric.
One of our recent guests shared this moment and the photo from the Holi tour in March.
One of the things our guests often say after visiting India is that the country is impossible to summarise. Every region has its own food traditions, landscapes and cultures.
One of the things our guests often say after visiting India is that the country is impossible to summarise. Every region has its own food traditions, landscapes and cultures.
