Gourmet Tour of India

16 Days & 15 Nights

Overview
Itinerary

Duration: 15 Night / 16 Days
Destinations: Delhi – Devigarh – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi - Lucknow
Accommodation: Luxury Hotels / Palaces or Heritage Hotels.

Royal India Holidays Pvt Ltd has specially designed the India Gourmet Tour to gives you chance to explore the extraordinary wealth of culture & historical splendor as well as culinary passage through a variety of cuisines that differ from region to region. The journey begins with a visit to Old Delhi or Dilli which was built by the Mughals with its narrow lanes and streets and later exploring the New Delhi, built by the British. Delhi, the Capital city of India is a reflection of the entire country. Jaipur, capital of the largely desert state of Rajasthan, is home to some of Asia's best bazaars. Agra, once the heart of the Mughal Empire, boasts the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal, which adorns the banks of the Yamuna River. Khajuraho, a world heritage site is famous for Erotic sculptures, a fine example of Indian Architectural style. We then move on to Varanasi situated on the banks of Holy River Ganges, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Pure silk Banarasi sarees are as famous as the rich cultural and spiritual nerve of the city and at last visit to the city of Nawabs i.e. Lucknow and enjoy the extraordinary Awadh cuisine.

Tour Highlights

Explore winding streets of Chandni Chowk Bazaar by cycle rickshaw.
Visit Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a world heritage site.
Elephant ride to Amber fort, the ancient capital.
Evening visit to see Aarti on the bank of holy river Ganges.
Enjoy sound & light show at western group of temples at Khajuraho.
Have a taste of cuisines of Northern India.

Day 1 - Arrival/Delhi

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi international airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2 - Delhi

After breakfast we will visit colourful and bustling city of Delhi, a rich and historic city on the banks of the River Yamuna. Here we will be witness the charm of Old Delhi on a guided tour visiting the historic Red Fort, an elegant citadel in red sandstone and then take a rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars and the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk. During the Old Delhi sightseeing we can also visit the famous Karim's Restaurant, known for its kebabs and curries. Later, we will visit the Raj Ghat- a memorial to Gandhi. Lunch will be arranged at a famous India Restaurant called "Chor Bizarre". They have a branch in London as well. Evening cooking session at one of the chef's home or a speciality restaurant. Interested participants can join the group for cooking sessions. Others can opt to explore the markets and colourful streets of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3 - Delhi

Today we will visit some of the famous and historical monuments of New Delhi - exploring the ancient Qutab Minar a 12th century Tower of Victory; the Tomb of Humayun, a white marble and red sandstone garden tomb; India Gate and the Parliament House. We will arrange lunch at a very famous and international restaurant called "The Bukhara" at Hotel Maurya Sheraton. In the evening we will have talk on the India spices and cuisines. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 4 - Delhi/Udaipur/Devigarh

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur. Assistance on arrival and transfer to Devigarh Palace near Udaipur. On arrival check into Devigarh Palace. On arrival, we will have sumptuous lunch of street food at a special venue after a small introduction to Indian street foods and restaurants. Devigarh Palace - Nestled in the Aravali hills, the 18th century Devi Garh palace in the village of Delwara, forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. This all suite luxury hotel was conceived as a place where the past meets the future. The contemporary design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented by personalised and intimate service, creates a new image of India for the 21st century. Evening talk on Indian food & spices by the chef and hands on cooking at the hotel's kitchen. Special Indian Thali will be served as dinner. Overnight at Devigarh Palace

Day 5 - Devigarh

After breakfast excursion to Udaipur visiting city palace, and its museum. Lunch will be organised during the sightseeing at Udaipur. While returning to the hotel we will visit Nagda and Eklingji temples. Today in the evening we will have cooking session and interact with the chef. Participant can even have their own cooked cuisines for dinner along with the special Rajasthani Thali dinner. Overnight at Devigarh palace.

Day 6 - Devigarh/Jaipur

On arrival in Jaipur, you will be transferred to the hotel. The remainder of this first day is yours to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Evening will be free to explore the colourful markets and streets of Jaipur famous for its textiles, arts and handicrafts and gems and jewellery. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 7 - Jaipur

Today after breakfast excursion to Amber Fort- ascending on this majestic fort on an elephant back. Lunch will be arranged at a traditional Indian restaurant serving the local Rajasthani cuisine. Participants not interested in cooking sessions can opt for other sightseeing tours of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon we will visit the city palace, the state of the art Observatory and the stunning Palace of Winds. This evening, enjoy a true welcome to Royal and culinary India. Enjoy the 2 hrs Elephant safari with barbeque dinner in the countryside. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 8 - Jaipur/Agra

Today after a relaxed breakfast, we drive to Agra en route stopping to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city of Mughal Emperor Akbar and today a world heritage site. En route we will have lunch organised at Bharatpur at one of the hotels. On arrival in Agra check into your hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Agra.

Day 9 - Agra

An early morning visit to the world famous Taj Mahal at sunrise, a monument wonder and a masterpiece in marble. We will then return to hotel for the breakfast followed by the guided sightseeing of Agra city visiting Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-dula. The city is also famous for its carpets, soapstone, gold thread embroidery and leather goods so enjoy the rest of the day to shop. Traditional Indian family dinner will be organised at a family's home, an introduction to the local people's life. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10 - Agra/Khajuraho

Early morning you will be transferred to railway station to board train to Jhansi. You will be met on arrival at Jhansi railway station and driven 4 hrs to Khajuraho. Relax at the hotel in the afternoon. Evening sound and light show at the western group of temple complex. Overnight stay at hotel for overnight.

Day 11 - Khajurao/Varanasi

After early breakfast we will visit the world erotic temples of Khajuraho, known for the depiction of kamasutra and an examples of fine arts and architecture. Today we have around 22 temples consisting of eastern, southern and western group that survive and display. Later transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Varanasi is one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. It is one of the world's oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. This afternoon is yours to explore on your own and experience local life and traditional cuisine first hand. Evening cocktails with informal talk on the local Indian products and share your views and tips. Later in the evening visit the banks of river Ganges and join the evening prayers. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12 - Varanasi

Early in the morning, we visit the ghats of the holy Ganges. We take a special sunrise boat ride passing through various bathing ghats and the burning ghat and special local music being played in the background. After breakfast city sightseeing of Varanasi visiting various temples, mosque and historical monuments. After lunch take an excursion to Sarnath, the place where the Buddha turned the Wheel of Law and delivered his first sermon attaining enlightenment. Evening at leisure or you may wish to explore the ancient city at your own pace. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 13 - Varansi/Lucknow

Today after the breakfast we will continue your culinary journey and reach Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, famous for Kebabs and chikan embroidery work along with the Traditional Mughlai dishes. On arrival at Lucknow check into your hotel. Afternoon free to explore the city of Nawabs or simply relax at the hotel. Evening we will have a simple cooking session and talk on the making of kebabs and biryani with the chef of a famous restaurant. The city is famous its mouth watering makkan maila, tundey kebabs and kakori kebabs, traditional Indian cuisine handed down generation to generation. We will have a special dinner with kebabs and biryani. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lucknow.

Day 14 - Lucknow

This morning visit the 18th century architectural highlights of Bara Imambara with a visit to the largest vaulted chamber in the capital city of largest populated state of India called Uttar Pradesh and the centre of Urdu poetry. You'll also visit the Rumi Darwaza, a colossal, ornate gate which is a replica of the one in Istanbul. Lunch will be arranged a local traditional restaurant to give you an insight into the local cuisines. Evening hands on experience and cooking demonstration of the traditional rich and delicious Awadhi cuisine. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 15 - Lucknow/Delhi

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at Delhi airport and transferred to you hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or explore the capital city of India on your own. Today evening enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner at a famous south Indian speciality restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16 - Delhi/Departure

Today we will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of memorable culture and gourmet tour of North India. Fly home recipes, memories and flavours of India

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