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Spice markets and Coastal Delights

A culinary odyssey spanning Delhi, Amritsar, Agra, Jaipur and Goa presents an exquisite journey through India's diverse and flavorful gastronomic landscape. Throughout the tour, we will engage in hands-on cooking experiences, interact with local chefs, explore bustling markets, and learn about the cultural significance behind each region's cuisine.

Starting in Delhi, we embark on a culinary adventure exploring the vibrant street food scene in places like Chandni Chowk, savoring iconic dishes. We will also enjoy fine dining, indulging in Mughlai specialties and diverse cuisines reflecting the capital's cultural amalgamation.

In Amritsar, the tour delves into the heart of Punjabi cuisine. We will feast on Amritsari and Tandoori delights, immersing in the region's robust flavors. After the exotic flavours, the next day we experience the fascinating and world-famous Langar at the world largest community kitchen at the Golden Temple.

The journey continues to Agra, where we will enjoy the Mughlai culinary heritage. Savor the intricate flavors of kebabs, biryanis, and aromatic gravies, exploring the city's renowned cuisine intertwined with its historical charm.

In Jaipur, known for its royal legacy, the tour celebrates Rajasthan's rich culinary traditions. Relish the Rajasthani specialties and flavorful Thalis, experiencing the region's royal gastronomy.

Arriving in Goa, a coastal paradise, the tour takes a flavorful turn towards seafood and Portuguese-influenced cuisine experiencing a fusion of flavors unique to the region's coastal charm. We will visit a spice plantation and lunch on the farm.

The final destination is back to Delhi for the grand finale of a seated fine dining experience to reflect on the diverse flavours encountered throughout the tour.

Your Culinary Experiences on this Tour

Destination
Highlights
DelhiMasala Library, Chandni Chowk, Haveli Dharampura, Indian Accent
AmritsarLangar at Golden Temple, Amritsari street food
AgraSheroes Café, Espahan at Oberoi Amar Vilas
JaipurSwapna Mahal, Organic farm, 1135 AD
GoaLunch on a spice farm

Your Accommodation on this Tour

Destination
No of Nights
Hotel
Delhi4 nightsThe Leela Palace
Amritsar1 NightsTaj Swarna
Agra1 NightOberoi Amar Vilas
Jaipur2 NightRaj Palace
Goa2 NightITC Grand Resort and Spa

Includes

  • 10 nights’ accommodation on breakfast basis in above 5-star luxury hotels
  • Meals and culinary experiences as per itinerary.
  • Air-Conditioned coach for sightseeing and transfers at all locations
  • English speaking guide at all locations
  • All requisite airport transfers with personal assistance
  • Air-Conditioned Chair Car train fare from Delhi to Amritsar and Delhi to Agra
  • Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary.

Excludes

  • Tax @ 5% towards GST in India
  • International airfare
  • Domestic flights from Jaipur to Udaipur and Udaipur to Delhi (approx. USD $250 at current airfares but will be charged at actual cost at time of booking).
  • Tips and any personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Anything which is NOT mentioned under Inclusions.
Delhi
Amritsar
Jaipur
Goa
Delhi

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrive in Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, we will be met by our local representative for transfer to our hotel. After checking in, take a few hours to rest and unwind from the long flight. That evening we will go to Akshardham which is arguably one of the best temples in India.

The start of our culinary journey is at an internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant in Delhi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra. The fine dining culinary experience at Masala Library is showcased through its unique spread represented by dishes from the key provinces of the country.

Day 02 Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, we will step out to see the contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi, both with its distinct characteristics, history, and vibe. 

For dinner we will enjoy a special culinary experience at Haveli Dharampura, a UNESCO Awarded Heritage Haveli in Old Delhi. We will enjoy the flavourful recreations of tangy and tasty street food of Chandni Chowk at the comfort of your table. Take in the breathtaking view of Old Delhi, participate in a session of kite flying and enjoy sundowners of cocktails and wines on the roof top while watching the sunset.

Day 03 Delhi – Amritsar by superfast train Shatabdi Express

After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to the railway station for our journey to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh Religion. A train journey in India is a must do. Whilst we will be in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, the sights and sounds of the railway stations and the scenery is not to be missed.

Later afternoon we will visit the Wagah border – at the India – Pakistan border. For dinner you will enjoy Amritsari cuisine at a Dhaba (a roadside eatery) for an authentic local experience. 

Day 04 Amritsar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Jallianwala Bagh - a landmark infamous for a massacre by a British General in 1919 where more than 1000 innocent Indians were killed. 

Later in the day we visit the Golden Temple, the worship place of the Sikh community. It has the world’s largest free kitchen, feeding almost 50,000 daily. We can take a tour of the kitchen as well as volunteer a few hours of our time to prepare food for the day. Lunch is “Langar” at the temple. 

After this feel-good experience, we will be transferred to the Airport to connect back to Delhi.

Day 05 Delhi – Agra by train

After an early breakfast we will check out from our hotel and embark on a 90-minute train ride to Agra. 

Our local representative will meet us at the train station and take us to Taj Mahal, one of the modern Seven wonders of the World. 

Our lunch is at Sheroes Cafe – which is run by women who have been victims of acid attacks. The unique aspect is that the menu items do not have a fixed cost – you donate as you like. Another opportunity for you to support a noble cause! 

For a bit of a contrast from our lunch venue, for dinner we are at our hotel. Enjoy delectable Mughlai food while enjoying the views of the Taj Mahal from the Amar Vilas hotel where we will stay for the night. 

Day 06 Agra- Jaipur

After breakfast we set off on a road trip to Jaipur. It is a 5-hour drive, but on the way, we will have a few stops to break the journey and take in some local sights such as one of the oldest stepwells that dates to the 8th century and is 13 floors deep. And Fatehpur Sikri, a historical complex that was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century 

We will stop for lunch at Umaid Palace for a farm-to-table lunch experience. This resort is well known for its organically grown produce, and the food is cooked using ancestral cooking methods such as traditional woodfire ovens. 

Our first dinner in Jaipur is at 1135 AD, one of the best restaurants in Jaipur. It is situated in the Amber Fort, which was built in 1592. We will enjoy authentic Rajasthani food in an open-air courtyard under the star-studded night sky. 

Day 07 Jaipur

Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," stands as the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Rajasthan. This city, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, exhibits a remarkable blend of history, regal heritage, and modernity.

After breakfast we will leave for an excursion to Amber Fort, the same place where we had dinner last night. But this time we will ride an Elephant to ascent the fort. Built predominantly with red sandstone and marble, this fort showcases a harmonious fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural elements. The intricate carvings, artistic mirror work, and beautiful paintings within the palace reflect the opulence and artistic finesse of the bygone era. 

After lunch we visit the City Palace – the royal residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace houses a museum and Jantar Mantar – an astronomical observatory built in 1734 AD which has the world’s largest Sundial. On the way back to the hotel we must stop at the Hawa Mahal for the must-do group photo.

For dinner we are back at our hotel to enjoy a Royal Thali at Swapna Mahal. This restaurant is completely fitted out with European furniture, majestic crystal chandeliers, antique mirrors, silk curtains and amazing crockery. Swapna Mahal literally means Palace of Dreams. This is how the Royals lived.

Day 08 Jaipur – Goa by flight

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the airport for our flight to Goa. After 5 days of royalty, we will enjoy the sun and sand of Goa at our hotel, the ITC Grand Resort and Spa Goa with direct access to the pristine beach. Our next 3 days in Goa are a perfect break before we head back to the hustle and bustle of Delhi and then head back home. The golden sands of Goa are warm and inviting and the water is always just right for a swim.

Our dinner tonight is at one of the beach shacks while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 09 Goa

After breakfast we will visit a spice farm where aromas of nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric and cardamom welcome you. Depending on the season you can pick and enjoy fresh fruit from mature Guava, Pineapple, Papaya and Jackfruit trees. Enjoy simple Goan food for lunch on the farm made using local spices, herbs and fresh seafood. 

The evening is at leisure at our resort. Enjoy one of the many activities, book a spa, laze around the pool or take a stroll on the beach.

Day 10 Goa – Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, depending on the time of our flight, we may have time for some more R&R at the beach or sightseeing. On arrival in Delhi, we check in at the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner is the perhaps the best possible climax to our tour at Indian Accent, a fine dining restaurant that offers an inventive approach to Indian cuisine. Its path breaking menu has been designed by Chef Manish Mehrotra. Manish has been called the most exciting modern Indian chef in the world today and was awarded #1 Chef in India.

Day 11 Departure to NZ or onward destination

After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to NZ.

Alternatively talk to us about extending your tour to visit Mumbai, see some wildlife or stay at one of the stunning Tea Estates in Darjeeling.

schedule
Tour Length 10Nights / 11Days
sun
Best Season Oct - Feb
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    Delhi
    Agra
    Jaipur
    Udaipur
    Delhi
    Delhi
    Agra
    Jaipur
    Udaipur
    Delhi

    Tour Plan

    Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)

    Upon arrival at Delhi international airport, our company representative will meet & assist you with traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free & easy for own activities. Evening proceed for Dinner at Masala Library Restaurant ( www.masalalibrary.co.in) Masala library by Jiggs Kalra a magnum opus of the Czar of Indian Cuisine & tastemaker. The culinary offerings at Masala Library endevour’s to offer its patrons a never before under taken gastronomic voyage capturing the grandeur of centuries old traditions and the long last essence of one of the oldest known gastronomic tradition in the world. The main focus is to revive the traditional recipes specially KABAB & CURRIES. After dinner return to hotel(Meal Include – Dinner) Overnight at Delhi hotel

    Day 02 Delhi – Full Day Tour with Culinary experiences

    Post breakfast; proceed for a full day guided tour in Delhi starting from Old Delhi visiting drive pass Raj Ghat, visit Jama Maszid, drivepass through Red Fort & Chandni Chowk market and later enjoy an authentic old Delhi street food and taste (if guest like).

    After old Delhi tour; procced for lunch at a famous Old Delhi Indian restaurant called "Chor Bizarre" (www.chorbizarre.com/del) Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience, great décor, distinct ambience, wonderous cocktails, superlative food, charming old world service.  Every city in India have its own special ‘Chor Bazar’ which translate as ‘thieves market’. All kind of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This brings an inspiration and to celebrate the eclecticism of India.



    Later proceed to visit India Gate, drive pass through Parliament Street & President house and visit Qutab Minar. 

    After sightseeing; In evening, you will take a cooking class session at chef Harpal Singh Sokhi at home with dinner. He is celebrity chef from India. Also known as “Energy Chef of India” is now a “Dancing Chef Of India”.  Hailing from North India, which, like the rest of India is rich in culture and cuisine, Chef Harpal is a music lover and is fluent in English and five Indian languages, namely Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Telugu. He graduated from the catering school at Bhubaneshwar, a capital of Orissa. He spent his initial years in learning different international cuisines but later realised that his interest lay in unearthing the authentic regional Indian food.

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Lunch)

    Overnight at Delhi hotel.

    Day 03 Delhi – Agra (By train Gatiman Express at 0810/0950 hrs) Half day Tour

    Early breakfast; check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi- Nizamuddin railway station to board the train to Agra; the city of Taj Mahal. 

    Upon arrival at Agra Railway station; Meet & assistance by company representative & transfer to hotel for check-in. After lunch proceed for a half day guided tour in Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Post tour; spend some time in shopping the world’s best Marble products and the famous James & Jewelry.  

    In night enjoy the dinner at Bellevue Restaurant in hotel Amar Vilas (www.oberoihotels.com/amarvilas) Bellevue offers an unforgettable dining experience. It is well known that Mughal Emperors were patrons of lavish foods. At here chef tried to capture Mughal’s passion for international flavours. You will find Italian Classics reinvented with an Asian twist that reflects the gout de terrior ot the spirit and nature of the South and South East Asian Regions.

     (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

    Overnight at Agra hotel

    Day 04 Agra- Jaipur (245 kms/ 04-05 hrs drive)

    Post breakfast; drive to Jaipur; the capital city of Rajasthan State and known as the “Pink City. Upon arrival Jaipur; check-in to the hotel and relax. 

    In Evening procced to visit Chokhi Dhani Village; Chokhi Dhani is a popular and remarkable attraction of Jaipur. It is an ethnic village resort offering you all type of entertainment options including dance, music, food and accommodations in royal styles. We can enjoy the activities at Chokhi Dhani include magic shows, puppet shows, Rajasthani dance, Rajasthani folk music, future tellers, acrobatics on a bamboo and luck predicting parrots. There are also interesting activities and adventures that will keep you completely engaged, like camel ride, elephant ride and horse ride and boating. Later take the Rajasthani dinner at the most sumptuous at Royal Rajasthani dining hall where we can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisines with cultural performances by bhopa and bhopan (Rajasthani songs & Music) 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

    Remark: After visit Chokhi Dhani village; if guest not like Rajasthani food than we can arrange the dinner on finest restaurant in Jaipur (Restaurant Peshawar in hotel ITC Rajputana – On direct payment basis/ similar )   

    Overnight at Jaipur Hotel

    Day 05 Jaipur – Full day tour

    Post breakfast; leave for an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the Elephant ride to ascend the Amber fort. After visiting Amber fort, visit to a traditional Rajasthani Handicraft & handloom factory to see the craftsmen performing.

    Afternoon enjoy the lunch at a famous Jaipur restaurant Swapna Bhawan in Hotel Raj Palace (www.rajpalace.com) Formal receptions remained the local activity of country life during the British period. Hence the Thakur Sahib made Swapna Mahal imitating the great houses of the British and French nability. This hall is completely titled out with European furniture, Chandliers, Mirrors and Crockery Collection. The Food is serve in Royal Thali (is a big plate made of silver , gold or other metal). 

    Later procced visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Before returning your hotel; a short stop in front Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for photo shoot. 

    After relaxing; In evening, we will proceed for dinner at Restaurant Rajput Room in hotel Taj Ram Bagh Palace; Here first we will explore Ram Bagh Palace and later enjoy the dinner. They special prepared the Rajasthani Thali and serve. 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast)

    Overnight at Jaipur hotel

    Day 06 Jaipur - Udaipur (By Flight)

    Early breakfast; on time transfer to Jaipur airport to board the flight to Udaipur; city of lakes. Upon arrived Udaipur; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in / or Proceed direct half day guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. (Check-in time is 02 PM- Subject to early check-in facility if room are available) 

    visiting City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings built in the year 1725. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) and Jagdish Temple; the Indo-Aryan Temple and visit Old city of Udaipur.

    Later in evening procced for a cooking class demo on Rajasthani cuisine at chef home and enjoy the dinner with variety of foods which is prepared by chef.

    Chef : Mr. Vimal Dhar 

    One of India’s most renowned Young Chef, CHEF VIMAL DHAR is a highly experienced Chef with a passion for perfecting culinary specialties. With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, this astute and result oriented professional has been featured among INDIA’S TOP CHEF in the book MY LAST SUPPER by Melanie Dunea. The soft-spoken Chef Vimal Dhar also holds the distinction of having been featured in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA magazine by Mr. Stan Sessor and in the DISCOVERY CHANNEL by Anthony Bourdain. Also featured on TRAVEL & LIVING CHANNEL.

     

    CHEF VIMAL DHAR is featured among 50 Chefs handpicked globally by celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea for her latest coffee table book MY LAST SUPPER. For this book, the Dunea travelled the world to short list (based on surveys and extensive research) the 50 best names in the culinary world and interviewed each one of them herself.

     (Meal Include – Breakfast)  

    Overnight at Udaipur hotel

    Day 07 Udaipur – Delhi (By flight 9W-823at 1300/1410 hrs)

    Post breakfast; On time transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, New Delhi airport; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the time is free for leisure and relax. In evening proceed for dinner at Indian Accent Restaurant. After dinner return to hotel 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner) 

    Overnight at Udaipur hotel 

    Day 08 Delhi (By flight) & Departure

    Post breakfast; On time transfer to Delhi International airport to board the flight to onward journey. 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast)

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