Culinary Tour of North India

Day 1: DELHI, The Imperial

You will be met at Delhi airport by our representative and will be driven to The Imperial Hotel – a deluxe heritage hotel located centrally at the Connaught Place. Remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

This evening, enjoy a dinner at Indian Accent Restaurant, the number 1 Restaurant in India, and the only one to be featured on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurant List. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable meal crafted by chef Manish Mehrotra.

Day 2: DELHI, The Imperial

After breakfast, you will meet our food and culture expert and begin our program by immersing yourselves in Old Delhi’s Meena Bazaar and Chandni Chowk, a centenary souk-like bazaar with narrow crowded alleyways.

Our expert guide will take you through the “back streets” to show the hidden gems of the famous market. You will visit Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest wholesale spice market where spices have been traded since the 17th century. Later walk through Paranthe Wali Gali (“The Lane of Paratha-makers”) to sample variety of stuffed and fried Indian breads.

Continue to see an old Haveli (mansion) to meet a family of traditional perfume makers.

Return to the hotel for a relaxed afternoon. You can indulge in some spa treatment or take a dip in hotels’ inviting swimming pool.

Day 3: DELHI, The Imperial

This morning, you will explore the New Delhi that showcases the story of modern India with its open spaces, government buildings, museums and wide tree-lined avenues. Your sightseeing tour includes the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, Raj Path and the India Gate whose Amar Jawan Jyoti (eternal flame) has been burning since 1971 and symbolizes the sacrifice of brave Indian soldiers. Drive on to see the Parliament Building and Secretariat.

Afterwards, you will be taken to a local family home for an interactive cooking demonstration of traditional Southern Indian cuisine. You will learn to use local spices and ingredients in an informal, everyday way. Enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian lunch with your hosts before returning to your hotel.

Remainder of the day is at leisure. There is an option to explore the nearby Santushti Complex for shopping opportunities.

Day 4: DELHI – JAIPUR (train), Samode Haveli

An early start this morning with an assisted transfer to New Delhi Railway station. You will board Shatabdi Express train to Jaipur, departing Delhi at 06:05 hours, arriving Jaipur at 10:30 hours.

You will be met at the station and taken to Samode Haveli – a charming royal mansion converted into boutique hotel. Meet Thakur and Mrs. Durga Singh, your wonderful hosts who will introduce you to Rajasthani cuisine and spices.

Thakur Durga Singh is an exceptional narrator and host. He is a scion of the erstwhile aristocratic family of Mandawa and brings his culture and country vibrantly alive. Durga sports not only a grand mustache but also a wonderful sense of humour.

Day 5: JAIPUR, Samode Haveli

This morning you will be taken to the sprawling hilltop Amber Fort in the Aravali hills with its opulent royal apartments, halls, and dramatic views.

Afterward, we will visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing and the Brigitte Singh’s studio in a bougainvillea-covered haveli to learn about the art of woodblock printing. Her hand-printed textiles are legendary: her red poppy print is on view at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Late afternoon drive back into the city. If you are up to it after a busy day, we will explore the colourful, chaotic bazaars known for their handicrafts, textiles, leather, antiques, and enamel and inlay jewellery. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: JAIPUR, Samode Haveli

After breakfast, you will have a guided visit to the Royal Observatory, followed by lunch in the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening, you will attend a cooking demonstration by hotel’s Chef Rajiv to learn about cooking local dishes on the fire. Chef Rajiv brings a wealth of culinary skills and brilliant storytelling. Enjoy a dinner in a private dining room of the Haveli.

Day 7: JAIPUR – NIMAJ (5-hour drive), Chhatrasagar Luxury Camp

This morning, take up 5-hour drive through Rajasthan’s countryside to arrive at the village of Nimaj. Check into Chhatrasagar Tented Camp, perched on the hill overlooking the reservoir. The luxury tents offer breath-taking views of the sunrise over the reservoir and sunsets on the Aravali Hills.

Delicious Rajasthani lunch and dinner will be enjoyed overlooking the lake. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of you resort or go for birdwatching by the reservoir.

Later, cocktails around the bonfire while you listen to folkloric tales of jaguars and princesses.

Day 8: NIMAJ, Chhatrasagar Luxury Tents

Chhatrasagar was built as a hunting lodge of the Nimaj Estate, surrounded by lush green fields and a 100-year-old reservoir, built by Thakur Chhatra Singh, a powerful noble of Marwar in the 19th century to create a water source for his kingdom.

After breakfast, you will take a jeep safari to the fennel and cumin fields accompanied by a member of host family. Enjoy a walk through the farm and visit the local vllage to learn about their lifestyle and various crafts they practice.

|In the evening, take up a hike to nearby hillock to witness mesmerising sunset in the countryside. Enjoy sundowners and amazing views.

Return to your camp for another night of bonfire and dinner served by red-turbaned Rajasthani herdsmen.

Day 9: NIMAJ – DELWARA (4.5-hour drive), The Raas Devigarh

After breakfast, you bid farewell to your friends at Chhatrasagar, as you head to Delwara and check into Raas Devigarh. Overlooking the surrounding green hills, the hotel seems to float in the air and this is one of the best place to sit back at one of many terraces and patios of this heritage hotel and reflect on the trips’ adventures so far.  The hotel is also renowned for its excellent spa facilities.

Day 10: DELWARA, The Raas Devigarh

This morning, you will wander through the local village to interact with the villagers and learn more about their crafts and lifestyle. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 11: DELWARA – UDAIPUR (1 hour drive), Taj Lake Palace

After breakfast, you will drive to Udaipur and explore the City Palace, a blend of stern Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal decorative art on the inside. This palace built between the 16th and 20th centuries is the largest in Rajasthan, with a maze of royal apartments and courtyards designed to confuse invaders.

Afterwards, you will check into the fabulous Taj Lake Palace, a dream of white marble and mosaic built in 1754 in the middle of Lake Pichola for the frolicking courtesans. Lunch at the Jharokha Restaurant at the hotel.

This evening, you are invited into the fabled kitchens of Neel Kamal restaurant to spend time with the beloved chefs of the Taj Lake Palace, followed by our farewell dinner.

Day 12: UDAIPUR – DELHI (flight) – The Trident Gurugram

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the surrounding of our luxury hotel. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the Udaipur airport in time for our flight back to Delhi. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local guide, who will take you to The Trident Hotel Gurugram, close to the international airport. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 13: DEPART DELHI

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi international airport for your flight home.

End of The Tour